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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:

Cheltenham Gold Cup results

1st: A Plus Tard 3/1

2nd: Minella Indo 7/1

3rd: Protektorat 10/1

4th: Galvin 10/3

Michael Jones18 March 2022 15:41

A PLUS TARD WINS THE GOLD CUP!

Yes, they can. A Plus Tard storms up the hill and leaves Minella Indo in his wake. What a ride from Rachael Blackmore!

Michael Jones18 March 2022 15:39

Cheltenham Festival

Rachael Blackmore kicks A Plus Tard after Minella Indo and catches him as they leap over the last fence. A Plus Tard lands smoothly a nose ahead of last year’s champion. Can they get to the line?

Michael Jones18 March 2022 15:38

Cheltenham Festival

Royale Pagaile joins Asterion Forlonge up at the top of the field but Minella Indo is making an early move with two fences to go.

Michael Jones18 March 2022 15:37

Cheltenham Festival

Aye Right leads over the water jump with everyone moving into position behind him. Asterion Forlonge is running well alongside the leader.

A Plus Tard moves next to Minella Indowith Galvin just behind them.

Michael Jones18 March 2022 15:35

Cheltenham Festival

The favourites make their moves towards the front of the field. Aye Right takes the lead as Asterion Forlonge drops into second. Santini is on the inside of Al Boum Photo with Minella Indo on the rail. Galvin is there or thereabouts as well. 10 fences to go yet.

Michael Jones18 March 2022 15:34

Cheltenham Festival

Asterion Forlonge and Aye Right travel at the front with Santini tucked just in behind. The three leaders are two lengths ahead of Minella Indo and A Plus Tard.

Michael Jones18 March 2022 15:32

Cheltenham Festival

Asterion Forlonge and Santini lead the way over the second hurdle with Minella Indo close to the rail. Tornado Flyer set off quickly but has dropped to the back of the field.

Michael Jones18 March 2022 15:31

Cheltenham Festival

Minella Indo has drifted out to 13/2 after three defeats. He run better last time and knows how to win this race so is in with a shout.

A Plus Tard is going to set off with the favourite mark at 11/4. Galvin comes in at 10/3, with Al Boum Photo joining Minella Indo at 13/2.

Who’s going to win the Gold Cup?

Michael Jones18 March 2022 15:29

Cheltenham Festival

The horses are out in the parade ring just before they head onto the course. Rachael Blackmore said at the start of the day that she has unfinished business in the Gold Cup after coming second with A Plus Tard last year.

Can she go on to win it this time around?

Michael Jones18 March 2022 15:24

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