Willie Mullins get his 100th Cheltenham winner on Wednesday.
And he saddled the first 5 home in the opening race which wasn't a bad effort considering there were only 8 runners! Ballyburn the Paul Townend ridden winner certainly showed that he is something very special finishing 13 lengths ahead of stablelemates Jimmy de Seuil, Ile Atlantique, Mercurrey and Predators Gold.
He saddled the winner in the next – Fact To File this time with Mark Walsh in the irons, with Monty's Star second for de Bromhead and Racheal Blackmore.
Then the Coral Cup was a thriller with last year's winner Langer Dan repeating that effort for the Skeltons with Ballyadam second for de Bromhead-Blackmore.
In the Queen Mum there was huge hype about El Fabiolo for Mullins-Townend but he was not jumping well and made a big mess of a jump which saw Townend throw in the towel. Edwardstone was jumping well and took the lead until he came down two from home (a jump that often brings a horse undone) and Jonbon had been scratched so it was time for Rachael Blackmore to say "it's out turn" and get Captain Guiness into the lead and into the winner's circle for trainer Henry de Bromhead. After two seconds in the previous races it was a well-earned win and Rachael rode a superb race and the reception she received was rapturous.
Thursday starts off with the Golden Miller Novices' Chase where the Mullins-Townend Facile Vega is on 2/1 with Grey Dawning for the Skeltons on the same quote. Ginny's Destiny is also fancied on 4/1.
The Ryanair Chase sees the 10yo Envoi Allen who won this last year on 9/4 for de Bromhead-Blackmore. Banbridge on 4/1 representes Joseph O'Brien and Stage Star on 9/2 runs for Nicholls.
The Stayers' Hurdle also Gr 1 has 12 runners headed by Teahupoo for Gordon Elliott and Jack Kennedy. We love Noble Yeats (and we loved his Daddy) and will go for him on 5/1 for Emmet Mullins and Harry Cobden. Sire du Berlais is another old favourite and is on 9/1 for Elliot and Mark Walsh.
There's a Gr 2 Mares race later on but we will be asleep by then!
