Gold Cup Winner 2020
Winner: Al Boum Photo
Betting Odds: 100/30
Trainer: Willie Mullins
Owner: Mrs J. Donnelly
The 92nd annual running of the Cheltenham Gold Cup Chase (Grade 1) sponsored by Magners, a brand of cider produced in County Tipperary in Ireland by C & C Group. The race was held during the COVID-19 pandemic in the United Kingdom. This caused some controversy with arguments it led to increased infections and deaths.
A going description of good to soft.
Win prize money of £351,687.50. A winning time of 6m 50.38s (slow by 4.38s).
This eight-year-old gelding, a son of Buck’s Boum out of an unraced mare named Al Gane, was bred and owned by Emmanuell Clayeau & Jacky Rauch until the 13th December 2016. Not sold for 70,000 (Euros) 2015. He retired on the 22nd May 2022, when pulled-up Auteuil, France. His total earnings topped £1M.
Al Boum Photo was made 4/7f at Tranmore, Ireland, for the Savill’s New Year’s Day Chase (Grade 3) and won in ‘comfortable’ fashion.
Willie Mullins said: ‘He jumped well and Paul was positive on him. It was a very good comeback for Al Boum Photo. We’re probably going straight to Cheltenham.’
That’s exactly what connection did.
Could Al Boum Photo make it two wins from two after winning the 2019 Cheltenham Gold Cup at odds of 12/1?
13th March 2020 –
3:30 Cheltenham – Magners Gold Cup Chase (Grade 1)
A field of 12 runners. Leading fancies included: Al Boum Photo 100/30f, Santini (5/1), Delta Work (5/1), Clan Des Obeaux (7/1), Kemboy (8/1) & Lostintranslation (10/1).
One of the most open Gold Cups in modern day history. A steady pace saw a dramatically close finish.
Outsider Elegant Escape (66/1) started with verve and led until the third jump when joined by Bristol De Mai (18/1).
Delta Work (5/1) made a bad mistake, down on one knee, at the 2nd fence which saw him at the rear of the field.
Bristol De Mai & Elegant Escape continued to lead the way with Monalee (20/1) settled nicely in third under Rachael Blackmore. While Santini and Al Boum Photo were given quiet rides in 5th and 6th respectively.
All horses travelled well within themselves with a circuit to go.
The crowd roared them on passing the stands. A.P.McCoy said: ‘The dreams still alive for all of them at the moment.’
Monalee led with 9th fences to go, shading the early leaders Bristol De Mai and Elegant Escape, while Santini move up with purpose into 4th. Al Boum Photo sitting wide was still in contention with Lostintranslation positioned nearer the rail. Al Boum Photo jumped up really well with 6 fences to go, making ground swiftly, to go into 2nd place. Four horses jumped together at the 5th last as the pace quickened.
With 3 fences to go in the Gold Cup there were plenty ‘who harbour hopes of success’.
With two fences to go, Santini, Al boum Photo & Lostintranslation led while Real Steal (50/1) seemed to appear from nowhere and travelled well.
Al Boum Photo held a narrow advantage jumping the second last, while Lostintranslation poked his nose in front of Santini who gathered pace. Presenting Percy came down with a heavy fall.
At the last, there was little to choose between Al Boum Photo and Lostintranslation with Santini running on a couple of lengths behind and Monalee at his shoulder. With a dash to the line, Al Boum Photo held a length lead. However, Santini was finishing fast and Al Boum Photo hung on by a neck. Lostintranslation 1 1/4-lengths back in third, holding Monalee by a neck in fourth.
Al Boum Photo the first horse since Kauto Star to win two Gold Cups.
Paul Townend said: ‘We’ve missed a few fences but Al Boum Photo always found his feet. I ended up in front a bit sooner than I wanted. He’s a tough animal.’
Al Boum Photo was retired at the age of 10 when pulled-up at Auteuil, France.
An exceptional horse.