The Irish dominated the head of the market in 2021. Al Boum Photo grabbed favouritism on the day as the 2019 and 2020 champ attempted to become the first three-time winner since Best Mate in 2004. Next in line came Henry De Bromhead’s rising star A Plus Tard who arrived on the back of a win in the Savills Chase. The strongest British challenge was expected to come from Nicky Henderson’s Champ, but many were also anticipating a bold bid from Colin Tizzard’s 2018 winner, Native River.
Result
- 1st – Minella Indo 9/1, Jockey: Jack Kennedy, Trainer: Henry De Bromhead
- 2nd – A Plus Tard 100/30, Jockey: Rachael Blackmore, Trainer: Henry De Bromhead
- 3rd – Al Boum Photo 9/4f, Jockey: Paul Townend, Trainer: Willie Mullins
Prize Money Breakdown
- 1st – £263,765.62
- 2nd – £99,374.99
- 3rd – £49,734.38
- 4th – £24,843.75
- 5th – £12,468.75
- 6th – £6,234.38
- 7th – £3,093.75
- 8th – £1,593.75
Tote and Forecast Payouts
- Tote Win – £9.70
- Tote Places – 1st – £2.50, 2nd – £1.50, 3rd – £1.40
- Exacta – £31.30
- Computer Straight Forecast (CSF) – £39.15
- Trifecta – £111
- Tricast – £91.54
Recap
The 2021 Cheltenham Festival was notable for the incredible dominance of the Irish raiders, with no fewer than 23 of the 28 contests landed by a runner from across the Irish Sea. That pattern was certainly in evidence in the big one, with the first three positions all filled by Irish runners.
The Brits were at least in the lead for a while, with the Paul Nicholls-trained Frodon cutting out much of the running. However, by the mid-point of the race, the Nicky Henderson duo of Champ and Santini had both fallen by the wayside.
When Frodon finally gave way on the home turn, it was Minella Indo, A Plus Tard, and defending champ Al Boum Photo who swept by. Minella Indo kicked first, and whilst A Plus Tard closed all the way to the line, the mount of Jack Kennedy held on for a 1¼l success.
Runners
- 1. Al Boum Photo – SP: 9/4f, Trainer: Willie Mullins, Jockey: Paul Townend
- 2. A Plus Tard – SP: 100/30, Trainer: Henry De Bromhead, Jockey: Rachael Blackmore
- 3. Aso – SP: 150/1, Trainer: Venetia Williams, Jockey: Daryl Jacob
- 4. Black Op – SP: 125/1, Trainer: Tom George, Jockey: Tom Scudamore
- 5. Champ – SP: 13/2, Trainer: Nicky Henderson, Jockey: Nico de Boinville
- 6. Frodon – SP: 16/1, Trainer: Paul Nicholls, Jockey: Bryony Frost
- 7. Kemboy – SP: 16/1, Trainer: Willie Mullins, Jockey: Danny Mullins
- 8. Lostintranslation – SP: 40/1, Trainer: Colin Tizzard, Jockey: Robbie Power
- 9. Minella Indo – SP: 9/1, Trainer: Henry De Bromhead, Jockey: Jack Kennedy
- 10. Native River – SP: 12/1, Trainer: Colin Tizzard, Jockey: Richard Johnson
- 11. Royal Pagaille – SP: 14/1, Trainer: Venetia Williams, Jockey: Charlie Deutsch
- 12. Santini – SP: 12/1, Trainer: Nicky Henderson, Jockey: Aidan Coleman
Non Runners
All Ran