GAEL FORCE

Mullins chaser proves he's the class of the Cup field

- By Melissa Jones

WAR HORSE Gaelic Warrior gives Paul Townend a dream ride to win the Gold Cup

JOINT favourite Gaelic Warrior defended Cheltenham territory for Willie Mullins by putting them to the sword in the Boodles Cheltenham Gold Cup.

In one of the most fascinating lineups of recent years, the 11-4 chance thundered away from nine high-class opponents to send jockey Paul Townend into the history books with a record fifth title.

However there was a sad postscript to the three-mile, two-and-a-half furlong showpiece, as Envoi Allen, a triple winner at the meeting, collapsed and died after crossing the line in ninth place.

It was a bittersweet ending to the £625,000 feature, with Rich Ricci-owned Gaelic Warrior's eight-length humbling of his market equal Jango Baie and last year’s winner Inothewayurthinkin one of the most impressive displays in its 102-year history.