Bellshill wins the Coral Punchestown Gold Cup! @punchestownrace pic.twitter.com/996bXmEb5h
— At The Races (@AtTheRaces) April 25, 2018
BELLSHILL saw off stable companion Djakadam to claim top honours in the Grade 1 Coral Punchestown Gold Cup.
Willie Mullins saddled four of the 12 runners in a bid to win the race for a fourth time and it was Djakadam, ridden by the champion trainer's son, Patrick, who led his rivals a merry dance for much of the extended three-mile journey.
Bellshill, who finished a weary fifth in the Irish Grand National just over three weeks ago, tracked him into the straight and got the better of a thrilling duel after the final fence to win the day. Road To Respect, the 7/2 favourite, passed the post in third.
Winning rider David Mullins said: "This is brilliant. To get one for Willie this week means a lot.
"The old horse does everything so perfect, it's just a shame that when he comes down to the last he gets a bit idle. I thought I'd have won the Irish Grand National on him, but that's racing and finally I got a big one on him.
"I thought I had Patrick well beaten going down to the last – he pricked his ears and got idle, but we got him over the line today."
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