Gaelic Warrior too strong for defending champ

Inothewayurthinkin ran a very credible third but was no match for the winner in the Cheltenham Gold Cup

Inothewayurthinkin fell short in his bid to retain the Cheltenham Gold Cup on Friday. Gavin Cromwell’s hero from 12 months ago never looked to be travelling well in the race but he produced a late spurt through the field and ran on to be third.

Neither he nor the second-placed horse, Jango Baie were any danger to the winner as Willie Mullins’ Gaelic Warrior left the field toiling in his wake as he claimed an impressive victory. It was the fifth time since 2019 that the partnership of Paul Townend and Mullins teamed up to win the prestigious contest. Afterwards, Mullins was quick to pay tribute to Townend.

“I’m delighted for Paul, he was so cool on him. Could you imagine what was going through his head going to the last fence, I can only tell you what was going through mine, but we won’t talk about that now! We’ve had so many last-fence mishaps here,” said Mullins

“The way he did it was spectacular, very dominant. He can be keen, but Paul got everything right and the horse put in a tremendous round of jumping. When you pair that with his ability, it’s fantastic for owner and jockey.”

In the Mares Chase, Gavin Cromwell’s Only By Night gave Keith Donoghue a fantastic spin around Prestbury Park to finish second but the pair were no match for the winner as Mullins’ Dinoblue showed her toughness and reliability with a successful defence of her crown.

Cromwell and Donoghue came close to victory again in the very next race, the Albert Bartlett with The Passing Wife. However, 20/1 shot Johnny’s Jury flew up the Cheltenham Hill and passed most of the field on the way to victory. The Passing Wife finished third just a head behind second-place Fruit De Mer.