A massive shock in the JCB Triumph Hurdle as Poniros flies past odds on favourite East India Dock and Lulamba to the line in a breathtaking ride off an eye-watering 100/1 price for Tony Bloom and Willie Mullins.
👀 100/1 – Poniros is the biggest priced winner in the history of the Triumph Hurdle pic.twitter.com/C5WMeRCbjB
— Racing TV (@RacingTV) March 14, 2025
The winner was behind East India Dock over the last but rode home brilliantly and outran the two favourites to the line.
Results:
1st: Poniros 100/1
2nd: Lulamba 11/4
3rd East India Dock 5/4 FAV
Jonjo O’Neill Jnr at the Cheltenham Festival:
— Racing TV (@RacingTV) March 14, 2025
✅ Martin Pipe Conditional Jockeys’ Handicap Hurdle (2019)
✅ Trustatrader Plate Handicap Chase (2025)
🆕 JCB Triumph Hurdle (2025)
A brilliant week for in-form jockey! 🔥#CheltenhamFestival | @JJONeillJnr pic.twitter.com/LPGIKYY1cq
Jockey Reaction – Jonjo O’Neill Jr:
“It’s crazy, it’s a funny old game. I was supposed to be in Doncaster today and after declarations, I went calling my agent that Willie (Mullins) was looking for a Jockey. She said I should stay in Doncaster, but I said the way this week is going I would much rather be riding one of Willie’s, and anything of Willie’s has a chance.
“Listen, it’s unbelievable. That’s his (Poniros) first-ever appearance over hurdles in public, and oh, what a place!”
Trainer Reaction – Willie Mullins:
“He’s sort of the horse you’re looking for. You know, I didn’t expect that. (…) We were hoping that he’d run well and be a nice horse for next year, so he’s ahead of schedule.
“We bought him in October, we just schooled him and gave him a break, and we said we’d better drag him in from the field and get him ready for Cheltenham, so that’s what we did. I didn’t expect anything more than a nice run. You know, we had a lot of horses in the race and they all came here with the same plan, and I mean, I couldn’t believe it when I saw him flying through the middle of them.”
Quotes via ITVRacing
