Willie Mullins wins first four races on Friday card to record 2179/1 feat after Al Boum wins second Gold Cup in a row with thrilling win over Santini
- Willie Mullins completed staggering achievement after Al Boum won Gold Cup
- Al Boum’s success means horse has won Gold Cup in consecutive years
- It’s the first time a horse has won trophy back to back since Best Mate in 2004
Willie Mullins revealed his delight after Al Boum’s Gold Cup success saw him win his first four races at Cheltenham Festival on Friday.
Mullins had joined Gordon Elliott on six winners for the week after Paul Townend rode Monkfish to victory in the Albert Bartlett Novices Hurdle in the 2.50 race.
But more success was to follow as Townend won his second Gold Cup in as many years after beating Santini by a neck to give Mullins an incredible fourth win of the day.
Willie Mullins revealed his delight after Al Boum’s Gold Cup win gave him fourth win of the day
Al Boum became the first horse to win back to back Gold Cups since Best Mate back in 2004
Mullins’ winning streak on Friday would’ve commanded odds of 2179/1 with the bookmakers
Remarkably, Mullins’ achievement would’ve commanded odds of 2179/1 with the bookmakers and the Irish trainer admitted he was overwhelmed by his success.
Mullins said: ‘It’s a fantastic, absolutely unbelievable day. That man there on the screen, Paul Townend, people said he was under pressure.
‘Paul does his own thing, he probably rides better under a little bit of pressure, (it was) really, really good from him.
‘(I’m) delighted for Paul, it’s not easy to take over from someone like Ruby Walsh, but Paul’s gone and stamped his authority this season in Ireland riding for our yard, so I’m really delighted for him.’
Last year, Townend’s victory on Al Boum had given Mullins his first Gold Cup winner after six second placed finishes in the big race at Cheltenham.