War leads home unforgettable Gold Cup 1–2–3
This was further proof, as if it was needed, that Irish National Hunt racing is currently flying high. War Of Attrition carried the colours of Gigginstown House Stud, owned by Ryanair supremo, Michael O'Leary, and was followed home by fellow invaders, Hedgehunter and Forget The Past, on an unforgettable St Patrick's Day.
Ever since the seven-year-old set foot on a racecourse he had promised to be top-class. Trained to the minute by the astute Mouse Morris, he finally delivered a display that those close to the horse knew was coming.
Taken wide, typically, by Conor O'Dwyer he powered across his fences and, for much of the journey, was hardly out of second gear.
O'Dwyer, as wily as a fox, knew exactly what he was doing and it was almost a replica of the way he rode Fergie Sutherland's Imperial Call to win this great race ten years earlier.
“I was going to go down the inner, but Iris's Gift was there, so I changed my mind”, said O'Dwyer. “He jumped and travelled super and had a great run. I had him very wide, but he's a novice and I didn't want to get him too tight on the inner.”
Five from home, O'Dwyer brought War Of Attrition up to take on Forget The Past, as Aintree Grand National hero, Hedgehunter, tracked the pair.
O'Dwyer was absolutely swinging out of War Of Attrition, but waited and waited until deciding the time was right to make the long strike for home.
He had enough of the waiting approaching the home turn and the son of Presenting didn't disappoint, surging ahead.
Forget The Past couldn't keep up and it was left to Hedgehunter to go in pursuit. He tried his hardest for Ruby Walsh, but War Of Attrition had plenty in the locker and wasn't hard pressed to score by a comfortable two and a half lengths.
“It was easy to ride him”, offered O'Dwyer modestly. “He winged the last two fences when I asked him, he loves his racing.
“This is even better than the first one. I would compare War Of Attrition very favourably with Imperial Call, they are similar horses.
“My only worry through the race was a loose horse about six out. We always knew he would stay.
“Fair play to Mouse and Michael O'Leary for making the decision to go for this race.
“He did everything I wanted and went everywhere I wanted, which was a huge plus. He gave me one hundred per cent.”
O'Dwyer now has a tremendous record at the Festival, his total standing at four wins, two in the Gold Cup and two in the Champion Hurdle.
In a little over three weeks he will celebrate his 40th birthday, but has no intention of retiring.
Said O'Dwyer, who enjoyed a glorious kiss with wife Audrey, lifted up to meet him by Arthur Moore: “Hopefully, the horse will be here next year and I'd hate to be at home watching it on the telly.”
For Morris it was a magnificent training feat. Bravely, he decided War Of Attrition would not run again after finishing second to Beef Or Salmon in the Lexus at Leopardstown at Christmas.
I met him many times on the racecourses of Ireland in the intervening months and it was crystal clear he was utterly focused on having his charge in peak condition for the only day that really counts. He got it spot-on.
Said Morris: “I watched some of the race on television, I was afraid to watch. Conor is an old fella, who rode the horse like a young fella. He gave him a peach of a ride.
“I left the tactics completely to Conor, I just said be in the first three at the bottom of the hill.
“I will never forget this day, this place is just like home! I want to enjoy it and won't be making any statement now about the future for this horse.”
You wouldn't need to be Einstein, however, to work out he will be back to defend his crown next year, as long as he's sound.
Continuing Morris said: “I have always held him in high regard. You can't get any better than his second here two years ago to Brave Inca in the Supreme Novices' Hurdle. This is just magical, unbelievable.
“I walked the course earlier in the day and told Conor I didn't mind if he came up the inside or the outside, but didn't want him in the middle, as that's where the ground was cut up.”
Michael O'Leary said: “That was amazing. What a training performance by Mouse and what a ride by Conor.
“My brother Eddie bought this horse about four years ago and always thought he had a chance in this race. I thought he was dreaming. This is fantastic. He's well named, like his owner, always causing trouble.”
Hedgehunter ran a cracking race and was immediately installed as the 4-1 favourite for the Grand National by Ladbrokes.
“If the handicapper knew he was capable of that he would have another stone to carry at Aintree”, reasoned Ladbrokes' Mike Dillon.
Commented Hedgehunter's trainer, Willie Mullins: “I was never as delighted to finish second in a race.
“He got a fantastic ride. I was seriously thinking of withdrawing him beforehand, as I was so disappointed with how Mister Hight ran in the first race. But I couldn't give myself any reason to take him out. War Of Attrition is a great Gold Cup winner.”
Said Ruby Walsh: “My horse ran a blinder and I thought I might get there going to the last, but the winner stayed on too well.”
Anne-Marie Cullen, daughter of Forget The Past's trainer, Michael O'Brien, said: “We are thrilled. He will be entered in the Irish National, but could be an English National horse next year, as he wants further.”
Beef Or Salmon ran no sort of race, was struggling with fully a circuit to go and clearly detests Cheltenham.
“I probably have to believe what people say about this horse and Cheltenham now”, accepted Michael Hourigan.
“He just didn't perform and I don't really have any excuses. He will run in the Heineken at Punchestown and then go out on grass. I don't know if we will come back here again.”
An incredible outcome for Ireland then, considering that last year's winner, Kicking King, was at home.
And, of course, for the second year in-a-row all the major prizes are coming back across the Irish Sea with War Of Attrition, Brave Inca (Champion Hurdle) and Newmill (Champion Chase) doing the business.
