Cheltenham Gold Cup contender back to winning ways at Thurles today

CHELTENHAM GOLD CUP contender Don Cossack returned to winning ways today at Thurles when landing the Ladbrokes Ireland Kinloch Brae Chase.

Bryan Cooper on Don Cossack wins The Ladbrokes Ireland Kinloch Brae Steeplechase Bryan Cooper on Don Cossack clears the last to win at Thurles today

The 1-8 favourite, with Bryan Cooper on board, finished over 9 lengths clear of Wounded Warrior in second to win for trainer Gordon Elliott.

The victory is a good response after the disappointment of the King George VI Chase at Kempton on St Stephen’s Day.

Don Cossack was challenging strongly in that race before falling at the second last as Cue Card went on to see off Vautour in a photo finish.

Trainer Gordon Elliott says Don Cossack may wear cheek pieces in the Cheltenham Gold Cup and emphasises his horse prefers better ground
— Racing Post (@RacingPost) January 14, 2016

Racing Post / Twitter

Rider Bryan Cooper on Don Cossack: "He's gone lazy and he's much more of a stayer now than last year. He'll be better on better ground too."
— Racing Post (@RacingPost) January 14, 2016

Racing Post / Twitter

After finishing third in the Ryanair Chase last March, Don Cossack is now set for the Gold Cup on 18 March and today is likely to be his last run before the Cheltenham Festival.

Don Cossack remains second favourite for the Gold Cup behind Djakadam.

Don Cossack in Thurles. #DonCossack pic.twitter.com/677XgBxPqK
— Barry McCarthy (@BarryMc1984) January 14, 2016

Barry McCarthy / Twitter

Don Cossack's trainer Gordon Elliott

Cheltenham Gold Cup contender back to winning ways at Thurles today

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