Don Cossack beats Loosen My Load© Photo Healy Racing
Don Cossack quickened up smartly on the run-in to take the Star Best For Racing Coverage Chase at Punchestown this afternoon in great style.
The Gordan Elliott-trained gelding was the one for money in the Grade 3 contest having been backed from 9/4 this morning and going off 11/10 favourite on course.
Bryan Cooper sat behind the leaders on his mount before asking him to take closer order turning for home.
There were three in a line going to the second last but Alderwood made a mistake putting him under pressure.
Don Cossack took it up going to the last, from front-runner Loosen My Load and went away on the run-in for a cosy five-and-a-half length success.
"I thought he was good. It may be that he's better on better ground, and a bit better fresh,” said Elliott.
“This has been a lucky race for us. He'll go now for the second season novice race (Powers Irish Whiskey Chase, Grade 2) at Down Royal (November 1st).
"He's definitely a bit stronger this year, and was probably a bit of a baby last year."
Elliott was maintaining a remarkable record in the race, landing it for the fourth year in a row. Roi Du Mee twice a winner of the race in the past, finished tailed off last of four and Elliott added:
"Roi Du Mee will go for cross country races now. He's schooled over the banks and jumps them very well. His biggest problem is that he tries too hard."
Cooper said of the winner: “He's probably a horse that doesn't get the credit he deserves sometimes. He's been knocking on the door. Today he's done it well.
“He feels stronger. I went down to the last, he had quickened already to it, and he found plenty from the back of it and quickened again to the line. I really liked that
. “He really liked that ground, which was a help.”
The winner was given a 25/1 quote for the Gold Cup by Boylesports.
(Additional reporting by Alan Magee)
