A raceday steward at Leopardstown had a lucky escape after running in front of a fence as a horse was about to jump it during the Paddy Power Irish Gold Cup. The official was heading towards Inothewayurthinkin, the 2025 Cheltenham Gold Cup hero who had fallen at the last obstacle, but narrowly avoided colliding with Grangeclare West, who was completing the race well behind winner Fact To File under Brian Hayes.
The incident was reviewed by the Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board after Fact To File, ridden by Mark Walsh, claimed victory at odds of 9-2. A report confirmed that the steward crossed in front of the fence as Grangeclare West was jumping it. The raceday stewards requested clerk of the course Paddy Graffin to remind those responsible to be more aware in future.
Grangeclare West is trained by Willie Mullins, who secured a 1-2-3 in the contest, which was moved from Saturday after heavy rain waterlogged the surface. Fact To File finished five lengths ahead of Gaelic Warrior, with Galopin Des Champs, bidding for a record fourth title, back in third.
Mullins praised the performance, saying: "It was a hell of a performance from horse and jockey. It was far and above what Fact To File had done before. I was wondering whether he would stay the trip as they went a fair lick from the start and he got every inch of it." Fact To File has previous Cheltenham Festival wins in the Brown Advisory Novices' Chase and the Ryanair Chase on his record.
Walsh, who won the Gold Cup last year on Inothewayurthinkin, expressed confidence in Fact To File's stamina, saying: "He has no problem staying. I gave my lad a little squeeze and there was plenty left." Harry Cobden is set to take over as retained rider for McManus from May.
