Friday’s feature conjured up an historic renewal of the Cheltenham Gold Cup which went the way of Gaelic Warrior. Scoring for Willie Mullins and Paul Townend, the latter has now won more Gold Cups than any other jockey.
Despite the late omission of two-time winner Galopin Des Champs, the race was still stacked with quality. Ten of them took to post to imprint their hooves in steeplechasing history, but it was Gaelic Warrior who struck Gold.
Jango Baie was an agonising second for Nicky Henderson, though nowhere near the winner. Inothewayurthnkin never travelled, but ran on gamely for third.
Warrior cruises home as ice cool Townend makes history
Paul Townend has won five Gold Cups. No jockey has ever won more.
The crowning glory of the Cheltenham Festival was billed up to be a pulsating renewal. Three of the first four home in the King George all re-opposed in The Jukebox Man, Gaelic Warrior and Jango Baie.
Haiti Couleurs provided a different form-line, after winning the Denman Chase last time out. Reminiscent of the hardy stayers of yesteryear, the Irish and Welsh Grand National winner was destined to relish this staying test.
That went without mentioning Inothewayurthinkin, last year’s winner. He gamely ran on for third, but was a bit part player in the contest.
Haiti Couleurs set off in front under Sean Bowen, but after upping the tempo on the second circuit, he could not maintain it. The race changed complexion turning for home.
However, it did not turn into a close or dramatic renewal. Coasting in behind the pace, Gaelic Warrior and Paul Townend took control. Townend had struggled earlier in the card, but was ice cool here.
Without having to push Gaelic Warrior beyond a canter, he cruised up the Cheltenham Hill and into history. Townend has now won fiver Gold Cup’s fifth Gold Cup was achieved aboard his third mount, with both Al Boum Photo and Galopin Des Champs winning the race twice.
Gaelic Warrior himself was just the second horse to achieve the Arkle-Gold Cup double. He was the first since Alverton in 1979 to win both races.
The race had a sad postscript, as multiple former Cheltenham Festival winner Envoi Allen collapsed on the horse walk after the race. Cheltenham racecourse announced that he passed away after being attended by vets.