Willie Mullins equalled the all-time record for Gold Cup wins at the Cheltenham Festival as Gaelic Warrior stormed to an eight-length victory on Friday. The triumph marked the trainer's fifth success in the race, matching the tally of Tom Dreaper, who trained the legendary Arkle. Paul Townend became the most successful Gold Cup jockey outright with his fifth win, surpassing Pat Taaffe's four.
Gaelic Warrior, a German-bred gelding, led from the second-last fence under a confident ride from Townend. The 11-4 joint-favourite left his rivals trailing, with Jango Baie finishing second and defending champion Inothewayurthinkin third. The victory was the most decisive of Mullins's five Gold Cup wins, despite Gaelic Warrior racing over three and a quarter miles for the first time.
The race unfolded as Haiti Couleurs set the early pace, with Harry Redknapp's The Jukebox Man in close attendance. Both faded after the turn for home, leaving Gaelic Warrior to dominate. Townend said: 'He jumped really well and going into the third-last I just thought don't fall off him and get home.'
Mullins, who also won the Champion Hurdle with Lossiemouth and the Champion Chase with Il Etait Temps, reflected on a challenging season. 'It was certainly one of the most trying winters we've ever had, all weather-related,' he said. 'But you've got to believe. If you were getting up every morning with the same thing to do, that would get boring.'
The victory capped a remarkable week for Mullins, Townend, and owner Rich Ricci, whose mare Lossiemouth had earlier won the Champion Hurdle. Mullins praised Townend's resilience: 'When things get tough, he gets tougher. He doesn't let bad days upset him.'
