Cheveley Park Stud were crowned Leading Owner at the Cheltenham Festival following a trio of victories courtesy of Sir Gerhard, Allaho and Quilixios.
SIR GERHARD made all for Rachael Blackmore and Willie Mullins in the Gr. 1 Weatherbys Champion Bumper, providing Cheveley Park Stud with an unprecedented third straight success in the contest. The son of Jeremy, unbeaten in all three bumper starts, was purchased for £400,000 at the 2019 Tattersalls Cheltenham December Sale from Ellmarie Holden. Sir Gerhard could now head to the Punchestown Festival for the Gr. 1 Champion I.N.H. Flat Race.
Arguably the performance of the entire Festival came from ALLAHO, who spreadeagled a deep field in the Gr. 1 Ryanair Chase. Rachael Blackmore’s imposing 7yo partner jumped and galloped his rivals into submission, ultimately crossing the line a dozen lengths clear of his nearest pursuer. Having placed at the last two Cheltenham Festivals, this was a first top-level success for the Willie Mullins trained gelding.
The Gr. 1 JCB Triumph Hurdle was won in commanding fashion by QUILIXIOS, ridden by Rachael Blackmore for Henry de Bromhead. The 4yo son of Maxios remains unbeaten in five career starts over hurdles and will be considered for Champion 4YO Hurdle at the Punchestown Festival.
Of the other three Cheveley Park Stud runners at the Cheltenham Festival: Ballyadam finished a creditable second in the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle, A Plus Tard put ran a career-best to finish runner-up in the Cheltenham Gold Cup and, unfortunately, Envoi Allen took a tumble in the Marsh Novices’ Chase but thankfully appears none the worse for that fall.