Disappointment for racing fans as Don Cossack ruled out of Punchestown Gold Cup

Don Cossack has been ruled out of the Punchestown Gold Cup this coming Wednesday due to a tendon problem. The Gordon Elliot trained nine-year-old was the favourite for the marquee race of the festival, but Elliot confirmed that he will now be unable to take part after suffering the injury while out on the gallops this morning.

It will leave racing fans bitterly disappointed as it means the much anticipated showdown between Don Cossack and Colin Tizzard trained Cue Card won't come to pass. Both horses have been massive rivals in recent years, and Cue Card will now go into Wednesday's race as the 1/2 favourite.

“We noticed Don Cossack wasn’t right when he was coming off the gallops this morning. He has suffered a tendon injury and is definitely out of Punchestown,” Elliott told the Racing Post.

“I’ll be discussing the situation with [owners] Michael and Eddie O’Leary who were informed immediately.”

Willie Mullins trained duo Djakadam and Don Poli have seen their odds slashed as a result, with both horses going into 6/1 from 10/1 and 12/1 respectively.