NOW THAT THE DUST HAS SETTLED, LET US REVIEW THE EPIC CHELTENHAM FESTIVAL
CONTENTS 4.NATIVE RIVER 5.ALTIOR 6.TIGER ROLL
7.THE BIG LOSERS 8.PENHILL 9.EQUINE MEDIRECORD 10.PAT KELLY 11.SAMCRO 12.MONEY RIDER
16.NOEL MCPARLAN 18.BET BRIGHT CUP 20.BGC SYNDICATE 21.EQUINE ROLE GLOBEL 22.TOP OF THE HILL 23.JP TIPPING 24 KEY FESTIVAL RACES 26.BRUCE BETTING
14.FOOTPAD
Contact Us
15.INSPRIE RACING
Phone: 07526 336735
13.BET EAST
Email: 3furlongsout@gmail.com
NATIVE RIVER WINS THE GOLD CUP
Article by Darren Connolly The Colin Tizzard trained Native River rousted his rivals into submission, with a well-executed dominant front-running masterclass by champion jockey Richard Johnson to win the Timico Cheltenham Gold Cup. Native River was a gallant third in the race last year won by Sizing John 12 months ago, 5/1 shot for this race, he was a relatively fresh horse this time around and after setting a searching gallop, the eight-year-old stayed on dourly to eventually beat the 4/1 favourite Might Bite. The Colin Tizzard trained horse had a memorable time last year, winning the Hennessy Gold Cup and Coral Welsh National on route to his third at Cheltenham, but after suffering a setback in the autumn the Tizzards opted to hang fire and wait for a spring campaign which in hindsight possibly made the difference here. Johnson unquestionably took the race winning incentive to steal the early lead, however he was pestered by the favourite Might bite but Johnston was not for the passing and his mount jumped impeccably throughout the contest “Poetry in motion”. The market leaders had most of their rivals of the bridal coming down the hill, really knuckling down approaching two out and after taking the last as one, Native River was briefly headed for a couple of strides but found most on the run-in to score by a comfortable by four and a half lengths.
“Johnson was claiming his second Gold Cup win, 18 years on from Looks Like Trouble's victory for trainer Noel Chance in 2000”
Johnson said: "I'm speechless. He's been a fantastic horse for me and I was lucky to pick up the ride on him. He's just amazing. He jumps for fun. I was getting squeezed, but at the second-last and the last he just wanted it so much”.
ALTIOR FINDS ANOTHER GEAR FOR VICTORY
Article by Joe Smith When Sprinter Sacre left Seven Barrows, he left a legacy. A legacy that will not only be remembered by those closely connected with the horse but also by everyone involved in national hunt racing as a whole. .
>
He touched many hearts and I’m sure every one of us has a favourite Sprinter Sacre memory. Horses like him don’t come around often. In a yard full of would be superstars it was questioned who would be next to step out of the shadows and take their place on the throne still warm from the departing “Black Aeroplane”. If anyone at all for that matter. “It didn’t take long at all” 2016 and Sprinter had reclaimed his Champion Chase crown. 24 hours earlier a certain Altior stormed clear up the Cheltenham hill to claim the Supreme Novices Hurdle. This bay gelding with a perfect white diamond etched onto his head showed a devastating turn of foot, something we have now come accustomed to seeing. Champion Hurdle beckoned but Nicky and his team saw something else in him. Yes, he may well of won a Champion Hurdle by now, but that chapter was firmly closed. Chasing beckoned and boy was It a wise decision. By the end of the 2016-2017 season Altior had won an Arkle and a Celebration chase. It was the victory at Sandown however in the Celebration Chase that really made everyone purr. He dispatched Champion Chaser Special Tiara with such ease it was scary! Now Altior had to endure being compared to perhaps
Of course, Altior had to take the next step on his journey to greatness. A Champion chase victories. We all know what happened on the 14th March 2018. I was lucky enough to be there all week once again and for me this was the performance of the week. Great champions find a way to win. His jumping was once again impeccable. It kept him in the race and once Nico and Altior hit top gear! Whoosh!!!!! He was away. I find Sprinter and Altior so similar but so very different. Sprinter had a swagger about him. Never ever made a jumping error. So economical and brave over a fence. Altior also has a wow factor about him but he sticks his head down during parades as If he doesn’t have care in the world. Sprinter won his races between 3 and 4 fences from home. That high cruising speed Is something I have yet to see from any other horse and probably never will.
“Altior wins his races between 2 out and the line. Accelerating like a five -furlong sprinter at Royal Ascot. Sprinter attracted such a buzz around the race course”. the greatest 2-mile chaser ever in Sprinter Sacre. Of course, Altior himself doesn’t understand or hear these comparisons. Good job to say the least as It happens in many other sports with detrimental effects. The stir of being compared with greats can be too much to handle for some.
Altior wins his races between 2 out and the line. Accelerating like a 5-furlong sprinter at Royal Ascot. Sprinter attracted such a buzz around the race course. Everyone wanted to see him perform.
I would love to see Altior up in trip in near future. I really think he could win a King George. Maybe he will one day. For now, I just want us all to enjoy what Altior gives us. National Hunt happiness. Every horse gets beaten at some point. I would love to sit here and say “Oh Altior will never be beaten”. All good things end I’m afraid, but we’re very lucky to have such an exceptional good horse in training and who knows what the future will hold.
Hail, Hail the brilliant Altior
TIGER ROLL WINS THE CROSS COUNTRY
Article by Joe Smith Those of you who kindly took the time to read my article in last month’s edition will know what the above headline means. Tiger Roll! The horse who can do anything wrote his name into festival history gaining his 3rd Cheltenham Festival victory in 3 different races. This was perhaps his greatest performance to date. He was utterly unbelievable, and I hope many of you took my advice and witnessed Tiger Roll strut his stuff around the cross-country course with a swagger of scope, speed, timing and accuracy. He never missed a beat and when the hard work of navigating around the twists, turns and jumps was successfully completed he knew his way home up the Prestbury Park hill. Nowadays he has stamina but also a turn of foot that rivals struggle to match. I always found that If Tiger Roll jumps well then, he wins. Sounds simple I know but its widely true with this horse. Over the last few seasons there has been races where he hits one or two early on and just goes into a sulk! Game over. But If he starts to enjoy himself then he is very very hard to beat, and the latest festival win was fine example. Credit must go to jockey K M Donoghue who gave him a brilliantly timed ride. Over the last 24 hours it has been confirmed that Tiger will take his chance in this year’s Grand National. At odds of 20-1 he surely must have chance. He jumps, he stays and has speed to compliment the stamina. He has all the attributes to provide us with a big run. Cause of causes won the 2017 cross country before finishing 2nd in the 2017 Grand National.
The Swiss army horse bandwagon is pitching up at Liverpool.
Can Tiger Roll go on to win the Aintree showpiece now?
PUNTERS: THE BANKERS WHO DIDN’T WIN
Article by Jason Galbraith Another year has come and gone at the Cheltenham festival, and it didn’t disappoint. For all that everyone usually talks about the winners and rightly so, I like to “move on to the next one” so to speak and pick up on some unlucky losers and keep them in mind for the next two big spring festivals namely Punchestown and Aintree. The obvious one from the opening day for me was Apples Jade (I’m sure I’m not alone with this one beating thousands of peoples Accas, burnt fingers across the country!) Hindsight is a wonderful thing, frankly more so in Horseracing. Quite simply I would put a line through this run from Apples Jade, she done everything wrong that she possibly could, her jumping was poor, she hung out to her right and even at one stage trying to run out and in what wasn’t Jack Kennedys finest hour he went far too quick on her through the race as the sectionals now prove. She got lit up when Richard Johnson tried taking her on with La Bague Au Roi and I just think it wasn’t her day at all. Back at Punchestown going right handed and with that run under belt, as it was her first run this calendar year she will be seen back to maximum effect. On Wednesday I was, like so many others drawn to Douvan. You couldn’t help but be impressed with him up until he unseated Patrick Mullins 4 fences from home. I am of the opinion that he would most definitely have played a part in the finish. He travelled with all his old zest and Patrick was quoted as saying “he felt like the Douvan of old”.
While I am not one for criticising jockeys I do think on this occasion Barry Gerraghty may have cost the horse his chance of winning. He travelled well into the race and came to the last seemingly full of running only to make a mistake and blow his chance of victory. I am strongly of the view that had the jockey gave him a kick in the belly before the last even with the mistake he would have gone on to beat Delta Work. Perhaps Barry Gerraghty would be able to say he does nothing when left in front and he needed a lead for as long as possible but, I found it quite frustrating and was disappointed that the horse was beaten.
“I’m sure I’m not alone with this one Beating thousands of peoples Accas, burnt fingers across the country”
He just lacked match practice so to speak, as this was his first run since pulling up in the Champion Chase last year. Hopefully all being well he will be unscathed from his fall and we will see him back to winning ways at Punchestown and maybe, just maybe Nicky Henderson will take a gamble and bring Altior over for the rematch, a race every racing fan would be ecstatic to see.
The other runner from Wednesdays card to keep in your notebooks was the Gigginstown runner in the Champion Bumper Felix Desjy. Again, he was another one that done everything wrong. He pulled the arms out of Keith Donoghue for around 1m4f of the 2mile race. He came there looking like he would at least be in the first 3, however he just didn’t get home after using up too much petrol early on and when he can learn to settle there will be plenty of untapped potential for Gordon Elliott to work with there. Glenloe for me was the unluckiest loser of the week.
The other one from Thursdays card that I feel would be a massive player next time is Kings Socks. He travelled and jumped superbly for a long way and, having only his second start in Britain I think he will benefit from a drop back in trip and he will improve massively for the run for the pipe team. The most intriguing runner from Friday going forward is Santini. He was given a very conservative ride by Nico de Boinville and on the ground, he was obviously trying to preserve stamina and he made up a huge amount of ground in the final 2 furlongs. He is a massive frame of a horse, he looks like he will appreciate the switch to chasing next season and has already been touted as a potential Gold Cup prospect by Nicky Henderson and will appreciate a bit of nicer ground in the future.
PENHILL STAYS ON THE STRONGEST
Article by John O’Dowdall
An astonishing training performance was achieved by Champion trainer Willie Mullins, to get Penhill revved up enough after 325 days off and show no signs of rustiness and win the stayers hurdle Penhill was winning for the second year running at the Cheltenham Festival when springing a 12-1 surprise after being successful last year in the Albert Barlett. The jockey onboard was Paul Townend, Penhill carried the colours of Brighton chairman and the gutsy horse won by a margin of two lengths from Supasundae, following a head to head battle up the hill. Townend insisted: 'He's got a massive engine. 'It was some training performance. I got there too soon and luckily, he kept going 'He jumped rusty enough early on but when I needed him at the last he produced.' Winning trainer Willie Mullins stated: 'It's fantastic for connections. I want to put him away now for Cheltenham next year. ‘He’s not suited to training to the Flat and he's able to do this job so well.'
"A lot of credit has to go to Holly Conte, who leads up him up, rides him and does everything with him”.
“Good horses are rewarded in Ireland, they don’t have to go handicapping. English owners are realising that. In England, it’s just a lot of handicaps. No one sets out to buy a handicapper.” added Willie Mullins
www.equinemedirecord.com
PAT KELLY QUALITY NOT QUANTITY
Article by Jamie Lindsey Pat Kelly and his star horse Presenting Percy , were very much the toast of County Galway last week as he impressively galloped away with the RSA Pat only trains a very small string of horses, but he has got enough good horses to make a living out of it. Presenting Percy brought home the £100,000 first prize last week at Cheltenham and Mall Dini finished a good second in the Kim Muir Handicap Chase. And of course, this is the big problem for small trainers like Pat nowadays, is keeping the operation going with money being so tight now. You’re going to need to have one horse who can do well in the big races. So, for Pat and his team to have two big money earners in his stable is a weight off his shoulders. The future looks bright for them both, with Presenting Percy likely to head to Punchestown for the Grade 1 Novice Chase over 3m, if all is good with him. And Mall Dini could bid to get back on the winning trail in the Irish or English Grand National. Another nice horse from his stable to look out for is Eagle Lion, who won a decent Maiden Hurdle comfortably at Punchestown in January. With all this time in the spotlight, hopefully more owners will send a horse into training with Pat in County Galway, just to add a bit more financial security. He clearly knows how to get a horse ready for the big day. For a small trainer, winning the Gold Cup is probably beyond their wildest dreams, although Presenting Percy looks like an ideal Gold Cup horse. What a story it would be.
SAMCRO JUSTIFIES THE HYPE
Article by Darren Connolly
"Hopefully he'll be fit and well and head to Punchestown, and then Gordon will make a plan next year for him�
The Gordon Elliott trained Samcro lived up to the hysterical hype with triumph in the Ballymore Novices' Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival. It's a big team effort from everyone at home, and it worked out great today. "There was a lot of pressure, for Jack, for me - for everyone, the whole team stated winning trainer Gordon Elliott Gigginstown stud owned horse big was sent off an uneasy 8-11 favourite for the opening race on day two, having arrived unbeaten in six starts under rules. In demand Teenage jockey Jack Kennedy made sure there was no hard luck story by keeping out of trouble on the outside and cruised into contention on the final bend, taking up the running from Vision Des Flos. While in behind Black Op made good headway to break away from the rest, he never looked like catching Samcro and a mistake at the final flight stopped his momentum. Winning jockey Kennedy stated: "That was unreal. He's just a class horse. I was there way too soon on him, but he kept going. Owner Michael O'Leary, the boss of Ryanair, stated: "He was terrific - very good - and was given a great ride by Jack Kennedy.
"He's done everything that Gordon's asked him to do. It was great. "Now the worry is for him to keep fit and well. We'll see how he gets on.. "At least he's won at Cheltenham so he's going the right way."
www.BetEast.com SIGN UP TODAY
FOOTPAD LIGHTS UP THE ARKLE
Article by RYAN LEWIS
•
How did the race plan out?
The race started with Petit Mouchoir and Saint Calvados taking each other on for the lead. Footpad travelled comfortably in third place. Petit Mouchoir seen off the intentions of Saint Calvados pretty easily before the sixth from home where as all the time Footpad was travelling supremely well in third place. Approaching three out Footpad travelling with complete and utter ease to come upsides Petit Mouchoir and quickly eased past around the bend approaching two out quickly booted clear by Ruby after the last and powered away from a never nearer Brain Power. Very impressive stuff indeed and exceptional stuff in the saddle by Ruby Walsh as the pacesetters blazed off and he wisely sat and suffered which ultimately won him the race as if he took part in the frantic pace he wouldn’t have been coming home with such a wet sail •
What next for Footpad ?
Footpad is entered in the Ryanair gold cup at the Punchestown festival and will be a very warm order if he does take his chance there. Longer term targets I can see him maybe heading for the Troytown Chase at Navan on St Stephens day before hopefully being aimed at the gold cup 2019. •
Cheltenham targets 2019?
I believe he should take his chance in the Gold Cup next season all being well and in order. If the ground is Good to soft which let's be honest 9 times out of 10 it is at Cheltenham then Might Bite will be the main danger. I believe Footpad would win the gold cup if he takes his chance.
NOEL McPARLAN EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW
Article by Darren Connolly
Co. Down jockey Noel McParlan has been second three times at the Cheltenham festival but could never quite reach that much sought after success, but on Thursday afternoon he changed that in the final race of the afternoon when he claimed his first festival winner. McParlan rode the 8/1 chance Missed Approach, who was having a first start since he underwent a wind operation in February for UK trainer Warren Greatrex. Missed approach was given a no-nonsense type of ride from McParlan, from the flag fell he was pushed into a front running position and made all the running throughout the extended three-mile trip, although he had challengers come on either side of him approaching the last fence he stuck on gamely to prevail by an official winning margin of a half a length. “This is very special. I never thought this day would come. He stuck his head out and galloped all the way to the line, all my lad does is stay and stay" insisted the elated jockey. Noel Mc Parlan was born and raised in the rural townland of Cabra which is only two miles from Hiltown, he started riding ponies at home from the age of four and that just escalated into a way of life. Horse racing was always in his blood as his father Sean is a wellrespected trainer, so the natural progression to become a jockey was always high on the agenda. “I mostly ride for my father, Colin McBratney and Ian Ferguson, I am also blessed to have lots of support from other trainers
further afield that are keen to book me, and I will keep trying to get them winners at any given opportunity” states McParlan. We asked this strong-minded jockey how he copes with the massive pressures involved in horse racing when the results don’t go the way they are planned, “It is easy to be forgotten about in this game and you are only as good as your last winner so no matter how well you’re riding or not you must keep focussed and work hard and try and keep your head down and the opportunities will come knocking” insists McParlan.
Continued on next page.
NOEL McPARLAN EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW
Article by Darren Connolly
Another significant memory of McParlan’s career so far happened on 26th July 2016 when he rode a 100/1 shot “Drummullagh Rocky” to victory for his father at Perth Racecourse in Scotland, the horse was owned by Newry businessman Martin Ward. “It was a wonderful day and to get a 100/1 over the line in first place is something you can only dream of, though the credit has to go to my father for getting the horse into such great shape and able to outrun his colossal odds” adds McParlan. McParlan may be a quiet lad but he unquestionably lets his skills in the saddle do the taking for him, he is not slowing down in the slightest and is taking nothing for granted in this dangerous sport, stating “I am targeting to stay fit and injury free and keep on getting winners”. One piece of advice given to this jockey early on in his career from his close friend James Smith was “As soon as the steward waves his flag, it’s every man for himself” which he feels was solid guidance as there are no hiding places once the race gets started. Jockeys seldom get a minute to themselves in this challenging sport, they are either driving hundreds of miles to the races or mucking out, McParlan tells us “very rarely I get much time for anything apart from horses but when I do I like having a few quiet pints with the lads or taking my understanding girlfriend Catherine out for the evening, you have to unwind and recharge the batteries”. On a concluding note to this article we spoke with the winning trainer of Missed Approach to get his view on our local star “Noel has given my horse a peach of a ride, the owner wanted to go to Uttoxeter on Saturday for the Midlands National, but I persuaded him to come here. He might go for the Scottish National where I hope to have Noel on-board again”.
THE IRISH DOMINATION AT CHELTENHAM
Article by Jamie Lindsey
Wednesday: Samcro got the punters off to a flying start on day 2 with a win in the Ballymore Novices Hurdle. He travelled beautifully and showed plenty of stamina up the hill. Presenting Percy powers away with the RSA Chase to give Davy Russell the first of his four winners. He jumped perfectly and saw out the trip very well. Monalee followed home in second. Bleu Berry holds on grimly to give Mark Walsh a first ever festival winner. It was a first win in the Coral Cup for Willie Mullins. Now that the dust has settled on another enjoyable Cheltenham Festival, let’s remember how Ireland won the BetBright Cup by 17 wins to Great Britain’s 11. What a week it has been for Irish sport. Tuesday: Footpad gets the ball rolling for the Irish in the Arkle. Sitting off a fast pace and picking up the pieces in the straight. Very classy indeed. Benie Des Dieux found plenty up the hill to give Willie Mullins a ninth victory in the Mares Hurdle. Ruby Walsh timed it to perfection. Rathvinden brought up a treble for Willie Mullins. He held off a very game Ms Parfois in a terrific finish to win for Patrick Mullins.
Tiger Roll looked in great nick and showed why with a good performance to win the Cross Country. He travelled very well and stayed on well up the hill, a first festival winner for Keith Donoghue. Veneer of Charm completed a dream day for Gordon Elliott and Jack Kennedy in the Fred Winter. Despite wandering around a bit up the hill, he got the job done by three lengths. A hat trick for team Elliott. Relegate takes out the Bumper under an inspired Katie Walsh. He was held up before making headway just before the home bend. He found the energy he had saved up for the hill and powered away. A trifecta for Willie Mullins in this race.
Continued on next page.
.
THE IRISH DOMINATION AT CHELTENHAM
Article by Jamie Lindsey Thursday: Shattered Love shows pace and stamina to claim the JLT Novice Chase under Jack Kennedy. Held up at the rear, she rounded the field impressively to win. Delta Work edges out Glenloe in a frenetic finish to the Pertemps. Glenloe missed the last hurdle and Delta Work got his nose down on the line for Davy Russell and Gordon Elliott. A 1-2 for Gordon. Balko Des Flos floors Un De Sceaux to give Michael O’Leary a first winner of his own race, the Ryanair Chase. He travelled better than his rivals and completed a famous Gigginstown hat trick.
rides of the festival for me, as Davy literally creeped into the race and held enough energy to see out the trip well. Laurina absolutely bolts up in the Mares Novice Hurdle for Willie Mullins and Paul Townend, who didn’t even have to move. This could be a very good Mare indeed.
Penhill gets Paul Townend on the score sheet with a hard-earned win in the Stayers Hurdle. He showed his flat speed and stamina reserves to beat off Supasundae. The Storyteller bravely gets up to win the Brown Advisory Plate for Davy Russell. This was one of the best
Friday: Farclas confirms the promise of his Leopardstown second to win the Triumph Hurdle. In doing so reversing the form with Mr Adjudicator. It was seven wins apiece between Elliott and Mullins at this point. Blow by Blow shows a relentless gallop to claim the final Irish winner of the festival in the Martin Pipe. It was a win that gave Gordon Elliott the top trainers title for the week. Very well deserved.
THE KEY FESTIVAL RACES REVIEWED
Article by Shane McEvoy The first race of the Festival was the Supreme Novice's hurdle and we watched on as Amy Murphy's Kalashnikov stormed up the hill to what looked like her first ever Cheltenham winner from her first ever try, only to be collared late on by the brilliant Noel Fehily aboard Summerville Boy. It wouldn't be the first time during the week that the feeling of overwhelming joy and pride would snatched away in the final strides. This was only the start. 27 more pulsating races were to come our way, and for sure, round one went to the bookmakers, with Getabird a well beaten favourite. The Arkle, and the brilliant Footpad restored the punters faiths, and their wallets shortly after, before Lizzie Kelly steered the well-backed Coo Star Sivola over the line in the Ultima. The pendulum was swinging and when Buveur D'Air completed his back to back Champion Hurdle bid, it was the layers who were left ducking for cover. Alas, as the brilliant mare Apples Jade fluffed her lines in the Mares Hurdle, the smiles returned to the bookmakers faces, and so did the colour! It was the best result of the day for the layers as it drowned all sorts of multiple bets for the day, and indeed the week. Rathvinden then went in a well backed favourite in the National Hunt Chase before Mister Whitaker gave the flat boys a rare Cheltenham winner for Mick Channon, under an inspired Brian Hughes ride. Day one came to a close with the Prestbury Cup in the balance, and the British holding a slender lead after the first quarter. The brilliant, and unbeaten Samcro. After being so unsuccessful with Apples Jade the day before, and coming in for what was surely unnecessary criticism, Jack Kennedy gave this horse an uncomplicated ride, keeping him wide and away from trouble and allowing him cruise to the front before the last. The questions have already began where this horse should go next year and what route he should take, whatever he does, I hope he stays sound and we see him next season. He is a superstar. Speaking of superstars, a couple of them paired up in the RSA, as Davy and Presenting Percy sauntered clear between the final two and put a stamp on next years Gold Cup with a breath-taking performance to win easily from Monalee. Ruby Walsh suffered a fall at the last that sadly ended his week, but he is made of iron, and he will be back in the winners enclosure sooner rather than later, of that I have no doubt. The Irish had gained the upper hand for the first time, something which they never relinquished. Bleu Berry, the brilliant Tiger Roll, Veneer of Charm and a wonderful ride from Katie Walsh aboard Relegate gave Ireland six on the day, but perhaps the most impressive horse was Nicky Henderson's brilliant Altior. What a horse this fella is. He looked in trouble mid way through and was niggled, but when he came to challenge Min, who himself is no slouch, at the last, there was only going to be one winner. He picked up and fairly sprinted away and it was most impressive to look at. He is arguably the best horse in training at the moment and whatever he does for the remainder of the season, I for one hope to see him back next year. Starting the day in the lead 9-5, the Irish were quickly in to stride again, and the man who the previous day recorded a treble, was out of the blocks with Shattered Love, who became the first ever mare to win the JLT under a marvellous ride from ice cool Jack Kennedy, who was recording his third win of the Festival, and got hold of the leading riders armband.
THE KEY FESTIVAL RACES REVIEWED
Article by Shane McEvoy Next up, the Davy Russell show, galvanising Delta Work up the run-in to win by the narrowest of margins. He then partnered Balko Des Flos to victory in the Ryanair, beating odds-on favourite Un De Sceaux in the process. After that came Paul Townend aboard Penhill for Willie Mullins and soon after this the flashing scoreboard for the Prestbury Cup was switched off. An Irish dominance in the first four races, and it wasn't finished yet. After Penhills victory made it 13-5, Davy added another aboard The Storyteller for Gordon Elliot, who was recording his second treble in succession, a truly remarkable feat. This was then followed up by Laurina, who finished a furlong in front in the mares novice, and as Mall Dini loomed up behind Missed Approach in the last, it looked like a clean sweep. Missed Approach, and Mr. McParlan, however, had other ideas, and kept finding on the run to the line to record Warren Greatrex first winner if the Festival, and the Brits first of the day. Last, but certainly not least, was Gold Cup Day, and it was kick started by that man again, Gordon Elliot, with Farclas winning the Triumph Hurdle for Gigginstown, who were also having a dream week. Mohaayed followed for Dan Skelton and Bridget Andrews, who was greeted after the line by partner Harry Skelton who finished fifth in the race on his brothers other horse, Spiritofthegames. A proud day for the entire family. Kilbricken Storm followed, giving Colin Tizzard his first win of the Festival, but the best was yet to come. A barnstorming renewal of the Gold Cup saw two magnificent horses and riders go head to head on the front end, and as they came to the second last, it looked like Nico de Boinville had Richard Johnson in his sights. However, Native River had other ideas, and as described in commentary 'the brave, the generous' chestnut kept up the gallop to win for the Tizzard's. A truly brilliant race and a remarkable performance from the winner. Pacha Du Polder won back to back Foxhunter's, and gave Paul Nicholls his first winner if the week, despite his jockey Harriet Tucker, dislocating her shoulder after the last. Then it was back to Elliot again, who won the Martin Pipe with Blow By Blow under Donagh Meyler, thus winning his first ever Cheltenham Leading Trainers title. Le Prezien rounded off the week for Nicholls and Barry Geraghty in the Johnny Henderson, and that was that. The hustle and bustle, the madness, the crowds, all gone. Another brilliant spectacle had came and gone. Roll on 2019, and we will do it all over again!