The Sports Lowdown For All Your News and OpinionsJLT Novices’ Chase
Ruby Walsh recorded his 50th win at Cheltenham on board Black Hercules. It finished three lengths clear of its closest rival Bristol De Mai. Nicky Henderson trained L’Ami Serge finished third, but the race belonged to Walsh who will no doubt saviour his landmark victory for quite some time.
Pertemps Network Final
Davy Russell rode Mall Dini to victory in the second race of the day. The 14-1 shot was the surprise winner as Russell continued what has been an impressive festival for him. Second place when to another horse priced 14-1, Arpege D’alene. Richard Johnson was on board If In Doubt which finished third.
Ryanair Chase
Even money favourite Vautour was in sublime form as it secured a six length victory, handing Walsh and Willie Mullins yet another victory at the festival. Valseur Lido and Road To Riches were the closest to the run away the winner, but Vautour never looked like the losing the race it was heavily fancied to win.
Ryanair World Hurdle
Tom Scudamore rode even money favourite Thistlecrack to victory in the Ryanair World Hurdle. Alpha Des Obeaux finished second, with the Nicky Henderson trained Bob’s Worth finishing in third, despite being priced at 33-1.
Brown Advisory & Merriebelle Stable Plate
Bryan Cooper secured his first win of the festival, as he rode Empire of Dirt to victory. The nine-year-old finished strongly to beat Tango De Juilley by four lengths. King’s Palace, ridden by Scudamore secured third place, finishing just ahead of the Nicky Henderson trained Full Shift.
Trull House Stud Mares’ Novices’ Hurdle
The Willie Mullins and Ruby Walsh partnership continued to prove prolific as they clocked up yet another winner. Limini finished four and a half lengths clear of Dusky Legend, while Bloody Mary finished in third.
Fulke Walwyn Kim Muir Challenge Cup Handicap Chase
The final race of the day was won by American horse Cause of Causes. The 9-2 priced horse was ridden to victory by Jamie Codd. The horse never looked like losing and finished twelve lengths clear of A Good Skin, with Silvergrove finishing in third. The pre-race favourite, Doctor Harper never finished the race after jockey was unseated.
