AFTER HIS DISAPPOINTING display at the Cheltenham festival, the Gordon Elliott trained Don Cossack (5/2) bounced back in superb style to claim the Bibby Financial Services Ireland Punchestown Gold Cup, the feature race on day two of the 2015 festival.

The eight-year old could only finish third in the Ryanair Chase back in March after winning his first four races of the season but following victory at Aintree and today, has shown why he deserves pride of place at Gigginstown House.

Despite both Djakadam and Road to Riches looking comfortable two out, Paul Carberry kicked clear at the final fence to secure a seven-length victory.

Paul Carberry celebrates his victory. Morgan Treacy / INPHO Morgan Treacy / INPHO / INPHO

The big surprise of the day came when 50-1 shot Walk to Freedom claimed the Louis Fitzgerald Hotel Hurdle for Jessica Harrington ahead of Marchese Marconi and 7/4 favourite Identity Thief.

The days other Grade 1 winners were Killultagh Vic (8/1) in the Novices Hurdle while 8/1 shot Bellshill beat favourite Disko (7/2) in the Champion Flat Race.

Earlier, the weather played havoc with punters running for cover following a flash hail shower:

Donall Farmer / INPHO Donall Farmer / INPHO / INPHO

3.40 - Martinstown Opportunity Series Final Handicap Hurdle 
1 Shamiran 33-1
2 Cassells Rock 11-1
3 Sir Ector 25-1
4 Russian Bill 14-1

4.20 - Louis Fitzgerald Hotel Hurdle 
1 Walk To Freedom 50-1
2 Marchese Marconi 9-2
3 Identity Thief 7-4 Fav

4.55  - Irish Daily Mirror Novice Hurdle (Grade 1)
1 Killultagh Vic 8-1
2 Thistlecrack 8-1
3 Shaneshill 11-8 Fav

5.30 – Bibby Financial Services Ireland Punchestown Gold Cup (Grade 1)
1 Don Cossack 5-2
2 Djakadam 2-1 Fav
3 Road To Riches 4-1

6.05 – attheraces.com Champion INH Flat Race (Grade 1)
1 Bellshill 8-1
2 Disko 7-2 Fav
3 Modus 5-1

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