Gaelic Warrior Claims Cheltenham Gold Cup
Trainer Willie Mullins has secured his fifth Cheltenham Gold Cup victory as Gaelic Warrior delivered a commanding performance. Owned by Rich Ricci, Gaelic Warrior outpaced the competition, while Harry Redknapp-owned Jukebox Man finished eighth.
Going off as the 11-4 joint favourite alongside Jango Baie, Gaelic Warrior demonstrated clear superiority after making the turn for home. Jockey Paul Townend maintained a composed ride, barely urging the horse as they crossed the finish line eight lengths ahead of Jango Baie.
The 2025 Gold Cup winner, Inothewayurthinkin, finished strongly to claim third place in this year's race, having been priced at 8-1.
Trainer and Owner Praise
Mullins expressed high regard for owner Rich Ricci, who made history by becoming the first owner to win both the Champion Hurdle and the Gold Cup in the same year. Ricci's Champion Hurdle victory came with Lossiemouth earlier in the week.
"What a performance and what a performance from the owner.
"The first time an owner has won the Champion Hurdle and the Gold Cup in the same season.
"Paul Townend, how cool was he over the last two fences?
"I don't know how he was so cool over those last two fences. The dominance of Gaelic Warrior against a good field on paper - fantastic for them all."
Jockey's Reflections
Winning jockey Paul Townend described his experience riding Gaelic Warrior as fortunate and expressed awe at the horse's performance.
"It's the Gold Cup. They just get better and better. I am speechless," Townend said.
"Patrick [Mullins] was convinced he was the horse for the race.
"Hard luck on him [in that race] but he did a lot of work with this horse. It's a big team effort. I was just fortunate to be on the back of him today.
"I got the position I wanted. I didn't ever envision going so far ahead, but I wasn't going to slow him down third from the last."
Owner's Achievement
Ricci reflected on his long-held ambition to win the Gold Cup, describing the victory as reaching the pinnacle of his aspirations.
"I have reached the mountain," Ricci said, having sought Gold Cup success for 21 years.
Tragic News: Envoi Allen
In related news, Envoi Allen, a three-time Cheltenham Festival winner, passed away after falling ill following Friday's feature race.
