Gaelic Warrior has stormed to a brilliant eight-length triumph in the 2026 Gold Cup at Cheltenham Festival this afternoon.
The eight-year-old, trained by Willie Mullins and partnered by Paul Townend, was the 11/4 favourite heading into jump racing's showpiece event — and he delivered in spectacular fashion.
It's fair to say this was dominance personified from the Mullins yard.
Townend's mount travelled with supreme ease throughout the contest, never looking in any real danger as he cruised around the famous Prestbury Park course.
Paul Townend has won the Gold Cup more than any other jockey in history
|REUTERS
The jockey made Gold Cup history by winning it a fifth time - no one has lifted it more.
The favourite demonstrated his quality when it mattered most, pulling clear in the closing stages.
With three fences remaining, Gaelic Warrior was sitting pretty on the heels of Grey Dawning, biding his time perfectly.
The decisive moment came at the second last, where Townend's mount drew level with Harry Redknapp's Jukebox Man.
When Jukebox Man made a costly error at that crucial obstacle, Gaelic Warrior seized his opportunity and kicked for home.
There was simply no catching him after that.
🏆 GAELIC WARRIOR WINS THE BOODLES CHELTENHAM GOLD CUP! 🏆 pic.twitter.com/p0ufYpI15V
— ITV Racing (@itvracing) March 13, 2026
The Mullins-trained star soared over the final fence with absolute precision, putting the race to bed in emphatic style.
It was a masterclass in patient, tactical riding from Townend, who let his horse do the talking when it counted.
Jango Baie, trained by Nicky Henderson, stayed on gamely to claim second spot, though he simply couldn't live with the winner's devastating turn of foot.
Harry Redknapp's horse Jukebox Man made a late error and fell away from the leading pack
|PA
Last year's champion Inothewayurthinkin produced a late surge from well off the pace to snatch third place for trainer Gavin Cromwell.
As for Jukebox Man, that mistake at the second last proved fatal to his chances, and Harry Redknapp's horse couldn't recover to make the frame.
An emotional Townend told ITV afterwards: "I'm speechless. This was a huge team effort, I was just the fortunate one to get to ride him today.
"This lad went to sleep and jumped from fence to fence. It was just a matter of not falling off!"