'They were obviously thinking of my liver!' - Mullins delighted by festival call

Willie Mullins, the most successful trainer in Cheltenham Festival history, has given his backing to the meeting remaining at four days – sentiments echoed by some of Irish racing's biggest names.

Ireland's 16-time champion trainer, who has amassed a record-breaking 88 winners at jump racing's premier festival, said earlier this year he believed an extension to include a Saturday looked inevitable – but it would not be his preference.

Reacting to Monday's announcement that Cheltenham will not be adding a fifth day, Mullins joked: "They were obviously thinking of my liver when they kept it at four days!"