This years Cheltenham Festival was set up brilliantly to be one of the best in recent years, very few odds on favourites which meant competitive racing was almost guaranteed.
Day 1 kicked off with the Supreme Novices Hurdle as the Cheltenham roar echoed through Prestbury, there was much anticipation for this race with Mullins trained mighty park being declared but he was nowhere to be seen when favourite Old Park Star romped home for Nicky Henderson and connections. The next race saw Kargese beat hot favourite Kopek Des Bordes, the following races were won by Saratoga and Johnnywho. 4 o clock rolled round and the feature race was underway. A commanding performance from Lossiemouth saw her take home the Champion hurdle by 6 1/2 lengths. the last two winners of the day were Madara and Holloway Queen.
Day 2 began with a double for Mullins in the form of King Rasko Grey in the Turners and Kitzubhel in the brown advisory. James Bowen got his first Cheltenham Festival winner aboard Jingko Blue for Nicky Henderson. Next up was the cross country where final orders beat favourites Favori de Champdou and Stumptown to take home the trophy. In the Queen Mother Champion Chase Majboroughs jumping let him down once again and Il Etait Temps was first past the post, the final two were won by Martator and The Mourne Rambler.
Local trainers Kim Bailey & Mat Nichols took all the glory in the Mares Novices Hurdle on day 3, at odds of 40/1 it was an extremely impressive victory. Ben Pauling plot job Meetmebythesea took the next and Woodhoh took the Mares Hurdle for Gordon Elliot. Fact To File was withdrawn late from the Ryanair leaving Jonbon the only McManus horse in the race but it was Heart Wood who took gold. Supremely west and Ask Brewster took the last two.
Day 4 once again started with a Mullins winner, with Apolon De Charnie in the Triumph. Wilful, Dinoblue and Johnnys Jury took wins before the feature race of the day, The Gold Cup. It was success for Paul Townend once again in his favourite race, Gaelic Warrior stormed home in the colours of Rich Ricci in what was a dominant display. Barton Snow and Air of Entitlement took the final races of the festivals.
