Rachael Blackmore wins Cheltenham Gold Cup on A Plus Tard

It was also a day to remember for trainer Willie Mullins who had a five-timer on his way to 10 wins overall, smashing his own Festival record of eight victories.

With the Gold Cup success for De Bromhead and Joseph O’Brien’s win with Banbridge, ridden by Mark McDonagh, in the closing Martin Pipe Conditional Jockeys’ Handicap Hurdle, it meant all seven winners on the day were trained in Ireland.

“I didn’t realise no-one has ever trained this many winners here, but since it became a four-day Festival things changed numbers-wise,” said Mullins.

“I’d imagine this sort of thing will happen more regularly and if they go to five days someone will do it easily.”

Mullins started the day well when Vauban (6-4), ridden by Paul Townend, led home an Irish-trained top five in the Triumph Hurdle.

Townend was always well placed and although his mount was less than fluid at the last, he recovered well to beat Fil Dor and Pied Piper.

Mullins and Townend were back in the winners’ enclosure in the next courtesy of the 11-4 favourite State Man in the McCoy Contractors County Handicap Hurdle.

Townend’s fifth win of the Festival secured him the leading jockey honour.