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Irish Daily Mirror
01-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Irish Daily Mirror
Second time lucky for new mum who was named Best Dressed at Punchestown Festival
It was second time lucky for new mother Oniesa Owens, who was named Best Dressed at the Punchestown Racing Festival. Punters flocking to the Kildare racecourse enjoyed "the hottest day in decades" according to racing bosses. At the Bollinger tent, mum-of-one Oniesa Owens from Longford, who works as an area manager for a tyre company, recently completed a course in fashion buying. She was spotted by judges, including Jess Colivet, Kate Nally McCormack, David O'Connor and guest stylist Ali Gleeson, who adored her preloved fashion. Speaking afterwards, Oniesa said she was a finalist on the Wednesday at last year's races, but didn't win. But luck was on her side on Wednesday as she was crowned a finalist this Friday where she is in with a chance of winning a luxurious trip for two to the champagne region in France. She said: "The outfit is preloved by Roisin Linnane... We're here with the Longford GAA and the jacket is from a boutique called Fabiani by Rotate. "Punchestown is always cold so that's why I said I'd wear sleeves. "Winning this is amazing and adds a string to my bow. "I was a finalist on the Wednesday last year but I didn't win that day. "I'll possibly wear this. I did see a green skirt in the Enable Ireland shop but with the weather like this I might change my outfit (for Friday)." Oniesa is here with her husband Johnathan and the couple welcomed a baby girl, Esme, a year ago. "I love fashion. I love dressing up, love the style. It goes back generations. "It's the hardest job you'll ever do (being a mother). I'd love her to love the style like I do." As many as 23,285 flocked to the second day of the Kildare racecourse - up 1,633. We even spotted a bridal party enjoying a hen do. Leanne Knight from Cheltenham was enjoying two days in Ireland with her bridal squad ahead of her wedding in August. Leanne said it was much better value at Punchestown than Cheltenham. "We love the Irish. We were out in Temple Bar last night and we're heading there again tonight. We love Ireland." A HRI spokesperson for Punchestown Racing Festival said: "It's the hottest day in decades and there's a total party atmosphere. It's going to be a great week." Agriculture Minister Martin Heydon was among those in attendance as well as Ireland AM star Elaine Crowley, who was a guest of Ladbrokes in the exclusive Morrell Suite. Elaine said: "I had the winner in the first race at 14/1. I love the races now." RTE star Marty Morrissey was also in attendance with the Longford GAA team. He added: "I had a great day at the races. The weather makes it. The Marty Party will be in full swing tonight." Among those enjoying the racing festivities was also former Irish international soccer legend and Ladbrokes brand ambassador, Shane Long. Alex Apati of Ladbrokes said: "The Punchestown Racing Festival is always a must-attend event in the Irish racing calendar, with fantastic energy all-round. "The Ladbrokes Gold Cup is no doubt the showstopper to top off an exhilarating day at the racecourse." Elsewhere, Minister Heydon recalled working at the races in his early years and how important the festival is to the local economy. "I worked here as a young fella in 2004. I worked down at the race-track, it was my full time job, I was also a part time farmer. "So many people who come here are passionate about their national hunt racing. "It's the end of a very important season and a chance for re-matches after Cheltenham and Leopardstown and Fairyhouse. "But if the ground isn't right and the people who do all the hard work on the course don't get that right, then this doesn't work on this side. "So great work and attention and care has gone on out there. "From 2000 to 2004, I worked on the track here. We used to have to water it in times of great heat like this. "You also had to manage the ground when it's wetter as well. "But it's the indirect economic spin-off for County Kildare that comes from Punchestown, it's valued at tens of millions of euros. "Whether it's local boutiques or menswear shops, everybody gets ready for Punchestown. "We all grew up getting a half day from school for it, here in the Kildare area, this is who we are and it's a huge part of it. "Never mind your bars and restaurants that are going to benefit from tonight in Naas, Ballymore Eustace and all around. "This year we have seen 27pc of the visitors here are going to be from England – that's foreign, direct investment that's coming into the country that's so important from a tourism perspective. "So there is so much to this and is a direct reason that we as an Irish Gov invest money into this industry, an industry that's worth almost €2.5bn to our entire economy and employs almost 30,000 people." Minister Heydon added punters weren't used to putting on sunscreen for the day. "We're not used to normally having to put on suncream for Punchestown, it can be a cold spot at times. "But Kildare people have been planning to come here for a very long time, before they knew what the weather would be like. "But this is an added bit. And you can see by the attendance figures, some people at the last minute decided, 'we're going to do this.' "And that will be the case particularly coming into the Bank Holiday weekend on Friday and Saturday. "But Punchestown has the space to provide that really good visitor experience, whether it's the hard-core punter or someone who's here for a bit of fun." Extra precaution was taken yesterday for the horses in the hot weather as the IHRB responsible for welfare stood by with extra buckets of water to help them recover. Punters heading to the racecourse on Thursday are advised to bring a brolly as rain is forecast amid the sunny spells. Met Eireann said it will feel "cool with highs of 12 to 17 degrees in northerly breezes". "Elsewhere across Leinster and Munster it will be mostly sunny to begin. Cloud will build further for the afternoon, with some scattered showers breaking out, which will possibly be heavy and thundery, especially across southern counties. "Highs here of 18 to 23 or 24 degrees in light northerly winds," added the forecaster.
Irish Daily Mirror
30-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Irish Daily Mirror
Stars soak in the sun at Punchestown as mum-of-one wins best dressed
It was second time lucky for new mother Oniesa Owens, who was named Best Dressed at the Punchestown Racing Festival. Punters flocking to the Kildare racecourse enjoyed "the hottest day in decades" according to racing bosses. At the Bollinger tent, mum-of-one Oniesa Owens from Longford, who works as an area manager for a tyre company, recently completed a course in fashion buying. She was spotted by judges, including Jess Colivet, Kate Nally McCormack, David O'Connor and guest stylist Ali Gleeson, who adored her preloved fashion. Speaking afterwards, Oniesa said she was a finalist on the Wednesday at last year's races, but didn't win. But luck was on her side on Wednesday as she was crowned a finalist this Friday where she is in with a chance of winning a luxurious trip for two to the champagne region in France. She said: "The outfit is preloved by Roisin Linnane... We're here with the Longford GAA and the jacket is from a boutique called Fabiani by Rotate. "Punchestown is always cold so that's why I said I'd wear sleeves. "Winning this is amazing and adds a string to my bow. "I was a finalist on the Wednesday last year but I didn't win that day. "I'll possibly wear this. I did see a green skirt in the Enable Ireland shop but with the weather like this I might change my outfit (for Friday)." Oniesa is here with her husband Johnathan and the couple welcomed a baby girl, Esme, a year ago. "I love fashion..I love dressing up, love the style. It goes back generations. "It's the hardest job you'll ever do (being a mother). I'd love her to love the style like I do." As many as 23,285 flocked to the second day of the Kildare racecourse - up 1,633. We even spotted a bridal party enjoying a hen do. Leanne Knight from Cheltenham was enjoying two days in Ireland with her bridal squad ahead of her wedding in August. Leanne said it was much better value at Punchestown than Cheltenham. "We love the Irish. We were out in Temple Bar last night and we're heading there again tonight. We love Ireland." A HRI spokesperson for Punchestown Racing Festival said: "It's the hottest day in decades and there's a total party atmosphere. It's going to be a great week." Agriculture Minister Martin Heydon was among those in attendance as well as Ireland AM star Elaine Crowley, who was a guest of Ladbrokes in the exclusive Morrell Suite. Elaine said: "I had the winner in the first race at 14/1. I love the races now." RTE star Marty Morrissey was also in attendance with the Longford GAA team. He added: "I had a great day at the races. The weather makes it. The Marty Party will be in full swing tonight." Among those enjoying the racing festivities was also former Irish international soccer legend and Ladbrokes brand ambassador, Shane Long. Alex Apati of Ladbrokes said: 'The Punchestown Racing Festival is always a must-attend event in the Irish racing calendar, with fantastic energy all-round. "The Ladbrokes Gold Cup is no doubt the showstopper to top off an exhilarating day at the racecourse.' Elsewhere, Minister Heydon recalled working at the races in his early years and how important the festival is to the local economy. "I worked here as a young fella in 2004. I worked down at the race-track, it was my full time job, I was also a part-time farmer. "So many people who come here are passionate about their national hunt racing. "It's the end of a very important season and a chance for re-matches after Cheltenham and Leopardstown and Fairyhouse. "But if the ground isn't right and the people who do all the hard work on the course don't get that right, then this doesn't work on this side. "So great work and attention and care has gone on out there. "From 2000 to 2004, I worked on the track here. We used to have to water it in times of great heat like this. "You also had to manage the ground when it's wetter as well. "But it's the indirect economic spin-off for County Kildare that comes from Punchestown, it's valued at tens of millions of euros. "Whether it's local boutiques or menswear shops, everybody gets ready for Punchestown. "We all grew up getting a half day from school for it, here in the Kildare area, this is who we are and it's a huge part of it. "Never mind your bars and restaurants that are going to benefit from tonight in Naas, Ballymore Eustace and all around. "This year we have seen 27pc of the visitors here are going to be from England – that's foreign, direct investment that's coming into the country that's so important from a tourism perspective. "So there is so much to this and is a direct reason that we as an Irish Gov invest money into this industry, an industry that's worth almost €2.5bn to our entire economy and employs almost 30,000 people. Minister Heydon added punters weren't used to putting on sunscreen for the day. "We're not used to normally having to put on suncream for Punchestown, it can be a cold spot at times. "But Kildare people have been planning to come here for a very long time, before they knew what the weather would be like. "But this is an added bit. And you can see by the attendance figures, some people at the last minute decided, 'we're going to do this.' "And that will be the case particularly coming into the Bank Holiday weekend on Friday and Saturday. "But Punchestown has the space to provide that really good visitor experience, whether it's the hard-core punter or someone who's here for a bit of fun." Extra precaution yesterday for the horses in the hot weather as the IHRB responsible for welfare stood by with extra buckets of water to help them recover. Punters heading to the racecourse on Thursday are advised to bring a brolly as rain is forecast amid the sunny spells. Met Eireann said it will feel "cool with highs of 12 to 17 degrees in northerly breezes". "Elsewhere across Leinster and Munster it will be mostly sunny to begin. "Cloud will build further for the afternoon, with some scattered showers breaking out, which will possibly be heavy and thundery, especially across southern counties. "Highs here of 18 to 23 or 24 degrees in light northerly winds," added the forecaster. Get the latest sports headlines straight to your inbox by signing up for free email alerts. Oniesa Owens pictured at the Ladbrokes Gold Cup Day at the Punchestown Racing Festival 2025 at Punchestown Racecourse 1 of 7 Martin Skelly and Marty Morrissey pictured at the Ladbrokes Gold Cup Day at the Punchestown Racing Festival 2025 at Punchestown Racecourse 2 of 7 Meghan Scully and Nicola Egan 3 of 7 Punters at the Cheltenham Gold Cup 4 of 7
Irish Times
30-04-2025
- Sport
- Irish Times
Galopin Des Champs completes Gold Cup ‘Triple Crown' in stunning fashion at Punchestown
In dazzling sunshine, steeplechasing's brightest star Galopin Des Champs lit up the Punchestown Festival on Wednesday with a special success in the €300,000 Ladbrokes Gold Cup. The Willie Mullins -trained star bounced back from failing to land a Cheltenham Gold Cup hat-trick seven weeks previously and put a trio of rivals firmly in their place with a performance rapturously acclaimed by an official 23,285 attendance. Following two previous runner-up finishes in the race to Fastorslow, it completed a full set of Gold Cup prizes for Galopin, who made all the running to beat Spillane's Tower by 22 lengths. After a trio of Irish Gold Cups at Leopardstown and his pair of 'Blue Riband' victories at Cheltenham, the Punchestown variety completed a 'Triple Crown' famously achieved in a single season by Sizing John in 2017. READ MORE That horse's time in the spotlight was brief. But Galopin Des Champs' capacity to keep rolling on season after season is turning him into singular cherished talent. Led by a piper into the winner's enclosure and a massive reception, the claim that he may be the best Irish chaser since Arkle looked no exaggeration. And if it was all tinged with a hint of 'if only' about his surprise defeat by Inothwayurthinkin in March, there was renewed conviction too that next year may be when Galopin Des Champs joins Arkle as a triple Cheltenham Gold Cup winner. 'Cheltenham was Cheltenham and we were beaten, but horses get beaten,' Mullins said. 'There's always next year and he's only nine coming 10. He's still young enough to go and have another go.' The champion trainer was hardly going to say so, but the immediate suspicion was if this version of Galopin had turned up at Cheltenham the hat-trick would be in the bag already. Paul Townend and Galopin Des Champs on the way to victory at Punchestown. Photograph: Morgan Treacy/Inpho Plainly never happy at most any point on his last start, he was a transformed proposition on home ground. Mullins admitted to concern about drying ground conditions beforehand, around a track where the horse had won just once over fences. But he made light of it all, travelling enthusiastically and adopting a swaggering catch-me-if you-can attitude to his three opponents. Paul Townend's only moment of worry was when the 5-6 favourite briefly shied at a road crossing. And when Spillane's Tower blundered four out, it quickly became clear any talk about a Punchestown hoodoo was for the birds. 'Men and boys – what a horse,' praised Ruby Walsh on RTÉ about a star now with 12 Grade One prizes in a stellar career that shows no signs of slowing anytime soon. 'We were disappointed in Cheltenham, but in hindsight he ran a huge race to get as far as he did, the feel I was getting off him,' Townend said. 'It's simple, he's so easy to ride, he is so measured at his fences and if he goes, it's just so straightforward on him.' In the circumstances, nothing else was getting a look in at the spotlight bar Galopin, despite Mullins saddling a 296-1 five-timer on the day. All three Grade One prizes went to Mullins – taking him to eight winners already this week – and for the second year in a row day two of the festival featured sibling Grade One glory for both Townend and his sister Jody. She completed Cheltenham-Punchestown Bumper double in style on Bambino Fever who quickened off a slow pace far too well for her opposition. It all but assured Townend of a fifth champion Lady Rider title in a row when the season ends on Saturday, and followed up her victory in the €100,000 contest a year ago on Redemption Day. Paul Townend on Jasmin De Vaux gets up to beat Mark Walsh on Honesty Policy to win the the Channor Real Estate Group Novice Hurdle at Punchestown. Photograph: Morgan Treacy/Inpho Just why her brother will collect a seventh jockeys' championship was underlined in a dramatic Channor Champion Novice Hurdle victory for the favourite Jasmin De Vaux. The former bumper champion's approach to jumping this season has been remedial at times and Townend was patience itself until launching a challenge on his big rival Honesty Policy at the last. A first ask for a major jump actually yielded too extravagant a leap that saw the 13-8 favourite land steeply, resulting in his rider losing both his balance and his right iron. Townend admitted to feeling 'a bit stupid' having to improvise and explained: 'My right foot slipped out and instead of trying to get it back I kicked out the other one. It was the fastest option.' Mullins praised Townend's jockeyship on board a horse with a huge engine but a rudimentary jumping technique. Quite what Bambino Fever's technique will be over obstacles remains to be seen but she's the undisputed bumper champion of this season. 'It wasn't as fast a race as we thought it was going to be and she was still able to quicken off it,' the trainer said. 'I'm really looking forward to going jumping, the way she is bred.' Kaid D'authie and James Du Berlais in the €100,000 handicap chase completed the Mullins five-timer. Wednesday's Gold Cup attendance of 23,285 was over 1,600 up on last year's 21,652.
Extra.ie
30-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Extra.ie
Longford woman scoops Best Dressed prize on Day Two at Punchestown
Glamorous revellers descended on Punchestown for the second day of the racing festival. Punters were spotted soaking up the April sunshine on Wednesday afternoon. The focus was on fashion with women showing a range of stylish ensembles. Oniesa Owens at the Ladbrokes Gold Cup Day at the Punchestown Racing Festival. Pic: Brian McEvoy Photography Oniesa Owens was the second winner of the Bollinger Best Dressed competition. Oniesa, who works as a tyre saleswoman, looked super chic as rocked a black-and-white outfit. Finalists at the Bollinger Best Dressed competition on Day Two of the Punchestown Festival. Speaking to EVOKE, she said: 'I just love fashion. I love dressing up, I love style and that stems back generations to my grandmother,' 'I'd love [my daughter] to love style like I do,' Oniesa continued. Oniesa Owens who was the winner of the Bollinger Best Dressed competition on Day Two of the Punchestown Festival. On Tuesday, Genevieve Ryan was named best dressed as the racing festival kicked off. She turned heads in a stunning polka dot outfit. The feature race of the day was the Ladbrokes Gold Cup. Galopin Des Champs, with Paul Townend up, clear the last on their way to winning the Ladbrokes Punchestown Gold Cup Chase. Pic: David Fitzgerald/Sportsfile A host of well-known personalities turned out to see Galopin Des Champ bounce back from disappointment at the Cheltenham Festival to land the Grade One race. Former Republic of Ireland footballer and Ladbrokes brand ambassador Shane Long was spotted enjoying the racing festivities. Former Republic of Ireland footballer and Ladbrokes brand ambassador Shane Long at the Ladbrokes Gold Cup Day at the Punchestown Racing Festival. Pic: Brian McEvoy Photography Also taking in the action were the likes of Elaine Crowley, Marty Morrissey and Meghann Scully. Elaine Crowley at the Ladbrokes Gold Cup Day at the Punchestown Racing Festival. Pic: Brian McEvoy Photography Speaking about the Punchestown Festival, Alex Apati of Ladbrokes said: 'The Punchestown Racing Festival is always a must-attend event in the Irish racing calendar, with fantastic energy all-round.' Meghann Scully at the Ladbrokes Gold Cup Day at the Punchestown Racing Festival. Pic: Brian McEvoy Photography 'The Ladbrokes Gold Cup is no doubt the showstopper to top off an exhilarating day at the racecourse.' Marty Morrissey at the Ladbrokes Gold Cup Day at the Punchestown Racing Festival. Pic: Brian McEvoy Photography Check out all the style from Ladbrokes Gold Cup Day at the Punchestown Festival below: Karen Glennon and Pauline Glennon at the Ladbrokes Gold Cup Day at the Punchestown Racing Festival. Pic: Brian McEvoy Photography Rachel Morgan and Anna Rafter at the Ladbrokes Gold Cup Day at the Punchestown Racing Festival. Pic: Brian McEvoy Photography Meghann Scully and Nicola Egan at the Ladbrokes Gold Cup Day at the Punchestown Racing Festival. Pic: Brian McEvoy Photography Lisa Tilson and Nicola Sills Lyons at the Ladbrokes Gold Cup Day at the Punchestown Racing Festival. Pic: Brian McEvoy Photography Aileen O'Brien, Maeve Corbett and Denise O'Brien at the Ladbrokes Gold Cup Day at the Punchestown Racing Festival. Pic: Brian McEvoy Photography Sharon Regan at the Ladbrokes Gold Cup Day at the Punchestown Racing Festival. Pic: Brian McEvoy Photography Nicola Egan at the Ladbrokes Gold Cup Day at the Punchestown Racing Festival. Pic: Brian McEvoy Photography Chris Burke at the Ladbrokes Gold Cup Day at the Punchestown Racing Festival. Pic: Brian McEvoy Photography Marietta Doran at the Ladbrokes Gold Cup Day at the Punchestown Racing Festival. Pic: Brian McEvoy Photography Isabel Gleeson at the Ladbrokes Gold Cup Day at the Punchestown Racing Festival. Pic: Brian McEvoy Photography Katie McGovern at the Ladbrokes Gold Cup Day at the Punchestown Racing Festival. Pic: Brian McEvoy Photography Alyssa Galligan and Bronagh Rawle at the Ladbrokes Gold Cup Day at the Punchestown Racing Festival. Pic: Brian McEvoy Photography Katie McGovern, Martha McSharry, Maria Gorsky and Samantha Brence at the Ladbrokes Gold Cup Day at the Punchestown Racing Festival. Pic: Brian McEvoy Photography Katie Sherratt and Chloe Scott at the Ladbrokes Gold Cup Day at the Punchestown Racing Festival. Pic: Brian McEvoy Photography Dr Fiona Grant at the Ladbrokes Gold Cup Day at the Punchestown Racing Festival. Pic: Brian McEvoy Photography Nomi Brennan at the Ladbrokes Gold Cup Day at the Punchestown Racing Festival. Pic: Brian McEvoy Photography Dawn Knight and Davinia Knight at the Ladbrokes Gold Cup Day at the Punchestown Racing Festival. Pic: Brian McEvoy Photography Marty Morrissey and Avril Kelly Carter at the Ladbrokes Gold Cup Day at the Punchestown Racing Festival. Pic: Brian McEvoy Photography Helen Johnson, Vicky Shaw and Sarah at the Ladbrokes Gold Cup Day at the Punchestown Racing Festival. Pic: Brian McEvoy Photography Avril Kelly Carter at the Ladbrokes Gold Cup Day at the Punchestown Racing Festival. Pic: Brian McEvoy Photography Katie Young at the Ladbrokes Gold Cup Day at the Punchestown Racing Festival. Pic: Brian McEvoy Photography Philipa Armstrong and Diggy Rodber at the Ladbrokes Gold Cup Day at the Punchestown Racing Festival. Pic: Brian McEvoy Photography Racegoers on Day Two of the Punchestown Festival. Pic: David Fitzgerald/Sportsfile
Irish Daily Mirror
30-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Irish Daily Mirror
"Awesome" Galopin Des Champs shines on scorching afternoon at Punchestown
A magnificent Galopin Des Champs sparkled in the glorious sunshine on a red hot afternoon of action at Punchestown on Wednesday. The Willie Mullins' trained gelding produced one of his career best performances to demolish his three rivals by 22 lengths in yesterday's featured €300,000 Ladbrokes Gold Cup. Just seven weeks after his bid for Gold Cup immortality at Cheltenham came up short, the Paul Townend partnered nine-year-old was back to his brilliant best - with the second day crowd of 23,285 loving every moment of it. Scenes not witnessed in many years at this 200 year old venue greeted Galopin on his return to the winners' enclosure as ecstatic punters rushed to welcome a horse who can now be called a modern day great. His Gold Cup win came on a sensational sun-kissed afternoon for the all-conquering 69-year-old Mullins, who won all three Grade 1 races, and finished the afternoon with five winners in total. On a day when not even the ice cream sellers could outdo Mullins in profit, Galopin Des Champs made it third time lucky at this Festival, having gone down to arch nemesis Fastorslow in the past two seasons. Sent to the front from the start by Townend, the well supported 5-6 favourite jumped his rivals into submission with a flawless display and by the time they turned for home the race was put to bed, with Spillane's Tower sticking on to be a distance second. Afterwards he was taken on a victory lap of the parade ring by groom Adam Connolly to a raptorious applause as racegoers realised they'd witnessed something very special. Mullins is running out of superlatives for his stable star and on another magical day for his Closutton yard he said: "He was back to best. His jumping was fantastic, at his ease, and Paul was just full of confidence. To win that race by 22-lengths is awesome. In March Galopin Des Champs came agonisingly close to making history with a third Gold Cup win in succession, only for Inothewayurthinkin to spoil the party, but Mullins felt yesterday that we saw the real Galopin. "Paul said he wasn't taking no for an answer at any stage, he was going to put them to the sword and he did. I thought he was more at home today. I was a little bit worried about the heat and the weather, I'd imagine the other trainers were too. "You could see from the start he was enjoying himself, there was a spark in him from jumping off. He's a very good horse, he has to be one of the best chasers we've ever had.' The temptation for Mullins to give this Festival a swerve after such a huge effort at Cheltenham was there but the soon to be 19-time champion trainer has always been adamant that the good horses need to be seen at these festivals. "Good horses deserve to run in good races and good races deserve to have the good horses as do big meetings like Punchestown, there are none bigger at this stage of the season. "Cheltenham was Cheltenham and we were beaten but horses get beaten. At least he's come back and proved that he's a real good horse. Mullins hasn't ruled out another Gold Cup bid in 2026 with Paddy Power cutting Galopin Des Champs to 5-1 (from 7) for next season's chasing showpiece. "There is always next year and he's only nine coming ten. He's still young enough to go and have another go but we're talking about today, not last month, and we're happy to be here today. "We're happy that the horse has come home from Cheltenham and done this. A lot of people don't bring their horses back from Cheltenham but I think 'let's have a crack' as it's good racing and good for the sport." Townend, who had earlier won the Grade 1 Novice Hurdle on Jasmin De Vaux (9/4f), said: "He's special and we're fortunate to have him. We were disappointed coming away from Cheltenham, but the reception he gets is special and he's a unique horse. "He got into a good rhythm and he enjoyed it. He was taking me from fence to fence whereas I was forcing it at Cheltenham and trying to hang in there. He wasn't right at Cheltenham and thankfully it didn't leave a huge mark on him." It was his 16th win for owners Audrey and Greg Turley with the nine-year-old having now won the Terenure couple almost E2.5m in prize-money. Mullins clean sweep of the Grade 1 races began with Jasmin De Vaux while another Cheltenham Festivsl winner Bambino Fever completed the Champion Bumper double under Jody Townend, Paul's younger sister. Kaid D'authie (13/8f) and James du Berlais (7/1) completed the five timer on another remarkable afternoon for Mullins and his team.
