MINISTER for Agriculture, Food, Fisheries and the Marine, Martin Heydon, has paid tribute to Ireland’s Cheltenham heroes, hailing the week as a strong showcase of the Irish racing industry.

Britain held a lead in the Prestbury Cup after day one but the final scoreline was 20-8 in favour of the visitors, with Willie Mullins saddling 10 winners over the four days. There were also Festival victories for Gold Cup champion Gavin Cromwell, Henry de Bromhead, Joseph O’Brien, Gordon Elliott, Cian Collins, Paul Nolan, Sam Curling and Barry Connell.