Don Cossack took the first step on what connections hope will lead to the Gold Cup at Cheltenham next March when making an impressive return to action at Punchestown in the Irish Daily Star Chase.

The Sholokhov gelding took this race 12 months ago before going on to win all bar one (Ryanair Chase) of his six subsequent outings last season including three at Grade 1 level.

The Gordon Elliott-trained gelding finished up last term as the highest rated chaser in Britain and Ireland after impressive victories in April at Aintree and Punchestown.

The field was reduced to four after Bright New Dawn fell at the second, and the loose horse was the only danger to the 1/4 favourite in the straight. Roi Du Mee and Cailin Annamh helped set the pace before Bryan Cooper's mount cruised to the front away from the penultimate fence.

He galloped on strongly without Cooper asking for an effort and was 12 lengths clear of stable-companion Roi Du Mee at the line.

Cailin Annamh was a further 21 lengths back in third, with Aranhill Chief tailed off in fourth.

Elliott said, "Fair play to Punchestown, they have done a tremendous job on the ground. We have been waiting on this day all summer to start the season off. Bryan said he took a blow after the fifth last but he's never come off the bridle. We'll look forward to the rest of the season.

"There are a lot of big races to look at and there is the million pounds bonus in England that we will have to discuss. He's in the JNWine Champion Chase at Down Royal but Road To Riches will probably go there.

"I'm sure Eddie and Michael (O'Leary) and Noel (Meade) and myself, and Willie (Mullins) also has a few Gold Cup horses (for Gigginstown) will all have a chat and we'll make a plan.

"The Cheltenham Gold Cup is my long term plan. Eddie got his way last year and he went for the Ryanair but he'll definitely go for the Gold Cup this year.

"I still believe he's not a horse for real heavy ground. I think he's better on a nicer surface. All his big wins bar one there was a bit of good in it.

"We said today that we would get him settled. He was a bit buzzy in this race last year.

"Roi Du Mee has lost his Grade 1 penalty this season which is a massive help and we will look at all those Grade 2 and 3 races. He's been a great servant, and the softer the ground the better."

(GC & AM)