The bookies may have enjoyed the upper hand across the first two days at Cheltenham, but the punters struck back thanks to an incredible Ruby Walsh and Willie Mullins quadruple on day three.
After heading into the day without a victory, the famous horse racing duo made a quick start by prevailing in the JLT Novices’ Chase on Yorkhill (6/4), which was quickly followed by an incredible display of front running by 7/4F Un De Sceaux in the Ryanair Chase.
Nichols Canyon (10/1) timed his surge perfectly to usurp pre-race favourite Unowhatimeanharry and a brave effort from Lil Rockerfeller in the Sun Bets Stayers’ Hurdle, before Walsh rounded off his perfect day by steering Let’s Dance (11/8) to victory in the Trull House Stud Mares’ Novices’ Hurdle.
On the penultimate day of action at the Festival, the other winners were Presenting Percy, ridden to victory by Davy Russel, Georgina Andrews on 40/1 Domesday Book, and Road to Respect, a 14/1 winner for 32Red ambassador Bryan Cooper.
Gerry Murray, Director of Brand & Acquisition for 32Red, said: “A turnaround in fortunes for Ruby Walsh and Willie Mullins on day three was always going to mean a victorious day for the punters and they certainly came back with a bang on a day where Irish eyes were smiling.
“Yorkhill had his doubters as a chaser coming in to today, but aside from a small stumble at the last, he didn’t put a foot wrong in the opener. The result was definitely in our customers’ favour and gave us an early indication of what was to come.
“We would have snapped your hand off to see the well fancied Unowhatimeanharry upset in the Stayers’ Hurdle at the start of the day, but as it was sandwiched between Un De Sceaux’s breathtaking performance in the Ryanair and Let’s Dance racking up yet another victory for the Mullins and Walsh duo, it was a short-lived victory.
“It was Ireland’s day and it was the punters’ day, but there were still plenty of reasons to be cheerful at 32Red, as brand ambassador Bryan Cooper secured his second winner of the Festival on Road to Respect. With two wins in the bank for Nico de Boinville, and with Paddy Brennan and Cue Card to come tomorrow, we’re well on course to having a memorable Cheltenham.”