Cheltenham Festival 2022 LIVE: Gold Cup results, odds and updates as Rachael Blackmore wins on A Plus Tard
Follow all the action from day four at the Cheltenham Festival as Rachael Blackmore makes history by winning the Gold Cup on A Plus Tard
The finale of the Cheltenham Festival saw Rachael Blackmore make more history in the Gold Cup as she triumphed on A Plus Tard to become the first female jockey to win the blue riband event of jump-racing as Minella Indo’s attempt to secure back-to-back victories fell short.
Despite a bright and sunny day three, the going is soft again after the heavy rain from Wednesday but conditions at the Greatest Show on Turf are close to perfect as the Festival comes to a close. The day’s action was headlined, of course, by the Gold Cup but the Albert Bartlett Novices’ Hurdle and JCB Triumph Hurdle also provided plenty of drama.
On day three, Flooring Porter joined the illustrious list of horses who have won the Stayers’ Hurdle on more than one occasion with his second consecutive victory, while Alloha repeated the same feat in the Ryanair Chase. But Minella Indo couldn’t quite match their performances in the Gold Cup - finishing second behind A Plus Tard.
Follow for live updates, as well as tips, odds and results as the Cheltenham Festival concludes today:
Cheltenham Festival
Irish trainer Willie Mullins spoke to the BBC after having four winners out of five on the final day of the festival. Hetouched first on Billaway’s win in the St. James’s chase saying:
“The horse is just so lazy but Patrick [Mullins] obviously had faith in him. We’ve been waiting for this day for three years - it is terrific.
“Patrick never gave up. He has confidence in him, but maybe he was a little bit over confident today. It is Rachael [Blackmore]’s afternoon today, but we’re delighted too. We had a fair bit of luck there!”
Cheltenham Festival
As exciting as it was to see Rachael Blackmore and A Plus Tard win the Gold Cup, just watch the end of this race for Billaway. It’s a fantastic sprint for home.
Cheltenham Festival
Patrick Mullins riding Billaway on their way to winning the St. James’s Hunters’ Chase
St. James’s Hunters’ Chase results
1st: Billaway 13/8
2nd: Winged Leader 9/2
3rd: Mighty Stowaway 33/1
4th: Dubai Quest 13/2
Cheltenham Festival
Willie Mullins now has nine victories and cannot be caught. He is the leading trainer for the week beating his own record set in 201.
It is the ninth time he has been top trainer at the meeting.
BILLAWAY WINS THE ST. JAMES’S HUNTERS’ CHASE!
Another winner for Willie Mullins!
Cheltenham Festival
It’s a two horse race as they approach the last two fences. Winged Leader and Mighty Stowaway are being chased down by Billaway.
Winged Leader pushes ahead over the last and opens a big lead over Billaway who overtakes Mighty Stowaway into second place. Billaway is gaining ground though, has Winged Leader got enough in the tank to get up the hill?
Cheltenham Festival
Winged Leader disputes the lead with Don Bersy with five fences to go. Don Bersy hits the jump awkwardly and is pulled up! Winged Leader has the lead with four fences left to jump. Mighty Stowaway is up to second.
Cheltenham Festival
Premier Magic is pulled up in front of the stands. His race never got going. Billaway is hovering in the middle of the chasing pack and is well positioned.
Don Bersy heads over the water jump for the final time with Winged Leader right behind him in second.
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