Inglis Drever wins World Hurdle

Paddy Brennan guided 5/1 chance Inglis Drever to victory in the World Hurdle, the feature race on day three of the Cheltenham Festival.

The Howard Johnson-trained eight-year-old came home three-quarters of a length clear of 10/3 shot Mighty Man, who was four lengths ahead of third-placed Blazing Bailey (8/1), after favourite Black Jack Ketchum took an early fall.

Inglis Drever became just the fourth horse to win the race for a second time and the first to do so since Crimson Embers 21 years ago.

A delighted Brennan said: "I heard the shouts from the crowd so I knew Black Jack had fallen, but I knew I had a lot more to worry about.

"I've never felt as much pressure going into any race as I did today, because I knew how good he was. Howard Johnson knew how good he was and Graham Wylie (owner) knew how good he was. He is some horse."

Johnson added: "Paddy Brennan got it right today didn't he? It's super, I'm over the moon. Days like this make it all worthwhile, hopefully he'll be back next year before he gets too old like me!"

Josh Hanbury, owner of the Henry Daly-trained Mighty Man, said of the runner-up: "I am thrilled. I thought for a moment he was going to get there but it wasn't to be - he has still run a great race.

"He just lost his place a bit at the back of the back straight. All being well, we will now go to Aintree as long as he comes out of the race OK."

And Lesley Field, one of the owners of Blazing Bailey, added: "I can't speak, I can't believe how well he has run.

"He finished behind two great champions and as a five-year-old what more can you ask. At the moment it is safe to say he will be staying over hurdles."

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