1:30 Cheltenham
Ruby Back in Style with 10/1 winner
Al Ferof starts a brilliant day for Ruby Walsh winning the Supreme Novices. Nicholls' grey ran on well up the hill, playing his cards late in the day to finish with zeal. An emotional win for Mr J Hales with thoughts of One Man.
Ruby said: 'They were going to quick for me, but he ran on well and pinged the last.'
Full result: (click)
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2:05 Cheltenham
Captain Chris Wins the Arkle
Philip Hobbs made the right decision with Captain Chris and won well at 6/1 ridden by Richard Johnson. This big, powerful gelding finished strongly for owner Graham Whateley.
Whateley said: 'He is a great horse. I loved every moment.'
Johnson said: 'The ground is important to him. I am hoping his confidence will grow. He is very special.'
Full result (click)
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2:40 Cheltenham
Bensalem King of The Stewart Family Chase
A fast run race and brilliant win for Bensalem after a grinding battle against Carole's Legacy. In a race of many fallers, Alan King's 8yo took the race with Robert Thornton under a hard drive.
Owner Marsh said: 'Alan and the team have done a great job. It is terrifying to watch your horse in a race but very exciting.'
Alan King: 'A big thank you to the whole team. He was seriously ill and some vets said to put him down. He is just a bloody good horse. It is a very special day.'
Full result (click)
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3:20 Cheltenham
Hurricane Flies the Flag for Ireland
The headline race of the day: The Stan James Champion Hurdle.Hurricane Fly had missed his chances before but today saw a sparkling display to give Walsh his second win at 11/4f. Mullins' horse was deadly today travelling well in a slowly run race and then had to battle against the tough Peddler's Cross, who was game in defeat. What would have happened if Binocular had been here? He would have needed to be at his best. That fight awaits another day. Hurricane Fly has won!
Mullins: 'He done everything right all year. People wonder if a Montjeu could win round here but it wasn't a problem. The whole focus was to get him here. Ruby knows him backwards. He has been unlucky with injury. He is like a ruber ball to sit on. He has never done full speed work at home as he tries to do too much.'
Full result (click)
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4:00 Cheltenham
Sizing Australia has Glenfarclas in his Compass
The marathon cross country was won by Sizing Australia in a battle against Garde Champretre. So often a supporting act to the consistent runner-up Henry De Bromhead's gelding ridden by Andrew Lynch. Maljimar looked to be cruising in the home straight touching odds on but tired over the last. A great result for owner Alan Potts.
De Bromhead: 'He didn't have the best of luck last year but I told Andrew to ride him as he thought.'
Lynch: 'We were unlucky last year. Henry said just keep out of trouble. I'm delighted my lad picked up over the last.'
Full result (click)
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4:40 Cheltenham
Quevega: As Easy as 1.2.3
Three in a row for Quevega trained by Willie Mullins and ridden by Ruby Walsh in the Mares' Hurdle at 5/6f by ten lengths. This was a magnificent display as this filly cruised to an easy win. In fact, it could only be described as impressive. Sparky May - the potential fairytale winner - led in the home straight but Walsh had no doubts about victory'
Mullins: 'Ruby loves her and rode her with so much confidence. This race was made for her. Why go for something else when you may be beaten. She may go to Aintree next. I imagine she will be back here next year.'
Walsh: 'She's a super mare. She has so much ability, a perfect breed.'
Full result (click)
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5:15 Cheltenham
Murphy Leaves Cheltenham Smiling
A great finish to proceedings with Divers grinding out a strong finish beating Quantitiveeasing, who looked to have a major hope with A McCoy. Lee was patient and got a big jump at the last and responded generously at odds of 10/1.
Lee: 'The horse is trained well. A huge credit for the horse. It was a rough race. It was like being in a car crash. He fenced beautifully. In the end I hit the front too soon. The horse had to want it - and he did.'
Full result (click)