Maestro Mullins deflects praise elsewhere after reaching 4,000 career winners

To him, another remarkable landmark was just another victory

TOP OF THE PILE: Given the scale of his dominance, it's easy to see why Willie Mullins has no thoughts of retirement. Picture: Inpho/Laszlo Geczo

He shrugged it off, just as he had when reaching yet another landmark that few will ever achieve.

Energumene was beaten but unbowed at Cheltenham, his aversion to the Clarence House Chase, his only defeat over fences last term, again haunting favourite-backers after the race was salvaged from a frosty, abandoned Ascot.