Memorable moments: all 28 Cheltenham Festival races ranked day-by-day
Once again, the Cheltenham Festival delivered a non-stop series of magical moments through a fabulous four days in the Cotswolds. It may be over for another year, but here we take a look back at each of the four days and rank our favourite moments – what were yours?
Tuesday
1. Sensational Constitution Hill routs the Supreme
What happened: What had been billed as one of the highest-quality and evenly-matched Supreme's in years turned into a procession as Constitution Hill rampaged to a wide-margin victory.
Why it was special: This was a performance for the ages. Constitution Hill left stablemate Jonbon trailing in his wake with a simply awesome turn of foot. The world is his oyster, and for all of Honeysuckle's heroics (more on that next), this was the race with the day's, and maybe the week's, real 'wow' moment.
2. Brilliant Honeysuckle claims back-to-back Champion Hurdles
What happened: The nay-sayers were making their voices heard and the challengers mounted in behind, but once again none were good enough to defeat jump racing's queen as Honeysuckle accelerated away from Epatante and Zanahiyr.
Why it was special: After arriving to silence last year, Rachael Blackmore and Honeysuckle were able to fully soak up the adulation of the crowd after another magical display. While the winning margin was less emphatic than last year, she is now unbeaten in 15 career starts, the last ten of which have come at Grade 1 level.
3. Tom Cannon celebrates festival first on Edwardstone
What happened: Edwardstone extended his unbeaten run over fences to five, expertly dodging the faller Brave Seasca early on before emphatically storming up the Cheltenham hill to win the Arkle.
Why it was special: The win was a first at the festival for jockey Tom Cannon, and it ended a seven-year drought on jump racing's biggest stage for trainer Alan King. Edwardstone looks to have everything it takes to progress to the deep waters of the open two-mile chase division, even if this was not a vintage Arkle.
4. Irish challenge stunned as Marie's Rock roars back
What happened: Nicky Henderson completed an opening day double as Marie's Rock surprised the strong Irish contingent by sweeping to victory under Nico de Boinville in a frantic four-way finish.
Why it was special: The seven-year-old has had her fair share of injury problems and has not been the most straightforward to train which only made it extra special for Henderson, while the win also sparked joyous celebrations amongst the members of the victorious Middleham Park syndicate.
5. Derek Fox masterclass on Corach Rambler
What happened: After being shuffled around at the start, Derek Fox had to stalk his way through the field from the back on Corach Rambler, and he timed his run to perfection as he burst past Gericault Roque and Oscar Elite in the last half-furlong.
Why it was special: Another festival duck was broken as Fox claimed his first win at the four-day fixture, while it also meant British-trained horses had won the first three races (spoiler alert: this dominance would not last long).
6. Talking horse Gaelic Warrior chinned by gutsy Brazil
What happened: The Willie Mullins-trained Gaelic Warrior had been laid out for this for months off what connections believed to be an extremely lenient mark of 129, but a sloppy jump at the last proved costly and he was nabbed by 10-1 shot Brazil.
Why it was special: With not only his first Cheltenham runner, but his first runner in Britain, Irish trainer Padraig Roche described Cheltenham as "a magical place" after his charge ran down the favourite.
7. Effortless Stattler gives sign of what's to come for Willie Mullins
What happened: Only six runners lined up for the National Hunt Chase and while this contest may not be remembered as much as some of the other day one contests, it still produced an impressive winner as Stattler strolled past Run Wild Fred.
Why it was special: After a trying first day which saw Dysart Dynamo fall, Appreciate It disappoint and Gaelic Warrior pipped in the Boodles, this win kick-started what would turn into a record-breaking week for legendary trainer Willie Mullins.
Wednesday
1. Delta Work spoils the Tiger Roll retirement party
What happened: Arguably the most exciting race of the week as every man, woman and their dog roared on Tiger Roll to end his marvellous career with a sixth Cheltenham Festival victory, only for the dual Grand National hero to be denied a fairytale finish in the dying strides by, of all horses, his own fellow Gigginstown-owned stablemate Delta Work.
Why it was special: It may not have given the audience the result they craved, but it was still a thrilling spectacle and it was brilliant to see Tiger Roll produce another performance like that on the big stage for one last time. The boos which greeted Delta Work and Jack Kennedy on their return to the winner’s enclosure added to the pantomime of the occasion.
2. L'Homme Presse advertises Gold Cup claims
What happened: Bravemansgame's late withdrawal due to the ground blunted the contest somewhat, but there was nothing blunt about L'Homme Presse's jumping or the way he travelled as he comfortably saw off the challenge of the talented but untidy Ahoy Senor.
Why it was special: Did we see a future Gold Cup winner? L'Homme Presse looks sure to be a major contender if he continues his progress into next season for trainer Venetia Williams, whose excellent campaign continues to go from strength to strength.
3. Like mother, like son
What happened: Facile Vega – a son of six-time festival winner Quevega – ended an eventful day blighted by heavy rain and torrid ground conditions with a confirmation of his huge promise.
Why it was special: The five-year-old had set tongues wagging after a scintillating display at the Dublin Racing Festival, but the race he won there has produced beaten favourites at each of the last two festivals. The danger of that record extending to three never looked likely as main market rival American Mike appeared no match for the winner, who could pick up the family baton and create a festival legacy of his own.
4. Mullins justified as Sir Gerhard storms to Ballymore
What happened: Three Stripe Life made a decent fist of it, but he and the rest of the field were made to look distinctly ordinary as Sir Gerhard powered to a comprehensive victory to maintain his perfect record over hurdles.
Why it was special: As the rain poured, threatening to dampen the spirits of another huge crowd, Sir Gerhard produced a special performance to start day two off in the perfect manner for punters while fully justifying Willie Mullins' decision to send him here rather than the Supreme.
5. Ben Pauling back in the big time
What happened: Rider Kielan Woods claimed his second Cheltenham Festival win – both in the Grand Annual and both at big prices – as Global Citizen made most of the running at the expense of the very well-backed favourite Andy Dufresne.
Why it was special: Little had gone right for Global Citizen, or to a large extent his trainer Ben Pauling, since the ten-year-old's last win at Kempton in December 2019. However, he showed glimpses of a return to form in two starts at the beginning of this year and proved a decisive winner for an overjoyed Pauling, who could barely contain his excitement when interviewed on live television post-race.
6. Willie Mullins ends Champion Chase hoodoo in underwhelming fashion
What happened: Unfortunately this was more Jaws 2 than Terminator 2 as Shishkin and Energumene's highly anticipated sequel did not live up to the high bar set by the original, with Nico de Boinville pulling up the Clarence House winner early on. After Chacun Pour Soi unseated Patrick Mullins, the path was left clear for Energumene.
Why it was special: It's testament to how much this race was built up that that it should appear so low down on the list of day two highlights despite it being a deserved crowning moment for a fabulous chaser. The underwhelming nature of the win will be of little concern to Willie Mullins, who finally laid claim to the big race that had eluded him the longest.
7. Coral Cup produces the biggest priced winner of the week
What happened: A mud-splattered field was well strung out rounding the home turn with three Irish-trained horses left to contend the finish. Commander Of Fleet, who two years ago was a close second to Minella Indo in the Albert Bartlett, prevailed from Fastorslow and Ashdale Bob in a thrilling, head-bobbing conclusion.
Why it was special: Returned at 50-1, Commander Of Fleet was the biggest priced winner of the week and gave Gordon Elliott his first Cheltenham Festival winner in two years following his suspension in 2021.
Thursday
1. Galopin Des Champs joins long list of late heartbreakers
What happened: The graphic and the history books have Bob Olinger as the winner of the Turners Novices' Chase, but even Henry de Bromhead and Rachael Blackmore seemed somewhat embarrassed to be collecting their prize. A two-horse race in all but name was turned into a one-horse race by the relentless Galopin Des Champs, who had the race won before calamity struck at the final fence.
Why it was special: This was another Cheltenham Festival moment which will live in infamy, as Galopin Des Champs' unfortunate slip puts him in unwanted company alongside the likes of Annie Power, Benie Des Dieux and Goshen as near-certain winners to come unstuck at the last. Sporting drama at its most excruciating best.
2. Unstoppable Allaho cruises to second Ryanair
What happened: For the second year running, Allaho relentlessly galloped his Ryanair rivals into submission with an exhibition of jumping under Paul Townend to run out one of the easiest winners of the week.
Why it was special: Another absolutely monstrous performance from a horse who simply cannot be touched at this trip. Last year the winning margin was 12 lengths, this time it was increased to 14 under Paul Townend, who less than an hour previous had been on the floor after Galopin Des Champs' fall. How fortunes can change.
3. Flooring Porter raises the roof
What happened: Danny Mullins executed one of the rides of the week as he judged the pace perfectly on the front-running Flooring Porter, finding plenty after the last to extend away from Thyme Hill and Paisley Park.
Why it was special: Flooring Porter became the first horse since Bug Buck's to win back-to-back Stayers' Hurdles, and the victory prompted scenes of wild celebrations in the paddock as the winning syndicate – fully decked out in the black and white colours – proceeded to bring the house down.
4. The Cheltenham specialist strikes again
What happened: Coole Cody's race looked like it was run when he was headed three out, but a determined Adam Wedge helped his mount find a second wind and Coole Cody charged up the hill to claim a fourth Cheltenham victory.
Why it was special: A fourth course win it may have been, but this was a first at the festival for the now ten-year-old, whose odds of 22-1 look ridiculous in hindsight. Trainer Evan Williams can celebrate another job very well done.
5. Ecstasy for Lucy Turner as she causes 40-1 shock
What happened: Amateur jockey Lucy Turner enjoyed the most memorable day of her riding career as she continued the terrific form of the Venetia Williams yard when guiding 40-1 outsider Chambard to victory over joint-favourite Mister Coffey with a superb round of jumping.
Why it was special: The win capped a sensational rise through the ranks for Chambard, who in January was only rated 110 before striking up a prolific partnership with Turner and producing a series of career-best efforts. The rider has now partnered Chambard six times, all since January 1, winning four and finishing second twice. What a team.
6. Paddy Brennan's sportsmanship to be applauded
What happened: This race proved as memorable for what happened afterwards as a stewards' inquiry was called to investigate potential interference between the winner Third Wind and Alaphilippe, who finished a neck behind in second. The refreshing honesty of Paddy Brennan, rider of the well-backed runner-up, in the stewards' room helped ensure Third Wind kept the race at the expense of Alaphilippe.
Why it was special: It was heartening to see the pressure of riding on the biggest stage of all did not interfere with the integrity of Brennan, who insisted the race was a fair one and he had not been interfered with on the run to the line. The decision to even call the inquiry was as much of a surprise to victorious trainer Hughie Morrison as it had been to see his 25-1 shot actually win, given he and the owners had only taken him to Cheltenham for the day out.
7. Ryanair Mares' Novices' Hurdle
What happened: For the first time since this race was introduced in 2016, the spoils were landed by a British trainer as the gritty Love Envoi displayed her aptitude for testing conditions.
Why it was special: The win marked a first at the festival for jockey Jonathan Burke, while trainer Harry Fry found himself back in the Prestbury winner's enclosure for the first time since Unowhatimeanharry's Albert Bartlett success in 2016.
Friday
1. A Plus Tard shines brightest on the biggest stage of them all
What happened: Rachael Blackmore delighted the Cheltenham faithful once more as she righted the wrongs of last year by overturning her conqueror from 12 months ago Minella Indo in electrifying fashion.
Why it was special: How long have you got? A Plus Tard sprinted up the Cheltenham hill in a manner rarely seen in a Gold Cup and his 15-length winning margin was the biggest since Master Oats in 1995. It also made Henry de Bromhead the first trainer since Vincent O'Brien in 1949 and 1950 to complete back-to-back Champion Hurdle and Gold Cup doubles. Still only an eight-year-old, it will take something very special to wrest the title from A Plus Tard's grip next year.
2. Champion Hurdle... or Melbourne Cup?
What happened: Vauban, in the famous pink and green-dotted silks of Rich and Susannah Ricci, had a pair of formidable opponents in the shape of Pied Piper and Fil Dor for Gordon Elliott, but the 6-4 favourite shook them off impressively to begin a day to forget for the bookies.
Why it was special: The manner of Vauban's victory immediately had connections talking up his Champion Hurdle hopes for next year, but an even more intriguing possibility was the idea floated by both Mullins and Ricci that the Melbourne Cup of 2023 could also be on the radar – what a tasty double that would be.
3. Another Graded horse in a handicap?
What happened: A bullish Ruby Walsh had put forward State Man as his nap for the festival's final day, and his confidence proved spot on as State Man travelled strongly and made smooth headway up the stands' rail to justify favouritism.
Why it was special: Galopin Des Champs has gone on to prove himself one of the best horses in training since landing the Martin Pipe here last year – could State Man end up being in the same class? The win was another disaster for the bookmakers as punters began cashing in their Willie Mullins multiples.
4. Elimay brings up a perfect ten for Willie Mullins
What happened: Elimay, beaten half a length in last year's Mares' Chase, turned that around to win by the same margin this year in one of the tightest finishes of the week with four mares all still in with a chance heading into the final half furlong.
Why it was special: The win brought up a stunning five-timer on the day for Willie Mullins and a remarkable tenth winner of the week, an unprecedented level of success even for the festival's most successful trainer.
5. How did he win from there?!
What happened: Having been a beaten favourite in each of the last two runnings of this race, Billaway made it third time lucky in the most unlikely fashion as he came from way back to pip the tiring Winged Leader in the final strides under Patrick Mullins.
Why it was special: The winner was at least ten lengths down three-out and still had six lengths to make up after jumping the last, but under a never-say-die ride, Billaway grimly ground down the demoralised Winged Leader, who had had traded for nearly £16,000 at 1.16 on the Betfair Exchange.
6. Banbridge completes Irish final day clean sweep
What happened: Banbridge and Cobblers Dream could not be separated on the run to the last in the festival curtain closer, but it was the Joseph O'Brien-trained six-year-old who found more on the final run up the hill.
Why it was special: The win completed a Friday clean sweep in favour of Irish-trained horses, and earned conditional rider Mark McDonagh a dream first Cheltenham winner.
7. The Nice Guy comes first
What happened: The Albert Bartlett has a habit of producing winners at big odds and it did so again as 18-1 shot The Nice Guy maintained his unbeaten record with an impressive five-length triumph.
Why it was special: A first Grade 1 winner for jockey Sean O'Keeffe came from a somewhat unlikely source given The Nice Guy had made only the one start over hurdles and nobody from the Willie Mullins yard had seemingly given him a chance with the trainer commenting afterwards: "I think he was the outsider of ours as he shows me nothing at home. I don't think anyone in the yard would have thought he would have been one of our Cheltenham winners." If you need something to make you feel better at the end of a long week, even the greats get it wrong sometimes.
Read these next:
British fight back: Pauling and Morrison heartened by handicap results
'There's definitely a big handicap in him' - seven Cheltenham eyecatchers
Catch our new in-depth review of the weekend's racing every Monday in the Racing Post. With big-race analysis from Grand National-winning jockey Leighton Aspell, Chris Cook's take on the weekend action, eyecatchers from the Raceform team, weekly awards and more, it is not to be missed.
Published on 20 March 2022inNews
Last updated 08:34, 20 March 2022
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