Mullins takes placings in Gold Cup again

Djakadam was forced to settle for second again in the Timico Cheltenham Gold Cup, running an honourable race in defeat behind compatriot Don Cossack.

Willie Mullins' charge, who chased home Coneygree in the blue riband 12 months ago, fell in his prep race at the course but proved that has left no lasting effects by jumping well throughout and running right to the line to be beaten by four and a half lengths.

"We have no excuses. He did everything right and even jumped better than the winner over the last three fences but still couldn't win," said Mullins.

The champion trainer also saddled third home Don Poli, and said: "The ground was way too fast for Don Poli and he is a Grand National horse in my opinion. He was staying on all the way to the line.

"It's great for (winning owners) Gigginstown, for Gordon (Elliott) and for Bryan (Cooper) and it must be a big relief to him that he chose right."

Djakadam's jockey Ruby Walsh admitted his mount had been beaten by a better horse on the day.

He said: "He travelled really well but Smad Place was jumping right in front of him for most of the way.

"I suppose the drying ground really helped Don Cossack and Cue Card but then he fell. It was what it was on the day and Don Cossack was a really good winner.

"He (Djakadam) has always been a very good jumper so that never concerned me, he's run his race but the winner was very good on the day. Fair play to Bryan Cooper, he got it right."

Davy Russell, rider of Don Poli, said: "He was badly outpaced but kept plugging away, softer ground would have helped."

Barry Geraghty also thought his mount Carlingford Lough found the early gallop tough going before staying on for fourth.

He said: "He was outpaced down the back but kept staying on and John (Kiely) had him in great shape."

Colin Tizzard reported Cue Card to be none the worse for his fall when moving menacingly well three out and was philosophical about losing out on a possible £1million bonus.

He said: "He's absolutely fine. He walked back in without a care in the world. That's racing.

"Going flat out in the Gold Cup, it brings mistakes. He unseated in a novice chase here a few years ago (2011) but has not looked like falling since. The main thing is the horse got up and walked back."