Closutton general still well equipped to lead the raiding party

A few years ago, as the recession ravaged the Irish economy, there was a tangible fear that if Willie Mullins’ team misfired at the Cheltenham Festival the raiding party might capitulate.

However, one of the most satisfying things about the cross-channel delegation’s sustained success at the four-day bonanza has been the spread of the spoils.

For all the industry’s travails beneath the top tier, we’ve seen an unprecedented array of trainers share in the Cotswold euphoria.