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Minella Indo: 9 things you need to know about the reigning Cheltenham Gold Cup winner

Gemma Redrup Gemma Redrup

    • Minella Indo is a top National Hunt (jumps) racehorse. This weekend (Saturday 5 February), he will have a tilt at claiming a fourth Grade One victory, this time in the Paddy Power Irish Gold Cup at Leopardstown in Ireland (which will be televised on ITV4 at 3.15pm). If you aren’t already familiar with this racehorse or you want to learn a little more about him, here is a rundown of the key things you need to know.

    1. Minella Indo, who is a bay gelding, was foaled on 18 April 2013, so is a nine-year-old in 2022.

    2. He is trained by Irishman Henry de Bromhead, owned by Barry Maloney and was bred by John Lalor and his family. The Lalors have produced the likes of National Hunt Chase winner Chicago Grey and Minella Indo’s Grade Two-winning half-brother Benatar from Rathkenty Stud in Co. Tipperary.

    3. Minella Indo was the final foal out of the Lalor family’s four-time winning chaser Carrigeen Lily, a daughter of Supreme Leader and Carrigeensharragh, who was 22 when she gave birth to the colt who went on to win the 2021 Cheltenham Gold Cup.

    4. Minella Indo was sold by Rathkenty for €24,000 as a foal to John Nallen, who trained him to win an Irish point-to-point first time out at Dromahane.

    5. He has won more than £372,000 in prize money during his 15-race career to-date, clocking up 10 wins in the process.

    6. He has been ridden almost entirely by Grand National-winning jockey, Rachael Blackmore, throughout his career under Rules.

    7. Minella Indo currently has three Grade One victories to his name, including the 2021 Cheltenham Gold Cup (pictured), when he was ridden by Jack Kennedy.

    8. Henry de Bromhead said after Minella Indo’s Cheltenham Festival victory: “It’s unbelievable and I’m delighted for everyone — he’s an incredible horse and he comes alive here. In my head it’s still Monday evening and I’m about to wake up in my hotel room and nothing has even started yet — it’s brilliant and both Jack and Rachael are amazing.”

    9.  Zoe Smalley, travelling head lass to Henry says of Minella Indo: “He’s a legend, so good to look after.”

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    Gemma Redrup
    Gemma Redrup

    H&H features, racing and point-to-point editor
    Gemma is an experienced journalist, having been part of the H&H team since 2014, who is passionate about all equestrian sports, including racing and point-to-pointing. She has enjoyed riding out for top trainers Nicky Henderson and Charlie Appleby and took part in a charity Flat race at in August 2018. Gemma’s reporting talents have taken her to numerous five-star events around Britain and Europe, as well as European championships.
    Gemma Redrup

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