Al Boum Photo wins Cheltenham Gold Cup for trainer Mullins
Written by News on 15/03/2019
Al Boum Photo – a 12/1 shot – has won the Cheltenham Gold Cup after a dramatic race, giving trainer Willie Mullins his first victory in the famous event.
Leading at the second-last fence, the horse dug deep for jockey Paul Townend, who also won the Gold Cup for the first time.
Anibale Fly (22/1) stayed on strongly to finish second, two and a half lengths behind, with Bristol De Mai (18/1) another three and three-quarter lengths back in third.
After six second places, trainer Mullins finally got his Gold Cup win.
His three other runners – Kemboy, Bellshill and Invitation Only – failed to finish.
An emotional Townend said: “I can’t believe it.
“It’s the Gold Cup, there’s only one a year and I never dreamt I’d win it.
“Like any race, when you’re going well it’s so simple.
“It’s unbelievable and I’m privileged to be riding for Willie Mullins.”
Mullins said he had “sort of resigned myself to never winning a Gold Cup”.
“Every time I looked at Paul, his body language told me he was very happy and the horse was relaxed,” he said.
“When he came over the last, I just looked at the winning post and thought nothing would come and get him unless he stops or runs out or something like that.”
(c) Sky News 2019: Al Boum Photo wins Cheltenham Gold Cup for trainer Mullins
