Summary
Horse trainer Willie Mullins decided not to race his horse, Fact To File, in the Ryanair Chase at the Cheltenham Festival due to concerns about the ground being too hard. Mullins claimed that the racecourse did not follow through on their promise to water the track adequately, posing a risk to the horse's safety. Despite the withdrawal, several other horses trained by Mullins participated in the festival.
Key Facts
- Willie Mullins is a successful horse trainer with a record 118 winners at Cheltenham.
- Fact To File, a favorite in the race, was withdrawn because the ground was considered too hard.
- Mullins was unhappy because he felt the racecourse did not water the track as promised.
- He expressed concerns about horse safety due to the track conditions.
- Other horses trained by Mullins continued to compete, with no wins on the third day of the festival.
- The Ryanair Chase was won by Heart Wood, following the withdrawal of Fact To File.
- Heavy rain was forecast but did not materialize as expected, affecting the track conditions.
