War Of Attrition Wins Gold Cup
War Of Attrition won the Cheltenham Gold Cup in spectacular fashion on the final day of the Festival.
Conor O’Dwyer’s mount hit the front down the back straight on the second circuit and kicked on to beat Hedgehunter comfortably.
Forget The Past under Barry Geraghty was third with 4/1 favourite Beef Or Salmon trailling in 11th.
“You dream about these things,” said winning trainer Mouse Morris.
“I have always said he is one of the best I have ever had and I think he proved that.”
War Of Attrition, owned by Ryanair boss Michael O’Leary, won by two and a half lengths after the showpiece 22 fence, 3m 2f chase, the blue riband event of National Hunt racing.
O’Dwyer, victorious in this race on Imperial Call 10 years ago, said: “It was an easy ride, he pinged the the last two fences when he just stood off and he loves racing.”
“This is an emotional moment and we made the right decision to come here - it has paid off.”
