Cheltenham Festival: Quilixios wins the Triumph Hurdle as Rachael Blackmore comes out on top again

Rachael Blackmore notched a remarkable sixth winner of the week as Quilixios claimed the JCB Triumph Hurdle, the opening event on the final day of the Cheltenham Festival.

Trained by Henry de Bromhead, who is also enjoying an excellent week in the Cotswolds, Quilixios (2-1) was prominent throughout, settling on the heels of the pace-setting Talking About You before moving to the front two flights from home.

Adagio, representing the home team for David Pipe, tried his best to reel in Quilixios up the hill, but Blackmore’s mount galloped all the way to the line, with 20-1 shot Haut En Couleurs in third.

Rachael Blackmore celebrates her sixth winner as Quilixios claimed the Triumph Hurdle

Trained by Henry de Bromhead, Quilixios (right) was prominent throughout the day’s first race

Favourite Zanahiyr and leading British hope Tritonic both failed to sparkle in the Grade One heat.

‘It’s incredible,’ winning jockey Rachael Blackmore told ITV Racing.

‘Henry only had this horse a short space of time, all the work at Cullentra stables, big thanks to all of them, he’s a smashing horse, Thanks to Cheveley Park for putting me up.’ 

Quilixios races to the finish after getting a good jump at the last before kicking on up the hill