Weatherbys Champion Bumper (Grade 1)

IT has long been apparent that Willie Mullins is taking National Hunt racing to unprecedented heights, yet there was the feeling of something a little bit special in the air on Wednesday evening when he reached the spectacular milestone of 100 Cheltenham Festival winners thanks to a gritty victory from Jasmin De Vaux in the Weatherbys Champion Bumper.

The landmark success was made all the sweeter with the legendary trainer’s son Patrick in the plate after choosing correctly from the stable’s nine runners. He is now the most successful rider in the history of the race on four wins, surpassing Ruby Walsh’s previous record.

In rounding off a rollercoaster day for owners Simon Munir and Isaac Souede, whose El Fabiolo was unable to live up to expectations in the Champion Chase, the 9/2 winner had to show plenty of toughness to get the better of Romeo Coolio and Jalon D’oudairies - two highly-regarded Gordon Elliott youngsters with big futures in store.

The record-breaking trainer showed about as much emotion and passion as you will ever see from him in the winner’s enclosure after a major win, and the Prestbury Park faithful showed their appreciation for the mammoth achievement.

“We are just stunned that we have come this far, but we’ve had tremendous people behind us, backing us, the whole time,” said the Festival centurion.

Family success

“I was really pleased Patrick got the ride. I wasn’t sure he was on the right one, but he picked it and he was spot on. Simon and Isaac had the disappointment with El Fabiolo so for them to own this horse was a little bit of justice. I’m just delighted.”

The winning rider added: “I couldn’t ride the fillies at the weight and he was a horse who had nothing going against them; everything else had a minor mark against them. The only thing you could hold against him is how he looks, he’s very small, very narrow, very short, he doesn’t do anything flashy. But when I had a look under the bonnet at Naas, there was plenty there.

“Everytime I needed to make ground, he was able to do it. Even though we were wide, I was able to go where I wanted – I wasn’t at the mercy of anyone else. They are called bumpers for a reason!”

As well as being a notable win for the Closutton team, it was a landmark result for Highflyer Bloodstock, who celebrated a 100th Cheltenham Festival winner sourced by the prominent buyers.