Esprit can outstay Gold Cup rivals

Quel Esprit is a strong fancy to outstay his rivals in the rescheduled thetote.com Gold Cup at the final stage of a somewhat traumatic Punchestown festival this afternoon.

Willie Mullins' charge has been plagued by indifferent technique in the past, but the shrewd handler built up his confidence with two easy touches this season, before challenging for the Hennessy at Leopardstown in February.

The grey produced a decent display of jumping and staying power to beat Roberto Goldback by two lengths and the hope now is that he can improve again.