Smart Al Boum Photo to remain on the go after downing Shattered Love

Willie Mullins' long wait for a first victory in the Ryanair Gold Cup Novice Chase came to an end on Sunday when Al Boum Photo picked up late to snatch the prize from Cheltenham Festival heroine Shattered Love.

In a race in which Mullins and Gordon Elliott saddled all nine runners, it was one of Mullins' five representatives who prevailed as Al Boum Photo took advantage of a sluggish jump at the last by Elliott's Shattered Love to squeeze past on the run to the line and win by a length.

Until then it looked like JLT Novices' Chase winner Shattered Love had the race under control but David Mullins conjured a strong finish out of the 11-2 shot, who was reappearing after his RSA Chase fall when challenging for a place two from home.

Al Boum Photo: jumping a fence on the first circuit before winning the Ryanair Gold Cup Novice Chase at FairyhouseCredit: Patrick McCann

Mullins had come agonisingly close to winning the prize his father Paddy captured with Vulpine in 1966 on a couple of occasions, including last year when the erratic Yorkhill went down by a neck to Road To Respect.

'Deserved a good pot'

Mullins said of the Marie Donnelly-owned six-year-old: "David was very good on him and kept a bit up his sleeve for the closing stages.

"It was a fantastic race, well worth its Grade 1 status, and it's great to have won it at last.

"The horse deserved to win a good pot as he was unlucky at Limerick in December. He probably needs a bit further and I'd say the first four home will all be three-milers a bit further down the line."

Watch: Al Boum Photo downs JLT Novice Chase winner Shattered Love in the final strides of a thrilling Ryanair Gold Cup

And in an obvious reference to the trainers title race, Mullins added: "Al Boum Photo is not finished for the season – very few of ours are. He'll be going to Punchestown all going well.

"The mare [Shattered Love] ran a super race and looked to have the race in the bag until our fellow ran her down."

David Mullins celebrates with the trophy after winning the Ryanair Gold Cup aboard Al Boum PhotoCredit: Patrick McCann (racingpost.com/photos)

Invitation Only finished seven lengths behind Shattered Love in third place with Up For Review, who made most of the running, eight lengths back in fourth.

Mulllins and Elliott renew rivalry at Fairyhouse on Monday when both will be chasing a first win in the BoyleSports Irish Grand National – in which they will saddle 17 of the 30 runners – with Mullins fielding four to Elliott's 13.

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