Gold Cup winners on the mark with Dawn

The Cheltenham Gold Cup winning team of trainer Gordon Elliott, owner Michael O'Leary (Gigginstown House Stud) and jockey Bryan Cooper were on the mark in the Grade B Three.ie Handicap Chase Punchestown today with Bright New Dawn (12/1).

Cooper held the son of Presenting up in the early stages before making his move to challenge in the home straight. The pair jumped the last almost alongside Rock The World but went clear on the run-in, for a length win over that rival.

Elliott later stated “Bryan gave him a brilliant ride — I thought he was very good on him.

“He's been a very frustrating horse. He's either very good or very bad and there has been more bad unfortunately.

“He got a nice pot today and we'll keep him going and see what we can get with him.”

By Tom Weekes, quotes from Gary Carson