Trainer Michael Hourigan reported Dorans Pride to be "fine and well" yesterday morning after the nine-year-old won the biggest race of his chasing career so far, the Hennessy Cognac Gold Cup at Leopardstown on Sunday.
Hourigan was delighted with the performance of his stable star who came home 15 lengths ahead of Dun Belle despite jumping sketchily early on in the three-mile event, something the Limerick trainer was not concerned about.
"He always takes a little time to warm up any time he races," he said. "He likes a fast-run race."
"We've got five weeks now to the Cheltenham Gold Cup and we will keep him clipping but there's plenty left in the tank."
Despite his convincing victory there are still doubters about the chances of the 4 to 1 joint favourite in the Cheltenham showpiece.
However, Hourigan is unconcerned, taking his lead from jockey Richard Dunwoody.
"Richard is man of few words and rarely shows his emotions. But he was all smiles when we went to greet them back in the winner's enclosure," added the trainer.
A total of 112 entries have been received for the Group One Dubai World Cup, sponsored by Emirates Airlines and to be run at Nad Al Sheba on March 28th.
Eleven British horses form the bulk of the European entry, with two from Ireland, four from Germany and three from France completing the team from Europe.
The United States and Canada together with the United Arab Emirates provide the highest number of entries, supplying 41 horses and 34 respectively.
A total of 36 entries, including two from Ireland and four from England, have also been received for the Jebel Ali Free Zone/Dubai Ports Authority Dubai Turf Classic over a mile and a half.
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