3 minute read

Diamond King was produced to perfection by Davy Russell to rule the roost in the Coral Cup at Cheltenham.

Russell delivered Gordon Elliott's charge after jumping the last flight and quickly asserted on the run to the line.

Baron Alco and Ubak, both trained by Gary Moore, set a steady pace and the tempo only increased down the hill with two flights to jump.

Several horses were spread across the course, with Blazer, Ubak, Waxies Dargle and Long House Hall among those having every chance.

However, Diamond King (12-1) burst through on the far side to pounce and score by a length and a quarter from Long House Hall (16-1). Ubak (28-1) was another neck away in third, with Blazer (8-1) fourth.

Elliott said: "That was great. Davy gave him a great ride and we're delighted everything worked out. We thought if he settled he'd win."

Russell said: "It's great to ride a winner here at any time of the year, let alone at the Festival. Gordon filled me with loads of confidence - no instructions. All credit has to go to Gordon, he got him here in tip-top shape. He's a master of his trade and it was easy to ride him."

Elliott added: "We came here thinking he had a serious chance, but it needed a brave man's ride. It's superb when it comes off like that."

Long House Hall is set for a return to chasing following his gallant effort.

Trainer Dan Skelton said: "In an ideal world, they'd have gone a little bit faster and he'd have had less horses around him turning in. It was a great run and he just got beaten by one. There's no excuses. He jumped every hurdle well and travelled well in the race.

"I've got him entered at Fairyhouse for the Ryanair Gold Cup, but I don't think he'll go there. I should imagine he'll go to Aintree, then we'll look at Punchestown and he'll be on the go through the summer. I should imagine he'll go for the Galway Plate."