Willie Mullins saddled the winners of four of the first five races as the bookmakers took a pounding on the opening day of the Cheltenham Festival. However, stable jockey Ruby Walsh was left reflecting on what might have been - despite riding three of the winners.
Faugheen, dubbed “The Machine”, lived up to his star billing when sweeping clear in the featured Stan James Champion Hurdle to score an emphatic success.
Walsh, triumphant on Douvan in the opening Sky Bet Supreme Novices’ Hurdle and Un De Sceaux in the Racing Post Arkle Chase, made the running on Faugheen in the hurdling championship and quickened again approaching the last to swiftly put the race to bed.
The 4-5 favourite scored by one-and-a-half lengths from his Mullins’ stablemate Arctic Fire, with Hurricane Fly, completing a 1-2-3 for the Co Carlow handler, another five lengths back in third.
With Mullins’ opening trio of winners all starting warm favourites, bookmakers were running for cover by the time Annie Power went to post for the Irish champion trainer in the OLBG Mares’ Hurdle.
Advertisement
However, after Walsh swept clear going to the last, the odds-on favourite crumpled on landing to send Walsh tumbling to the ground.
Compensation for Mullins was provided by Glens Melody, who got the nod under Paul Townend from Polly Peachum at odds of 6-1.
Thankfully, Annie Power and Walsh emerged unscathed. There will be other days for her, while the bookies will be grateful of being thrown a lifeline.
Walsh said of Annie Power: “I don’t know why she did it. She was a bit far away and came down under the top bar and turned over. That’s racing, that happens.
“It’s been a super day. Douvan was great, Un De Sceaux was brilliant, Faugheen winning the Champion Hurdle was magic. At least Annie Power got up and there’ll be another day.”