Paul Townend rode Gaelic Warrior to a commanding victory in the Cheltenham Gold Cup on Friday, denying Harry Redknapp's The Jukebox Man the top prize. The win was part of a three-winner day for trainer Willie Mullins, who secured his eighth consecutive champion trainer title with eight victories across the week.
Townend, who finished as leading jockey with four winners and four second places, described the Gold Cup triumph as 'special'. The victory marked his sixth leading jockey award in seven years, with Rachael Blackmore having topped the standings in 2021.
The final day was overshadowed by the death of Envoi Allen, who suffered a suspected acute cardiovascular collapse after the race. BHA director of equine health and welfare James Given confirmed a fatality review would take place, stating the horse had passed all pre-race checks.
Ireland won the Prestbury Cup 15-13, their sixth consecutive victory over British trainers, though it was the closest margin since a tie in 2019. The Martin Pipe Conditional Jockeys' Handicap Hurdle saw Air of Entitlement win for Patrick O'Brien and Henry De Bromhead.
The festival featured 28 races across four days, with Mullins leading the trainers' table ahead of Nicky Henderson (three wins), Dan Skelton, Henry De Bromhead and Jonjo O'Neill (two each). The 2026 meeting will be remembered for Gaelic Warrior's dominant Gold Cup performance and the tragic loss of Envoi Allen.
