Minella Indo edged out A Plus Tard to give trainer Henry de Bromhead a one-two in the WellChild Cheltenham Gold Cup.
Ridden by Jack Kennedy, Minella Indo (9-1) got the better of gallant stablemate A Plus Tard, who was partnered by Festival sensation Rachael Blackmore.
The victory capped an incredible week for De Bromhead, who also collected the Champion Hurdle and Champion Chase and has had six winners in all. Frodon and Bryony Frost made the extended three-and-a-quarter-mile showpiece a true test.
With Kemboy and Black Op for company, the Paul Nicholls-trained Frodon put in serious leaps through the early stage, but Nicky Henderson’s hopes were dashed early on with Champ and Santini pulled up.
Willie Mullins’ Al Boum Photo – seeking a third successive win in the race – was ridden patiently, while A Plus Tard always had the leaders in his sights.
Blackmore closed the door on 9-4 favourite Al Boum Photo as the field galloped down towards the home turn, and it became a fight between the two De Bromhead runners.
But Minella Indo held the upper hand and repelled the determined challenge of the runner-up to win by a length and a quarter.
Al Boum Photo was four and a quarter lengths away in third. Native River, the winner in 2018, was fourth and Frodon fifth.
Kennedy said: “I can’t believe it, this is what I’ve dreamt of since I was a child. I’m just so grateful to Henry and (owner) Barry Maloney for giving me a chance and the opportunity to ride him. I can’t thank them enough, I’ll owe them forever.
“This is what I live for. I just can’t believe this is after happening, I’m delighted.
“I was there very soon on him, but I didn’t want to disappoint him, he carried me into it and I didn’t want to be taking him back.
“I landed over the last and he pricked his ears, he was pulling up, but it wasn’t out of tiredness and when he heard Rachael coming back at him, he took off again. It’s unbelievable stuff.”
Trainer De Bromhead said: “It’s unbelievable. I’m delighted for all connections – the Maloneys, Barry and Mike and everyone.
“We’ve had so much fun with this guy, we weren’t beaten by much with Monalee and to go and do it with him, he’s just an incredible horse.
“He comes alive here and I suppose when you saw Allaho winning like he did yesterday, it gave us more confidence with him.
“He’s amazing, he just comes alive. He’s like a different horse, a little bit like (Champion Chase winner) Put The Kettle On.
“I think I’m still in my hotel, it’s Monday evening and I’m about wake up and nothing’s even started yet. That’s where I’m at at the moment, it’s brilliant.
“A Plus Tard was amazing, he ran a cracker for the Thompsons of Cheveley Park. Both jockeys were amazing, it’s just brilliant.”
Result
1st: Minella Indo 9/1
2nd: A Plus Tard 10/3
3rd: Al Boum Photo 9/4f
4th: Native River 12/1
