Al Boum Photo joins Best Mate in Gold Cup record books for dominant Mullins and Townend

Immortality doesn’t come easily and, ultimately, Paul Townend’s mount had his head in front where it matters, writes Darren Norris.

Al Boum Photo joined a select club when retaining his Magners Cheltenham Gold Cup today.

No horse had retained the Gold Cup since Best Mate completed his famous hat-trick in 2004 but Al Boum Photo proved up to the task to give Willie Mullins, who waited so long to emulate his legendary father Paddy, a remarkable four-timer on the day.