Inglis Drever (5-1) ran his heart out to win the Grade One World Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival for the second time in his career.
The Howard Johnson-trained gelding was being scrubbed along in the early stages as Lough Derg set a sensible pace up front.
When Fire Dragon took up the running halfway through the race Inglis Drever still appeared to be struggling. However, with four flights left to jump, Paddy Brennan’s hard work paid off as the son of In The Wings came back on the bridle, weaving his way through the field to take up the running.
He was pushed all the way to the line by Mighty Man, but showed real determination to hang on for a memorable victory. Mighty Man ran well for second, with Blazing Bailey occupying the third spot.
There was yet more disaster for favourite backers when 2-1 jolly Black Jack Ketchum took a horrible fall at only the second flight. Jonjo O’Neill’s runner was soon up on his feet, but AP McCoy looked despondent as he sat by the side of the track.
- For in-depth analysis of the Cheltenham Festival, don’t miss next week’s (22 March) Horse & Hound
