Impervious and Colm Murphy are back in the Cheltenham winner’s enclosure.
In the Mrs. Paddy Power Mares’ Chase, Impervious fought hard to win, putting Colm Murphy back in the Cheltenham winner’s circle.
The seven-year-old colt owned by JP McManus was locked in a battle with Willie Mullins’ Allegorie De Vassy for the lead.
Under Brian Hayes, Impervious took the initiative and won to keep her unbeaten record over fences.
It was Murphy’s first Festival win since 2016’s Empire Of Dirt, when Brave Inca won the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle and the Champion Hurdle. This was Murphy’s fifth Festival win.
Murphy said: “I’m absolutely delighted, she was very tough, it’s fantastic.
“To be stood here again is one of the reasons I came back (after spell away from training), this is why we all do it. I’m just fortunate enough to have another really good one.
“I’ve always really liked her, right through her bumper and hurdle days. You hope and hope that one day they’ll go and do what she’s just done.
“Looking at that I would agree that she’d get further if we wanted her to, I’d say we’ve got loads of options with her.
“I actually don’t know if she’ll run again this season. I’d say we’ll get her home, give her a few entries and take it from there.
“I was wearing a lucky shamrock, it’s clearly done the trick.”
Hayes said: “If there’s a man to get one ready for Cheltenham it’s Colm Murphy. He rides her every day. I have little to do with her, but I saw her do a piece of work last week and Colm couldn’t pull her up. Without saying it I could see that she was flying.
“Colm has done a world of schooling with her, he painted the fences white, he was prepared for everything.
“I think I’ve won five races on her now, she’s a smashing mare, and now I’ve got a Festival win on her.
“This is my first Festival winner, a lot of lads leave here without one but I’ve got one and it’s amazing.”
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