Willie Mullins hailed the skills of trainer Gordon Elliott after Don Cossack's win in Wednesday's Punchestown Gold Cup. Mullins saddled 2-1 favourite Djakadam to finish second in the Grade One, beaten seven lengths by Elliott's impressive winner. While Mullins felt his Cheltenham Gold Cup runner-up was perhaps a little keen in the race, he gave full credit to the winner.

He said: "Djakadam was very keen but it was a great training performance by Gordon to keep Don Cossack so fresh and sweet all season, and he's improving.

"Our fella was keen and hadn't been like that before. Cheltenham just lit him up but maybe in a good way, and we'll be able to harness that next season."