Cheltenham Festival: Myretown victory ensures Lucinda Russell continues Ultima domination

Myretown produced a brilliant front-running performance at Cheltenham to earn trainer Lucinda Russell her third victory in the Ultima Handicap Chase from the last four runnings.

The eight-year-old, wearing the same silks and by the same sire in former Arc hero Dylan Thomas as Russell’s stable stalwart Ahoy Senor, looked comfortable in the hands of Patrick Wadge in taking the early lead.

It was an advantage Myretown did not relinquish and a fantastic jump at the final fence saw him burst clear of Joe Tizzard‘s The Changing Man before streaking clear to romp home by 11 lengths as the 13-2 favourite. Malina Girl was third for Gavin Cromwell.

Lucinda Russell

Russell said: “I wasn’t keen on running him, but the owners said ‘come on, let’s have a go’ and he was well handicapped if he jumped round, I just didn’t know if he’d be man enough, but it looks like he is.

“I’ve just remembered I own half of him so it’s just got even better. He’s phenomenal and I always thought he might be another Ahoy Senor – we bought him because he looks like Ahoy Senor.

“He’s a bit different to Corach Rambler who jumps so exuberantly and Corach was a star, but just a different type of horse.

“This is a brilliant horse and I’m delighted for Patrick, it wasn’t a bad ride for his first Festival winner was it! It was really brave.”

Patrick Wadge

Wadge added: “I couldn’t believe jumping three out I couldn’t hear anyone near me and I just hoped I hadn’t gone too quick. I gave him a squeeze on the bend and he took off – I think he could have gone round again. I can’t thank Lucinda, Scu (Petere Scudamore) and the owners for letting me to ride him, to get a sit on this lad was phenomenal. The faith they had in me was amazing.

“I don’t know how good he could be, but he’s the best I’ve ever sat on and he could be the best I ever will sit on.”

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