See also » Galopin Des Champs strides clear in Irish Gold Cup
He was very professional and Paul was happy where he was throughout the race. He was happy that he was settled coming through. He said after the race that he had plenty in the tank and he was never worried at any time during the race about where he was. He seemed to gallop away through the line. He looks a real good horse. Hopefully we can build on that now over an extra two furlongs in the Cheltenham Gold Cup (7/4 fav from 11/8 with Paddy Power). I was amazed that the press were doubting the fact that he had never won over three miles over fences. He had won over three miles as a novice over hurdles which is way harder than doing it over fences. To me he can go four miles. What I love about him now is that he's settling, he's not keen and Paul is able to put him wherever he wants him in a race. That's crucial for tactics going forward. He used to be a little keen over shorter trips but now he just settles and he's able to put him asleep. I think it's just maturity, he's matured in his mind and he's settling into being a proper racehorse. We're more relaxed training him now, we know he has gears. I was always confident that he'd stay and we probably don't do as much speed work with him nowadays. We've had some fabulous horses win the Gold Cup here. This fella is making a name for himself, he's still young in steeplechasing terms and where he'll be at the end of his career, we'll see. It's all going forward at the moment anyway. A lot of people skip this race to go for Chelten W P Mullins, trainer

A steeplechase for five years old and upwards
Weights - 5-y-o 11st 4lbs 6-y-o and up 11st 10lbs Mares allowed 7lbs