The Killenaule, Co. Tipperary rider is bidding for Cheltenham Festival history today as she attempts to become the first female jockey to win the Unibet Champion Hurdle.

Speaking about the race favourite, Blackmore said:

“Honeysuckle is incredible. She’s never let us down so far and I’m just hoping we can continue in the Champion Hurdle. She digs deep when she has to, she gets me out of trouble when she has to – she’s just been phenomenal and I can’t find any fault with her.”

Blackmore, who has ridden over 80 winners in Ireland this season and is only six behind the jockeys’ title leader Paul Townend, added:

“It’s fantastic to be involved with a horse of her calibre. It is what any jockey dreams about, getting teamed up with something like her. It’s just a privilege.”

Unbeaten in 10 runs over hurdles

Honeysuckle, a Sulamani mare, is unbeaten in her 10 starts over hurdles. She took the Grade One Close Brothers Mares’ Hurdle at The Festival in 2020 with Blackmore in the saddle. The pair have since won the Grade One Hatton’s Grace Hurdle at Fairyhouse in November and the Grade One Irish Champion Hurdle at Leopardstown in February, the latter by 10 lengths.

Blackmore added: “Her owner, Kenny Alexander, his main aim was to win the Mares’ Hurdle at Cheltenham and that was a fantastic achievement for him to be able to do that, with the help of Peter Molony. We got that done last year, and I think her performance at Leopardstown was ultra-impressive. So why not have a stab at the Champion Hurdle?

“It’s an extremely competitive race; these championship races are unbelievable. There’s last year’s winner Epatante, Goshen. Hopefully we are on our A game and can produce the goods again.”

The thirty-one year-old jockey has tasted Cheltenham Festival success on three occasions. Her first win came with Minella Indo in the 2019 Grade One Albert Bartlett Novices’ Hurdle. A Plus Tard in the 2019 Listed Centenary Novices’ Handicap Chase gave Blackmore her second Festival victory. Last year, Honeysuckle took the Grade One Close Brothers Mares’ Hurdle

The post “I can’t find any fault with Honeysuckle” says Rachael Blackmore appeared first on SportsNewsIreland.

Cheltenham – Tuesday 16th March 2021

1:20pm Sky Bet Supreme Novices’ Hurdle (Grade 1) 2m 87y
1 Appreciate It (IRE) 7 11 7 W. P. Mullins Ireland Miss M. A. Masterson P. Townend
2 Ballyadam (IRE) 6 11 7 Henry de Bromhead Ireland Cheveley Park Stud Jack Kennedy
3 Blue Lord (FR) 6 11 7 W. P. Mullins Ireland Mr Simon Munir/Mr Isaac Souede Daryl Jacob
4 For Pleasure (IRE) 6 11 7 Alex Hales Premier Plastering (UK) Limited Harry Bannister
5 Grumpy Charley 6 11 7 Chris Honour Mr G. Thompson Bryan Carver
6 Irascible (FR) 6 11 7 Henry de Bromhead Ireland Gigginstown House Stud Rachael Blackmore
7 Metier (IRE) 5 11 7 Harry Fry Mr G. C. Stevens Sean Bowen
8 Soaring Glory (IRE) p 6 11 7 Jonjo O’Neill Mr P. Hickey Jonjo O’Neill Jr.

1:55pm Sporting Life Arkle Challenge Trophy Novices’ Chase (Grade 1) 1m 7f 199y
1 Allmankind h,ts 5 11 4 Dan Skelton W. J. and T. C. O. Gredley Harry Skelton
2 Captain Guinness (IRE) 6 11 4 Henry de Bromhead Ireland Declan Landy Rachael Blackmore
3 Eldorado Allen (FR) ts 7 11 4 Colin Tizzard J P Romans & Terry Warner Harry Cobden
4 Franco de Port (FR) 6 11 4 W. P. Mullins Ireland Bruton Street V P. Townend
5 Numitor 7 11 4 Heather Main Wetumpka Racing Tom Scudamore NR
6 Shishkin (IRE) 7 11 4 Nicky Henderson Mrs J Donnelly Nico de Boinville

2:30pm Ultima Handicap Chase Grade 3) 3m 1f
1 Cepage (FR) 9 11 12 Venetia Williams The Bellamy Partnership Charlie Deutsch
2 Aye Right (IRE) 8 11 8 Harriet Graham Geoff and Elspeth Adam Richard Johnson
3 Pym (IRE) 8 11 7 Nicky Henderson Mrs Patricia Pugh Nico de Boinville
4 Ok Corral (IRE) 11 11 5 Nicky Henderson Mr John P. McManus Mark Walsh
5 Milan Native (IRE) ts 8 11 3 Mrs Denise Foster Ireland Gigginstown House Stud Jack Kennedy
6 Happygolucky (IRE) 7 11 1 Kim Bailey Lady Dulverton David Bass
7 Alnadam (FR) 8 10 13 Dan Skelton Bryan Drew Harry Skelton
8 Delire d’Estruval (FR) bl 8 10 11 Ben Pauling Mr Simon Munir & Mr Isaac Souede Daryl Jacob
9 Vintage Clouds (IRE) p 11 10 11 Sue Smith Mr Trevor Hemmings Ryan Mania
10 Discordantly (IRE) 7 10 10 Mrs J. Harrington Ireland The Odd Fellows Partnership Robbie Power
11 Admiral’s Secret 10 10 10 Victor Dartnall The Whacko Partnership Alan Johns
12 One For The Team 7 10 8 Nick Williams Forty Winks Syndicate 2 & Partner Tom Scudamore
13 The Wolf (FR) 7 10 5 Olly Murphy McNeill Family and Prodec Networks Ltd A. P. Heskin
14 Nietzsche ts 8 10 2 Brian Ellison D Gilbert, M Lawrence, A Bruce, G Wills Jonathan Burke
15 Soupy Soups (IRE) p 10 10 2 Neil Mulholland Equi ex Incertis Partners Robert Dunne
16 Fingerontheswitch (IRE) ts, p 11 10 0 Neil Mulholland Cahill, Atwell & Crofts Millie Wonnacott (5)

3:05pm Unibet Champion Hurdle Challenge Trophy (Grade 1) 2m 87y
1 Abacadabras (FR) ts 7 11 10 Mrs Denise Foster Ireland Gigginstown House Stud Jack Kennedy
2 Aspire Tower (IRE) 5 11 10 Henry de Bromhead Ireland Robcour Robbie Power
3 Goshen (FR) 5 11 10 Gary Moore Mr Steven Packham Jamie Moore
4 James du Berlais (FR) 5 11 10 W. P. Mullins Ireland Mr Simon Munir/Mr Isaac Souede Daryl Jacob
5 Not So Sleepy 9 11 10 Hughie Morrison Lady Blyth Jonathan Burke
6 Saldier (FR) p 7 11 10 W. P. Mullins Ireland Mrs S. Ricci
7 Sharjah (FR) ts 8 11 10 W. P. Mullins Ireland Mrs S. Ricci P. Townend
8 Silver Streak (IRE) 8 11 10 Evan Williams Mr L. Fell Tom O’Brien
9 Epatante (FR) 7 11 3 Nicky Henderson Mr John P. McManus Aidan Coleman
10 Honeysuckle 7 11 3 Henry de Bromhead Ireland Mr K. Alexander Rachael Blackmore

3:40pm Close Brothers Mares’ Hurdle (Registered as The David Nicholson Mares’ Hurdle) (Grade 1) 2m 3f 200y
1 Black Tears p 7 11 5 Mrs Denise Foster Ireland Mrs C Walsh/Mr J Lightfoot Jack Kennedy
2 Concertista (FR) 7 11 5 W. P. Mullins Ireland Mr Simon Munir/Mr Isaac Souede P. Townend
3 Dame de Compagnie (FR) h 8 11 5 Nicky Henderson Mr John P. McManus Aidan Coleman
4 Dolcita (FR) ts 6 11 5 Fergal O’Brien Sullivan Bloodstock Limited Paddy Brennan NR
5 Floressa (FR) 6 11 5 Nicky Henderson Just Four Men Nico de Boinville
6 Great White Shark (FR) 7 11 5 W. P. Mullins Ireland Mr Malcolm C. Denmark
7 Indefatigable (IRE) 8 11 5 Paul Webber Mr Philip Rocher Rex Dingle
8 Minella Melody (IRE) 7 11 5 Henry de Bromhead Ireland Mr K. Alexander Rachael Blackmore
9 My Sister Sarah (IRE) p 7 11 5 W. P. Mullins Ireland Barnane Stud
10 Roksana (IRE) 9 11 5 Dan Skelton Mrs Sarah Faulks Harry Skelton
11 Whitehotchillifili (IRE) 7 11 5 Harry Fry Chasing Gold Racing Club Sean Bowen

4:15pm Boodles Juvenile Handicap Hurdle (Registered as The Fred Winter) (Grade 3) 2m 87y
1 Nassalam (FR) 4 11 10 Gary Moore Mr John Stone Jamie Moore
2 Youmdor (FR) h 4 11 10 W. P. Mullins Ireland McNeill Family
3 Saint Sam (FR) h 4 11 8 W. P. Mullins Ireland Mr Edward J. Ware P. Townend
4 Cabot Cliffs (IRE) h 4 11 6 Dan Skelton Craig & Laura Buckingham Harry Skelton
5 Druid’s Altar (IRE) 4 11 4 Joseph Patrick O’Brien Ireland Annus Mirabilis Syndicate
6 Busselton (FR) p 4 11 4 Joseph Patrick O’Brien Ireland Chanelle Phar. Ltd
7 Riviere d’Etel (FR) h 4 11 3 Mrs Denise Foster Ireland Noel Moran/Mrs Valerie Moran Jack Kennedy
8 Balko Saint (FR) 4 11 3 (5lb ex) Mrs Jane Williams Mrs Jane Williams Chester Williams (5)
9 Longclaw (USA) ts 4 11 1 John McConnell Ireland N.H.J Racing Syndicate Simon Torrens (3)
10 Hell Red (FR) ts 4 11 0 Paul Nicholls Sir Martin Broughton & Friends 6 Bryony Frost
11 Glorious Zoff (IRE) ts 4 11 0 Mrs Denise Foster Ireland Deva Racing Syndicate Keith Donoghue
12 Zoffanien (IRE) 4 10 13 Denis G. Hogan Ireland Mr L. Mulryan Richard Johnson
13 Houx Gris (FR) 4 10 11 Paul Nicholls Booth Evans Giles & Sullivan Bloodstock Harry Cobden
14 Soldier On Parade v 4 10 11 Amy Murphy Hostages To Fortune Jack Quinlan
15 Coltor (IRE) v 4 10 10 D. K. Weld Ireland M. Bucher Jonjo O’Neill Jr.
16 Her Indoors (IRE) 4 10 10 Alan King McNeill Family & Niall Farrell A. P. Heskin
17 Sage Advice (IRE) 4 10 10 Dr Richard Newland The Imperium Syndicate Sam Twiston-Davies
18 Tinnahalla (IRE) h 4 10 9 Olly Murphy Mrs J. A. Wakefield Sean Bowen NR
19 Burgundy Man (FR) 4 10 8 Venetia Williams Kate & Andrew Brooks Gavin Sheehan
20 Homme Public (FR) ts 4 10 8 Oliver Greenall The Nevers Racing Partnership II Henry Brooke
21 Jeff Kidder (IRE) 4 10 8 Noel Meade Ireland Albert Dravins/Eamonn Scanlon Sean Flanagan
22 Elham Valley (FR) ts 4 10 7 Fergal O’Brien Caveat Emptor Partnership Paddy Brennan

4:50pm Sam Vestey National Hunt Challenge Cup Novices’ Chase (Grade 2) 3m 5f 201y
1 Eden du Houx (FR) 7 11 6 David Pipe Prof. Caroline Tisdall David Noonan
2 Escaria Ten (FR) 7 11 6 Mrs Denise Foster Ireland McNeill Family A. P. Heskin
3 Galvin (IRE) 7 11 6 Ian Ferguson Ireland Mr R. A. Bartlett Jack Kennedy
4 Lithic (IRE) v 10 11 6 Jonjo O’Neill The Stone Composers Jonjo O’Neill Jr.
5 Lord Royal (FR) ts 6 11 6 W. P. Mullins Ireland Paul Connell/Alan McGonnell
6 Macgiloney (IRE) 8 11 6 Denis G. Hogan Ireland M. Moloney Sean Flanagan
7 Nestor Park (FR) p 8 11 6 Ben Pauling Mrs S. P. Davis Luca Morgan
8 Next Destination (IRE) 9 11 6 Paul Nicholls Mr Malcolm C. Denmark Harry Cobden
9 Ofalltheginjoints (IRE) ts 7 11 6 Colin Tizzard The Reserve Tankers Robbie Power
10 Remastered ts 8 11 6 David Pipe Brocade Racing Tom Scudamore
11 Soldier of Love ts, p 8 11 6 Paul Nicholls Mr Malcolm C. Denmark Bryony Frost NR
12 The Mighty Don (IRE) 9 11 6 Nick Gifford Golden Rose Partnership James Davies
13 Snow Leopardess 9 10 13 Charlie Longsdon Mr A. Fox-Pitt Aidan Coleman

The post Cheltenham Festival Day 1 Runners and Riders appeared first on SportsNewsIreland.

Today is day one of The Festival supporting WellChild and the going is Soft, Good to Soft in places on both the Chase and Hurdle courses. The first two days of The Festival supporting WellChild take place on the Old Course, with the action switching to the New Course on Thursday and Friday.

Simon Claisse, Clerk of the Course at Cheltenham, commented: “On a cloudy but dry morning and following the lightest of showers overnight, the going on the Chase and Hurdle courses is Soft, Good to Soft in places.

“We expect a dry day with temperatures reaching 11 or 12 degrees this afternoon. Racing kicks off at 1.20pm with today’s feature, the Unibet Champion Hurdle, due off at 3.05pm. It is going to be a fantastic afternoon of racing.”

Non-Runners Today

1.55pm Sporting Life Arkle Novices’ Chase

5 Numitor (Self Certificate, Bad Scope)

4.15pm Boodles Juvenile Handicap Hurdle

18 Tinnahalla (IRE) (Self Certificate, Not Eaten Up)

4.50pm Sam Vestey National Hunt Challenge Cup Novices’ Chase

11 Soldier of Love (Going)

Non-Runners Tomorrow

3.40pm Glenfarclas Cross Country Chase

11 Potters Corner (IRE) (Self Certificate, Inflammation)

4.15pm Johnny Henderson Grand Annual Handicap Chase

18 Theinval (FR) (Vet’s Certificate, Blood Analysis Not Normal)

The post Cheltenham Tuesday 16th March – Going & Non-Runners appeared first on SportsNewsIreland.

After all, we are talking real history here: the chance to venerate Al Boum Photo alongside legends like Arkle, Golden Miller Best Mate and Kauto Star. But while most pundits tip Al Boum Photo to take his third successive Gold Cup crown, we can perhaps detect a reluctance to give this the sense of occasion it deserves. 

Given another set of circumstances, Al Boum Photo would be the only story to talk about in the lead up to Cheltenham. But there is a more subdued feeling than you would expect around the race. It’s nothing to do with Al Boum Photo; the horse simply wins when he appears before Willie Mullins wraps him up in cotton wool and puts him away again. And while you might think the low-key build-up is linked to the fact there will be no fans at Cheltenham Racecourse this year, we can make an argument that it’s because the Gold Cup features a bunch of runners in shocking form. 

Last year, around two lengths separated the first four horses home in the Gold Cup, with Al Boum Photo beating Santini by a neck. Both Santini and third-placed Lostintranslation were immediately installed among the favourites for this year’s renewal. But neither has won a race since, and they have since dropped back down the betting markets. The same goes for the horses who were 4th, 5th and 6th home. 

Things could change by 19th March 

As ever, things might change as the festival gets into its groove. And when you check betting tips on the Cheltenham Day 4 races closer to the time, you might find that some tipsters have picked out a couple of candidates to beat Al Boum Photo. But the majority of the field is in disarray. We aren’t saying that taints Al Boum Photo’s attempt at a historic hat-trick – far from it – but it impacts the framing of a narrative for the big race: the story-telling, if you will. There is no sense of Arkle versus Mill House, or Kauto Star versus Denman, here. 

Al Boum Photo is currently around 3/1 in the betting markets. You can look at that two ways: first, it’s a relatively short price in terms of ante-post for a Gold Cup winner. Money will likely come in on the day to shorten those odds further. Secondly, though, a price of 3/1 doesn’t suggest bookmakers believe this to be a sure thing. Winning a Gold Cup isn’t easy, and there’s a lot that can happen over those 3 miles that can make your selection look foolish. 

A Plus Tard is now second favourite 

And that probably gets to the heart of things. Al Boum Photo has proven that he can win Gold Cups, looking imperious even in his runs away from Cheltenham. His main rivals – A Plus Tard, Champ, Royal Pagaille, Santini – could be Gold Cup winners, but they have not had the chance to prove it. If you the example of Royal Pagaille, the 4th favourite and a general 8/1 chance. Not only has the Venetia Williams trained horse never won a Grade 1 race before – it has never contested a Grade 1 race before. 

Willie Mullins

Perhaps Royal Pagaille and others will make that step up on the day, but the betting markets have been characterised by chopping and changing all winter as big hopes were raised and then dashed in racecourses across the UK and Ireland. The only constant was Al Boum Photo, cool-as-a-cucumber watching his rivals flounder. A worthy favourite for his third Gold Cup, but one who is the beneficiary of rivals who can’t seem to build any momentum. 

The post Cheltenham 2021: Al Boum Photo Beneficiary of Gold Cup Rivals’ Disarray appeared first on SportsNewsIreland.

James, who rode Milan Native to win at Cheltenham last year for Elliott has appeared in a shocking video where he appears to try and sit on a dead horse. He is told by a person in the video “Get up on her there” and immediately James jumps on the dead horse.

James who has ridden over 200 point to point winners, mainly for Colin Bowe was due to ride in the 5:20 at Gowran Park, but his horse Gentle Jolie is now a non-runner.

James told The Irish Field: “I have become aware of a video circulating of me on social media. I would just like of apologise for my actions which were wholly inappropriate and disrespectful to a lovely five-year-old mare, who unfortunately suffered a sudden cardiac arrest while at exercise earlier that morning, April 30th, 2016.

“I sincerely apologise to the owners of the mare, the staff who cared for her, the horseracing industry and all followers of horse racing for my actions.

“To try defending my stupidity at the time would add further insult and hurt to the many loyal people that have supported me during my career. I have caused embarrassment to my employers, my family and most importantly the sport I love.

“I am heartbroken by the damage I have caused and will do my best to try and make amends to those hurt by my conduct.”

The IHRB released a statement on Twitter on Tuesday morning which read: “The Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board is aware of further social media content circulating and the matter is under investigation.”

This will only add fuel to the fire, but this all comes on the day Irish Minister of Sports Jack Chambers has come out strongly against the actions of Gordon Elliott and would feel uncomfortable that he would have runners at Cheltenham.

BE WARNED THERE ARE DISTRESSING SCENES IN TWITTER VIDEO

Get em all out…..

Jockey this time

I’ll punch his teeth in sick fucking prick pic.twitter.com/0hyvBG5vaK

— AshBeeGeeGees (@AshBeeGeeGees) March 1, 2021

Talking on Newstalks breakfast show the minister said “he needs to be held fully accountable with any and every sanction should be on the table”.

When asked about Cheltenham Chambers replied “he wouldn’t be comfortable seeing Gordon Elliott at Cheltenham.”

This all follows the BHA announcement on Monday that Gordon Elliott would not be allowed to have runners in Cheltenham while still under investigation in Ireland.

A statement said: “The British Horseracing Authority (BHA) will not allow the Irish trainer Gordon Elliott to racehorses in Britain whilst the Irish authorities investigate an image that appeared on social media over the weekend.

“The trainer admitted the photo was genuine and apologised for his actions.

“The BHA, which regulates racing in Britain, will use powers under its own rules to refuse to allow horses trained by Mr Elliott to race in Britain pending consideration of the outcome of the Irish investigation

“The decision to refuse to allow horses trained by Mr. Elliott to run in Britain is, therefore, an interim decision which the BHA regards as proportionate in these circumstances.

“In an earlier statement, the BHA said it was appalled by the image which undermined its values of respecting and caring for horses.”

The moment all jumps jockeys dream about.

“I can’t believe it,” says Rob James – now a Festival winner #CheltenhamFestival @LydiaHislop pic.twitter.com/9qvXCDsi1n

— Racing TV (@RacingTV) March 12, 2020

The post Jockey apologies for sitting on dead horse appeared first on SportsNewsIreland.

Talking on Newstalks breakfast show the minister said “he needs to be held fully accountable with any and every sanction should be on the table”.

When asked about Cheltenham Chambers replied “he wouldn’t be comfortable seeing Gordon Elliott at Cheltenham.”

This all follows the BHA announcement on Monday that Gordon Elliott would not be allowed to have runners in Cheltenham while still under investigation in Ireland.

A statement said: “The British Horseracing Authority (BHA) will not allow the Irish trainer Gordon Elliott to racehorses in Britain whilst the Irish authorities investigate an image that appeared on social media over the weekend.

“The trainer admitted the photo was genuine and apologised for his actions.

“The BHA, which regulates racing in Britain, will use powers under its own rules to refuse to allow horses trained by Mr Elliott to race in Britain pending consideration of the outcome of the Irish investigation

“The decision to refuse to allow horses trained by Mr. Elliott to run in Britain is, therefore, an interim decision which the BHA regards as proportionate in these circumstances.

“In an earlier statement, the BHA said it was appalled by the image which undermined its values of respecting and caring for horses.”

The post Cheltenham runners for Gordon Elliott in doubt after Sports Ministers comments appeared first on SportsNewsIreland.

We may have learned a lot about some of the biggest names that will be heading to the Cotswolds in March over the past weekend, but which Irish-trained horses have the best chance of claiming success on English soil next month?

Appreciate It

 Willie Mullins cleared up during the Dublin Racing Festival, and his stable look in incredible form as we head towards the Cheltenham Festival. 

One of his many winners from the Irish festival was Appreciate It, who won by three and a quarter length from Ballyadam in the Chanelle Pharma Novice Hurdle. 

After 256 days away from the track, his form has been excellent, as he has won on all three starts this season. 

There is every indication that the seven-year-old will be heading towards the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle at Cheltenham, but he still does hold an entry for the Ballymore Novices’ Hurdle. The Supreme looks the most realistic chance for Appreciate It, and a win over Metier would certainly be the best possible start for Mullins.

Envoi Allen

Envoi Allen has already reached heights that many expected, and will be looking to become a three-time Festival winner at this year’s National Hunt showpiece event. Very few would be willing to bet against the seven-year-old achieving that target, as the Gordon Elliott-trained horse has been exceptional not just this season, but throughout his career. 

However, it has been this term where his dominance on the track has been more evident than ever before, as no horse has been able to get near him over two miles and four furlongs. 

He started the season with comprehensive wins at Down Royal and Fairyhouse, before winning by three and a half lengths from Fils D’oudairies at Punchestown in the middle of January. 

Envoi Allen holds entries for the Arkle, Novices’ Chase and Marsh Novices’ Chase, but whichever one of the connections decides to enter, they will win.

Chacun Pour Soi

Chacun Pour Soi’s victory at the Dublin Racing Festival was largely overshadowed by the Honeysuckle and Native River on Saturday, but make no mistake, it was still one of the best that we have seen all season. 

His dominance in that race has seen Altior’s price for the Champion Chase skyrocket, while his has plummeted. 

Mullins has a number of horses that many will consider to be bankers for the Festival this year, but Chacun Pour Soi is more than deserving of his place on that list. The only question that hangs over the nine-year-old is how he will fare with the course at Cheltenham, as he hasn’t raced there in the past. 

Nonetheless, if his runs at Leopardstown are anything to go by this season, then he will settle like a duck to water.

Al Boum Photo

It seems bizarre to put a horse running in the Gold Cup on a list of bankers for the festival, but Al Boum Photo certainly seems like a good thing in this year’s race. 

We have only seen the two-time winner on one occasion this season, as he won by 19 lengths at Tranmere, but it is more so what is going on with his rivals that has increased the confidence in a third consecutive win. 

Santini looks nothing like the horse that he was 12 months ago, Kemboy still has questions to answer, while there are still doubts as to whether Frodon is talented enough to emulate his rule in the King George in the Gold Cup. 

Champ’s reappearance could be important, while Royale Pagaille, should he declare for the Gold Cup, may be the only one to stop history being made at Cheltenham.

There you have it, four Irish horses to back during the Cheltenham Festival. And if you like horse racing go to TwinSpires and click here for Kentucky Derby Odds 2021.

The post Four Irish Bankers For The Cheltenham Festival appeared first on SportsNewsIreland.

It was a strange state of affairs in the Cotswolds last March. Elliott looked certain to land his third top trainer award of his career. However, a late comeback from Mullins, which included four wins on the final day, saw the 64-year-old retain his crown. Mullins is heavily expected to win the Leading Trainer award again this year, so why leave searching for the best Cheltenham tips for tomorrow, when you can sort out your selections today! 

Anyway, with the Festival just around the corner, let’s take a look back at Mullins’ seven winners from last year, some of which will be on the hunt for more glory in the Cotswolds this year.

Ferny Hollow – Champion Bumper

It wasn’t until the final race of day two that Mullins landed his first victory at the 2020 Festival, and it’s fair to say that it came from a rather unlikely suitor. The bookies’ favourite was another of Mullins’ horses, Appreciate It, but he was beaten by his stablemate and 11/1 shot Ferny Hollow, who romped over the line two and half lengths clear of the market leader.

Min – Ryanair Chase

Min’s victory in the Ryanair Chase on day three felt like a long time coming. Year after year, the Rich Ricci-owned horse was overshadowed by the legend that is Altior. However, with Min diverted away from the path of the Nicky Henderson-trained horse, who later pulled out of the Queen Mother through injury, in the build-up to the meeting, he finally had his day in the Ryanair Chase. But it wasn’t easy. He had to fight off the challenges of Saint Calvados and in the end, he won by just a neck. Min is the early favourite to defend his Ryanair Chase crown, and here’s hoping he can get another Festival victory under his belt.

Concertista – Mares’ Novices’ Hurdle

Concertista landed Mullins his second victory of day three in the Mares’ Novices’ Hurdle. The seven-year-old was denied of winning the Grade 2 race by a short neck in 2019 as a 66/1 shot, but she bounced back last year. This time at a much shorter 9/2, Concertista won easily, beating her nearest competitor, Dolcita, by some 12 lengths. With two more victories since then, Concertista looks nailed on to take the step up and win the Mares’ Hurdle. 

Burning Victory – Triumph Hurdle

Burning Victory got the ball rolling on a fantastic final day of the Festival for Mullins. Amazingly, the 12/1 shot had only joined Mullins’ yard two months prior to the meeting, and it was just her second outing for the Irish trainer, after winning a Grade 3 at Fairyhouse in February. At the final Hurdle, Burning Victory was around 10 lengths behind the leader, but with favourite Goshen unseating his rider, jockey Paul Townend kicked on and the pair went on to beat Aspire Tower by almost three lengths. 

Saint Roi – County Handicap Hurdle

It was back-to-back victories for Mullins on the day as Saint Roi claimed the Grade 3 County Handicap Hurdle. The six-year-old was challenged by Aramon and Embittered at the final hurdle, but once moved up a gear by Barry Geraghty, he left his competition behind and romped home four and a half lengths clear. The Champion Hurdle is on the cards for Saint Roi this year, but fellow JP McManus-owned horse Epatante is much more fancied.

Monkfish – Spa Novices’ Hurdle

The wins just wouldn’t stop for Mullins, and Monkfish made it a hattrick of successive victories in the Spa Novices’ Hurdle. It was an incredibly tight finish with Latest Exhibition, Fury Road, Thyme Hill and Monkfish charging towards home as one, but it was the Mullins-trained horse who narrowly got his neck over the line first. Monkfish is expected to step up to the challenge of the Festival Novices’ Chase this year and is tipped to be a Gold Cup winner in the future.

Al Boum Photo – Gold Cup

After the dramatic finish in the Spa Novices’ Hurdle, Mullins would have been hoping for a much more straight forward affair in the Gold Cup. But that was wishful thinking, as the Festival showpiece went down to the wire. Santini came within a whisker of ending Al Boum Photo’s defence of the Gold Cup, and had the track have been a yard longer, the Henderson-trained horse probably would have won. Instead, Al Boum Photo held on by a neck, and he’s the favourite to win the race again this year in the Cheltenham Gold Cup betting. 

The post A recap of Willie Mullins’ seven winners at the 2020 Cheltenham Festival appeared first on SportsNewsIreland.