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Cheltenham Festival 2022 LIVE: Gold Cup results, odds and updates as Rachael Blackmore wins on A Plus Tard

Follow all the action from day four at the Cheltenham Festival as Rachael Blackmore makes history by winning the Gold Cup on A Plus Tard

Michael Jones
Friday 18 March 2022 17:41 GMT
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Racegoers arrive for the first day of the Cheltenham Festival

The finale of the Cheltenham Festival saw Rachael Blackmore make more history in the Gold Cup as she triumphed on A Plus Tard to become the first female jockey to win the blue riband event of jump-racing as Minella Indo’s attempt to secure back-to-back victories fell short.

Despite a bright and sunny day three, the going is soft again after the heavy rain from Wednesday but conditions at the Greatest Show on Turf are close to perfect as the Festival comes to a close. The day’s action was headlined, of course, by the Gold Cup but the Albert Bartlett Novices’ Hurdle and JCB Triumph Hurdle also provided plenty of drama.

On day three, Flooring Porter joined the illustrious list of horses who have won the Stayers’ Hurdle on more than one occasion with his second consecutive victory, while Alloha repeated the same feat in the Ryanair Chase. But Minella Indo couldn’t quite match their performances in the Gold Cup - finishing second behind A Plus Tard.

Follow for live updates, as well as tips, odds and results as the Cheltenham Festival concludes today:

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Cheltenham Festival

Bardenstown Lad, Classic Getaway, Stag Horn and Minella Cocooner make their way to the front of the field at a fairly quick pace. Hillcrest is positioned in the middle of the pack and isn’t jumping brilliantly as they make it over the fourth.

Michael Jones18 March 2022 14:54
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Cheltenham Festival

After a false start, they’re underway!

Michael Jones18 March 2022 14:52
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Cheltenham Festival

16 horses run in this one and head out onto the course for the Albert Bartlett Novices’ Hurdle. This has been a race for outsiders in the past but can the favourites claim the victory today.

Ginto and Hillcrest are tied at 9/4 as they make their way to the start.

Michael Jones18 March 2022 14:50
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Cheltenham Festival

Ginto is being well back on the course and with three wins in his last three outings could be a contender against Hillcrest. Gordon Elliott is his trainer and Jack Kennedy has good memories around Cheltenham.

Definitely one to watch at 5/2.

Michael Jones18 March 2022 14:45
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Cheltenham Festival

The Albert Bartlett Novices’ Hurdle was won by Rachael Blackmore and Minella Indo in 2019 at 50-1 for trainer Henry de Bromhead.

De Bromhead and Blackmore combine again with Shantreusse, who has shown plenty of improvement this season and could challenge at a decent price of 12/1.

The 2/1 favourite is Hillcrest though. He is unbeaten in his completed hurdle races with his only stumble coming here at Cheltenham in January when he uneasted his rider.

Since then he’s recorded a win at Haydock and looks promising for trainer Henry Daly and jockey Richard Patrick.

Michael Jones18 March 2022 14:43
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Cheltenham Festival

2.50pm - Albert Bartlett Novices’ Hurdle

Hillcrest 5/2

Ginto 3/1

Minella Cocooner 8/1

Shantreusse, Good Time Jonny 20/1

The Nice Guy 21/1

Stag Horn 22/1

Barnestown Lad 25/1

Classic Getaway, Ballygrifincottage 30/1

Eric Bloodaxe 50/1

Ramillies 55/1

Green Brook 66/1

Mahler Mission 90/1

Idas Boy 120/1

Brorson 240/1

Where It All Began 300/1

*Latest odds via SBK

Michael Jones18 March 2022 14:40
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Paul Townend is cruising ahead of the rest of the jockeys this week. He’s won five races, had two seconds and a third placed finish. Nico de Boinville is closest to him with two wins, two seconds and one third.

Irish trainer Willie Mullins, meanwhile, has seven wins.

Michael Jones18 March 2022 14:34
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Cheltenham Festival

Not long to go until the Cheltenham Gold Cup. Paul Townend made it five wins for the Festival with that ride on State Man.

Cheltenham reaches its thrilling conclusion on Gold Cup day (PA)
(Getty Images)
Michael Jones18 March 2022 14:29
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A great finish from State Man to make it a winning double for jockey Paul Townend and trainer Willie Mullins.

Michael Jones18 March 2022 14:24
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McCoy Contractors County Hurdle results

1st: State Man 11/4

2nd: First Street 16/1

3rd: Colonel Mustard 13/2

4th: West Cork 13/2

5th: Ballyadam 50/1

Michael Jones18 March 2022 14:21

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