'We've no excuses' - Willie Mullins on Gold Cup defeat of Al Boum Photo

Colin Tizzard 'very proud' of Native River with his fourth-place finish

Al Boum Photo (left): finished third in the WellChild Cheltenham Gold CupCredit: Michael Steele / Getty Images

Willie Mullins believes Al Boum Photo "ran his heart out" as he finished third in his quest for a historic hat-trick in the WellChild Cheltenham Gold Cup on Friday.

The back-to-back winner, who was sent off 9-4 favourite, appeared to be travelling strongly throughout but his effort faded up the hill, as he finished a five-and-a-half length third behind Minella Indo.

Al Boum Photo gave the festival's most successful trainer a first taste of Gold Cup glory when taking the race in 2018, and then again last season, but Mullins said his jumping proved costly.

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James StevensWest Country correspondent

Published on 19 March 2021inReports

Last updated 20:48, 19 March 2021

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