Don Cossack wins Gold Cup

Don Cossack led home an Irish clean sweep with an authoritative success in the Timico Cheltenham Gold Cup.

The nine-year-old gave trainer Gordon Elliott and jockey Bryan Cooper their first blue riband triumph and a second for owners Gigginstown House Stud after War Of Attrition 10 years ago.

Don Cossack, the 9-4 favourite, was followed home by Djakadam and Don Poli, both trained by Willie Mullins, who is still seeking his first Gold Cup win.

However, the race changed dramatically when Cue Card fell at the third-last fence when in with every chance.

Don Cossack was left to stride away and claim victory by four and a half lengths from Rich Ricci's Djakadam (9-2), who was runner-up for the second year running.

Don Poli (9-2), also owned by Gigginstown, was 10 lengths away in third.

Cooper, who burst on to the scene riding for the late Dessie Hughes, said: "Fair play to Gordon, he stuck by me, I had the hardest decision (riding Don Cossack rather than Don Poli) and he had him right for today. He never missed a beat.

"It was a hard decision to make, but there's a man up there looking out for me, Dessie Hughes."

A tearful Elliott, who won the Grand National in 2007 with Silver Birch, said: "I'm delighted for Gigginstown because they've supported me since I started. It takes a lot for me to start crying, I can't believe it.

"I've never been so nervous in my life, I'm just so happy for everyone - all the staff, my mother and father, everyone."

Gigginstown boss Michael O'Leary said: "There was never a moment's worry. He jumped brilliantly and Bryan gave him a superb ride, he was always in control.

"He has so much natural pace but not a change of gear, it's a high cruising speed but he's a magnificent jumper and Gordon is a magnificent trainer.

"It was disappointing he got beat in the Ryanair last year but he's made up for it now, I'd swap a Ryanair for a Gold Cup."