Festival record for Mullins

Ireland’s domination of the 2018 Cheltenham Festival reached new heights on St Patrick’s Thursday, when trainers from the Emerald Isle saddled the first six winners to wrap up the Betbright Cup from Great Britain with a day to spare.

Willie Mullins edged ahead of Nicky Henderson as the winning-most trainer in Festival history, as Penhill and Laurina took his tally to 61 in all and seven for the week.

Gordon Elliott is just one behind his great rival in the race for the top trainer award at this year’s meeting, thanks to a treble through Shattered Love, Delta Work and The Storyteller.

Henry de Bromhead got in on the act with Balko Des Flos in the Ryanair Chase.

The latter’s success saw Gigginstown House Stud’s Michael O’leary finally get his hands on the owner’s trophy for the Ryanair Chase he has sponsored since 2006.

The 8-1 chance stepped up to Grade One company and starred on a brilliant day for Gigginstown, who also graced the winner’s enclosure with Shattered Love and Delta Work.

Cue Card was pulled up by Paddy Brennan, and trainer Colin Tizzard stressed the team would not be rushed into making any quick decision on the 12-year-old’s future.

Elliott continued on from his treble on Wednesday by repeating the trick.

Shattered Love (4-1) took the JLT Novices’ Chase to give Jack Kennedy a winner on his only ride of the day, while Delta Work (6-1) and Glenloe gave him a one-two in the Pertemps Network Handicap Hurdle.

The Storyteller (5-1 favourite) completed the good work in the Brown Advisory & Merriebelle Stable Plate Handicap Chase.

Warren Greatrex’s Missed Approach (8-1) took the Fulke Walwyn Kim Muir Challenge Cup under Noel Mcparlan.