Don Cossack rises to fences challenge

Updated: Monday, 28 Oct 2013 17:42 | Comments Paddy Power gave Don Cossack a quote of 14-1 for the RSA

Don Cossack staked an early claim for the RSA Chase at Cheltenham by making a pleasing start to his career over fences at Galway.

The imposing six-year-old, owned by Gigginstown House Stud, failed to live up to high expectations as a novice hurdler last term, but showed where his future lies with an easy victory in the W.B. Gavin & Co. EBF Beginners Chase

Toon River made it a true test and led to two out, where Andrew Lynch brought Don Cossack to challenge and the Gordon Elliott-trained 10-11 favourite duly pulled away after jumping the last to power home by 20 lengths from Dressedtothenines.

"The (low-lying) sun down the back didn't help but he was clever and should improve a lot for that. He was only in second gear there," said Lynch.

Paddy Power gave Don Cossack a quote of 14-1 for the RSA.

Royal Moll backed up a bumper win with victory on her jumping bow in took the cancercarewst.ie Mares Maiden Hurdle.

The Willie Mullins-trained 4-5 favourite, ridden by Paul Townend, jumped ahead at the last to score by a length and a quarter from Catimini.

"The (low-lying) sun down the back didn't help but he was clever and should improve"

Townend said: "She did it well in the end as she stays very well. She missed the second-last a bit, but she jumped adequately. She got away with that trip on the ground, but she needs further."

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Don Cossack rises to fences challenge