THIS will forever be known as the week of Henry and Rachael as both reached new heights over the course of an epic four days that the Irish contingent will do well to match ever again after the raiding party somehow notched up a tally of 23 winners.

Given how the week was unfolding it seemed that momentum alone might push A Plus Tard over the line in front in the Gold Cup which would have been the crowning moment of an incredible week for Blackmore.

Indeed her presence and poise throughout the four days were such that one could have been forgiven for thinking that she has been riding around here for decades as opposed to a matter of years. She becomes only the second rider in the meeting’s history to notch up six winners over the course of the four days.

In the Gold Cup though it was Minella Indo and not A Plus Tard who took centre stage to complete a truly incredible four days for Henry de Bromhead. To win a Champion Hurdle, a Champion Chase and a Gold Cup in the same week is just scarcely credible and the magnitude of this achievement will live on forever in racing’s history book.

Meanwhile Gold Cup honours went to Jack Kennedy and Minella Indo who gelled seamlessly to land chasing’s holy grail in what was a fitting snapshot of the week with three Irish horses dominating to the exclusion of everything else.

For his part Kennedy has endured one injury setback after another over the last couple of years and the manner in which he has bounced back from each and every tribulation is testament to an iron resolve and character which hides beneath a calm and cool exterior.

A final day double for Willie Mullins ensured that he actually snatched champion trainer’s once again and, just as he did last year, he secured top honours in the final race of the meeting, the Martin Pipe Conditional Riders Handicap Hurdle.

Mention of the final day and Mullins cannot pass without mention of the defending Gold Cup champion Al Boum Photo. He stood on the brink of history on Friday and came within touching distance of emulating Arkle which is a feat in itself. In defeat he lost nothing and he relinquishes his crown with distinction.

Highlight of the day

Minella Indo’s Gold Cup victory over A Plus Tard and Al Boum Photo. A worthy winner of the great race which propelled Henry de Bromhead to heights never before achieved in this sport.