TRAINER Mark Bradstock was delighted with Coneygree’s return to action after his stable star finished a superb close-up third at Punchestown yesterday.
The 2015 Gold Cup winner, making just his third appearance since winning at Cheltenham two years ago, led for most of the three-mile Coral Punchestown Gold Cup.
A mistake two fences out seemed to cost him chance of victory, but Coneygree rallied valiantly in a sensational finish.
This year’s Cheltenham hero Sizing John held on to see off Djakadam by a short head, with Coneygree just one-and-a-half lengths back in third.
And the Letcombe Bassett trainer was understandably thrilled with his charge’s performance.
“He’s a special horse and that was wonderful,” he said.
“He just pecked on landing at the second-last, but that was just awesome.
“As long as he’s sound tomorrow I will be even happier.”
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here