FEATURE CHELTENHAM FESTIVAL
“The Grade One JCB Triumph Hurdle has become known as a factory for stars of the future”
in the following year’s Turners Novices’ Chase.
and for Paul [Townend], who was under huge pressure too, but he gave him a peach of a ride. He had the confidence to drop him in and come through. “It just worked out. We thought that it was going to be a true test, as everyone was questioning his stamina. “We elected him as our Gold Cup horse, whereas Al Boum Photo just sort of happened. With this fellow, we thought he was good enough and that puts you under pressure until the actual day when it has happened. Following the Boodles Cheltenham Gold Cup is the St James’s Place Festival Hunters’ Chase. The race is known as the ‘Gold Cup for amateur riders, given it is run over the exact same distance as the feature and channels a traditional Corinthian
spirit, which very few other sports can replicate. Thrilling action is a given and this is not one to be missed. Meanwhile, the day begins with the Grade One JCB Triumph Hurdle, which has become known as a factory for stars of the future. Indeed, previous winners of the race have included the likes of Zakandar in 2011, Defi du Seuil in 2017 and even a future Randox Grand National winner in Tiger Roll in 2014. Last but not least, the Martin Pipe Conditional Jockeys’ Handicap Hurdle is tasked with bringing the curtain down on the Cheltenham Festival. The final runner passing the winning post will signal the end of the meeting, but also the beginning of the countdown to the next.
It looked as though he would be adding Grade One glory to his CV approaching the last fence – with his main rival Bob Olinger well held – only for the landing gear to stutter at the very last moment. To Mullins’ credit, he never wavered in his faith in Galopin Des Champs, but to elect a horse as your main Gold Cup hope comes with great pressure. As such, the sense of relief was palpable from Mullins – showing that there can even be pressure for a man who had just sealed a record-extending 94th Cheltenham Festival winner! He said: “I didn’t realise what pressure I was under. I’m absolutely delighted for Audrey and Greg Turley
58 Kalendar
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