Willie Mullins: 'Five-day festival a commercial open goal - but I'd question it'

Willie Mullins, the most successful trainer in the history of the Cheltenham Festival with 88 winners, is not a fan of a five-day festival but believes an extension to include a Saturday is inevitable.

Never before had a trainer sent out more than eight winners at any festival until Mullins smashed that record with ten last month. Despite that remarkable feat he is not anxious for more opportunities to win and fears a dilution in quality if an extra day is added.

Sir Anthony McCoy made an impassioned plea against the idea, stressing there is already too much racing and thata fifth day at Cheltenham would be an "absolute disaster."