Cole Harden goes the distance in World Hurdle

Trainer Warren Greatrex and jockey Gavin Sheehan both had their first Cheltenham Festival wins today when 14/1 shot Cole Harden won the Ladbrokes World Hurdle.

Delight

The six-year-old gelding powered up the hill under jockey Sheehan to win by three lengths from favourite Saphir Du Rheu. Cole Harden’s trainer was visibly overcome with emotion as his horse returned to the winner’s enclosure.

“It means so much we are a young team coming forward. I’m normally a cool customer but I got very nervous and the emotion showed after he had won,” said Greatrex.

Another win

While the Greatrex yard was celebrating an important first, the previous race went to a jockey who has enjoyed countless Cheltenham wins over the years, and whose extraordinary racing career is drawing to a close.

Champion jockey AP McCoy had yet to have a winner at this year’s Festival until Uxizandre won the Ryanair Chase for trainer Alan King.

“Cheltenham is all about winning, and while I came to this week with a few chances I knew it wasn’t going to be easy. You have to keep your head down and keep going,” said AP.

Distance

In general it was a day for demolition jobs. Uxizandre won by five lengths, The Package won the Kim Muir by 12 lengths while Vautour stormed home an amazing 15 lengths clear in theJLT Novices’ Chase.

Vautour’s performance was arguably the best we’ve seen so far this week, with his jumping particularly impressive for a novice. His win gave trainer Willie Mullins his sixth victory of the Festival.

Call The Cops won thePertemps Network Final for trainer Nicky Henderson and jockey Andrew Tinkler, while 33/1 outsider Darna won the Grade 3 Handicap Chase.

Charity race

In the Charity race, held in aid of the Injured Jockeys Fund, former Irish Champion Conditional won on board Knight’s Parade. Olympic event rider Andrew Nicholson had to settle for fourth place on theNigel Twiston-Davies-trained Golden Jubilee.

“Much better than doing dressage! I really enjoyed it,” was Nicholson’s verdict on the race.

Tomorrow will see the feature race of the meeting, the Betfred Cheltenham Gold Cup.