Brighton owner-chairman Tony Bloom’s horse Poniros, won the Triumph Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival on his debut at odds of 100-1.
Jonjo O’Neill jr conjured up a stirring finish from jumping debutant Poniros, who was providing Willie Mullins with a fourth consecutive Triumph victory, this one in the colours of Brighton & Hove Albion chairman Tony Bloom.
Mullins – who had 11 runners in the race – said: “We bought him in October, we just schooled him and then gave him a break. We thought we’d better drag him in from the field and get him ready for Cheltenham, so that’s what we did, but I didn’t expect any more than a nice run.
“My owner might have had a few pounds on, but I certainly didn’t give him any advice.
“He does everything nicely at home, but I don’t think we’ve ever really given him a serious gallop, I was just thinking of him having a nice experience. His runs on the Flat are a huge advantage.
“I wasn’t watching him, I really fancied Lady Vega Allen and then when she was beaten I saw Tony Bloom’s colours and when I realised he didn’t have a runner for anyone else I thought it must be mine!”
Bloom was celebrating a 100-1 winner but where does he rank among the richest racehorse owners?
5. John Magnier
One of Ireland's prominent thoroughbred stud owners. estimated wealth: £1,975,000,000 Photo: Alan Crowhurst
6. King Charles III and Queen Camilla
Estimated worth: £1,800,000,000 Photo: Andrew Redington
7. JP McManus
McManus is an Irish businessman and racehorse owner and used to be a major shareholder of Manchester United. Estimated wealth: £1,659,000,000 Photo: Alan Crowhurst
8. Tony Bloom
Brighton chairman Tony Bloom. Estimated wealth: £1,300,000,000 Photo: Alan Crowhurst