Beware The Bear got the home challenge up and running at the 2019 Cheltenham Festival with victory in the Ultima Handicap Chase.
Ridden by Jerry McGrath, the 10-1 shot gave Nicky Henderson his 61st Cheltenham Festival winner, and gave British fans something to cheer after Willie Mullin’s Irish raiders had landed the first two races of the festival.
Another Henderson horse, O O Seven made much of the running in the three-mile steeplechase, contesting the lead with Vintage Clouds, but McGrath timed his run brilliantly to take the lead over the last, and he held on to win comfortably despite idling out in front.
For a moment it looked as if Mullins was on for a hat-trick in the first three races, but Up For Review made a mistake three out that cost him his chance.
While Vintage Clouds held on for second at 16/1, O O Seven ran out of steam, with Lake View Lad coming through for third at 25/1 and Big River staying on well for fourth at 28/1.
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