Captain Guinness wins the Queen Mother Champion Chase

Rachael Blackmore-ridden Captain Guinness has delivered a large shock with 17-2 victory within the Queen Mother Champion Chase.

The characteristic race of day-two of the Cheltenham Festival had centred round Willie Mullins-trained El Fabiolo, the percentages on favorite who had by no means been overwhelmed in a steeplechase.

His run was nearly anticipated to be a coronation and a chunk of historical past with Mullins needing yet another win to turn into the primary to coach 100 winners on the Festival.

But El Fabiolo’s race was over when he dived on the fifth fence, sprawled on touchdown and got here to a standstill. He was instantly pulled up by Paul Townend.

£4.1million had been traded on this race, with £3.7m of that placed on El Fabiolo by punters in line with ITV. 

Rachael Blackmore jockeyed Captain Guinness to victory within the Queen Mother Champion Chase

It was a shock win for Blackmore after El Fabiolo, the two/9 favorite, made a leaping error and pulled out 

As the drama unfolded Captain Guinness cruised by way of the competition as he stalked front-runner Edwardstone and he was left in entrance when that drained rival fell two out. 

Despite getting weary on the run-in Captain Guinness held off Gentleman Du Mee by a size and a half to present coach Henry de Bromhead a fourth win within the race.

Captain Guiness has a good Festival report and was second in final season’s Champion Chase however going into the race he had run in 13 grade one chases and by no means gained.

Blackmore, profitable the race for the primary time, mentioned: ‘It is a few race to win. I’m so blissful. It felt like a great distance up that hill!’

‘He [Captain Guinness] travelled unimaginable and jumped rather well. It is unimaginable. So happy for his proprietor. He has been knocking on the door. 

On El Fabiolo’s fall, Mullins mentioned: ‘I used to be very involved that he reached for an early one after which stood again too far on the fence going away from the stands and did not get excessive sufficient.’

This was coach Henry De Bromhead’s fourth win on the Champion Chase

Willie Mullins, who trains El Fabiolo, mentioned he was ‘very involved’ after the leaping error

There was no Jonbon within the race. He was pulled out by coach Nicky Henderson who has endured a torrid few days along with his runners unperforming along with his yard seemingly hit by a respiratory bug.

Henderson has additionally pulled Shishkin out of Friday’s Gold Cup.