Don Cossack leads Boston Bob and Texas Jack over the last© Photo Healy Racing
Don Cossack made it three from three this season as he ran out a game winner of the feature at Punchestown this afternoon, the Grade 1 John Durkan Memorial Punchestown Chase.
The seven-year-old son of Sholokov won a Grade 3 over the course on his seasonal debut in October before following up in a Grade 2 contest at Down Royal.
The Gordon Elliott trained victor went off a 13/8 chance today with Boston Bob going off the 11/10 favourite under Ruby Walsh for Willie Mullins.
Settled behind the leaders the winner was left in front after the third as both Baily Green and Rathlin crashed out.
He made the rest of the running from there and while he strongly pressed after two out he responded well for pressure, keeping on best on the run-in to score by four and a half lengths under Brian O'Connell (Bryan Cooper suspended).
Boston Bob finished second while Gold Cup hero Lord Windermere stayed on well to take third a further half a length back under Davy Russell.
Gordon Elliott said afterwards: "That's great. He deserves that in fairness to him. He's always gotten plenty of stick and people have said he's been disappointing but he's a dual Grade 1 winner now.
"I'll have to talk to Michael and Eddie but if I had my way he wouldn't run until Cheltenham and go straight for the Ryanair. I have to discuss it with the owners as they have a lot of horses. He won't go to the King George.
"He's a year older now which makes a difference but he was never a bad horse last year and things didn't work out for him.
"He might have had a bit much last year and we'll try and train him differently.
"He had to do it the hard way today. They all came to beat him but he picked up and galloped all the way to the line.
"I'd said he'll go any trip once he relaxes. It was a good performance today and we're happy."
Davy Russell said of Lord Windermere: "He was a bit sticky early on but without winning I couldn't be happier with him. He'll come on from that."
The winner is now 8/1 from 10/1 for the Ryanair at Cheltenham with Paddy Power.
Additional reporting by Gary Carson
