Cheltenham Festival Day Four: Review and Results as Rachael Blackmore makes history once again

The duo had missed out in last year’s race as Minella Indo took the honours - but there would be no mistake this time around as a patient ride was rewarded with a win by 15 lengths.

Last year’s winner had to settle for second place with Protektorat finish in third and second favourite Galvin rounded off the first four.

But the big story was all about Blackmore as she claimed her second big success of the week after she guided the much-fancied Honeysuckle to their Champion Hurdle on Tuesday.

After the race, she told ITV Sport: “You can't do this without the horses and being attached to Henry's yard is just absolutely phenomenal.

“To give me this horse is unbelievable I don't know what to say.

“I've had so many special days. I wouldn't swap the Grand National for anything but this is the Gold Cup.

“I wish I had something better to say right now. I just can't.

“You have all these plans about how things are going to work out. Racing doesn't let that happen all the time and for some reason it's happened to me today. I just can't explain how lucky I feel.”

The bookmakers had a nervy start to the day as favourites Vauban and State Man were over the line first in the Triumph Hurdle and County Handicap Hurdle respectively.

The Nice Guy - an 18/1 shot ridden by Sean O’Keefe - was a surprise winner in the Albert Bartlett Novices’ Hurdle as he saw off Paul Townend’s Minella Cocooner.

There was a dramatic finish in the St James’ Place Hunters Chase as pre-race favourite Billaway produced a late burst to pip Winged Leader on the line.

Trainer Willie Mullins praised son Patrick for his dogged performance aboard the winner and expressed his sorrow for the horse he beat in the final yards of the race.

He said: “Patrick kidded Billaway around there and the aim has been to win this race with him for three years.

“Patrick never gave up and it’s unfortunate for David Christie (trainer of Winged Love) as it would have been a huge victory for him.

“As much as I love winning, I’m sorry for David because I know what it’s like losing in the last stride and it’s his Gold Cup as a big pointing man.

“We went for the cheekpieces as he’s idle. I’m delighted for Patrick and John and Michelle Turner (owners), it’s a race we’ve both been desperate to win. Although it might cost John a bit to fill the trophy as it’s the biggest one of them all!”He’s come close twice and now he’s done it.

The Mares Chase was claimed by 9/4 shot Elimay and Banbridge rounded off a memorable festival by seeing off Cobblers Dream to take the Handicap Hurdle.

The full list of results can be found below

1.30pm: JCB Triumph Hurdle Result (12 ran)

1st: Vauban 15/8f

2nd Fil Dor 11/2

3rd Pied Piper 7/2

4th Icare Allen 10/1

2.10pm: McCoy Contractors County Handicap Hurdle Result (26 ran)

1st: State Man 10/3f

2nd: First Street 16/1

3rd: Colonel Mustard 13/2

4th: West Cork 13/2

2.50pm: Albert Bartlett Novice’s Hurdle Result (16 ran)

1st The Nice Guy 18/1

2nd Minella Cocooner 9/2

3rd Bardenstown Lad 20/1

4th Ballygrifincottage 28/1

3.30pm: Boodles Cheltenham Gold Cup Chase Result (11 ran)

1st A Plus Tard 3/1f

2nd Minella Indo /1

3rd Protektorat 10/1

4th Galvin 10/3

4.10pm: St James’s Place Festival Challenge Cup Open Hunters Chase Result (19 ran)

1st Billaway 13/8f

2nd Winged Leader 9/2

3rd Mighty Stowaway 33/1

4th Dubai Quest 13/2

1st Elimay 9/4

2nd Pink Legend 33/1

3rd Scarlet And Dove 28/1

1st Banbridge 12/1

2nd Cobblers Dream 12/1

3rd Hollow Games 9/2

4th Freedom To Dream 20/1

5th Party Business 28/1