Don Cossack delivers Punchestown Gold Cup

Don Cossack capped a memorable campaign for Gordon Elliott and Gigginstown House Stud with a brilliant display in the Bibby Financial Services Ireland Punchestown Gold Cup.

The County Meath-based trainer has never made any secret of the regard in which he holds the eight-year-old and he has certainly come of age this season.

After winning his first four starts of the campaign, Don Cossack was third when favourite for the Ryanair Chase at Cheltenham but got back on the winning trail in the Melling Chase at Aintree in the hands of Tony McCoy.

With Paul Carberry taking over in the saddle for his latest test as Bryan Cooper elected to partner Road To Riches, the 5-2 chance was ridden patiently over the three-mile-one-furlong distance before creeping into contention down the back straight.

Djakadam and Road To Riches, second and third respectively in the Cheltenham Gold Cup, led the field into the straight, but Carberry was close behind aboard Don Cossack and he kicked clear from the final fence to seal a seven-length victory.

Djakadam beat Road To Riches to the runner-up spot once again.

Carberry said: “He jumped well the whole way. Any time I asked him, he answered.

“He showed he’ll be a (Cheltenham) Gold Cup contender next year.”