“I know my owner probably had some pounds on it but I didn’t give him any advice. I don’t think I’ve ever given Poniros a serious gallop, it was more for a nice experience for him,” said Mullins.
“He’s done a good bit of jumping at home. We gave him a break and brought him back in for the spring. I didn’t think he’d be sharp enough for this. I saw the blue coming and was thinking, is that one of mine? That shows where his Flat racing experience comes in for this.”
O’Neill, who was due to be riding at Doncaster instead but got a late call-up, said: “It’s crazy. It’s a funny old game. Anything of Willie’s has a chance.”
Mullins followed up with shorter-priced winners in the County Hurdle and Mares’ Chase as Paul Townend and Mark Walsh respectively steered favourites Kargese (6-4) and Dinoblue (6-4) to victory.
The trainer is bidding for a third Cheltenham Gold Cup triumpj with Galopin Des Champs at 16:00 GMT
