Follow live coverage of the final day of the 2019 Cheltenham Festival where Al Boum Photo won the Gold Cup in a first for trainer Willie Mullins.
Leading at the second-last fence, the 12-1 shot dug deep for jockey Paul Townend, who was also winning the Gold Cup for the first time. Anibale Fly stayed on strongly to finish second, two and a half lengths away, with Bristol De Mai another three and three-quarter lengths back in third.
After six second places, Mullins finally broke his Gold Cup hoodoo. His three other runners - Kemboy, Bellshill and Invitation Only - failed to finish.
"Obviously he has taken to hurdling well," said O'Brien.
"He ran a nice race first time and improved a good bit to his second run. He'll have to improve again, but we're hopeful he's capable of doing so.
"It's going to be a competitive race - and by far his biggest test so far - and he'll probably have to run a career-best to win it.
"We're very realistic in that sense, but we'd like to think he has a favourite's chance."
"He finished off the race well and I’d be hopeful he can come forward from it. The favourite will obviously be tough to beat based on that form, but I think my lad will run well."
The Joseph O’Brien-trained horse has been impressive over hurdles this season, the stamina test will suit him and it should have enough to beat a field not filled with quality.
Quel Destin comes into the race with five consecutive wins behind it, including a Grade 1 win at Chepstow, although the quality of the races does not set it well for this. Paul Nicholls’ other contender, Pic D’Orhy, had decent juvenile form in France and is an unknown quantity on his debut for the new stable.
There will be some reaction at Prestbury Park is Sir Erec delivers as expected.
All odds quoted are Betfair. The Betfair Exchange had the best odds on every winner at the Cheltenham Festival last year. Small Details. Big Results at Cheltenham with Betfair.
