The Cheltenham Festival has drawn to a close after four days of competitive racing. Prestbury Park witnessed shocks and drama, with few odds-on favourites securing wins.
Mullins and Townend Shine
Willie Mullins and jockey Paul Townend were the dominant figures. They secured victories in the Champion Hurdle Challenge Trophy and The Gold Cup with Lossiemouth and Gaelic Warrior respectively. Paul Townend finished as the most successful jockey with four wins and four second-place finishes from 16 runners.
Willie Mullins emerged as the most successful trainer with eight winners. Nicky Henderson followed with three winners.
Gold Cup Glory for Gaelic Warrior
Gaelic Warrior, trained by Willie Mullins, won the Cheltenham Gold Cup. Gaelic Warrior went off as the 11-4 joint favourite alongside Jango Baie.
Harry Redknapp-owned Jukebox Man finished eighth.
Final Day Highlights
Apolon De Charnie, a 50-1 shot, won the Triumph Hurdle, finishing ahead of 6-1 Maestro Conti. Willie Mullins joked about the odds to BBC Radio 5 Live, noting that his winner last year was 100-1.
Mullins’ son Patrick was the winning jockey. The Jonjo O’Neill-trained Wilful won the County Hurdle, ridden by Jonjo O’Neill Jr. The younger O’Neill told ITV that the win meant everything after a troubled year.
Mullins secured another win on Friday when 11-8 favourite Dinoblue won the Mares’ Chase. Johnny’s Jury (20-1) won the Novices’ Hurdle with jockey Gavin Sheehan, while Barton Snow (9-2) won the Hunters’ Chase.
Envoi Allen’s Death
Henry de Bromhead’s travelling head girl Zoe Jane Smalley spoke about the death of Envoi Allen. She told Racing TV that it was devastating and that Lynne Persson, who looks after him, was absolutely devastated.
She added that the team at home was also affected and that he was a really special horse. She was pleased that it was quick and painless in a place that he loved.
Increase in Attendances
One of the positives of this year’s festival was the increase in attendances.
Cheltenham Festival will no doubt be glad to see the changes they have made have been effective after three declining years.
Looking Ahead
The Cheltenham Festival looks forward to 2027 at Prestbury Park.