Celebrated as a potential future Gold Cup contender, the favoured 8-13 horse, owned by JP McManus and trained by Willie Mullins, clinched an emphatic win in the Brown Advisory Novices’ Chase. Under the expert guidance of jockey Mark Walsh, the horse maintained composure early on, navigating a closely contested field until a surge of pace separated the contenders at the third-last jump.
As the race unfolded, contenders fell away one by one, leaving Fact To File, a runner-up in last year's Champion Bumper, to assert dominance and sprint to victory after the final obstacle. Monty’s Star, under Henry de Bromhead and ridden by Rachael Blackmore, trailed by three and three-quarter lengths in second place, while Giovinco, at surprising odds of 40-1 for trainer Lucinda Russell, secured third position.
Reflecting on the race, McManus expressed his initial nerves, acknowledging the horse's pre-race edginess. He commended Walsh for his handling of the horse, highlighting the learning experience gained from the race. Mullins, who notched up his 99th Cheltenham Festival win, praised the horse's innate steeplechasing ability, opting to focus on chasing from the outset and expressing satisfaction with the decision.
Looking ahead, Mullins outlined a tentative plan for the upcoming season, mentioning potential races while acknowledging the need for flexibility in consultation with McManus. De Bromhead, pleased with Monty’s Star's performance, expressed optimism for future targets, including the Gold Cup. Russell, content with Giovinco's display, praised the horse’s performance and expressed satisfaction with the ride provided by Stephen Mulqueen.
In an eventful race that showcased top-class talent, Fact To File emerged as a standout performer, setting the stage for a promising future in steeplechasing.