Elliott and Russell plunder Gold Cup with 18/1 shot Conflated

Conflated burst into the big time with a dominant display in the Paddy Power Irish Gold Cup at Leopardstown.

Trained by Gordon Elliott, who had endured a frustrating day up until this point, Conflated had been on the fringes as a novice hurdler, just behind the likes of Latest Exhibition and Envoi Allen.

Sent over fences last season the Gigginstown House Stud-owned gelding showed ability without suggesting he was capable of winning a race of this nature.

However, last time out, albeit in handicap company, Conflated looked a different proposition, bolting up and earning a 12lb rise in the process.

Connections decided to roll the big dice and see where he stood on the first day of the Dublin Racing Festival - and were rewarded with the biggest prize in Irish steeplechasing.

Never far from the pace-setting Frodon and Kemboy, Conflated (18-1) was always travelling sweetly for Davy Russell before hitting the front down the back straight.

Having seemingly put the race to bed a long way out, he understandably got tired on the run to the line and Minella Indo, who bounced back from his disappointing effort in the King George, closed to within six and a half lengths, albeit without looking like getting to the winner.

Janadil was third, faring best of the Willie Mullins runners, with the favourite Asterion Forlonge fourth. Betfair slashed the winner to 8-1 from 66-1 for the Gold Cup at Cheltenham.."

Big surprise in the Paddy Power Irish Gold Cup as 18-1 shot Conflated takes the spoils for Gordon Elliott and Davy Russell #DublinRacingFestival @LeopardstownRC #rteracing pic.twitter.com/lOuvPYu4lH

Russell told RTÉ Sport: "I'm very surprised, but Camilla (Sharples, travelling head girl) warned me every step we took when I got on his back, she