So that's that, then ...
AP McCoy might not have managed to ride a winner this afternoon, but Nico de Boinville scored a notable success when he steered the novice chaser Coneygree to a splendid foot-perfect victory in the day’s big race, The Gold Cup. It was a notable victory for the horse’s trainer Mark Bradstock and his wife, who run a small operation in Oxfordshire.
The day began with Nicky Henderson notching an impressive one-two-three in the JCB Triumph Hurdle, with Peace And Co leading home two stablemates in the hands of Barry Geraghty. In the County Hurdle, Wicklow Brave triumphed in fine style for Paul Townend and Willie Mullins, who saddled eight winners this week. Nina Carberry was victorious on On The Fringe for Enda Bolger in The Foxhunters, while Mullins struck again in the Martin Pipe Handicap Hurdle with Killultagh Vic, who was given a splendid ride by young Luke Dempsey. Martello Tower was the surprise 16-1 winner of the Albert Bartlett, with Adrian Heskin on board, while Tom Scudamore took the final spoils, winning the AP Grand Annual on Next Sensation for his brother Michael.
-
Champion trainer: Willie Mullins with eight winners
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Champion Jockey: Ruby Walsh with four winners
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Prestbury Cup: United Kingdom 13-12 Ireland.
That’s your lot for another year at the Cheltenham Festival. Thanks for your time and have a great weekend.
Updated
Martin Pipe Handicap Hurdle betting
- Roi Des Francs 10-3
- Killtultagh Vic 8-1
- Full Shift 8-1
- Le Mercurey 8-1
- McKinley 10-1
- Forthfunofit 12-1
- Noble Endeavour 16-1
- On Tour 16-1
- Vieux Lion Rouge 16-1
- Jollys Cracked It 16-1
20-1 bar. Click here to see the betting market.
So, no fairytale finish for AP ...
Never mind, he’s getting an astonishing ovation as he returns to the unsaddling enclosure on board Ned Bunting. Behind him, Tom Scudamore is led into the winners’ enclosure on board Next Sensation, who is trained by his brother Michael.
AP McCoy Grand Annual Chase result ...
1 Next Sensation (T Scudamore) 16-1
2 Eastlake (P Carberry) 12-1
3 Croco Bay (Kielan Woods) 14-1
4 Ned Buntline (A P McCoy) 4-1 Jt Fav
20 ran
Also: 4-1 Jt Fav Blood Cotil
Non Runners: 2,9,17
Withdrawn: 5
CSF: 179.53
Tricast: 2788.05
No 5 Solar Impulse was withdrawn not under orders. Rule 4 does not
apply.
Grand Annual Chase ...
Ned Buntline is very badly hampered by a faller, but stays on his feet. Next Sensation continues to lead from My Brother Sylvest. Next Sensation leads over the second last, while AP McCoy rousts Ned Buntline up the outside but there’s nothing left in the tank. Next Sensation stays in front to win the finale. How could you, Tom Scudamore? How could you? YOU’VE RUINED THE NARRATIVE!
Grand Annual Chase ...
My Brother Sylvest leads from Next Sensation, Festive Affair and Croco Bay ...
They're off in the Grand Annual Chase
Next Sensation leads them away with My Brother Sylvest in second. Eastlake was slow away and is at the back of the field. Bah! AP McCoy is racing about two thirds of the field down on Ned Buntline ...
Bryan Cooper gets a hefty ban ...
The Irish jockey has picked up 18 days worth of suspension for whip offences, 11 of them for his ride on Road To Riches in the Gold Cup. He’ll miss Fairyhouse and Aintree.
On Racing UK ...
One of the presenters has just said: “My Irish colleagues in the press room tell me that McCoy doesn’t particularly like the horse [Ned Buntline] and the horse doesn’t particularly like him.” What could possibly go wrong?
Paul Carberry to rain on AP's parade?
For no other reason than that the mercurial Irishman hasn’t had a winner at this year’s Festival this year (which seems an odd state of affairs) so I’ve had a little nibble on him to prevail on Eastlake in the Grand Annual Get Out Of Jail Stakes. AP has quite literally got the leg up on Ned Buntline from trainer Noel Meade and the horses are making their way down to the start. McCoy gets a massive round of applause as he passes the grandstand.
Grand Annual Handicap Chase betting
- Ned Buntline 7-2
- Blood Cotil 5-1
- Grumeti 9-1
- Ted Veale 10-1
- Eastlake 12-1
- Croco Boy 14-1
- Bellenos 16-1
20-1 bar. Click on the link to view the Grand Annual Chase betting.
Updated
Prestbury Cup latest with one race to go ...
United Kindgom 13-13 Ireland. It’s all to play for with one race to go.
Just one race to go ...
Can AP McCoy sign off with a winner at his last Festival as a race-rider? You’d need a heart of stone, or a bet on any horse other than his mount Ned Buntline, to want anything other than a fairytale Festival swan song from one of the greatest sportsman on the planet in any sport. Not content with being an incredible horseman, he’s also a thoroughly decent bloke and he’s been busy posing for photographs and signing autographs for punters and even his fellow jockeys all day, riding schedule permitting.
Chris Cook's race preview: Tony McCoy Grand Annual Handicap Chase (5.15)
The Festival ends with a bookmaker-pleasing puzzle of fast horses getting in each other’s way over the minimum distance. To mark the fact that this will be Tony McCoy’s final Festival race, they’ve named it after him, which is sweet, though let’s be clear that we still expect the other jockeys to try to beat him if they can, yes? He is on the favourite, for once, Ned Buntline, a running-on second in last year’s race. Ruby Walsh rides the second-favourite, Blood Cotil, an improving youngster who could end a sensational Festival for Willie Mullins. Eastlake, the horse which gave McCoy a tough choice in the race, may yet foil him under Paul Carberry, though he was beaten 14 lengths last year. But perhaps you’d rather dig up some outsider to get your Festival losses back in one hit? Good luck!
Martin Pipe Handicap Hurdle result
1 Killultagh Vic (L P Dempsey) 7-1
2 Noble Endeavor (K C Sexton) 14-1
3 Roi Des Francs (D J Mullins) 3-1 Fav
4 Kauto Grand Mogol (J S McGarvey) 33-1
21 ran
Non Runners: 6,7,23
CSF: 94.78
Tricast: 368.66
Killultagh Vic wins the Martin Pipe Handicap Hurdle
It’s official - yet another winner for Willie Mullins, with this one being ridden by Luke Dempsey. That’s Mullins’s eighth win of the Festival - a record.
Martin Pipe Handicap Hurdle ...
Shelford is still in front as they descend towards the second last, with Jolly’s Cracked It in second. Jolly’s Cracked and Shelford set off for home with Killultagh Vic and Noble Endeavour in hot pursuit. Killultagh Vic and Noble Endeavour flash past the post together and there’s a call for a photo. They won’t need it: Killultagh Vic has won.
Martin Pipe Handicap Hurdle ...
Shelford remains out in front by two lengths from Jolly’s Cracked It and Sleepy Haven with the field fairly tightly bunched. Shelford leads them to the top of the hill, with Full Shift improving ...
They're off in the Martin Pipe Handicap Hurdle
Two-and-a-half miles is the trip and Shelford sets off in front with his big woolly sheepskin cheek-pieces. Barazan is behind him, followed by Alderbrook Lad ....
Technology's Greg Wood tweets ...
Coneygree and Nico de Boinville return to winner's enclosure after winning Gold Cup at #cheltenham https://t.co/eSouSXW6ql
— Greg Wood (@Greg_Wood_) March 13, 2015
Enda Bolger speaks ...
A nice touch on Racing UK, from the man who trained the winner of the Foxhunters. It was one of his horses, also ridden by Nina Carberry, who collided with Racing Post photographer Patrick McCann after being put through the rails during the Cross Country Chase on Wednesday, breaking the unfortunate snapper’s leg. Bolger says he spoke to McCann on the phone this morning and reveals that he’s in good form. “He’ll bounce back from this,” he adds.
Updated
On The Fringe wins the Foxhunters
On The Fringe stormed clear in the closing stages to run out an impressive victor of the St James’s Place Foxhunter Chase Challenge Cup at Cheltenham. Nina Carberry was content to bide her time for most of the extended three-and-a-quarter-mile trip as Carsonstown Boy helped set the pace, until bringing the Enda Bolger-trained 10-year-old into contention two out.
Once Carberry pressed the button the race was as good as over, with On The Fringe (6-1), owned by J P McManus, putting daylight between himself and the opposition. He galloped to glory by 17 lengths from Following Dreams (50-1). Paint The Clouds, the 11-4 favourite, was another neck away.
“I’m so pleased for Enda and everyone, JT [McNamara] always believed in him and always said he would win this. He was so impressive today and showed us what he could do. I’m so pleased Enda and JP [McManus] let me back on him as I’m at Aidan O’Brien’s now so I can’t ride at Enda’s as much as I used to.”
Updated
Chris Cook's race preview: Martin Pipe Handicap Hurdle (4.40)
A race for ‘conditional’ jockeys, apprentices, basically, and you can have fun trying to work out which of them is going to have a proper career in the game. Roi Des Francs, from the Willie Mullins yard, has followed a similar route to the horse that won this race last year. Paul Nicholls, who is good at this type of race, runs Le Mercurey and Pearl Swan. From the Nicky Henderson yard, Full Shift runs for the first time since being stuffed as favourite for this race last year, an absence that rather makes a mockery of his name.
Willie Mullins has been confirmed top trainer ...
The County Carlow-based genius has seven winners and cannot be caught with two races to go. In the wider scheme of things, it’s United Kingdom 13-12 Ireland in the winner-training stakes.
Foxhunter Chase result
1 On The Fringe (Ms N Carberry) 6-1
2 Following Dreams (Mr S Drinkwater) 50-1
3 Paint The Clouds (Mr S Waley-Cohen) 11-4 Fav
24 ran
Also: 11-1 Carsonstown Boy 4th
CSF: 292.42
Tricast: 1041.48
Updated
Foxhunter Chase ...
Over the second last and On The Fringe and Nina Carberry pull clear of the field. Making no mistake at the last, the duo romp up the hill to win by as many lengths as you like. On The Fringe wins the Foxhunters under a fine ride from the brilliant Nina Carberry. That’s her fifth Festival winner.
Updated
Foxhunter Chase
Chosen Milan takes over in front, followed by Carsonstown Boy, Paint The Clouds, Chose Milan, Shoreacres. They’ve two to jump ...
Foxhunter Chase ...
Fort George takes over in front, but blunders 10 out and loses ground. Alskamatic is making ground around the outside as No Loose Change takes over in front. They’ve seven to jump ...
Foxhunter Chase ...
Carsonstown Boy continues with Forge George, Seventh Sign, No Loose Change, Paint The Cloud and Need To Knownot too far behind him. All are still standing and they’ve 12 to jump ...
They're off and running in the Foxhunter Chase
At long last. Three miles and a little over two furlongs is the distance for these horses with their amateur riders on board and Carsonstown Boy is making the running Fort George lolloping along behind him ...
Shenanigans at the start of the Foxhunter Chase
After one aborted effort to get away, a very irritated starter warns the jockeys not to start running when he raises his flag, but to wait until he’s lowered it. “You’re not listening to me!” he shouts. “Jesus lads, do you not understand me! Get back there!”
Updated
Foxhunters Chase betting ...
- Paint The CLouds 3-1
- On The Fringe 13-2
- Current Event 8-1
- Salsify 10-1
- Carsonstown Boy 11-1
- Aerial 14-1
- No Loose Change 14-1
20-1 bar. Click on the link to view the Foxhunter Chase betting
Chris Cook's been typing like a dervish ...
Coneygree became the first novice to win the Cheltenham Gold Cup in 41 years after making nearly all the running under Nico De Boinville. As in his previous handful of races, the horse put up a superb display of jumping and remorseless galloping to beat a big field of talented rivals.
The result is a total vindication of the decision by Mark and Sara Bradstock, the small training team behind Coneygree, to send their horse for the biggest prize of all. The much more orthodox alternative was to keep him to novice company in the RSA Chase here on Wednesday and many in racing were set against the idea of running such an inexperienced horse in such a famously tough contest.
The winner was bred by the late Lord Oaksey, who spent many years as a popular pundit on Channel 4 Racing. Sara Bradstock is his daughter. “Words can’t describe it without using expletives, but it’s unbelievable,” said De Boinville, who had previously been best known as the regular work-rider of Sprinter Sacre. “I knew I had a lot of horse left.”
The first circuit of this Gold Cup proved undramatic, though Lord Windermere, last year’s winner, dropped even further to the rear than he had then and this time there was no recovering. Going out on the back stretch for the second time, Coneygree wound up the tempo mercilessly and, within two or three fences, half the field was plainly beaten.
Silviniaco Conti, who was sent off favourite to win the race at the third time of asking, was running on empty by the final downhill run, along with another fancied runner, Many Clouds. By the turn for home, Djakadam, Road To Riches and Holywell looked like the only ones still with a chance of catching the pace-setter.
Djakadam’s challenge lasted longest and it seemed he might give his trainer, Willie Mullins, a first success in the race, as he stayed on up the far side of the run-in. But Coneygree, who hung towards the stands, somehow found the reserves to keep pounding up the famous hill and he held a winning margin of a length and a half at the line.
Mullins has now had the runner-up five times in this race. Road To Riches was third and Holywell fourth as the old order that produced such a muddled finish last year was swept aside. The outcome means four of the week’s five major races have been won by horses who made all the running, Coneygree following Faugheen in the Champion Hurdle, Uxizandre in the Ryanair and Cole Harden in the World Hurdle.
Updated
Ruby Walsh speaks ...
Having finished second on Djakadan, the Irishman is in downbeat mood. “Second is nowhere,” he says a couple of times, before telling Mick Fitzgerald that the race was run at a good strong gallop, his horse gave everything he had to get his head in front of third-placed Road To Riches, but ulimately just didn’t have enough to beat an impressive winner.
Chris Cook's race preview: Foxhunter Chase (4.00)
If the Gold Cup is like most Gold Cups, you’ll barely have got your breath back before this starts. It provides a different kind of drama, rather less organised, by being a race over the Gold Cup course for amateur riders. Paint The Clouds is favourite, to be ridden by Sam Waley-Cohen, who has actually won the Gold Cup. Salsify, a dual winner of this, is back from injury but possibly not as good as before. Current Event, once with Paul Nicholls and now trained by one of his staff, has been winning lots of point to points and was recently purchased by a Qatari sheikh who wanted an interest in this race, apparently. No Loose Change is still trained by Nicholls and won last time. Junior, a past Festival winner for David Pipe, must have a chance, though he, along with the talented Muirhead, are on the old side for this at the age of 12.
Novice Coneygree triumphs in the Gold Cup
Coneygree became the first novice to strike for 41 years when making most of the running in the Betfred Cheltenham Gold Cup. The eight-year-old, trained by Mark Bradstock and ridden by Nico de Boinville, took the blue riband prize of steeplechasing on only his fourth race over fences.
The success fully vindicated the decision to bypass the RSA Chase earlier in the week and run in the Gold Cup instead. Coneygree (7-1) held on up the hill by a length and a half from Djakadam (10-1), with Road To Riches (8-1) two lengths away in third.
“Words can’t describe it without using expletives, but it’s unbelievable,” said De Boinville. I knew I had a lot of horse left.” Sara Bradstock, the trainer’s assistant and wife, said: “He knows how to gallop, he knows how to jump.”
He certainly does. We’ll have a report from Chris or Greg at the track before long.
Updated
Paul Nicholls speaks ...
The trainer of the favourite, Silviniaco Conti: “I think it’s a bit more testing than we thought,” he said. “No excuses, really. Probably around here he might want better ground. Perhaps that what it was. The winner was mightily impressive. All credit to the Bradstocks.”
Mick Fitzgerald speaks ...
“It takes an awful lot of faith in the horse that you’ve got [to ride a front-running race like that,” says the Channel 4 pundit and former jockey. “I think Nico de Boinville has built a great relationship with that horse.”
Cheltenham Gold Cup result
1 Coneygree (Nico de Boinville) 7-1
2 Djakadam (R Walsh) 10-1
3 Road To Riches (B J Cooper) 8-1
16 ran
Also: 3-1 Fav Silviniaco Conti, 8-1 Holywell 4th
Non Runners: 6,13
CSF: 66.36
Tricast: 580.35
Updated
That was a fine race ...
Coneygree won from Djakadam, who was closing in fast. Road to Riches was third.
Gold Cup ...
Conygree wins the Gold Cup. He’s the first novice to win the race since 1974. That was a fine round of jumping by a horse going over fences for just the fourth time. Nico De Boinville is the winning jockey in his first Gold Cup ride. Mark Bradstock is the winning trainer.
Gold Cup ...
Coneygree jumps the third last in front, a length clear of Road To Riches with Jackadam back in third. Holywell is fourth and On His Own fifth. The rest are out of contention ...
Gold Cup ...
Coneygree jumps seven out beautifully, followed by Road To Riches and Silviniaco Conti. There are four fences to jump ...
Gold Cup
Lord Windemere is struggling, while The Giant Bolster is getting reminders from Tom Scudamore and Boston Bob’s race looks run too. Coneygree continues to lead by a length or two from On His Own, Road To Riches is fourth lengths back and the favourite Silviniaco Conti is tucked in behind him taking the short route as he scrapes paint off the rails ...
Gold Cup ...
Coneygree plods along in front with On His Own on the outside and Road To Riches behind him. No fallers so far, but Boston Bob is struggling and Lord Windemere is at the back of the field, where he spent much of last year’s race before winning! Coneygree continues to lead with 13 fences to jump ...
They're off and running in the Gold Cup ...
Good luck and safe home to one and all. Three miles and two miles is the spin and Road To Riches leads them away to the soundtrack of a massive roar from the stands. Coneygree passes him and takes up the running ...
Not long now ...
The horses have lined up in race card order for the parade past the grandstand before they head down to the start. Bob’s Worth leads the way. Last year’s winner Lord Windemere looks a bit on his toes, jigging up and down. According to Clare Balding, his jockey Davy Russell had his feet out of the irons earlier in a bid to keep his mount calm.
Updated
Gold Cup betting ...
- Silviniaco Conti 10-3
- Many Clouds 7-1
- Djakadam 8-1
- Coneygree 8-1
- Coneygree 8-1
- Road To Riches 8-1
- Holywell 10-1
- Carlingford Lough 14-1
- Bobs Worth 16-1
- Lord Windemere 18-1
20-1 bar. Click on this link to view the latest Gold Cup betting
Updated
Towering Martello claims Albert Bartlett
Mags Mullins saddled her first Festival winner when Martello Tower came out top in a gruelling battle for the Albert Bartlett Novices’ Hurdle at Cheltenham. In another race dominated by Irish raiders, Martello Tower (14-1) ground out victory for owner Barry Connell and his retained jockey Adrian Heskin.
Martello Tower took the lead from long-time leader Milsean, ridden by the winning trainer’s son, Danny, who used to be Connell’s number one. There was just half a length between them at the line, with No More Heroes a length away in third.
“He’s a real tough horse, all he does is find off the bridle,” said Heskin. “He pricked his ears about five times after the last, I kept on asking him and he delivered. On the ground I was afraid he’d done too much early. He’s a fair horse.”
Chris Cook's race preview: Cheltenham Gold Cup (3.20)
How odd, on reflection, that the last two winners, Lord Windermere and Bobs Worth, should be 16-1 while Silviniaco Conti, who tried and failed in both those races, is favourite at 5-1. But he has won so many other Grade Ones, including two King Georges, and seems established as our best staying chaser. We probably shouldn’t hold his 2013 fall against him. His finishing effort was painfully weak last year but perhaps that was a one-off. We’ll see today if he can, in fact, cut it round Cheltenham. Many Clouds and Holywell lead a strong cast of British second-season chasers, while Road To Riches is a potent Irish contender. Djakadam and Carlingford Lough are converted handicappers trying to prove they belong here too. Coneygree, a novice, will try to dismantle the lot of them by leading at a fiercer pace than they can live with. It’s a rich mix.
Stewards enquiry at Cheltenham ...
It’s unlikely to affect the winner as I’m fairly sure it’s about interference between the second and third-placed horses, going back to an incident when Milsean shut the door on No More Heroes as he attempted to get up his inside (behave!) on the run up to the last hurdle.
Updated
Another winner for the Mullins family ...
The winning trainer is Margaret Mullins, who I think is the sister-in-law of Willie Mullins, although I’m happy to stand corrected on that one. Danny Mullins, who rode the second placed Milsean, is her son.
Albert Bartlett Novices' Chase result
1 Martello Tower (A P Heskin) 14-1
2 Milsean (D E Mullins) 33-1
3 No More Heroes (B J Cooper) 6-1
19 ran
Also: 5-2 Fav Black Hercules, 16-1 Arbre De Vie 4th
Non Runner: 8
CSF: 420.11
Tricast: 3056.27
Albert Bartlett ...
Milsean blocks No More Heroes on the run-up to the last, with Martello Tower also in contention. Martello Tower out-stays the pair to win a real test of stamina from Milsean and No More Heroes. Martello Tower wins the ALbert Bartlett with Adrian Heskin in the saddle.
Albert Bartlett ...
Milsean still leads with two to jump, while Blak Lion struggles. Value At Riskl and Measure Of My Dreams is next, followed by Value At Risk and Black Hercules ...
Albert Bartlett
Milsean plods along in front followed by Martello Tower as Out Sam and Barry Geraghty fall four out. Arbre De Vie is going well ...
Albert Bartlett ...
Milsean continues to make the running with well over a circuit to go. Blaklion is behind him with seven to go. Milsean, Martello tower, Blak Lion, Caracci Apache are all prominent. They’ve six to jump ...
They're off and running in the Albert Bartlett
Three miles is the distance in this Grade One competition and Blak Lion leads the charge to the first of 12 hurdles from Native River and Martello Tower. Milsean is first over the second, followed by Martello Tower, Native River and Blaklion ...
Albert Bartlett Novices' Hurdle betting
- Black Hercules 9-4
- No More Heroes 13-2
- Value At Risk 10-1
- Blaklion 11-1
- Thomas Brown 14-1
- Out Sam 14-1
- Martello Tower 12-1
- Arbre De Vie 16-1
20-1 bar. Click on this link to view the Novices’ Hurdle betting
Brave makes it 7-Up for Mullins
Wicklow Brave gave Willie Mullins a magnificent seventh victory at the Festival when springing a 25-1 surprise in the Vincent O’Brien County Handicap Hurdle at Cheltenham.
Paul Townend, riding his third winner during the four days, swept through the field to lead before the final flight as he put the race to bed in a matter of strides, turning one of the most competitive handicaps of the season into a procession as he won unchallenged by eight lengths.
Irish raiders dominated as Eddie Harty’s Sort It Out was second, with Tony Martin’s Quick Jack a length and a quarter back in third. Max Dynamite and Analifet, both trained by Mullins, were fourth and fifth.
“I’ve always kept a bit of faith in this horse, because he has loads of ability,” said Townend. “Things didn’t go right for him last week [pulled up in Imperial Cup at Sandown]. Just 12 months ago he ran a cracker in the Supreme, disappointed a couple of times and was then forgotten about.
“Willie is a genius of a man to turn him round like this, I got there three furlongs too soon, but he handled the ground better than I thought. I would have settled for just one winner, so three is magic.”
Mullins said: “He just didn’t get away on terms in his last two runs, so all the other horses were going up the weights and he stayed where he was. His work at home was good, but he missed the break on his last two runs. I gave Paul one instruction - get him away and see what he had.”
Lizzie Kelly is being interviewed ...
She’s the jockey on Tea For Two in the Albert Bartlett novice’s hurdle. It’s good to see she’s finally stopped laughing in the wake of the “rose-cunted glasses” slip of John Inverdale’s tongue when the BBC presenter was interviewing her on Tuesday. She gives her mount a decent chance in the next.
Updated
Less than an hour to the Cheltenham Gold Cup. Your horse by horse guide is here http://t.co/fI8bBrWXrr
— chris cook (@claimsfive) March 13, 2015
Chris Cook’s race preview: Albert Bartlett Novice Hurdle (2.40)
If it’s a novice hurdle, then Willie Mullins and Ruby Walsh must have the fav and so they do, this time in Black Hercules. He won a Grade Three in Cork before Christmas when last seen. No, it’s not your typical Festival preparation but Mullins can do what he likes. Nicky Henderson has a live one in Out Sam, while Blaklion is as tough as you’d expect of a Nigel Twiston-Davies horse. And don’t forget Tea For Two, who ran away with the Lanzarote at Kempton in January. He already looks good and may actually be better at this distance, so it’s surprising that he’s as big as 33-1 as I type.
Roman Flight came a cropper at the last
It looked a heavy fall for his jockey Noel Fehily, but horse and rider both seem to be OK. The winner, Wicklow Brave was pulled up after planting himself at the start of a race in Sandown a few days ago, so it seems the biggest worry today was that he might get left behind when the tapes went up. He made a bit of a mess of the last hurdle, but had a big enough lead to get away with it.
County Hurdle result
1 Wicklow Brave (P Townend) 25-1
2 Sort It Out (N P Madden) 17-2
3 Quick Jack (S A Shortall) 8-1
4 Max Dynamite (R Walsh) 14-1
24 ran
Also: 7-1 Fav Princely Conn
Non Runners: 13,24
Updated
Vincent O'Brien County Hurdle
Wicklow Brave scrambles over the last a long way clear of the field to win doing handstands under Paul Townend for Willie Mullins. Wicklow Brave wins the County Hurdle. That’s Townend’s third winner of the week and the seventh for Willie Mullins.
Vincent O'Brien County Hurdle
With one to jump, Violet Dancer is passed by Wicklow Brave who goes clear ...
Vincent O'Brien County Hurdle
Violet Dancer leads by a length from Orgilgo Bay, Ebony Express, Cheltenian, Modem. Princely Conn is making his move under AP McCoy ...
Vincent O'Brien County Hurdle
Violet Dancer continues to lead with the field well strung out. Orgilgo Bay is next, followed by Cheltenian, then Ebony Express, Ballyglasheen and Modem. They’ve three to jump ...
They're off in the Vincent O'Brien County Hurdle
Two miles and one furlong is the trip here and the 24 runners have eight hurdles to negotiate. Orgilgo Bay leads them away alongside Violet Danvcer, with Ebony Express in behind . Modem is next on the near side and Quick Jack is also prominent as they approach the second hurdle.
County Handicap Hurdle betting
- Princely Conn 15-2
- Quick Jack 15-2
- Sort It Out 9-1
- The Game Changer 9-1
- Waxies Dargle 11-1
- Baltimore Rock 12-1
- Cheltenian 14-1
- Max Dynamite 14-1
20-1 bar. Click on this link to view the betting.
Peace breaks out for Henderson
Peace And Co gave trainer Nicky Henderson his sixth success in the JCB Triumph Hurdle at Cheltenham after a hard-fought battle with stable companions Top Notch and Hargam. Barry Geraghty rode a patient race on the 2-1 favourite, as Dicosimo made the running before finding his way to the near side rail to make his challenge on the run to the final flight.
He was soon on the heels of his two stablemates at the last and it quickly developed into a duel between the two principals, owned by Simon Munir and Isaac Souede.
Peace And Co, a winner on the course in January, powered up the hill to land the spoils by a neck from Top Notch, with Hargam and Tony McCoy four lengths away in third.
“They had to come here and do that, but it’s a bit bad luck that you have to go beating up your own troops,” said Henderson. “Peace And Co would jump fences if he had to, but I don’t suppose we’ll be doing that for a while.”
Chris Cook's race preview: County Handicap Hurdle (2.05)
One of the best and most enjoyable of those tricky, unsolvable handicap things, this is contested by horses not far short of Champion Hurdle standard. It’s a race for fast horses from shrewd stables, like Tony Martin’s Quick Jack, who almost won the Cesarewitch, or David Pipe’s Baltimore Rock, who won the Imperial Cup last year. Ebony Express won this year’s Imperial Cup and he’s here too. There’s Hawk High, who won the Fred Winter at the last Festival (but is now more than a stone higher) and Orgilgo Bay, who wasn’t far behind him. At the foot of the weights, I like the progressive Irish runner Sort It Out and he’ll be glad of the overnight rain. Paul Nicholls runs Dormello Mo, who has had a wind op since last seen.
Nicky Henderson saddles the first three home ...
That’s quite an achievement for the man who describes the occupants of the podium as “three extraordinarily good four-year-olds”. His horses came to the last three abreast and it looked as if Top Notch would prevail, but Barry Geraghty emerged on top from a ding-dong battle with Daryl Jacob by about half a length or less. Henderson says that the weather has gone against his Gold Cup hope Bob’s Worth.
Updated
Going report ...
Barry Geraghty says “it’s soft, but it’s not too bad where it’s fresh”.
JCB Triumph Hurdle (1.30) result
1 Peace And Co (B J Geraghty) 2-1 Fav
2 Top Notch (D A Jacob) 7-1
3 Hargam (A P McCoy) 8-1
4 Devilment (Sam Twiston-Davies) 16-1
16 ran
Non Runner: 15
Updated
Triumph Hurdle
Hargam is produced by McCoy at the second last, Peace And Co is first over the final hurdle, gets passed on the run-in by Top Notch, but shows guts to get his head back in front. Peace And Co wins the Triumph Hurdle under a fine ride by Barry Geraghty for trainer Nicky Henderson.
Updated
Triumph Hurdle
Dicosimo leads by three lengths over the third last, followed by Petitie Parisienne. Hargam and Peac e And Co are nicely poised ...
Triumph Hurdle ...
Ruby Walsh sets a strong pace on Dicosimo ahead of Hargam and Petite Parisienne. Top Notch is next on the inside with Officer Drivel upsides him. Ruby Walsh is trying to run them into the ground here, opening a six length lead on Dicosimo. They’ve three to jump ...
They're off in the Triumph Hurdle
Two miles and one furlong is the spin, the rain is tipping down and Dicosimo and Petite Parisienne lead the field down the short run to the first of eight hurdles ...
Not long to go now ...
About 10 minutes to the start of the opening race on Gold Cup today. Good luck one and all with your various bets, particularly if they’re similar to mine. These are my selections for our office tipping competition. There’s an element of Hail Mary about them, as I try to reel in Sean Ingle, our leader after three days. He’s 26.47 points ahead of me, so I’m hoping he’ll have a Devon Loch on the run-in. There’s the thick end of £150 up for grabs.
Top Notch
The Game Changer
Definitely Red
The Giant Bolster
Chosen Milan
Roi Des Francs
Turban
Updated
JCB Triumph Hurdle betting
- Peace And Co 9-4
- Top Notch 7-1
- Beltor 8-1
- Hargam 8-1
- Petite Parisienne 12-1
- Dicosimo 12-1
- Pain Au Chocolat 16-1
- Devilment 16-1
- Karezak 16-1
Chris Cook's race preview: JCB Triumph Hurdle (1.30)
A quick recap, in case you missed it earlier: If they ever decide to name a Festival race after Nicky Henderson, it might be this one. He’s won it five times and trains three of the first five in the betting this time. All three look good but Peace And Co appears outstanding and has the benefit of already having won round here. Hargam is another classy beast and Tony McCoy rides, while Top Notch completes the Henderson trio. Beltor is a threat to all, judging by the way he won at Kempton last time, though the overnight rain might not be great news for him. Willie Mullins has Petite Parisienne, who is unlucky not to have won her first two.
This just in from Channel 4
The Irish fellow who stands beside Tanya in the betting ring (sorry, whose name escapes me) has just said “there’s significant each-way support for Carsonstown Boy in the Foxhunters (4.00). You can still get him at 14-1 if you’re quick.
Cheltenham market movers (as of two hours ago)
1.30: Triumph Hurdle – Peace And Co 5-2 from 4-1, Top Notch 7-1 from 9-1
2.05: Vincent O’Brien County Hurdle: Princely Conn 9-1 from 14-1
2.40: Albert Bartlett: Black Hercules 4-1 from 5-1
3.20: Gold Cup: Silviniaco Conti 7-2 from 9-2
4.00: Foxhunter: Carsonstown Boy 12-1 from 16-1
4.40: Martin Pipe: Mckinley 10-1 from 12-1
5.15: AP McCoy Grand Annual: Ned Buntline 9-2 from 5-1
Updated
Today's Festival non-runners
1.30: No15 Take A Break
2.05: No13 Commisioned, No24 Minella Present
3.20: No6 Don Cossack, No13 River Choice
4.40: No7 Peckhamecho, No23 Edeymi
Updated
Chris Cook's race preview: Tony McCoy Grand Annual (5.15)
The Festival ends with a bookmaker-pleasing puzzle of fast horses getting in each other’s way over the minimum distance. To mark the fact that this will be Tony McCoy’s final Festival race, they’ve named it after him, which is sweet, though let’s be clear that we still expect the other jockeys to try to beat him if they can, yes? He is on the favourite, for once, Ned Buntline, a running-on second in last year’s race. Ruby Walsh rides the second-favourite, Blood Cotil, an improving youngster who could end a sensational Festival for Willie Mullins. Eastlake, the horse which gave McCoy a tough choice in the race, may yet foil him under Paul Carberry, though he was beaten 14 lengths last year. But perhaps you’d rather dig up some outsider to get your Festival losses back in one hit? Good luck!
Martin Pipe Handicap Hurdle (4.40)
A race for ‘conditional’ jockeys, apprentices, basically, and you can have fun trying to work out which of them is going to have a proper career in the game. Roi Des Francs, from the Willie Mullins yard, has followed a similar route to the horse that won this race last year. Paul Nicholls, who is good at this type of race, runs Le Mercurey and Pearl Swan. From the Nicky Henderson yard, Full Shift runs for the first time since being stuffed as favourite for this race last year, an absence that rather makes a mockery of his name.
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Chris Cook's race preview: Foxhunters Chase (4.00)
If the Gold Cup is like most Gold Cups, you’ll barely have got your breath back before this starts. It provides a different kind of drama, rather less organised, by being a race over the Gold Cup course for amateur riders. Paint The Clouds is favourite, to be ridden by Sam Waley-Cohen, who has actually won the Gold Cup. Salsify, a dual winner of this, is back from injury but possibly not as good as before. Current Event, once with Paul Nicholls and now trained by one of his staff, has been winning lots of point to points and was recently purchased by a Qatari sheikh who wanted an interest in this race, apparently. No Loose Change is still trained by Nicholls and won last time. Junior, a past Festival winner for David Pipe, must have a chance, though he, along with the talented Muirhead, are on the old side for this at the age of 12.
Chris Cook's race preview: Cheltenham Gold Cup (3.20)
How odd, on reflection, that the last two winners, Lord Windermere and Bobs Worth, should be 16-1 while Silviniaco Conti, who tried and failed in both those races, is favourite at 5-1. But he has won so many other Grade Ones, including two King Georges, and seems established as our best staying chaser. We probably shouldn’t hold his 2013 fall against him. His finishing effort was painfully weak last year but perhaps that was a one-off. We’ll see today if he can, in fact, cut it round Cheltenham. Many Clouds and Holywell lead a strong cast of British second-season chasers, while Road To Riches is a potent Irish contender. Djakadam and Carlingford Lough are converted handicappers trying to prove they belong here too. Coneygree, a novice, will try to dismantle the lot of them by leading at a fiercer pace than they can live with. It’s a rich mix.
Chris Cook's race preview: Albert Bartlett Novice Hurdle (2.40)
If it’s a novice hurdle, then Willie Mullins and Ruby Walsh must have the fav and so they do, this time in Black Hercules. He won a Grade Three in Cork before Christmas when last seen. No, it’s not your typical Festival preparation but Mullins can do what he likes. Nicky Henderson has a live one in Out Sam, while Blaklion is as tough as you’d expect of a Nigel Twiston-Davies horse. And don’t forget Tea For Two, who ran away with the Lanzarote at Kempton in January. He already looks good and may actually be better at this distance, so it’s surprising that he’s as big as 33-1 as I type.
Chris Cook's race preview: County Handicap Hurdle (2.05)
One of the best and most enjoyable of those tricky, unsolvable handicap things, this is contested by horses not far short of Champion Hurdle standard. It’s a race for fast horses from shrewd stables, like Tony Martin’s Quick Jack, who almost won the Cesarewitch, or David Pipe’s Baltimore Rock, who won the Imperial Cup last year. Ebony Express won this year’s Imperial Cup and he’s here too. There’s Hawk High, who won the Fred Winter at the last Festival (but is now more than a stone higher) and Orgilgo Bay, who wasn’t far behind him. At the foot of the weights, I like the progressive Irish runner Sort It Out and he’ll be glad of the overnight rain. Paul Nicholls runs Dormello Mo, who has had a wind op since last seen.
Chris Cook's race preview: Triumph Hurdle (1.30)
If they ever decide to name a Festival race after Nicky Henderson, it might be this one. He’s won it five times and trains three of the first five in the betting this time. All three look good but Peace And Co appears outstanding and has the benefit of already having won round here. Hargam is another classy beast and Tony McCoy rides, while Top Notch completes the Henderson trio. Beltor is a threat to all, judging by the way he won at Kempton last time, though the overnight rain might not be great news for him. Willie Mullins has Petite Parisienne, who is unlucky not to have won her first two.
Greg Wood’s scene-setter from the track
It is a damp morning at Cheltenham on the final day of the Festival meeting, and the ground is now officially good-to-soft ahead of the Gold Cup at 3.20 this afternoon. More rain is forecast before racing, however, and the precise amount that arrives, if any, could well have an impact on the outcome of one of the most open Gold Cups for years.
There was 5mm of rain overnight and according to Simon Claisse, the clerk of the course, the forecast is for up to 5mm more before the start of racing. There was a similar suggestion earlier in the week, of course, and as it transpired, the rain missed Cheltenham completely, but if it does arrive at the upper end of the estimate, it would certainly enhance the chances of Coneygree and Many Clouds among others.
Finding the winner is, quite frankly, likely to be as much about luck as judgement, since it is possible to make some sort of a case for all but a couple of the 17 runners. When last year’s 20-1 winner Lord Windermere is available at the same price again this morning, and On His Own, beaten a short-head into second place, can be backed at 40-1, it is clear that this is a race that could be won by almost anything.
That said, the obvious answer might well be the right one, since Silviniaco Conti, the King George VI Chase winner, has drifted out to 4-1 to make his quality and experience count against a field that contains several potentially top-class younger rivals like Djakadam, Many Clouds, Road To Riches and Coneygree.
Paul Nicholls’s chaser is the best horse in the race on ratings, has been prepared very carefully with this race in mind and would probably be at least a point shorter were it not for the doubts about his ability to handle the track. Nicholls, though, seems convinced that Silviniaco Conti is a better, more professional racehorse this year, and expects no repeat of his odd behaviour 12 months ago when he jumped the last in front but then drifted alarmingly on the run-in before finishing fourth. If Nicholls is right - and an almost unbroken decade of trainers’ championship does suggest that he knows what he is doing - then the 4-1 about the favourite is suddenly a very backable price.
Djakadam, my tip in last Sunday’s Observer, remains an interesting contender, but at the prices available now, Road To Riches, the Lexus Chase winner, catches the eye at 12-1. Betting on the race, though, is essentially a bit of a lucky dip, albeit an absolutely fascinating one that will enthral the sell-out crowd.
Definitly Red, who might have slipped under the radar a little as he is not trained by Willie Mullins, is a fair price in the Albert Bartlett Novice Hurdle, but the one horse that everyone will be queueing up to back later is Ned Buntline, Tony McCoy’s last ride at the Festival. He could go off at a ridiculously short price for a race that looks as competitive as ever, which will mean plenty of each-way value for those looking to oppose him.
Updated
Vautour has been given a big rating from Timeform after yesterday’s demolition job in the JLT Chase. Silviniaco Conti, the favourite for the Gold Cup, is the only chaser at Cheltenham with a higher rating.
Vautour's new @Timeform1948 rating after stunning JLT win is c171p - Silviniaco Conti now only chaser running at Festival with higher rating
— Phil Turner (@castellmai) March 13, 2015
Don Cossack non-runner in Gold Cup
As expected the Gordon Elliott-trained Don Cossack is a non-runner in today’s feature race after his exertions in the Ryanair yesterday.
Don Cossack, third in the Ryanair Chase at Cheltenham on Thursday, is confirmed a non-runner for today's #CheltenhamGoldCup
— Francis Keogh (@HonestFrank) March 13, 2015
Updated
This story went under the radar last night.
Here’s our own Greg Wood’s take on the announcement
Also delighted @Channel4Racing have chosen @nickluck to anchor Grand National coverage. Full story on page 50 of today's bumper @RacingPost
— Lee Mottershead (@leemottershead) March 13, 2015
Updated
Betfair Barry (the only man left wearing the Google glasses) puts it more succinctly
Pissing it down here in Cheltenham
— Barry Orr (@BetfairBarry) March 13, 2015
As you were ... it’s raining again at Cheltenham. The amount of rain is going (geddit) to be the key factor shaping today’s racing. Currently, after last night’s rain it’s good to soft. Keep coming back here for updates. We will keep you posted.
And down comes the rain again... #CheltenhamFestival pic.twitter.com/i4L9sjwAyg
— Oliver Brett (@sport_oliver) March 13, 2015
Chris Cook’s daily stats guide
Top trainers after Day Three
Willie Mullins 6 wins
Paul Nicholls 3
David Pipe 2
Tony Martin 1
Neil Mulholland 1
Gordon Elliott 1
Rebecca Curtis 1
Dermot Weld 1
Alan King 1
Kim Bailey 1
Warren Greatrex 1
Nicky Henderson 1
Another on Day Three for Mullins and all six of his wins have been in Grade Ones. Nicky Henderson is now on the scoreboard, so the most notable absentee is perhaps local trainer Jonjo O’Neill.
Top jockeys after Day Three
Ruby Walsh 4
Paul Townend 2
Sam Twiston-Davies 2
Davy Russell 2
Mr Jamie Codd 2
Barry Geraghty 1
Bryan Cooper 1
Nick Scholfield 1
Tom Scudamore 1
Tony McCoy 1
David Bass 1
Andrew Tinkler 1
Gavin Sheehan
And Tony McCoy is a winner at his final Festival, ladies and gentlemen! Meanwhile, wins for Andrew Tinkler and David Bass mean that the only one of Nicky Henderson’s jockeys yet to score is Nico De Boinville, who rides Coneygree in the Gold Cup (not for Nicky, of course).
Updated career standings for Festival wins
Trainers
Nicky Henderson 52
Fulke Walwyn 40
Willie Mullins 39
Paul Nicholls 37
Martin Pipe 34
Jockeys
Ruby Walsh 45
Barry Geraghty 32
Tony McCoy 31
Tony McCoy’s final fling
1.30 Hargam 7-1
2.05 Princely Conn 14-1
2.40 Fletchers Flyer 25-1
3.20 Carlingford Lough 11-1
5.15 Ned Buntline 5-1
Ruby Walsh’s parting shot
1.30 Dicosimo 12-1
2.05 Max Dynamite 16-1
2.40 Black Hercules 4-1
3.20 Djakadam 15-2
5.15 Blood Cotil 10-1
The pressure is off McCoy to a certain extent, now that he’s got a winner at his final Festival, and he actually could settle down to enjoy the experience, as he promised in advance. If only he were that kind of guy. Carlingford Lough is a serious Gold Cup contender and winning that race really would be the way to say goodbye. The Festival’s last race has been named after McCoy for one year only and he’s on the favourite. Mr Walsh is on the second-favourite and, while it would be a merciless act to cruise past his friend on the run-in with his bum in the air, Walsh is a merciless jockey.
Today’s tips, by Chris Cook
1.30 Triumph Hurdle
Peace And Co 11-4
2.05 County Handicap Hurdle
Sort It Out 16-1
2.40 Albert Bartlett Novice Hurdle
Tea For Two 40-1
3.20 The Gold Cup
Silviniaco Conti 5-1
4.00 Foxhunters Chase
Seventh Sign 20-1
4.40 Martin Pipe Handicap Hurdle
Roi Des Francs 9-2
5.15 Tony McCoy Grand Annual Chase
Blood Cotil 10-1
Rain staying away at Cheltenham ... for now. There is a forecast of more precipitation in the Cheltenham area ahead of today’s action, which starts at 1.30pm but for now it’s dry.
try again: Met Office rainfall radar for Cheltenham at present has the look of Moses parting the Red Sea http://t.co/bDQnwule5p
— Hugh Taylor (@HughRacing) March 13, 2015
Preamble
AP McCoy is the man all eyes will be on as he competes in his final day’s racing at the Cheltenham Festival. Everything is in place for Ned Buntline (5.15) to run a huge race in the AP McCoy Grand Annual Chase, the final race of the day, but of course the odds reflect the fact that it’s been the worst kept secret for the last few weeks.
The most important news is that rain has arrived at the track – 5mm so far and more expected before early afternoon and the going is now officially good to soft - and that is an important boost for horses such as Djakadam and Many Clouds in the Gold Cup. That won’t inconvenience McCoy’s mount, Carlingford Lough. Not everyone is wishing him luck, however. When asked on Five Live this morning how he thought McCoy was feeling ahead of his final ride in the Gold Cup, Jim Culloty, the trainer hoping to win it for the second successive year with Lord Windermere joked, even before the question had been completed: “I don’t give a damn.”
Don’t be surprised to see Top Notch run well in the opening race, the Triumph Hurdle, now the ground has a bit of cut in it. He’s a terrific leaper and that will help in a race for inexperienced runners.
Finally, this is the one time when everyone I know asks me: “What’s your bet of the week?” I fancy one strongly – and it’s ridden by the master AP McCoy. Not today at Cheltenham, but tomorrow at Uttoxeter. Ladbrokes are still 9-2 about Catching On in the Midlands National and that is highly unlikely to last till tomorrow afternoon. The best of luck today, tomorrow and the rest of your betting lives.
The William Hill Cheltenham Festival tipping competition
You could win a £50 bet from William Hill by proving your tipping prowess on today’s races. All you have to do is give us your selections for all of today’s races at Cheltenham. As ever, our champion will be the tipster who returns the best profit to notional stakes of £1 at starting price on each tip. Non-runners count as losers.
Please post all your tips in a single posting, using the comment facility below, before the first race at 1.30pm.
There are seven races at Cheltenham today and you must post a single selection for each race. Our usual terms and conditions, which you can read here, will apply, except that this will be a strictly one-day thing. If we get a tie after all the races have been run, the winner will be the one who posted their tips earliest out of those with the highest score. If an entrant has to repost their selections because of a non-runner, we will use the time of their later posting for tiebreak purposes. If you don’t win today … despair! It’s your last chance of this Festival and you’ll have to wait until Royal Ascot to have another crack at it.
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