Lisnagar Oscar
produced the shock of this year’s Cheltenham Festival after the Rebecca
Curtis-trained 50-1 chance won the Stayers’ Hurdle.
All eyes were on Paisley Park in the build-up to day three’s feature race with
the defending champion sent off as the 4-6 favourite as he went in search of an
eighth successive victory.
However, the Emma Lavelle-trained superstar never got into the race and ended
up coming home way back in seventh as Lisnagar Oscar came out on top, claiming
his first win in seven races under Adam Wedge.
Ronald Pump (20-1) finished two lengths back in second while 33-1 shot Bacardys
completed a surprise top three.
After watching Lisnagar Oscar power to victory, trainer Curtis revealed she
always felt he was overpriced and wasn’t surprised by him running such a big
race.
Curtis said: “He ran a blinder, didn’t he? Whatever happened to him at the
beginning of the season, I’m not sure. I thought 50-1 was a massive price.
“Adam is what I call a solid, solid jockey. I’m delighted for him to have
his first festival winner. He’s given him a brilliant, brilliant ride.”
