Gaelic Warrior cemented his status as the premier staying chaser in Irish racing with a commanding 26-length victory over stablemate Fact To File in the Ladbrokes Punchestown Gold Cup. The Willie Mullins-trained 5/6 favourite travelled smoothly throughout before Paul Townend asked him to quicken three out, and he duly responded, pulling effortlessly clear to win eased down.

Mullins admitted his heart was in his mouth when the two horses met between the final fences. "It was a huge performance," Mullins said. "It was a hell of a horse race. Over that trip Gaelic Warrior seemed to have the measure of Fact To File." The trainer credited owner JP McManus for allowing Fact To File to take on the challenge, calling it a "memorable day."

This was their third clash of the season, following the John Durkan and Irish Gold Cup where Fact To File got revenge. Owner Rich Ricci, winning the race for the first time, said: "We've never won this race before. I'm so thrilled to win it." Gaelic Warrior is expected to return in next season's John Durkan.