Min Gains Deserved Cheltenham Success In Ryanair Chase

Thursday saw Min (9g Walk In The Park – Phemyka, by Saint Estephe) gain a deserved Cheltenham Festival success in the Ryanair Chase, marking a sixth Grade 1 win for the popular bay.

Paul Townend rode Willie Mullins’ charge in a prominent position, improving to lead from before halfway and was ridden from the final fence. Staying on gamely under pressure, he held off a persistent challenge by Saint Calvados to win by a neck, with another length and a half back to the favourite in third.

Speaking after the race, a delighted Willie Mullins said, “He’s been a super horse for us and it’s great he’s had his day here.”

Min has carried the pink and green colours of Mrs Susannah Ricci since being purchased from the stable of Yannick Fouin and has gone on to win eleven races in total. Bred by Madame Marie-Therese Mimouni, he and stablemate Douvan were instrumental to Walk In The Park’s transfer to Grange Stud. 2020 should prove a landmark year for the son of Montjeu in the sales ring, with his first Irish crop selling at this year’s store sales.

To continue a fantastic day for Walk In The Park, it was announced that star mare Apple's Jade would visit the Grange Stud resident. Gigginstown House Stud confirmed the retirement of their 11-time Grade 1 winner following her run in the Stayers' Hurdle.