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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 Festival

Two-time champion Al Boum Photo is looking to become the first horse to regain his title since Kauto Star in 2009, and the first triple victor since Best Mate 18 years ago.

If Rachael Blackmore wins on A Plus Tard she’ll become the first female jockey to win the Gold Cup.

Michael Jones18 March 2022 15:19

Cheltenham Festival

3.30pm - Cheltenham Gold Cup

A Plus Tard 5/2

Galvin 7/2

Minella Indo 11/2

Al Boum Photo 13/2

Tornado Flyer 10/1

Protektorat 12/1

Chantry House, Royale Pagaille 16/1

Asterion Forlonge 22/1

Santini 40/1

Aye Right 80/1

*Latest odds via Betfair

Michael Jones18 March 2022 15:15

Cheltenham Festival

The next race is the big one. The Cheltenham Gold Cup Chase. 10 horses run in this one with the reigning champion Minella Indo amongst them.

The Rachael Blackmore ridden A Plus Tard is heavily backed though with Davy Russell on the back of Galvin the closest rival.

Michael Jones18 March 2022 15:12

Cheltenham Festival

Ginto, trained by Gordon Elliott, was well set and in contention but suffered a bad injury towards the end of the race and there hasn’t yet been an update on his condition.

Michael Jones18 March 2022 15:09

Cheltenham Festival

Jockey Sean O’Keeffe will be delighted with that run from The Nice Guy, it’s another win for trainer Willie Mullins too. He’s three from three for the day!

Michael Jones18 March 2022 15:05

Albert Bartlett Novices’ Hurdle results

1st: The Nice Guy 18/1

2nd: Minella Cocooner 9/2

3rd: Bardenstown Lad 20/1

4th: Ballygrifincottage 28/1

Michael Jones18 March 2022 15:02

THE NICE GUY WINS THE ALBERT BARTLETT NOVICES’ HURDLE!

Michael Jones18 March 2022 15:00

Cheltenham Festival

Ginto stumbles on the run to the last. The Nice Guy follows Minella Cocooner and Brorson over the final fence and travels up to the hill. Bardenstown Lad kicks on strongly as well.

This is going to be a sprint up the hill, can Minella Cocooner hold on?

Michael Jones18 March 2022 15:00

Cheltenham Festival

Hillcrest has pulled up! So, too has Classic Getaway which hit a hurdle awkwardly and dropped back. Minella Cocooner leads on the turn for home. Ginto and Brorson trail behind him with The Nice Guy running well.

Michael Jones18 March 2022 14:57

Cheltenham Festival

Minella Cocooner trails Classic Getaway and Stag Horn in the front quartet with Brorson. Bardenstown Lad has fallen away but Ginto is making up ground with a move into fourth.

Michael Jones18 March 2022 14:56

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