PAUL NOLAN'S Davidstown yard was the toast of the racing game on Sunday last at Leopardstown with the lastgasp victory of the giant seven-yearold gelding, 'Joncol'.

Ridden by Nolan's stable jockey, Alain Cawley, the son of 'Bobs Return', winning his second Grade 1, gave him a wonderful ride to launch his mount at the long-time leader, 'Cooldine', after the last fence and justify favouritism of 9/4.

In what would be considered a pedestrian pace, Ruby Walsh tried to dictate it from the front and, after fighting off a challenge from 'Schlinders Hunt', they could not withstand a sustained effort from Cawley on 'Joncol' once he straightened him up and joined the leader to win by a neck.

'Joncol' is owned by Kay Browne from Waterford and may now be seen at Cheltenham. There is, however, no certainty of this as the horse is very inexperienced, having run only ten times and being only seven years of age. The future remains bright and Nolan will not rush him.

This was the first win for Nolan in Ireland's top conditions chase and is a great boost to the yard to have had such a success. It will, of course, be interesting to see where the horse next appears.

REVIEW OF THE WEEK

Conor O'Dwyer made the trip to Limerick on Sunday week from his base in Co. Kildare with the John Stafford-owned 'Presenting Massey' a successful one when taking the beginners' chase. The 'Presenting' seven-year-old was well ridden by Nick O'Shea to win at 5/1 to give Killinick man Stafford a nice win.

On the same day, Colm Murphy saddled 'Big Zeb' to win the Grade 2 Tied Cottage Chase at Punchestown. The Paddy Redmond-owned, nine-year-old son of 'Oscar' came back to form to overturn the odds-on favourite, 'Golden Silver', and put himself firmly in the picture for the Champion Two Mile Chase at Cheltenham in March. Murphy indicated afterwards that any problems have been ironed out with the horse and it is all systems go for the festival.

On the same card, Denis Murphy and John Cullen teamed up with 'Another Jewel' to take the crosscountry chase at 20/1. The eight-year-old son of 'Saddlers Hall' seems to enjoy the variety of fences on offer at the course and could return for the festival races in April.

Colm Murphy struck again, this time at Clonmel on Thursday, where he saddled 'Quito De La Roque' to take the Listed Novice Hurdle under Davy Russell. This French-bred six-year-old son of 'Saints Des Saints' seemed to enjoy the two miles, six furlongs and will do even better into the future over fences according to Murphy.

Young New Ross man, Andrew Doyle, will not forget this meeting either as he rode 'Shamrock Hall' to victory in the Hunters Chase at 16/1 for his uncle, Denis Hickey. The ten-yearold son of 'Luso' is another home bred winner for Hickey and will be campaigned in this sphere for the rest of the season.

At the same meeting, Seán Flanagan continued his winning partnership with Thyestes Chase winner, 'Whinstone Boy', when taking the conditions chase at 3/1. Our round-up concludes at Naas on Saturday where Michael Fogarty sprang a surprise in the bumper when winning on 'Minella Class' for Trevor Horgan at 14/1.

BETWEEN THE FLAGS

Colin Bowe continues to lead the field as the top handler in the point-to-point fields, with twelve winners to date for the Kiltealy native. Proving the point, Bowe sent out 'Wattstown Express' at Askeaton in Co. Limerick to take the Winners' contest under Barry O'Neill.

This was the horse's third run in three weeks, and this victory by the six-year-old son of 'Taipan' unquestionably proves Bowe's ability at keeping his horses fit and able to run.

On the wider scene, Jamie Codd, while riding at the top of his profession, trails the current national champion, Derek O'Connor, by six winners. He does, however, lead the jockeys' championship in the Eastern and Northern regions and must be hoping that he will continue to remain injury-free to enable him to mount another great challenge for the national title.

- With Dick White