Trainer Willie Mullins believes Sir Des Champs’ love of Cheltenham will stand him in good stead when he runs in the Betfred Gold Cup next month.

Flemenstar’s owner Stephen Curran is adamant his horse did not show his true colours in his defeat to Sir Des Champs at Leopardstown on Saturday.

It was billed as a day of destiny and so it proved.

It was a weekend of firsts for Irish champion jockey, Davy Russell.