Mullins' first Cheltenham Festival winner Tourist Attraction dies aged 31

Willie Mullins has paid tribute to the "special" Tourist Attraction, his first Cheltenham Festival winner, who has died aged 31.

She won the Supreme Novices' Hurdle in 1995 at odds of 25-1 for Mark Dwyer and the North Kildare Racing Club. It was the first of 72 festival successes for the Closutton trainer, who is now the all-time leading trainer in the meeting's history.

Mullins said: "She was our first Cheltenham winner and we owe her a lot. We're thankful we had her. The North Kildare Racing Club are a great bunch of people and I remember it was a great day at Cheltenham – we were all hugely delighted.

"She was talented and easy enough to train, then she went off to be a broodmare. She has a special place in our memories. At the time we were only dreaming of having a Cheltenham winner and she will always be the first."

After her Supreme win, Tourist Attraction raced only once more, when beaten at Punchestown, but had a successful career at stud. Five of her progeny have won races, including veteran performer Pete The Feat. He raced until the age of 15 and won 12 races.

Pete The Feat: popular chaser was by Tourist Attraction, Willie Mullins' first Cheltenham Festival winnerCredit: Edward Whitaker

The form of Tourist Attraction's Supreme Novices' win was advertised when Ventana Canyon, the horse who followed her home, went on to land the Arkle the following season.

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