Super Samcro back to brilliant best in Festival epic
Marsh Novices’ glory by a nose from Melon, with gallant Faugheen third.
Samcro edged out Melon – and Faugheen – in a thrilling race for the Marsh Novices’ Chase at Cheltenham. The 2018 Ballymore Novices’ Hurdle winner has had a chequered career since that Festival highlight – but returned to his best in a finish that had just about everything. The pair battled it out up the famous hill and it could have gone either way, but in the end it was the Gordon Elliott-trained Samcro (4-1) who snatched the verdict on the line under Davy Russell. Faugheen – with the packed stands willing him on – was right behind the first two in third spot, with Mister Fisher fourth. Sent off the 3-1 favourite, Faugheen was away smartly, but Reserve Tank and Poker Play made the early running before Melon joined the leaders before the fifth fence. There was early drama when Itchy Feet blundered and unseated Gavin Sheehan at the sixth fence. Samcro travelled well and there was all to play for until Faugheen made a mistake three out that cost him ground at a crucial time. It left Samcro and Melon ahead of the pack with the former, wearing the Gigginstown House Stud colours, prevailing by a nose, as Faugheen rallied to be just another length behind.Follow us on Twitter racing365dotcom and like our Facebook page.
Latest
-
Teahupoo confirmed as king of the stayers with stylish success
Cheltenham winner adds Punchestown crown to his CV.
-
Il Etait Temps floors Gaelic Warrior for Grade One honours
Punchestown one-two for Willie Mullins, but not in order expected.
-
Singing Banjo hits the right notes at Punchestown
Evergreen 14-year-old lifts La Touche Cup for the second time.
-
State Man targets unblemished season with Boodles Champion Hurdle success
Seven-year-old has been almost perfect since falling on his debut for Willie Mullins two and a half years ago.
-
Ramatuelle seeks to capitalise on Parker’s winning touch in Guineas
Former NBA superstar will be at Newmarket on Sunday – and so will Thierry Henry.
-
Connections confident Naqeeb has progressed enough to ask Gold Cup question
‘He was always a horse that was physically going to improve as he got older’.
-
National hero Murphy relishing Rosallion’s bid for 2000 Guineas glory
Richard Hannon’s three-year-old will take on Aidan O’Brien’s all-conquering City Of Troy.
-
French Gold Cup bid shelved for Il Est Francais
Connections take cautious approach and send impressive Kauto Star winner on summer break.
-
City Of Troy tops 11-strong list for 2000 Guineas
Rosallion, Notable Speech and Night Raider among Newmarket rivals.