Don Poli leads Foxrock (farside) and On His Own (nearest) over the last© Photo Healy Racing
Willie Mullins recorded his first win in the Lexus Chase as Don Poli battled to victory under Bryan Cooper for Gigginstown House Stud (completing a Grade 1 double).
Successful on his return to action at Aintree earlier this month, the son of Poliglote was sent off the 4/6 favourite today.
Settled in third he was pushed along after four out and took closer order from the next.
He was ridden to challenge between horses on the approach to the last and he gained a narrow lead after that fence, keeping on well on the run-in to prevail by half a length. First Lieutenant (16/1), who was fourth jumping the last, ran on well in the closing stages but he ultimately had to settle for second under Davy Russell for Mouse Morris. Foxrock was another half a length back in third under Adrian Heskin for Ted Walsh, while the front running On His Own was two and a half lengths away in fourth.
Willie Mullins said afterwards: "He never shows off, he just does what he has to do.
"I'm delighted, he is a very lazy horse and in those conditions today things were very tough. He was probably getting a bit tired but when the others came at him he kept pulling it out.
"It is hard to know how good he is and how much more he will produce. I was very happy with him.
"Bryan said he was lazy and he thought he was in trouble going to the last but he picked up again and went on.
"I always have confidence in him that he can do that and I think Bryan is getting confidence in him now.
"We'll have to think about the Hennessy but that was tough coming back so soon after his first run. I'll chat to the owners but he's had two tough races now.
"It was his first senior Grade 1 and I don't think too many people will be shortening for the Gold Cup after that. Would the bare form of that race win the Gold Cup. I don't know.
"I was a bit disappointed with Sir Des Champs On His Own ran a cracker, I think he is better off with blinkers from now on. I don't know what direction I'm going to go with him but he will get an entry in the Gold Cup.
"Djakadam will have another run before the Gold Cup and fingers crossed we can keep them all sound."
Bryan Cooper added: "It's a big relief. It's been a tough couple of days, thankfully the team are getting winners but I'm not on them.
"Stephens Day was unfortunate. I messed up a bit on Tombstone, I should have won and I put my hands up in the air. It was my own fault, I got caught in a pocket.
"Today didn't start well but the one we wanted we came out on top.
"I could have done with a bit of company. I had to race in third on my own which isn't ideal, he is idle enough without being on his own, but I was happy enough that I had them covered the whole way.
"I was surprised that On His Own picked up the way he did in the straight but I was kind of confident that once I got a good leap at the last that I would outstay them.
"In the last twenty yards I was kind of scratching my head a little bit as he should have went on and picked up but look he got the job done. It was a tough race and they went a strong gallop.
"I think Mouse has done a tremendous job with First Lieutenant to get him back to the way he has. I spotted the white cap coming but my lad is tough when he gets into a battle and it would have took a fair one to get by him."
Paddy Power now go 6/1 (from 4's) about Don Poli for the Gold Cup, while they have shortened both Don Cossack (5/1 from 7/1) and Djakadam (7/2 from 4/1).
STEWARDS REPORTS
The Stewards enquired into possible interference after the last fence involving Don Poli, ridden by B.J. Cooper, winner and Foxrock, ridden by A.P. Heskin, placed third, where it appeared Foxrock suffered interference. Evidence was heard from the riders concerned. Having viewed the recording of the race and considered the evidence, the Stewards were of the opinion that while interference did occur, they were not satisfied that the winner had improved his finishing position as a result of the interference and so they made no alteration to the judges' placings. They were however, of the opinion that B.J. Cooper was in breach of Rule 214 in that he had ridden carelessly and having taken his record into account, they cautioned him.
The Stewards interviewed D.N. Russell, rider of First Lieutenant, placed second, concerning his use of the whip in the closing stages of this race. Evidence was heard from the rider concerned. Having viewed a recording of the race and considered the evidence the Stewards were of the opinion D.N. Russell was in breach of Regulation 10 3 (f) and Regulation 10 (4) in that he had used his whip with excessive frequency and without giving him time to respond, and having taken his record into account, they suspended him for 1 day.
Additional reporting from Gary Carson.
