No issues for Willie Mullins' heroes
Willie Mullins reports his runners from a memorable first day of the Cheltenham Festival to be none the worse for their exertions.
Mullins saddled an amazing four-timer, claiming each of the Grade One features on the opening card with Douvan, Un De Sceaux, Faugheen and Glens Melody.
However, the latter was a somewhat fortunate winner of the OLBG Mares’ Hurdle as stablemate and hot favourite Annie Power was clear coming to the last flight, only to crash out.
Mullins told Channel 4’s The Morning Line: “All the horses seem in good form. There’s a few that are a bit stiff and sore but they will be fine. It’s nothing that any athlete wouldn’t be after a football match or whatever. ”
Ruby Walsh partnered three of those winners but was denied a memorable fourth win as he was aboard Annie Power.
He added: “Annie Power is grand. She’s here and she’s fine. It’s unfortunate that she tipped up, but that’s racing isn’t it?
“A lot of them went home, barring Hurricane Fly and Annie Power, they stayed but the rest of them are all gone.”
