English raider Clan Des Obeaux beats Al Boum Photo to Punchestown Gold Cup

Willie Mullins’ dual Cheltenham Gold Cup hero was no match for Clan Des Obeaux, who is co-owned by Alex Ferguson

Jockey Sam Twiston-Davies celebrates with the Ladbrokes Punchestown Gold Cup after riding Clan Des Obeaux to victory during day two of the Punchestown Festival at Punchestown Racecourse. Photo by David Fitzgerald/Sportsfile

Clan Des Obeaux put up a brilliant performance to strike for Britain in the Ladbrokes Punchestown Gold Cup following Ireland’s domination at Cheltenham.

The decision by Paul Nicholls to bypass that meeting with Clan Des Obeaux – who is co-owned by Alex Ferguson – has paid a handsome dividend, with victory in the Betway Bowl at Aintree and again at Punchestown.