A dominant display from Gaelic Warrior saw the Willie Mullins trained horse lift the prestigious Boodles Cheltenham Gold Cup.
The win gave Paul Townend his fifth Gold Cup, as Gaelic Warrior went off as the 11-4 joint favourite alongside Jango Baie, but outclassed the field to cross the finish line eight lengths clear of second.
2025 winner Inothewayurthinkin ran a strong race in third in his attempt to defend his crown but could not close the gap on the leaders.
Mullins shared his thoughts on Townsend’s record: “I’m so delighted for Paul to beat that record, because you would meet him and he’s just Paul Townend.
“You wouldn’t dream that he’s such a record-breaking jockey and a top-class sportsman.
“What I really like about Paul is when things get tough, he just gets tougher – he doesn’t let bad days upset him.”
Embed from Getty ImagesThe race result was overshadowed following the death of Envoi Allen, who finished ninth in the Gold Cup.
The 12-year-old was having the final start of his stellar career, with owners Cheveley Park Stud confirming he would retire following his run in the blue riband.
But after the race, Envoi Allen collapsed and passed away.
Cheveley Park Stud director Richard Thompson told Sky Sports News: “He was such an unbelievable horse.
“This was not the ending we wanted but unfortunately that is what has happened.
“He’s been an incredible servant, wonderful over the years, and this is such a sad way to go.
“He’s gone doing what he loves, he just retired at that moment. It’s a tough one.”
Devastating news. đź’”
— At The Races (@AtTheRaces) March 13, 2026
Envoi Allen collapsed post-race in the Gold Cup and has sadly passed away. pic.twitter.com/dBrRAs1VzN
Harry Redknapp, who is linked with the managerial role at Tottenham Hotspur, also had a horse entering the race.
Jukebox Man finished eighth, but the former Portsmouth boss claimed it had been a great season regardless of the result.
He told ITV: “He travelled well. The winner was fantastic and really impressive.
“I think he’s got a little wind problem that we need to sort out. But no excuses.
“It’s been amazing. What a week it’s been to be here and have a runner in the Gold Cup.”
Following the Gold Cup, two more races took place: the Princess Royal Challenge Cup Open Hunters’ Chase and the Martin Pipe Conditional Jockeys’ Handicap Hurdle.
Barton Snow was victorious in the first race of the pair, while Air of Entitlement rounded off a busy week in Cheltenham.
After the final race, there was another fatality as Saint Le Fort suffered a fall in the closing event, marking the fourth death over the four days of the festival.
