ACE Irish trainer Willie Mullins saw his dreams dashed today of winning three Gold Cups in a row for his odds-on favourite Galopin Des Champs.
The defeat came after Mullins had won the first four races of the day at combined odds of over 4,000/1.
Gavin Cromwell was hailed as a ‘genius’ on the big day[/caption]
Willie Mullins had his dreams dashed at Cheltenham today[/caption]
Mary Berry was spotted among other famous faces[/caption]
The Closutton trainer had threatened to sweep all before him on Gold Cup day, but his hopes in the big race were dashed by Irish trainer Gavin Cromwell’s Inothewayurthinkin.
After the epic win, emotional jockey Mark Walsh declared he was “dancing on the inside and out”.
The first time Gold Cup winner said: “In fairness to this fella, he’s done some growing up in the last year.
“He won here last year, but Gavin Cromwell is a genius.
“The way he trained him, he had him spot on for today. Brilliant.
“He’s a homebred as well which makes it extra special. Delighted.
“It’s brilliant — it’s something you dream of when you’re a kid wanting to be a jockey, winning the Gold Cup and the Grand National and things like that, so it’s a dream come true.
“I had a great trip round. They went a proper good gallop and I had a lovely position.”
The victory was also trainer Gavin Cromwell’s first Gold Cup success and he added: “We’ve had a brilliant year.
“We had a winner already this week, five seconds and three thirds. I’d swap them all for this.”
Bookies toasted a good week as punters suffered with several hot favourites losing.
Lawrence Lyons, spokesperson for BoyleSports, said: “Gold Cup day was looking like one for the punters with so many Willie Mullins winners being toasted in the Cheltenham stands.
“But with Galopin Des Champs adding to the list of shock results, we have to say it is the bookies who struck gold over the week.”
Some 68,026 punters poured into Prestbury Park to watch the Gold Cup action unfold.
Superman star Henry Cavill made an appearance[/caption]
Geri Horner was dressed to the nines for the day out[/caption]
There was a huge shock in the first race when Mullins’ Poniros became the third 100-1 winner at the Cheltenham Festival in the post-World War II era.
The shocked trainer said: “We were hoping he would run well and be a nice horse for next year, so he’s ahead of schedule.
“We bought him in October, schooled him and gave him a break.
“We said we’d better drag him in from the field and get him ready for Cheltenham, and that’s what we did.
“But I didn’t expect any more than a nice run.
“We had a lot of horses in the race and they all came here with the same plan.
“I couldn’t believe it when I saw him flying through the middle of them. I just couldn’t believe it.”
Paul Townend skilfully led Mullins’ Kargese to victory in the County Handicap Hurdle.
LUCK OF THE IRISH
The luck of the Irish continued as Mullins’ Dinoblue secured the victory in the Mrs Paddy Power Mares Chase.
Cal Gildart, of Ladbrokes, said that punters were looking for Gold Cup alternatives given Galopin Des Champs has been odds-on for so long.
He said: “Rachael Blackmore is one of the most popular jockeys around, and after adding two more Festival victories to her tally on Thursday, it’s not overly surprising to see big support for her mount.”
One Cheltenham fan turned €10.83 into €12,133 — but was one place away from a staggering €165k win.
Five of the punter’s six predictions all won — a five-fold which paid a mouth-watering 70,536/1.
Alex Apati of Ladbrokes said: “Correctly predicting five winners in the same bet during one of the most surprising Cheltenham Festivals in recent history takes some serious, serious doing, and we’re sure our plucky punter will enjoy every penny of their huge win.”
FAMOUS FACES
Superman actor Henry Cavill was spotted among thousands of race-goers enjoying the festivities today while Spice Girl Geri Halliwell cheered on her horse Lift Me Up in the Hunters’ Chase, ridden by the world’s tallest jockey Jack Andrews — but unfortunately it could only finish 13th.
Made In Chelsea star Ollie Locke said: ”It’s always wonderful to be back at Cheltenham.
“t’s our seventh year in a row and our anniversary. I’m here for a drink mainly, but I’ve got into the betting too.
“I always try to go for the one of the underdogs.”
Former Love Island star Gemma Owen said: “I asked my dad (former England footballer Michael Owen) for a few tips on Wednesday, but none of them came in.
“So I’m sticking to the colours and the names today. And just have a fun time with it.”
Former Hollyoaks actor Will Mellor said: “It’s a great day at Cheltenham.
“It’s the first time I’ve been here on Gold Cup day. I’m enjoying myself.
“I like to put on a few each-way bets. Anything has got a chance. I don’t bet to win life-changing money.”
Other celebrities at Cheltenham today included Lily Allen, Dame Mary Berry, Rebecca Ferguson and Micah Richards.
DRESSED TO THE NINES
Ladies and gents went all out again dressing in their finest attire.
Nikki Sheppard told us: “We came last year for the first time on Gold Cup day as well.
“We had a lot of winners so we decided to return with a group of us today. I absolutely love it.”
While racing fans from Liverpool, Rhona and Malcom Dixon, said the atmosphere around the place was “wonderful”.
DANI’S DIARY FRIDAY
PUNTERS went wild as Gavin Cromwell’s Inothewayurthinkin won the Gold Cup yesterday.
Organisers had protected the track overnight with fleece-lined covers as temperatures dropped to -3°C on Thursday night.
The beers began to flow early as racing novices mingled with well-seasoned pros.
The joy of Gold Cup day got revellers dancing as musicians entertained the crowd.
Racegoers were dressed to the nines again with lots of caps, tweed and country-style capes.
And punters could put their umbrellas away as the sun came out for the big race.
I had the perfect end to my week at Cheltenham with some small wins.
By the evening, a warm glow appeared over Prestbury Park and I took a moment to soak it all in.
I left with a huge smile on my face and some unforgettable memories.
I’m sad to see Cheltenham come to an end but, I feel very lucky to have experienced it all.
I’m already counting down the days until next year.
