Colreevy ridden by Paul Townend completed a enthralling win in the Mrs Paddy Power Mares’ Chase.
The eight-year-old mare trained by Willie Mullins pulled away from Shattered Love, also trained by Mullins, to win by half-a-length to seal a another victory for the Irish trainers.
So far this week, Ireland have had 22 winners to Great Britain’s five to become clear winners of the Prestbury Cup.
Rachael Blackmore was confirmed as leading jockey but was unable to add another win to her previous six wins this week as Cabaret Queen pulled up with eight to jump.
Colreevy wins the inaugural Mrs Paddy Power Mares’ Chase
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In the 15.40, Porlock Bay took victory in the St James’ Place Hunter Chase by a nose, just edging out Billaway who had to settle for second place for another year.
Jockey Lorcan Williams had an agonising wait to find out he had taken the victory and the Brit said he was in “disbelief” after the photo finish.
Trainer Will Biddick couldn’t hold back the tears afterwards as he finally recorded a win for Great Britain but there’s no catching Ireland in The Prestbury Cup now.
Vanillier claimed a dominant victory in the Albert Bartlett Novices Hurdle handing jockey Mark Walsh his second win of the meeting.
The 11/1 horse pulled away on the final straight after escaping from a closely bunched field.
Walsh thanked trainer Gavin Cromwell for allowing him the ride and it signalled another win for Cromwell after Flooring Porter’s in the Stayers Hurdle on Day three.
Earlier in the day, Kevin Sexton on board 33-1 Belfast Banter claimed a dramatic win in the McCoy Contractors County Handicap Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival.
The Peter Fahey trained stallion romped home from the middle of the field late on to win by a length.
It was a first Cheltenham winner for Sexton, who spoke after the race, saying: He went well, jumped and travelled and did what I wanted him to do. He just kept going.”
Belfast Banter weaves his way through the field to win the McCoy Contractors County Handicap Hurdle from 33-1
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The next race is the Grade one Albert Bartlett Novices’ Hurdle with Fakiera the 7/2 favourite.
In the first race of the day, Rachael Blackmore and Quilixious were victorious in the JCB Triumph Hurdle.
It was Blackmore’s sixth win of the week, more than any other rider at this years’ event.
The 31-year-old said: “It’s mad, it’s incredible. I’m just happy I’m here and this horse is here.”
