INSATIABLE WILL TO GET EVEN BETTER

WHEN I was at school, I remember reading about a Frenchman from the 18th century called Tarrare — he famously ate and ate, but his appetite was never satisfied.

I can’t remember whether it was in History or French, and I’ve never thought of him again since I finished my education — until today.

Sounds obscure, but bear with me. Patrick Mullins was talking about his father Willie’s incredible achievement in reaching 100 Cheltenham Festival winners with Jasmin De Vaux in the Weatherbys Champion Bumper.

Willie is never satisfied. Whatever success comes his way, to paraphrase Patrick, Willie wants more. And more.

Growing up it was incredible to think that anybody would ever get to three figures, in terms of victories at the most competitive meeting of all. But that’s what he has achieved, through an addiction to winning.

It’s a valuable insight into the mind of the top people in sport. No place for complacency. No resting on laurels. Just the desire to move on to the next triumph.

Needless to say, the face-off between Ruby Walsh (Fact To File) and Meg Nicholls (Stay Away Fay) was a one-sided affair.

But, although Fact To File won the Brown Advisory Novices’ Chase with ease, Stay Away Fay returned a dirty scope afterwards. So there will have to be a rematch.

BELL’S BANKERS

Whatever success come his way, Willie wants more. And more

HE’S 12 years old and would be the oldest winner of the Stayers’ Hurdle (3.30), but I can’t help thinking SIRE DU BERLAIS is overpriced.

After all, he’s the reigning champion and he comes alive at the Festival.

Another previous winner of the meeting, IROKO, is really interesting in the Turners Novices’ Chase (1.30), and AHOY SENOR catches my eye in the Ryanair Chase (2.50).

Gordon Elliott has hit the post a few times but BRIGHTERDAYSAHEAD looks good in the Mares’ Novices’ Hurdle (4.50), and INOTHEWAYURTHINKIN can pull it off for JP Mcmanus, Gavin Cromwell and Derek O’connor in the Kim Muir (5.30).

OLI BELL is a Sky Bet brand ambassador