Inothewayurthinkin won the Cheltenham Gold Cup to end a run of three successive victories for Galopin des Champs.
Under trainer Gavin Cromwell and rider Mark Walsh, the seven-year-old stallion was given extra support to take on the €30,000 race, a decision that has paid off handsomely for owner JP McManus.
The 8-13 favourite, Galopen des Champs, looked set to become the first three-time winner since Best Mate but Inotevayurtinkin (15-2) was well behind and eventually ran out a sprinting winner by six lengths.
“I'm speechless,” Cromwell told Racing TV.
“We had a lot of faith in this horse. I have to give a lot of credit to Keith Donoghue for his input, he was there for her all the way.
“He went through all of school and did great. I'm just thrilled.
“I was worried about the pace of the race on a more favourable track, it was barely holding up all the time – it was on the limit.
“He's a really great horse. When I was going into the second to last jump I thought we had a good chance, what can I say? It's great, I'm just delighted.
“A huge thank you to JP and Noreen [McManus] for giving him confidence. It's great, they have an amazing place to train. They're incredible people.”
Mark Walsh after winning the Cheltenham Gold Cup. Photo: Mike Egerton/PA
Jockey Walsh expressed his emotions: “I'm dancing inside! It's just incredible, I can't believe it.
“They were going at a good pace, he was jumping well overall but he nearly went into a ditch at the back. I was always on the outside, he missed a few fences a bit early on and I could see Paul [Townend on the Galopin Des Champs] wasn't happy so I was pleased to see that.
“You've got to give the guy credit, he's matured a bit in the last year. He won here last year, but Gavin Cromwell is a genius.
“He's also a family pet, which makes him even more special.”
Owner McManus added: “You have to enjoy these moments, they are a long time in the making. We've had him since he was a foal, he was raised by Noreen [his wife]. It's a very exciting time and I will cherish it.”
“I'd like to see him again. I don't think I got it all, but it was an exciting day.”
Paul Townend commented on Galopin de Champs' performance: “He tried his best and came home safe and sound. He will compete again
Sourse: breakingnews.ie
