Owners still on cloud nine after horse bought 'to have a bit of fun with' gave them a memorable Cheltenham Festival win

Bambino Fever and Jody Townend return following their success in the Champion BumperCredit: Patrick McCann

What was originally intended to be a bit of fun for two young families has evolved into something dreamlike for connections of Bambino Fever, who are still on cloud nine after she cemented herself as the best bumper horse around with a decisive success at Cheltenham.

The five-year-old has been a revelation this season, scoring on her stable debut for Willie Mullins at Punchestown on New Year's Eve before bolting up in the Grade 2 mares' bumper at Leopardstown's Dublin Racing Festival under Jody Townend.

Townend was on hand again to steer her home for her first festival triumph in last week's Champion Bumper, with the pair quickening smartly to beat Heads Up by a length and a half.

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Conor FennellyReporter and emerging talent award winner

Published on 19 March 2025inIreland

Last updated 09:08, 20 March 2025

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