Paddy Power Irish Gold Cup (Grade 1)

GORDON Elliott’s uncanny knack of pulling a rabbit out of the hat in the country’s premier staying chases was yet again in evidence as Conflated emerged from left field to dominate a quality field.

In a fascinating edition of this race, seven of the eight runners lined up as Grade 1 winners and the only one who hadn’t won at the top level was Conflated. For good measure the Gigginstown House Stud-owned 18/1 shot took a decidedly unorthodox path to this race with a smooth success in a two-and-a-half-mile handicap chase at Navan two months ago.

A hike in the ratings to a mark of 157 suggested that Conflated was worth his place in a Grade 1 and the decision to take up this challenge rather than lumber a big weight in the following afternoon’s Leopardstown Chase was rewarded in spectacular fashion. This was a revelatory display from the winner who was crediting Davy Russell with his second win in this race, following Sir Des Champs all the way back in 2013.

Impossible

Beforehand it was impossible to know what way this race could go. Minella Indo lined up looking to bounce back from his abject King George effort, Frodon looked to have been found a race tailor made for his style, Asterion Forlonge unquestionably had the engine if his jumping held up. Kemboy was lining up at a track that brings out the best in him while Delta Work has spent the best part of two years in the wilderness.

It was a question as to whether Conflated was anywhere near this level but the class that has enabled him to win over shorter trips stood him in great stead as the Yeats gelding cruised through the race and looked thoroughly at home at all stages. Davy Russell, who picked up a two-day whip ban, jumped him off close to the pace and the eight-year-old never missed a beat.

Apart from the faller Cilaos Emery, all of the seven remaining contestants held every chance as they left the third last behind them.

However, Conflated was running away with Davy Russell at this stage and the former champion jockey set out his stall after two out as he let out an inch or two of rein to allow Conflated scamper clear of a labouring field.

Last home

Turning for home this was a one-horse race and it was just a question as to whether Conflated would last home over the three miles. The reigning Gold Cup champion Minella Indo raised an effort to lead the chase on the run to the last but Conflated wasn’t for catching despite getting the last wrong. He powered home to score by six and a half lengths from Minella Indo with Janidil a further neck back in third.

At the start of the winter Gordon Elliott could have been forgiven for thinking that his Gold Cup team was looking rather light but with Galvin and Conflated the trainer can now rely on two formidable contenders.

Gold Cup

“I’d say that has booked his Gold Cup ticket but he’s a horse with a lot of class and plenty of pace and the way he went around there you’d have to consider the Ryanair as well,” remarked Elliott.

“I thought that Davy got him into a great rhythm and this horse has always had a massive engine. He’s not the most straightforward and can blow hot and cold, but he was working well coming into this and he was hot today.”

Team Cullentra

“I’m delighted for the horse, all the team at Cullentra and obviously Gigginstown who have been such great supporters of mine for a long time.

“I know Michael (O’Leary) doesn’t have as many horses as he used to but it’s great to win another big race like this for him.

“We started the day finishing second, second and second and I was getting a bit low but in fairness the horses have been running well and it’s incredible to win this again – it’s a great race,” added the trainer.