Willie Mullins created history at Cheltenham, becoming the first trainer to have ten winners at the one festival.
No trainer had ever won more than eight races at the greatest show on turf but Mullins’ remarkable battalion of quality and quantity tore up the record books in emphatic style.
The 65-year-old’s eventual haul of 10 put him level with all British trainers combined – having beaten them 6-5 in 2021 – and helped Ireland again finish comfortable winners of the Prestbury Cup, with all seven races on Friday going the way of Irish raiders.
Rachael Blackmore also created a bit of history of her own, with the Gold Cup win, becoming the first female to win the sport's most prestigious contest.
Trainer of the winning horse a plus Tard, Henry De Bromhead said after the race that he's lucky to get to work with her.
"I'm delighted for her, she's an amazing rider, brilliant to work with, a true professional and I feel very lucky to be involved with her."
And Mullins too had high praise for the jockey on Friday Night Racing, stating that her achievements are up their with the best ever.
"An absolutely fantastic achievement.", Mullins told Off The Ball.
"To win the Grand National, come back and win the Gold Cup, backed up by two Champion Hurdles, if any jockey did it, Ruby or Tony McCoy, they would hail it as a huge part of their career."
High praise from one of racing's most accomplished trainers, but Mullins does go on to say Blackmore differs from the two names above.
Gender being the main differentiator, obviously, but it's what Blackmore brings to the horse that makes her stand out from the rest.
"She brings a different energy to her horses."
"I think [she brings] balance and I think trust."
Download the brand new OffTheBall App in the Play Store & App Store right now! We've got you covered!
Subscribe to OffTheBall's YouTube channel for more videos, like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter for the latest sporting news and content.
