Willie Mullins questions Cheltenham Festival track conditions after pulling Fact To File as Heart Wood denies Jonbon famous victory

Two big names suddenly became the talking point at the Cheltenham Festival. Willie Mullins shocked fans when he pulled his star horse Fact To File from the Ryanair Chase and then warned he could boycott the famous race meeting in the future. The decision came just before the big race at the Cheltenham Festival. Fact To File was the bookmakers’ favourite and many fans expected him to win. But Mullins decided not to risk the horse because the ground at the track was too firm. He wanted softer ground after rain or extra watering, but that did not happen.

Speaking to ITV, Mullins made it clear he was unhappy with the conditions. His late decision changed the whole race. With the favourite out, attention turned to Jonbon. However, Jonbon could not take advantage, finishing second as Heart Wood won the race in a surprise result. The drama quickly became one of the biggest stories of the festival.

Willie Mullins criticizes Cheltenham Festival ground conditions after withdrawing Fact To File

Willie Mullins did not hide his frustration after the withdrawal. The top trainer said the ground was not suitable for horses like Fact To File and warned he may think twice before bringing horses to Cheltenham again. He told ITV, “These horses are too difficult to acquire and when you have them you mind them.”

Mullins explained that his team waited all day for rain because the forecast had suggested showers. But the rain never came, and he felt the track had not been watered enough to make the ground softer. He said, “We waited all day for rain that was sort of half promised. It hasn’t come. So we’ve made the decision not to run. These horses are too hard to find, too hard to get.”

The trainer also made a strong point about the type of horses he runs in top races. “Good ground is not good enough for the type of individual we are buying and trying to race. If the ground is going to be like this, we’re not going to bring them,” Mullins said.

When asked if the festival organisers could have done more, Mullins answered honestly. “I think so. We were promised watering and I’m not sure the watering we were promised has been done. So I’m a little bit annoyed by that.”

He added that while firm ground might suit some horses, many big National Hunt horses perform better when the ground has some softness.

The late withdrawal changed the race completely. Many believed Jonbon would finally win at Cheltenham after the favourite dropped out. But the 12-time Grade 1 winner could not deliver on that expectation and finished second.

Instead, Heart Wood produced a strong run and took the win in one of the biggest surprises of the race day. The situation has now sparked debate in horse racing circles. Trainers, owners and fans are discussing whether racecourses should do more to prepare the ground for top horses at major festivals.