Friday

“A lot of horses put their heads up when they hear that Cheltenham roar, but he didn’t, he did it very well, I was happy,” Willie Mullins on Apolon De Charnie

“I’m very proud of my father. I’ve never seen him doubt himself as much as he has this winter. He keeps getting a lot of advice from people saying he’s doing this wrong or that wrong, but he sticks to his guns and he gets it right most of the time,” Triumph Hurdle winning jockey Patrick Mullins

“Anything he does today is fantastic - I’m not going to say a bonus, because this is a huge race, obviously, but it’s just fantastic to be here and to have a winner is crazy.” Edward Ware, owner of Apolon De Charnie

“It’s very exciting owning her, she’s been a great mare. She always seems to turn up.” J.P. McManus on Dinoblue

“Unbelievable week. It really has been a week of dreams. I’m speechless – I was the first time, and I’ve barely just found my words again!” AJ O’Neill on Wilful’s win

“Cheltenham is Cheltenham. To have runners here is fantastic, and to be lucky enough to have two winners this time is great. AJ keeps telling me every evening that he’s improved them all, I’m beginning to believe him now!” Jonjo O’Neill Sr said:

“I used to work for Jonjo and all I’ve ever wanted is for Dad’s colours to come to Cheltenham, and now they’ve done it, it means the absolute world,” Lauren Hay, daughter of winning owner Dr Jim Hay

“I’ve been hating Cheltenham the last two days because I haven’t been in here (winner’s enclosure). You want to be in here and it just wasn’t happening for me,” Gavin Sheehan after Johnny’s Jury won the Albert Bartlett Novices’ Hurdle,

“We left on the boat on Monday. Johnny was meant to run in the Turners, but didn’t get in. Everyone back home, we’ve done it! We’ll be back home whenever the ferry gets us back home, so we’ll have a serious celebration. It was Johnnywho yesterday, it’s Johnny’s Jury today!” Declan Kelly of the winning owners of Johnny’s Jury, the Blazing Blues

“I’m delighted for Paul Townend, who gave him such a great ride. He got everything right and just put in a tremendous round of jumping. We can’t ask for better than that. Jumping and ability, fantastic for owner and jockey.” Willie Mullins on his Gold Cup win

“It’s the Gold Cup. I always say they just get better and better. Oh my God, I’m speechless! It’s a huge team effort, I was just the fortunate one to be on his back today,” Paul Townend

“They are big, big supporters of mine and the yard. I think I actually had my first ever ride on the flat for Rich many, many years ago. Huge thanks to them, they invest a hell of a lot of money into the game. Win, lose or draw, there’s nothing said. They are big sports people and they deserve every bit of success they get,” Townend on owners Rich and Susannah Ricci

“He’s the one who had to pay to carry me round the country with ponies, and Friday nights home from school and to Ballyrafter showjumping, on to pony racing then and up and down to Willie Mullins’s before I could drive… A lot of hard work went into me and it wasn’t easy either, so it’s incredible,” Paul Townend paying tribute to his father Tim

“He’s a peach of a horse and he’s given him a peach of a ride. I’ve won everything now and I don’t have to stay in the game anymore. That’s it. I’ll retire after Stratford. I’ve had enough,”

“It’s frustrating but he’s an incredible horse. Four Festivals, four seconds, but he runs his heart out and he’s done the same today. I’m bitterly disappointed to be honest,” Derek O’Connor, rider of It’s On The Line

“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 didn’t get a wink of sleep last night - I was absolutely revved - but I am just thrilled” - Paddy O’Brien, rider of Air Of Entitlement.

“I’m a wreck! I’ve been crying since the second-last. I’ve been trying to win this race for 21 years. Brilliant. Magic. People are so lovely to me. And a great ride by Paul. I haven’t seen the race, but I heard it was! It’s been a great week – incredible – ,” Rich Ricci