Dounikos leads Gigginstown 1-2-3 in National Trial

The Gordon Elliott-trained Dounikos saw it out best to power clear on the run-in and land the BoyleSports National Trial at Punchestown this afternooon.

Owners Gigginstown House Stud had six in the race and recorded a one-two-three in the €100,000 contest over three-and-a-half miles.

Long-time leader Wishmoor was joined by last year's Irish National winner General Principle going to the final fence.

Dounikos who was under pressure in third turning for home joined in over the last and asserted on the run-in, under Davy Russell, to record a comprehensive four-and-a-quarter length success at odds of 12/1.

Wishmoor stuck on well to win the battle for the runner-up spot, half a length ahead of General Principle.

Dounikos was a faller in the Thyestes at Gowran late last month when looking held in mid-division.

“He went well in the Paddy Power at Christmas for a long time but at Gowran he was never happy,” said Elliott.

“For a big horse he probably likes a bit of good ground. He’ll be an English or Irish National horse.

“He has a high rating and wasn’t a bad novice.

“The weights are out this week for the Grand National and I’ll have over 20 entered.

“I was very happy with General Principle as well.”

(Quotes by Alan Magee)