Friday at Cheltenham Festival: live updates, news and reaction from Gold Cup day
Gold Cup winning jockey Mark Walsh celebrates aboard Inothewayurthinkin, with groom Caoimhe O'Brien. Pic: David Fitzgerald/Sportsfile
Final standings for the 2025 Cheltenham Festival
Great Britain 8 Ireland 20
4: Paul Townend, Mark Walsh
2: Rachael Blackmore, Jonjo O’Neill Jr. Danny Gilligan
1: Nico de Boinville, Paddy Wadge, Lorcan Williams, Ben Jones, Harry Skelton, Seán O’Keeffe, Danny Mullins, Keith Donoghue, Sean Flanagan, Jody Townend, Harry Cobden, Brian Hughes, Barry Stone, Rob James.
10: Willie Mullins
2: Henry de Bromhead, Nicky Henderson. Gavin Cromwell
1: Lucinda Russell, Jeremy Scott, Joseph O’Brien, Rebecca Curtis, Dan Skelton, Barry Connell, Cian Collins, Paul Nicholls, Oliver Greenall and Josh Guerriero, Paul Nolan, Sam Curling, Gordon Elliott
That's 20 winners for Irish trainers this week.
The full result of the Martin Pipe
1. Wodhooh 9/2 (Gordon Elliott)
2. Act of Authority 28/1 (Olly Murphy)
3. Raglan Road 25/1 (Henry de Bromhead)
4. Taponthego 8/1 (Henry De Bromhead)
5. Park of Kings 25/1 (Paul Nolan)
Wodhooh wins the Martin Pipe for Gordon Elliott and Danny Gilligan! It's a clean sweep for Ireland on Gold Cup day. Elliott finally has a winner this week. He's in tears on Racing TV talking about the win and the week he's had.
They are off in the Martin Pipe!
Willie Mullins was never happy with what he saw from Galopin Des Champs in the Gold Cup.
"I just thought he was never happy until he got to the fourth-last," said Mullins.
"During the race he was too far out of his ground and he wasn't jumping well enough to be in the race, so he was uncomfortable.
"I just felt he wasn't jumping, maybe the drying ground mightn't have been a help.
"I didn't think when Ahoy Senor fell it affected him too much, I felt he missed it all and I was hoping it might wake him up because I thought he was laboured.
"He was jumping too big, he just wasn't jumping well enough so I was hoping something would get beside him to wake him up, but he wasn't racing.
"The only time he looked competitive was at the fourth-last at the top of the hill and then it looked all right, but he'd used up too much of his powder jumping too big - but a good horse won."
Full result for the Hunters Chase:
1. Wonderwall 28/1 (Sam Curling)
2. It's On The Line 4/1 (Emmet Mullins)
3. Willitgoahead 13/2 (Gordon Elliot)
4. Music Drive 33/1 (Kelly Morgan)
Up next is the final race of the Festival, the Martin Pipe.
Wonderwall wins the Hunters Chase for Tipperary trainer Sam Curling and Wexford jockey Rob James! "It's the one as an amateur you always want to win," says James.
They are off in the Hunters Chase
Sad news after the Gold Cup. JP McManus' Corbetts Cross, trained by Emmet Mullins and ridden by Jack Kennedy, sustained a "fatal injury" in the race. A statement form Cheltenham said: "In our fifth race of the day, Corbett’s Cross was immediately attended to by our veterinary professionals, but sadly sustained a fatal injury. Our heartfelt condolences are with his connections."
Paul Townend wasn't happy with his run on Galopin Des Champs. "Everything seemed to be a bit of an effort," he tells ITV.
Late Irish Examiner jockey change for the final two races. PJ Browne stepping in for Shane Donovan.
Time to take a breath... next up in 10 minutes is the St. James's Place Festival Challenge Cup Open Hunters' Chase.
1 - Inothewayurthinkin (Gavin Cromwell) - 15/2
2 - Galopin Des Champs (Willie Mullins) - 1/2 fav
3 - Gentlemansgame (Mouse Morris) - 40/1
Inothewayurthinkin wins the Gold Cup!
Galopin Des Champs has been beaten. The champion finishes second behind the emphatic winner, with Mark Walsh onboard, for trainer Gavin Cromwell and owner JP McManus. A new Gold Cup hero is born.
“I am dancing inside," says Walsh. "Paul was on my outside and missing a few and he wasn’t happy. Gavin Cromwell’s a genius to train him this way. He’s a homebred, too, which makes it extra special.”
Added owner McManus: "You have to enjoy these moments, they're so long in the making.
"We've had him since he was a foal, he was bred by (wife) Noreen. It's a very exciting time and I will treasure it.
"I would like to see it again, I don't think I took it all in. Mark is more than capable. It’s an exciting day.”
And the view of Audrey Turley, owner of Galopin Des Champs, speaking to the BBC: “I can’t watch it much at all. I watch other people’s reactions. He’s home and he’s safe. He did avoid that danger and he knows what he’s doing. He’s home safe and that’s all we want.”
Ahoy Senor falls, and Galopin Des Champs and Monty's Star are hampered.
Strap in and enjoy the ride... Galopin, Townend and the challengers are off in the Gold Cup!
All week we've been waiting for this one. The Boodles Cheltenham Gold Cup has arrived.
Let's take a look at what's been said about Galopin Des Champs' hunt for history.
Ruby Walsh: "Galopin Des Champs has made this race his own in the last two years, and Paul Townend has conquered it as he looks for his fifth, but that weight of expectation will be carried lightly by this pair who know how to deliver.
"The simplicity of his run style, the soundness of his jumping and the guarantee of his stamina make him stick out like a sore thumb in this contest. Still, the uncontrollable has dominated this Festival, which will be their biggest danger, and the bad luck that has taken out so many at Prestbury Park this week will need to stay away.
"I, for one, will be rooting for the champion, and I hope he delivers again on the biggest stage, continues the domination of his generation and gallops himself into the history books."
Darren Norris and Tommy Lyons are two more in the Galopin boat, but can he deliver on the expectation?
Watch: Ruby and Tommy give their take on Galopin Des Champs.
Albert Bartlett result:
1 - Jasmin De Vaux (Willie Mullins) - 6/1
2 - The Big Westerner (Henry De Bromhead) - 9/2
3 - Derryhassen Paddy (Lucinda Russell) - 10/1
The same old story, but same is just fine for the Clusotton master Willie Mullins! It's four in-a-row for the trainer at Cheltenham thanks to Jasmin De Vaux's win in the Albert Bartlett!
Winning jockey Paul Townend with a triumphant fist pump as he crosses to take victory.
“Every win is special,” says Townend. “Let’s keep this short and sweet and move on to the next one.”
and they're off and running in the Albert Bartlett!
Things are heating up on Gold Cup day. Next up is the Albert Bartlett Novices' Hurdle at 3.20pm!
Here's the lowdown on the Albert Bartlett from Darren Norris: "The Albert Bartlett Novices’ Hurdle has produced only one single-digit winner in the last decade, an obvious negative for market leader The Big Westerner.
"Two of interest double-figure prices are the John McConnell-trained Intense Approach and Fishery Lane, one of six in the race for Willie Mullins.
"At 16-1, Intense Approach appeals more given he is battle-hardened having run nine timed over hurdles, ticks the course box having won at Cheltenham in October, and has shown admirable consistency having finished first or second in each of his last six starts.
"Fishery Lane finished fifth in last year’s Champion Bumper and returns to Cheltenham on the back of a maiden hurdle win at Fairyhouse in January where he shaped like a horse who will improve for the step up in trip.
"Should that prove the case, he should outrun odds of 25/1."
Mrs Paddy Power Mares' Chase result:
1 - Dinoblue (Willie Mullins) - 6/4 fav
2 - Brides Hill (Gavin Cromwell) - 9/2
3 - Shecouldbeanything (Gordon Elliott) - 12/1
Whatever about Great Britain v Ireland, it's now Willie Mullins 9-8 Great Britain.
Mullins says: "Now we just keep our fingers crossed for the big one."
“Fourth time lucky,” says winning jockey Mark Walsh.
Allegorie De Vassy is up after a fall late on, as is Paul Townend.
“Both of them look ok,” says Mullins. “Fingers crossed Paul is OK.”
The favourite, Dinoblue, wins the Mares' Chase!
That's three on the bounce for Willie Mullins.
They're off!
Next up on the schedule is the Mrs Paddy Power Mares' Chase at 2.40pm.
Here's Ruby's take on the 2.40pm race: "The Mrs Paddy Power is next up and there are no new faces among the line-up which, in theory, should make this contest easier to figure out.
"Dinoblue and Allegorie De Vassy went toe to toe at Naas last time out and are likely to dominate here again, with a slight preference on my behalf for Dinoblue, who might improve most on this sounder surface."
Kargese owner Kenny Alexander spoke to the BBC: “She was second last year and she ran against Sir Gino, troubled him. It’s a tough race and she won as we hoped she would. I couldn’t believe it. Phenomenal. This was the one I was quite confident but you can’t be confident in that race. Paul [Townend] is a champion jockey, incredible.”
Willie Mullins' verdict after Kargese's victory: "She's as tough as nails. We felt she was well handicapped here. We might look to Ayr or Aintree next."
Paul Townened on Kargese wins the County Hurdle!
That makes it eight for Willie Mullins this week, the same tally as Great Britain.
1. Kargese (P Townend) 3-1 Fav
2. Ndaawi (J W Kennedy) 25-1
3. Absurde (D E Mullins) 5-1
4. Ethical Diamond (Mr P W Mullins) 16-1
And they're off!
Here's what Tommy Lyons had to say about this one: "Only 16 runners have been declared for the William Hill County Hurdle, but it is a fantastic race. There are many cases to be made, but Lark In The Mornin' is undoubtedly dangerously well in off a mark of 132 and that sways the verdict in his favour.
"Joseph O’Brien’s horse contested the Fred Winter at this meeting in 2024 and effectively won with his head in his chest. Just 10lbs higher this time, his claims are crystal clear.
"The hat-trick seeking McLaurey is another to appeal as potentially being a long way ahead of his handicap mark, and Emmet Mullins’ horse will love a fast-run race over this trip and course.
"Willie Mullins has Kargese and last year’s winner Absurde at the top of the market, and both have the class to be leading players in a fascinating race."
It's the County Hurdle next up with just 16 runners unusually.
- Kargese is a clear favourite amongst punters today, picking up 18% of all bets placed.
- Daddy Long Legs’ odds have been cut from 25/1 to 14/1 today.
Pointed comment from Lulamba jockey Nico de Boinville after that shock result in the first? "'Fair play to Willie for putting 11 in."
JCB Triumph Hurdle result:
1 - Poniros (Willie Mullins) - 100/1
2 - Lulamba (Nicky Henderson) - 11/4
3 - East India Dock (James Owen) - 5/4 fav
Poniros wins the Triumph!
The Triumph Hurdle is won by 100/1 surprise Poniros, despite a battling effort from East India Dock and Lulamba close to the finish.
"It's a funny old game," says jockey Jonjo O'Neill Jr, who was onboard the debutant.
That was even a shock for serial winner Willie Mullins.
"I didn't expect that, I can't believe it!" he says.
On Tony Bloom, Poniros' owner, Mullins adds: "Did Tony back it? If he did, it wasn't on my advice!"
Day four at Cheltenham is underway, they're off in the Triumph Hurdle!
Lulamba is Nicky Henderson’s shout in the opener.
“He’s a big baby, he will be lovely, he’s got to get past 11 of Willies.”
Marche d'Aligre is a non-runner in the opener, East India Dock is the favourite.
First up on Gold Cup day, at 1.20pm, is the JCB Triumph Hurdle.
Ruby's thoughts on the opener: "The final-day opener is the traditional Triumph Hurdle, and Willie Mullins fields 11 of the 18 runners but might not have the winner.
"Larzac and Too Bossy For Us could be two unknowns who get in the shake-up, but this contest is likely to come down to the British pair of Lulamba and East India Dock.
"I prefer the latter, who impressed me over course and distance in January, and I think he has all the right attributes for this contest. He is tough, competitive and stays very well, so he will take plenty of catching and passing."
Tommy Lyons and Brendan O’Brien talk through the latest, alarming dip in crowd numbers at Cheltenham, even as the quality of racing and the drama continues to take the breath away.
Cheltenham day four race schedule:
1.20pm: JCB Triumph Hurdle (Grade 1)
2pm: William Hill County Handicap Hurdle (Premier Handicap)
2.40pm: Mrs Paddy Power Mares’ Chase (Registered As The Liberthine Mares’ Chase) (Grade 2)
3.20pm: Albert Bartlett Novices’ Hurdle (Grade 1) (Registered As The Spa Novices’ Hurdle)
4pm: Boodles Cheltenham Gold Cup Chase (Grade 1)
4.40pm: St. James’s Place Festival Challenge Cup Open Hunters’ Chase
5.20pm: Martin Pipe Conditional Jockeys’ Handicap Hurdle
Going update: Clerk of the course, Jon Pullin, gives an update on the conditions at Cheltenham ahead of day four.
"We have had three fantastic days of racing so far. We are very much looking forward to another good one today and hoping to see Galopin Des Champs join greats of the past in winning three Cheltenham Gold Cups.
“The going for today is Good to Soft. Temperatures dipped down to -3.5C overnight, but we had covered yesterday’s racing lines, so it’s all systems go for the day ahead.”
Colm Greaves, as ever, takes us through the learnings from day three.
Greaves also takes a look at what we are likely to learn on day four.
Up or down? Make sure to check in on Enda McEvoy's betting pot ahead of the final day of action in his Mug's Game column.
Enda is thankful for the glorious efforts of Rachael Blackmore, and in more positive news, Gold Cup day has been good to him in the past, for the most part.
"I’ve managed to claw back Tuesday’s losses with a bit of interest on top and State Man’s mishap is well in the rearview mirror. What’s more, day four has, last year excepted, been good to this column in recent years.
"What could possibly go wrong? With Rachael and De Bromhead on our side, very little."
stablemates Walsh and Lyons were up and at it early again on Friday morning, video previewing the action in store.
"Galopin is just going to win isn't he?"
Again, both racing correspondent Tommy Lyons and racing editor Darren Norris give us their tips for day four in the Cotswolds. For the duo, it's all about one horse as Galopin Des Champs has the chance to gallop into greatness.
Three days of drama, emotion, agony and ecstasy have led us to the fourth and final day of the Cheltenham Festival. And it's Gold Cup day with Galopin Des Champs bidding for a history-making hat-trick.
Day three was to be Rachael Blackmore's. The 'Queen of Cheltenham' and Henry de Bromhead stormed into the Prestbury Park winners' circle with two victors, Air of Entitlement and Bob Olinger.
"Expecting would be a strong word. Always hoping"
— ITV Racing (@itvracing) March 14, 2025
Henry de Bromhead reacts to a brilliant day 3 at the #CheltenhamFestival, for himself and @rachaelblackmor #ITVRacing | @HenrydeBromhead | @sagrassick pic.twitter.com/vwGME0bHEK
Ruby Walsh summarized Thursday's happenings in his column on Friday morning.
"Surely, normality had to return to the Cheltenham Festival, and the bizarre results of days one and two would be a distant memory for those who couldn’t find a winner. And, to an extent, it did so on Thursday when Fact To File bolted in in the Ryanair Chase and paid Galopin Des Champs a massive compliment.
"Fact To File was the equine star, Rachael Blackmore the human one. It was a massive day for her. It’s been a long winter for her. She’s had plenty of knockers, plenty of doubters, but I think she proved to everyone that she is still Rachael Blackmore, and it was just magnificent for her.
"It was also great to see Paul Nolan back on the scoresheet here with Daily Present in the Kim Muir, and it was nice for young Jonjo O’Neill to ride a winner on Jagwar as well."
