Elliott announces the Don's retirement

Legendary horse Don Cossack is to be retired, Meath trainer Gordon Elliott announced today. 

Owned by Michael O'Leary's Gigginstown House Stud Don Cossack won the 2016 Timico Cheltenham Gold Gold, one of the most prestigious prizes in national hunt racing. 

The horse subsequently sustained an injury when he was preparing for the Punchestown Festival and there was plans to race him again next month. 

However, the 10-year-old has been unable to make a recovery to full fitness and will now be retired. 

Don Cossack was beaten just twice in 12 starts since October 2014 in what was a sterling career. 

''I am very sad to report that Don Cossack has suffered a setback and will now be retired. We found that he had a bit of heat in his leg yesterday and we've made the decision to call time.' Elliott tol his Betfair blog. 

Elliott pointed out how Don Cossack won grade one races at Cheltenham, Aintree, Punchestown, Fairyhouse and Down Royal. 

'He was the top-rated horse in Britain and Ireland for the last two seasons running and we'd have loved to see him take on Thistlecrack in the Gold Cup. It would have been a cracking race,' he added.