Kopek Des Bordes thriving since Cheltenham reverse

It will be “maybe Aintree, but certainly Punchestown” for Kopek Des Bordes, as connections dream about what the future holds for their Arkle runner-up.

Willie Mullins’ six-year-old was bidding to defy the statistics and join the likes of Well Chief and Western Warhorse by winning the Cheltenham Festival Grade One on just his second chasing appearance, and having cruised into contention on the bridle he looked for all money the winner approaching the final fence.

A peck on landing checked Kopek Des Bordes’ momentum at a vital moment, leaving stablemate Kargese in the clear to see out a two-and-a-quarter-length success, but his team feel their charge lost little in defeat and, with more experience over the larger obstacles banked, are relishing an improved chasing model before the season ends.

Owner Charles McCarthy said: “He’s come on a show for the run and I spoke to Willie and he said it will be maybe Aintree, but certainly Punchestown for Kopek.

“If he didn’t make that mistake at the last he certainly would have won in my eyes, but he’s back in one piece safe and sound and his stable lad has contacted us and said he has come on a bundle. I’m sure wherever he runs next he will give a very good account of himself.”

He went on: “I celebrated Kargese’s victory with their team as it was a great race, even though we would have loved to have won ourselves. It just wasn’t to be on the day.”

Kopek Des Bordes may have just fallen short in his bid for back-to-back Cheltenham Festival triumphs and following up last year’s victory in the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle on the opening day of action at Presbury Park.

However, buoyed by the success of the Closutton team throughout the meeting where Mullins once again finished the week leading trainer and took home three of the four major prizes, sights are already trained on more ambitions for the Cotswolds in 12 months’ time.

McCarthy added: “We have no idea what the future holds for this horse, but it’s exciting. Gaelic Warrior won an Arkle and look what he has just achieved. Of course he needs to stay in one piece, but we have something special on our hands and we’re looking forward to it.

“It’s onwards and upwards we go and we can already look forward to hopefully going back to Cheltenham with him next year.”