YOU BEAUTY
Altior roars to Champion Chase glory Irish reign supreme on second day
ALTIOR put his best foot forward to spare English embarrassment as Irish-trained horses scooped six races out of seven at a feverish Cheltenham Festival yesterday.
Nicky Henderson’s evens favourite was a doubt for the Champion Chase when lame on Monday, and looked leggy in running yesterday before a turbocharged surge up the hill muzzled Irish challenger, Min. Willie Mullins was left to wonder what might have been if Douvan hadn’t tumbled four out when cruising. ‘He’s fine and we think we can get him back to his old self,’ he said.
Irish trainers dominated day two with Gordon Elliott bagging a 469-1 treble through Samcro (8-11), Tiger Roll (7-1) and Veneer Of Charm (33-1). ‘It’s been an unbelievable day,’ beamed Elliott.
Mullins chipped in with a brace, including a 1-2-3 for his ninth Bumper win where Katie Walsh came from the clouds on Relegate. But the Mullins team were rocked by an injury blow to Ruby Walsh who ‘opened a fracture’ on the same right leg which he broke in November and ruled him out for most of the winter.
Walsh was pinned to the turf by Al Boum Photo after a final fence spill in the RSA Chase — the 39-year-old may not ride again this season.
Presenting Percy went on to win the race, after which owner Philip Reynolds, son of former Taoiseach Albert, toasted low-key trainer Pat Kelly. ‘I love my wife but I love Pat Kelly even more,’ he grinned.