Cheltenham 2024: Racegoers arrive for day one of festival
Willie Mullins reached the magical 100-winner mark at the Cheltenham Festival as the Patrick Mullins-ridden Jasmin De Vaux provided him with a 13th victory in the Weatherbys Champion Bumper.
Mullins is out on his own as the most successful trainer in the history of National Hunt racing’s showpiece meeting, with his tally of 94 ahead of this week putting him well clear of his great friend and rival Nicky Henderson on 73.
Having sent a terrifically strong squad across the Irish Sea, it was a matter of when, not if, Mullins would reach the century, and following a Tuesday treble courtesy of Champion Hurdle hero State Man, Mares’ Hurdle victor Lossiemouth and Gaelic Warrior in the Arkle, the figure loomed large.
With Ballyburn and Fact To File delighting favourite-backers in the Gallagher Novices’ Hurdle and Brown Advisory Novices’ Chase respectively, El Fabiolo was widely expected to be the history maker in the Queen Mother Champion Chase, but he was dramatically pulled up after hitting the fifth fence and the wait went on.
The Coral Cup and Grand Annual also came and went without a Mullins winner, but it was fitting that the big one came in the Festival race he has won more than any other as Jasmin De Vaux obliged at 9-2 with the trainer’s son in the saddle.
“It’s a wonderful day, it’s fantastic. As much I enjoy what’s happening, I think of my colleague and fellow trainer Nicky Henderson and what’s happened with his yard this week,” Mullins said.
Follow all of our coverage from the 2024 Cheltenham Festival below plus get the best each-way odds and tips for Day 2 right here:
Jasmin De Vaux wins the Champion Bumper!
1st – Jasmin De Vaux (Mr P W Mullins) 9-2
2nd – Romeo Coolio (K M Donoghue) 18-1
3rd – Jalon D’oudairies (J W Kennedy) 3-1 Fav
Mike Jones13 March 2024 17:45
Jasmin De Vaux wins the Champion Bumper!
Willie Mullins has his 100! It’s a wonderful moment as the race is won by his son Patrick atop Jasmin De Vaux who left it late but timed his move expertly.
Mike Jones13 March 2024 17:36
Cheltenham 17.30 – Champion Bumper
Jasmin De Vaux come through the pack using the downhill brilliantly. Romeo Coolio nods into the lead but Willie Mullins’ contender is catching him.
Mike Jones13 March 2024 17:36
Cheltenham 17.30 – Champion Bumper
Romeo Coolio and Argento Boy make progress as the approach the top of the hill. Too close to call from here. Teeshan still leads.
Mike Jones13 March 2024 17:34
Cheltenham 17.30 – Champion Bumper
Teeshan works his way to the front of the field and is the new pace setter as they reach the halfway stage. Behind him the field bunch closely together.
Mike Jones13 March 2024 17:33
Cheltenham 17.30 – Champion Bumper
The Yellow Clay edges out into the lead with Quebecois and Cantico rear the front. This is a two mile flat race so there’s no danger of losing pace over the jumps.
Mike Jones13 March 2024 17:32
Cheltenham 17.30 – Champion Bumper
And they’re off! There’s a big bustle as the horses bomb away from the start.
Mike Jones13 March 2024 17:30
Cheltenham 17.30 – Champion Bumper
The field is heading out to the post for the final race of the day. It’s another big pack so don’t be surprised if an outsider comes through to win this one.
Mike Jones13 March 2024 17:27
Cheltenham 17.30 – Champion Bumper
Can Willie Mullins bring up his 100 today? He’s got one race left to do it and has a few contenders who could take him to the achievement.
The last race of day two gets going in just a few minutes time.
Mike Jones13 March 2024 17:23
Cheltenham 17.30 – Champion Bumper
- Jalon Doudairies 7/2
- Jasmin De Vaux 4/1
- The Yellow Clay 7/1
- You Oughta Know 9/1
- Cantico 11/1
- Fleur Au Fusil 12/1
- Teeshan 14/1
- Argento Boy 20/1
- Romeo Coolio 20/1
- Sixmilebridge 22/1
- Cest Ta Chance 25/1
- Bill Joyce 33/1
- Quebecois 33/1
- Royal Infantry 40/1
- Sounds Victorius 80/1
- Fishery Lane 100/1
- Stavvy 100/1
- Union Avenue 150/1
- Dirty Den 200/1
- Odds via Oddschecker
Mike Jones13 March 2024 17:18
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