Poniros powered home to land a 100-1 shock and give Ireland a sixth straight success in the JCB Triumph Hurdle at Cheltenham.
James Owen’s East India Dock and the Nicky Henderson-trained Lulamba had been strongly fancied to end Britain’s barren run in the opener on Gold Cup day and looked set to fight out the finish when in front at the last flight.
However, they had to settle for minor honours as Jonjo O’Neill jr conjured up a stirring finish from jumping debutant Poniros, who was providing Willie Mullins with a fourth consecutive Triumph victory, this one in the colours of Brighton and Hove Albion chairman Tony Bloom.
Mullins – who had 11 runners in the race – said: “He’s by Golden Horn and I…