TRAINER Mark Bradstock was delighted with Coneygree’s return to action after his stable star finished a superb close-up third at Punchestown yesterday.

The 2015 Gold Cup winner, making just his third appearance since winning at Cheltenham two years ago, led for most of the three-mile Coral Punchestown Gold Cup.

A mistake two fences out seemed to cost him chance of victory, but Coneygree rallied valiantly in a sensational finish.

This year’s Cheltenham hero Sizing John held on to see off Djakadam by a short head, with Coneygree just one-and-a-half lengths back in third.

And the Letcombe Bassett trainer was understandably thrilled with his charge’s performance.

“He’s a special horse and that was wonderful,” he said.

“He just pecked on landing at the second-last, but that was just awesome.

“As long as he’s sound tomorrow I will be even happier.”