Vogue checks into Festival
Tycoon Sean’s triumph in Prestbury Park sparks wild party for Irish fans
THE boom was back at the Cheltenham Festival yesterday as property tycoon Sean Mulryan saw his horse finally take the spoils.
City Island gave the founder of Ballymore Properties first place in day two’s opener.
As race sponsor, Sean gleefully presented the trophy to wife Bernadine.
After the 9-1 chance roared past the post, 64-year-old Sean celebrated with family and pals including former Taoiseach Brian Cowan and film director Jim Sheridan.
On a day when punters clawed back some of Monday’s losses, he said: “It’s a dream come true. It’s my first winner in Cheltenham at the Festival and to win our own race is very special. This is a magic place and to win any race is fantastic. We are very happy.”
Mr Cowan admitted he backed his friend’s horse but claimed his winnings were not enough to alert the taxman.
He said: “I put a bit of money on it.
“I didn’t bet anything that the inspector of taxes needs to know about. I’m here yesterday, today and tomorrow.”
Asked for his view on the Brexit crisis, the former politician said: “I think there will be a free trade deal but it’s getting very close to the wire.” Sheridan was also delighted for Mulryan and revealed the origins behind the horse’s name. He said: “City Island is a place he built in East London. I think all the residents were told to back it this morning.”
Winning Kildare-based trainer Martin Brassil, who trained Numbersixvalverde to win the 2006 Grand National, toasted a special moment.
He said: “I was hoping he might do
It’s a dream. To win our own race is very special. This is a magic place SEAN MULRYAN CHELTENHAM YESTERDAY
something like that but you never know because a lot of dreams are shattered here and luckily ours weren’t.
“This is the Olympics of National hunt racing. It’s all championship stuff.”
It was feared the day might fall victim to the wrath of Storm Gareth which threatened to postpone the meeting.
But after a morning inspection, punters were soon pouring through the gates for Ladies Day.
The fashion stakes were high and the scores of women who got their glad rags on had to hang on to their hats.
On the track, the Champion Chase was won for a second successive year by Nicky Henderson’s short-priced Altior who was chased up the hill.
Gordon Elliott had to wait patiently for his first winner but he can always rely on stable star Tiger Roll.
The popular mount got one of the biggest cheers of the day when winning the Cross Country Chase for the second consecutive year. It was a huge relief for Irish punters and provided Michael O’leary with his first winner of the week.
The Ryanair boss admitted before the race he was “very nervous and depressed”.
He said: “I had four favourites beaten and they’re all running s***e.
“And then your man comes out and I’ve never seen an easier winner. He’s phenomenal.
“I don’t know what Gordon’s [Elliott] feeding him, but I’m trying to get some for myself because I could do with it.”
There was another victory for the Irish in the next race as JJ Slevin steered the well-backed Band Of Outlaws first past the post.
It was a first Cheltenham winner for the Wexford jockey and for Slevin’s first cousin trainer Joseph O’brien. Elliott then got his second winner of the day when Envoi Allen sent many punters home happy by winning the last. Ladbrokes’ Nicola Mcgeady said: “The festival had been challenging for punters but Tiger Roll’s stunning victory has redeemed the day.
“He was one of the bankers of the week, leaving the bookmakers trailing on day two.”
Paddy Power’s Rachael Kane added: “Punters have well and truly wiped the smile off our face on day two of the festival, drawing level, if not ahead after the last four favourites on the card obliged.
“Envoi Allen, a 2-1 favourite, landing the last meant some chunky multiples clicked as well, making for a Lazaruslike comeback at the halfway mark.
“Thursday will be a key day in the battle of bookies vs punters with Defi Du Seuil, Paisley Park and Epatante likely to go a long way towards deciding who will be on top Friday evening.”