Weatherbys Champion

Bumper (Grade 1)

FOR a record-extending 14th time, Wednesday’s card ended with a case of ‘Willie’s in the bumper.’ Bambino Fever stamped her class on the Weatherbys Champion Bumper field to provide Jody Townend with a memorable first Cheltenham Festival win, returning to an immense reception from the O’Connell Morgan Syndicate and friends.

She halved in price into favouritism from a morning show of 6/1 before being sent off the 4/1 second favourite behind the disappointing 7/2 market leader Kalypso’chance, who finished 11th.

It was impressive from the unbeaten Jukebox Jury mare to quicken up sharply and then dig deep in the closing stages to shrug off the attentions John McConnell’s 40/1 shot Heads Up, who posted a smashing effort to be beaten a length and a half. An Irish-trained 1-2-3 was completed by Tom Cooper’s 66/1 outsider Shuttle Diplomacy, off the track since the previous year’s Punchestown Festival.

“It is unbelievable - I think I will have to watch it a few times before it sinks in,” said Townend. “It’s the stuff you dream off as a kid and for it to finally happen is unbelievable. I’m used to watching Paul ride winners around here, so for me to be part of it, I can’t believe it.

“I jumped off and I was in exactly the right position I wanted to be in. As we turned down the hill she just jumped on the bridle for me and I was saying don’t get there too soon in my head. When I gave her a squeeze she just took off and it was magic. That is only my third ride here as I’ve ridden in the Champion Bumper for the last three years for Willie. He is very good to me with all the opportunities he has given me and the owners for them to put me up. It was unreal when I crossed the line.

Mullins added: “Everyone was keen to leave Jody on her, which was a great decision as she gave her a fabulous ride. The mare is a bit of a surprise package, she doesn’t exactly flash up the gallops at home, but she does it on the racetrack.”

John McConnell, trainer of Heads Up (second)

“I’m delighted. I’ve been saying all along that I didn’t think his last run was a true reflection of him. The way he won the time before, it was such a big effort that I thought maybe it had taken it out of him and he just wasn’t fresh. So the way he’s run today didn’t surprise us, even though he’s a big price. He’s a very good horse and I’m really looking forward to next season. He’s very exciting.”