Don Cossack gave Gordon Elliott and the Gigginstown House Stud a fourth successive victory in the Star Best For Racing Coverage Chase in Punchestown yesterday.

Russian forces tightened their grip on Crimea yesterday despite a US warning to Moscow that annexing the southern Ukrainian region would close the door to diplomacy in a tense East-West standoff.

Don Cossack will not line up at the Cheltenham Festival after finishing only third at Naas last Sunday.

Gordon Elliott admits today (Sunday) will tell him much more about immediate targets for Don Cossack as he bids to regain the winning thread in what looks a fascinating Racing UK Moscow Flyer Novice Hurdle at Punchestown.

Gordon Elliott’s exciting prospect Don Cossack will take his next step in a fascinating Navan Novice Hurdle on Sunday.

Gordon Elliott has confirmed Don Cossack on course for his first Grade One assignment in the Navan Novice Hurdle on Sunday week.

GORDON Elliott has warned punters Champion Bumper ante-post favourite Don Cossack is “very doubtful” to make the journey to the Cheltenham Festival in March.