The Cheltenham Festival can shift the momentum of emotions in an instance, as exemplified by a jubilant Brian Acheson after Heart Wood stormed up the hill for success in the Ryanair Chase.
The result amended the heartbreak 30 minutes earlier, as neither Bob Olinger nor Teahupoo could win the Stayers Hurdle. His pair were the first two home last season, but only managed third and sixth this time around.
Heart Wood’s task was no doubt made easier by the late withdrawal of Fact To File on account of the going. Luck is required in abundance in racing, though, and Heart Wood went one better than last years second.
“Half an hour ago, I was on the floor” – Brian Acheson
Speaking afterwards, via the Racing Post, Acheson spoke of the highs and lows at the Festival: “Half an hour ago I was on the floor. “I thought we were in serious trouble. Teahupoo and Bob were our two big chances. This fella was always there and we felt we had a chance when the favourite came out. But we were having such a bad week that you start to talk yourself out of it. It’s Henry and Darragh’s first winner and it’s just a relief.”
Acheson spoke candidly regarding the true stars of the sport as he continued: “It’s not about us as the owners. It’s about the horses, the trainers, the jockeys and those who do the work every day, hail, rain or shine. We just write the cheques.”
Darragh O’Keeffe was full of praise for the effort after a crossbar week thus far: “I’m very grateful to be riding for Henry this week. I was keen to get a winner on the board. The horses have been running well but a couple of things have gone against us. He jumped brilliantly and got into a great rhythm. His run last year was solid and with the favourite coming out. I thought if he put in the same performance he would be bang there.”
In turn, Henry De Bromhead spoke highly of the ride given by O’Keeffe as he noted: “We’re delighted. It was getting a bit sketchy there now, I have to admit. Darragh was brilliant on him and he jumped amazingly. He ran a blinder last year, when we rode him to be placed. We said we’d go out and give it a go today. It’s one of those dream ones.”