Mullins breaks Cheltenham record with eighth winner

Willie Mullins made history by training a record eight winners at a Cheltenham Festival when Killultagh Vic landed a thrilling victory in the Martin Pipe Conditional Jockeys’ Handicap Hurdle.

The six-year-old, ridden by Luke Dempsey, was all out to see off Noble Endeavour and grab the verdict in a terrific tussle up the hill.

Killultagh Vic (7-1) stuck on resolutely to score by a head, with another Mullins runner Roi Des Francs, the 3-1 favourite, four and a half lengths away in third. Kauto Grand Mogul was fourth at 33-1.

Mullins said: “I thought Luke gave him a great ride, he was beaten and then he pulled it out of the fire.

“It’s his first ride for me, as far as I can remember. He was available last week so I booked him.

“We thought he was working well at home, but he’s not a great jumper.

“Luke got him settled and then looked for some nicer ground, when he got some light at his hurdles he was good.

“Luke has been riding out of his skin recently and we were lucky to get him, a good jockey is a big plus in this race.

“I used to ride with his father, Philip, so I’m delighted to put him up on a winner.”

Of his record achievement, he said: “It’s been fantastic.

“It’s so hard and competitive, but we’ve had such a fantastic spring. We’ve had no sickness with any of the horses and we’ve had a great preparation.”

Dempsey said: “For the owners and Willie to put me up, it’s brilliant. The last two weeks have been unbelievable, it’s a great day.”