Don Cossack returns home to hero’s welcome in Summerhill
Successful trainer Gordon Elliott and jockey Bryan Cooper were also present to greet hundreds of well-wishers as the nine-year-old gelding made a victorious homecoming.
Don Cossack, owned by Gigginstown House Stud, was sent off the 9-4 favourite for the Gold Cup and produced a superb effort under Cooper to deny Djakadam by four and a half lengths.
Elliott said: “It was an amazing day - I can’t really describe what it felt like.
“The Gold Cup and Grand National are the two races you really want to win, it’s just unbelievable to do it.
“I’ve got good staff and good owners, Michael (O’Leary) and Gigginstown have been big supporters of mine, it’s just a dream come true.
“We knew when the ground came right, everything was right on the day, and it just felt right.
“This is definitely his time of year, he’s a different horse on better ground. He doesn’t look impressive on soft ground, he does it workmanlike.
“He’s won a Gold Cup now and we’re all very proud of him.”
Don Cossack won the Punchestown Gold Cup last term and that could be a possible option, though Aintree is not on the agenda.
When asked about the possibility of running at both meetings, Elliott said: “Definitely not. If he was going to run anywhere it would be Punchestown, but we will see how the horse is.
“The Gold Cup has been the plan all year. If he doesn’t run again, it’s not the end of the world. I’ll have to talk to Michael and Eddie (O’Leary) but I’d imagine it would be Punchestown, all being well.”
Elliott was overwhelmed by the turnout at the parade.
The trainer was thrilled to see so many people line the streets in recognition of Don Cossack’s exploits, and admitted he was still in a “daze” before the celebratory party, which also included jockey Bryan Cooper, retired to Shaw’s Bar.
Cooper felt privileged to have added his name to the list of Gold Cup-winning riders.
He said: “It was a dream come true to win the Gold Cup.
“It’s a race that every jockey wants to win, so I feel very lucky to win it at 23 years old.
“My dad was at Cheltenham with me and I think he is still in shock.”
