Russell in line for Cossack ride in Gold Cup
AN array of equine talent was on show in the post-racing gallops at Leopardstown yesterday, with Davy Russell emerging as a potential partner for Don Cossack in the Cheltenham Gold Cup.
Owners Gigginstown House Stud have plenty of big guns for the blue riband event, meaning retained rider Bryan Cooper will have a decision to make for the March 18 showpiece.
Cooper partnered the Gigginstown-owned Don Poli as he schooled with Willie Mullins-trained stablemates Vautour (Ruby Walsh), Pont Alexandre and Ballycasey.
Cooper was later on RSA Chase contender No More Heroes for Gordon Elliott as he jumped in company with King George faller Don Cossack, ridden by Russell.
Elliott said: “The two of them were very good. I could not be happier. Davy said he (Don Cossack) could have gone round again. I thought the two of them worked very well.
“Davy sat on him there, Bryan has to make a decision on which one he is going to ride. I would have no problem with Davy riding him.”
Russell, who won the Gold Cup on Lord Windermere in 2014, said: “He went well and he jumped great.”
Asked if he would like to ride him in the Gold Cup, he said: “I would be delighted to ride any Gold Cup horse.”
Mullins said of his quartet: “Vautour made a mistake at the first, I think he was just idling, but they all went well.
“They jumped eight fences and went about a mile-and-aquarter. It was just to get their eye in and have a day out rather than serious work — it was not a trial or anything. It was also for the riders to get a feel of them.
“Don Poli is a very lazy horse and takes every bit of work we can give him. Him and Pont Alexandre were upsides in behind and Ballycasey led Vautour. As they said in the election, there is lots done, more to do.”
Also in action was JCB Triumph Hurdle favourite Ivanovich Gorbatov from the Aidan O’Brien yard.
The Montjeu gelding went round with a lead horse under Barry Geraghty. Joseph O’Brien said: “I am very happy with him, and Barry seemed very happy with him.
“We were not going to learn anything more today but it was a nice day away.”