'The stars aligned' - HRI chief Kavanagh lauds Irish success in Cheltenham rout

The stars aligned for the Irish at this year's Cheltenham Festival said Brian Kavanagh on Sunday, after the Horse Racing Ireland boss and his colleagues came in for special praise from champion trainer Willie Mullins for their long-term planning and vision.

Kavanagh pointed to the healthy spread of winners for Irish trainers, jockeys, owners and breeders as being the main positive to take from a memorable week where a record 23 wins were achieved.

However, Kavanagh warned that an Ireland versus Britain mentality is only a secondary element to the festival and praised the BHA and Cheltenham racecourse for facilitating overseas runners in a Covid-19 friendly environment.