Racing

Gordon Elliott considers giving Don Cossack a run at Punchestown

The Gigginstown House Stud horse has won from four from five so far this season

Tony McCoy riding Don Cossack to win the Betfred Melling Steeple Chase at Aintree: Gordon Elliott is delighted with his condition since the race. Photograph: Alan Crowhurst/Getty Images
Tony McCoy riding Don Cossack to win the Betfred Melling Steeple Chase at Aintree: Gordon Elliott is delighted with his condition since the race. Photograph: Alan Crowhurst/Getty Images
Fri Apr 17 2015 - 01:00

Gordon Elliott is weighing up whether to let runaway Aintree winner Don Cossack have an outing at the Punchestown Festival.

The Gigginstown House Stud-owned eight-year-old accounted for some very smart rivals by upwards of 26 lengths in the Melling Chase, and Elliott has been delighted with his condition since the race.

The only time he has been beaten this season was when he was slightly unlucky in the Ryanair Chase at Cheltenham.

“He is bouncing after Aintree,” said the Co Meath handler. “I don’t know whether to run at Punchestown as he’s been so good and has won four from five this season. Every time you look back at the Ryanair it makes you realise how unlucky he was, but he is an exciting horse for next year.”

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Scottish National

Ante-post favourite

Gallant Oscar

is among a maximum field of 30 runners in the Coral Scottish Grand National at Ayr on Saturday.

News emerged on Wednesday evening that owner JP McManus had stepped in to buy the Tony Martin-trained nine-year-old, who was last seen finishing third in a fiercely competitive handicap chase at the Cheltenham Festival. With Tony McCoy unable to do the weight, Paul Carberry has been booked for the ride.