Results Cheltenham Fri, 18th Mar, 2022

Vauban impresses with Cheltenham Triumph

We hadn’t planned to be in front at the last, but that is just the way it turned out. He had a look around and I knew there was loads there when I got to the back of it. He’s a bit to learn, but he’s improving with every run. He’s got a very big engine. He’ll have to jump a bit slicker for a Champion Hurdle, but that can be worked out at home. He’s definitely going the right way. I’m delighted with that. He was able to win even without having the experience that he should have going into that sort of race. You could see that when he hit the front. Paul said he was looking at everything and probably all the cameras on the landing side of the last hurdle and he just lost his impetus. But he picked up quickly again and went on like a good horse. You’d have to think he could be a Champion Hurdle horse and he has a great Flat rating. I think he’ll improve with age and experience and with the Flat rating he has, he’ll be good enough to contest those cup races, I think. I’ll have a word with Rich, but I’d imagine we’ll give him his summer off and then maybe hurdle next season and go Flat racing after that.

State Man proves different class in County Hurdle

He did well to win and I hope he can brush up his jumping,. He’s a horse for the Flat, and while maybe not this season certainly next. Now I am thinking the Grade One at Punchestown as the next step. He’s a lovely horse with a lot of ability that will do both jobs.

The Nice Guy provides O'Keeffe with first Grade 1 win

Minella Cocooner must have a huge engine to make those mistakes and still be there at the finish. What a ride from Sean, he rode Galopin Des Champs last year here for me, he’s an up-and-coming rider, he’s very cool. I think he’s someone who is going to come through the ranks, it’s always nice to have those, but Paul will be around for a while yet. Things can’t have gone to plan for the winner as the plan was to be in the first six or eight, but he obviously wasn’t quick enough to do that and he just dropped him in and crept his way around. That’s the good thing about fellows like that, they have the ability to change tactics. I like that sort of confidence. The horse shows nothing at home. I almost told Malcolm to sell him, but he said to give him a run and he won. He was going to go chasing but it was too late in the season so we ran him again and he won his second bumper, we then gave him a run in his hurdle and here we are today, he keeps improving all the time.

Blackmore strikes Gold on brilliant A Plus Tard

You can’t do this without the horses and being attached to Henry’s yard is just absolutely phenomenal. To give me this horse is unbelievable I don’t know what to say. I’ve had so many special days. I wouldn’t swap the Grand National for anything, but this is the Gold Cup. I wish I had something better to say right now. I just can’t. You have all these plans about how things are going to work out. Racing doesn’t let that happen all the time and for some reason it’s happened to me today. I just can’t explain how lucky I feel. The class of him there — he was so impressive and Indo ran an absolute blinder as well, he really did. He was brilliant as well. It’s incredible stuff. Rachael was brilliant on him. Rachael was so brave, the way she went about it, it was brilliant. She was really brave. I’ve kind of got to that stage that if it’s going to happen, it’s going to happen. They both got a lovely passage. Robbie (Power) was brilliant on Indo and Rachael amazing on A Plus Tard. It definitely does (feel different this year), just the crowds looking here at the stand — it’s just incredible. This is what it’s all about. It was amazing to win it last year, but it’s triple amazing this year with all the people here.

Third time lucky for Billaway in dramatic Hunters' Chase

Patrick kidded Billaway around there and the aim has been to win this race with him for three years. He’s come close twice and now he’s done it. Patrick never gave up and it’s unfortunate for David Christie (trainer of Winged Love) as it would have been a huge victory for him. As much as I love winning, I’m sorry for David because I know what it’s like losing in the last stride and it’s his Gold Cup as a big pointing man. We went for the cheekpieces as he’s idle. I’m delighted for Patrick and John and Michelle Turner (owners), it’s a race we’ve both been desperate to win. Although it might cost John a bit to fill the trophy as it’s the biggest one of them all!

Elimay completes Mullins 1,518/1 five-timer in Mares Chase

McDonagh partners first Festival winner on Banbridge

I'm delighted it's all worked out. It's unreal to ride a winner here and thank you to everyone that made this opportunity happen. Mark gave him a great ride. There was plenty of carnage in behind through the race and we managed to avoid some of the loose horses down the hill. He's very tough and I'm delighted for Ronnie who has supported me well and delighted to have a winner here.