The first running of the race in 2008 was won by Whiteoak for Donald McCain and Jason Maguire. After that however, it became a one-horse race, with the Willie Mullins trained Quevega winning the race for six successive years between 2009 and 2014.
The Mullins domination however didn’t stop there, going onto win the race with three different horses in 2015, 2016, 2018, with a further two success for Ruby Walsh.
This obviously means the pair together are the top trainer and jockey for the race. Mullins has won the race 9 times from the 12 times it’s been staged, with Walsh notching up eight victories. The full list is as follows:
Willie Mullins:
Quevega (2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014)
Glens Melody (2015)
Vroum Vroum Mag (2016)
Benie Des Dieux (2018)
Ruby Walsh:
Quevega (2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014)
Vroum Vroum Mag (2016)
Benie Des Dieux (2018)
Looking at the stats, it’s worth noting anything that is therefore fielded by Willie Mullins, who usually has more than just the one runner.
Mullins wasn’t successful however in 2019, with the race going to England for just the second time as Harry and Dan Skelton tasted success on Roksana.
For all money, it seemed a 10th success in the race for Willie Mullins in the race and a ninth for Ruby Walsh, with Benie Des Dieux clear before falling at the last.
Whilst there will be no Ruby Walsh this year, Paul Townend will likely ride Mullins’ main hope. He has experience of winning the race too, steering Glens Melody to success in 2015.