The Daily Star Ireland
In a thrilling finish at the Boodles Cheltenham Gold Cup, Inothewayurthinkin surged up the hill to deny Galopin Des Champs a historic third consecutive victory. The Gavin Cromwell-trained seven-year-old, owned by JP McManus, justified the decision to supplement him for £25,000 by storming home to claim victory by six lengths at 15-2 odds.
Galopin Des Champs, the defending champion, was positioned in mid-division as Ahoy Senor set the early pace. However, the 8-13 favorite encountered some challenges, including a slight interference when Ahoy Senor fell. While he looked to be finding his rhythm as he moved into the lead on the final turn, Mark Walsh had Inothewayurthinkin poised to strike. The younger challenger displayed an electrifying turn of foot, surging past the champion to secure a decisive win.
Trainer Gavin Cromwell expressed his delight at the result, crediting jockey Keith Donoghue for his work with the horse throughout its preparation. He admitted initial concerns about the race pace on firmer ground but praised Inothewayurthinkin’s ability to stay in contention before accelerating impressively. Owner JP McManus also cherished the moment, highlighting that the horse had been with them since birth and was bred by his wife, Noreen.
While the victory was a moment of celebration for the McManus team, the day took a somber turn with the tragic loss of Corbetts Cross. The Emmet Mullins-trained runner suffered a fatal injury after falling at the second-last fence.
The British Horseracing Authority released a statement confirming the incident, extending condolences to the connections of Corbetts Cross. The unfortunate event cast a shadow over an otherwise remarkable Gold Cup, reminding all of the unpredictable nature of the sport.
