Day three started out with an enthralling finish to the JLT Novices Chase as Taquin Du Seuil gave Tony McCoy his first winner of the week in a three way battle up the hill.
McCoy came with his challenge approaching the final fence and just got the better of Uxizandre who got a brilliant ride from Robert Thornton. Double Ross took third the Twiston Davies team.
The win was bittersweet for McCoy however, as he beat a horse owned by his employer JP McManus and after the race the Champion Jockey said; ‘’It’s great to win for Jonjo but I feel sorry to beat the bosses horse. I’m sore after my fall yesterday but not as sore as Bryan Cooper is.’’
O’Neill also thanked McManus by saying; ‘’We very much appreciate JP allowing AP to take the ride. He’s been a bit frustrating this year because none of his races have been run at pace.’’
The winning trainer was optimistic for next season for his latest Cheltenham winner commenting; ‘’Now we will step him up to the Gold Cup trip. You’ve got nothing if you haven’t got dreams in this game.’’
In another fascinating finish, the Pertemps Handicap Hurdle was won by Fingal Bay by the minimum margin to land a big gamble. The Philip Hobbs trained winner won by the tightest of distances under Richard Johnson to keep the judge busy for another afternoon.
Johnson was always handy on Fingal Bay, who was off the track for a long time through injury, and came with his run on the long run to the last. He was in front for quite a while as they ran down to the final flight as Daryl Jacob and Southfield Theatre made their move on the outside rail.
Jacob actually got his horse’s head in front halfway up the run in only for Fingal Bay to battle back on snatch it on the line. Jacob, obviously feeling the pressure, was visibly upset when the result was announced and appeared very dejected.
The race belong to Philip Hobbs and Richard Johnson however, and a fantastic training performance to bring this quality horse back to the limelight. Johnson said; ‘’I felt I was up, but wasn’t sure. We always thought he was a Grade One horse not a handicapper. He’s an amazing horse, he’s come back from injury and he’s such a trier. There’s a fine line between winning and losing.’’
Ballynagour ran out the easiest winner of the day in the penultimate race, the Byrne Group Plate to give David Pipe and Tom Scudamore a double on the card this afternoon.
The winner had started a short priced favourite for the same race 12 months ago but never landed a blow on that occasion. This time around things were very different as Tom Scudamore sent Ballynagour to the front between the final two fences with Colour Squadron and AP McCoy chasing on his inside.
McCoy was never able to get close to the winner as they sprinted up the hill for an impressive eight length win. Tatenen held on to keep third ahead of Johns Spirit and the gambled on Third Intention in fifth.
“I really enjoyed that – it was fantastic,” said Scudamore. “We always knew he had so much ability, but he wasn’t finishing his races – he did today.
“He’s had bleeding issues and David has done an incredible job. I’m a very lucky lad.”
In the final race, Robbie McNamara followed up his win in yesterday’s Champion Bumper with a win in the Kim Muir on Spring Heeled for Jim Culloty, the first Irish trained winner of the race since Greasepaint in 1983.
McNamara gave Spring Heeled a very positive ride, hitting the front after four out and was still clear coming around the bend into the home straight. Nina Carberry was the only one able to give chase on Cause of Causes but a blundered at the last put pay to their chances and they were never able to reel in the eventual winner.
This certainly was a Festival to remember for Robbie McNamara taking home two winners and for Jim Culloty who couldn’t have picked a better time to have his first winner since August.
Another fascinating day at Prestbury Park is over with just the big one to go on Friday, the Gold Cup. You don’t want to miss it.
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