Friday 13 March 2015 18:06, UK
Killultagh Vic provided Willie Mullins with a record eighth winner of the Cheltenham Festival in a thrilling finish to the Martin Pipe Conditional Jockeys' Handicap Hurdle.
Luke Dempsey managed to get the six-year-old back to the front and the pair gamely saw off Gordon Elliott's Noble Endeavor (14/1) in a head-up, head-down finish.
The victory was enough to push Mullins past the record of seven winners, which was set by Nicky Henderson only three years ago.
Sent off a well-backed 7/1, the son of Old Vic sat in midfield as Shelford set the pace and Jolly's Cracked It moved up encouragingly.
But the latter faded quickly after being asked for an effort by Michael Nolan, and a host of challengers loomed up coming to the last, including the eventual winner.
Dempsey steered a course down the stands' rail and his mount produced a prodigious leap at the last, probably too big as he was slow to gain momentum after landing and handed the lead to Noble Endeavor.
But Killultagh Vic was a willing partner for Dempsey and stayed on strongly all the way to the line to snatch a historic victory for Mullins by a short-head.
Favourite Roi Des Francs, who was backed all the way down to 3/1 favourite, plugged on at the one pace to finish third - again for the Mullins yard - ahead of Kauto Grand Mogul (33/1) as Irish runners filled the first four places.
Of his record achievement, Mullins said: "It's been fantastic.
"It's so hard and competitive, but we've had such a fantastic spring. We've had no sickness with any of the horses and we've had a great preparation."
"I thought Luke gave him a great ride, he was beaten and then he pulled it out of the fire.
"It's his first ride for me, as far as I can remember. He was available last week so I booked him. We thought he was working well at home, but he's not a great jumper.
"Luke got him settled and then looked for some nicer ground, when he got some light at his hurdles he was good.
"Luke has been riding out of his skin recently and we were lucky to get him, a good jockey is a big plus in this race. I used to ride with his father, Philip, so I'm delighted to put him up on a winner."
Dempsey, who was riding his first Festival winner, added: "For the owners and Willie to put me up, it's brilliant. The last two weeks have been unbelievable, it's a great day."
