The Shunter powered up the hill to snaffle the spoils in the 15:40, Paddy Power Plate Handicap Chase for trainer Emmet Mullins, owner Paul Byrne and 20-year-old jockey Jordan Gainford. Irish domination has become something of a given at Cheltenham in recent times with Mullins, Elliott and De Bromhead always leading the way with their star-studded travelling parties. So far, it’s been Henry De Bromhead ahead of the pack in the race for Top Trainer with Willie Mullins and now Denise ‘Sneezy’ Foster following suit to propel Ireland to another Prestbury Cup. When you consider that in 1989, Ireland came away from the festival without a single victory, it really is quite astonishing what’s unfolding before our eyes at Prestbury Park. We really are witnessing a golden era in Irish jumps racing, one which shows no signs of abating any time soon.

Source: Irish Independent March 18, 2021 18:11 UTC