Flooring Porter may not be trained by a powerhouse stable, but there can be no doubt that he has the heart of a champion
Danny Mullins, who was an 11th hour replacement for the injured Jonathan Moore, but he has not looked back since. Mullins was masterful as the pair led from the front and were brave when necessary to hold out for a two-and- Cromwell said after the race. “It was amazing here when Espoir D’Allen won the Champion Hurdle in 2019, but we came here as an outsider and it wasn’t that expected. Coming here today, we had one of the fancied ones and we fancied him. It all worked out so it’s fantastic.” three-quarter-length success. “The crowd here is just magic,” Ominously, he added: “We’ll be back here in 12 months’ time to defend his crown – absolutely.” We hope you’ll do the same.
lovely rhythm on him again and it was straightforward. “We took our time learning about him, and I think we’ve got there now. That’s what he likes to do and he’s built for it – look at the size of him. I’m delighted.” A familiar result played out in the very next race, the Paddy Power Stayers’ Hurdle, which saw another champion successfully defend his crown. Flooring Porter may not be trained by one of the powerhouse stables we have come to associate with the ‘Championship’ races, but there can be no doubt that he has the heart of a champion, and in Gavin Cromwell, he has a trainer who is a master of his craft. The old adage ‘one man’s loss is another man’s gain’ certainly rang true for jockey
Cheltenham victory was no surprise, of course, but it proved to be a moment of personal redemption for jockey Paul Townend. Having opted to side with Min in 2021, Townend could only watch as Rachael Blackmore produced yet another Grade One-winning performance in his absence, a victory that edged her closer to ultimately becoming the first female rider to be named as Leading Jockey for the week. Townend was on the right side of the result this time around, however, and the relief in his voice was clear to all as he said: “It makes you wonder why I didn’t pick him last year, doesn’t it?! “He’s an animal. He gallops and jumps. He’s just really, really good. Got into a
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