WILLIE'S TON OF THE BEST

Second treble brings up historic century

A HUGE setback fuelled Willie Mullins' fire to roar back to the top with 100 Cheltenham Festival winners.

The meeting's dominant trainer brought up the ton by the halfway point of the four-day spectacle - and has won almost half of the races.

Jasmin De Vaux, steered by son Patrick in the Weatherbys Champion Bumper, was his sixth victory from 13 contests run so far.

Adding to Wednesday wins for Gold Cup hope Fact To File and top novice Ballyburn, the amateur rider said his father came back bigger and stronger from the lowest point during his 36 years with a licence.

Mullins lost around 60 horses in a high-profile 2016 split with Ryanair boss Michael O'Leary and Gigginstown House Stud.