The success of Air Of Entitlement in the last of the 28 Festival races, the Martin Pipe Conditional Jockeys’ Handicap Hurdle, meant that the EBC Group Prestbury Cup was successfully retained by Ireland. There were 15 Irish-trained winners, with 13 for the United Kingdom.
Successful jockey Paddy O’Brien said: “I’m lost for words - I can’t believe it. All my friends and family are here; my friend Conor Stone-Walsh had his first winner during the week and I was absolutely thrilled for him, and I can’t believe it’s me. Even to get a chance off Henry, never mind such a good ride - I’m really thankful.
“I was over the moon to get the ride and couldn't wait for the day to come. I didn’t get a wink of sleep last night - I was absolutely revved - but I am just thrilled.
“I got a flyer of a start; I was a bit closer than I wanted to be, to be honest, I had planned on sitting just in front of mid-division, but when I was up in the van there I thought it was a valuable spot to give up, and I was travelling so easily and jumping well where I was. I got a bit tapped for toe coming down the hill, but we were confident she’d stay well. Robbie Power, who has been a huge help to me since the summer and through to now, told me not to panic and to wait to cross until I crossed the road to go for it, and that’s what I did.
“She just idled a bit in front - she was straight as a die when she had a bit of company. She headed the second horse and was just looking for a rail to run, but she was a good winner at the end.”
Winning owner Brian Acheson said: “It’s great to be back here with her - you can’t beat this place. She’s only run twice this season because she wasn’t herself. She’s a bit like Lossiemouth and a bit like Bob Ollinger - this place just lights her up.
“We couldn't even consider the likes of the Mares Hurdle as her form just wasn’t good enough, but Paddy O’Brien was brilliant on her. I don’t know where we go from here.”
Tom Dascombe, trainer of runner-up Hot Fuss, said: "If you’d told me this morning he’d finish second I’d have been delighted. I asked the jockey to jump him out as though he was going to make the running and I think we started second last, but I would say that after that he gave him a fantastic ride.
"Clearly we thought he’d win going to the last but he maybe didn’t get home over two and a half miles at Cheltenham, but he’ll definitely get it on an easier track."
Anna McGuinness, third on her first Cheltenham ride aboard Jump Allen, said: “He finished like a train but we’d met a bit of traffic. In a 24-runner handicap round here that’s going to happen, but it was absolutely brilliant. It was my first ride here and I can’t wait to come back.”
Henry de Bromhead – 27 Festival wins
Paddy O’Brien – 1 Festival win
