JT McNamara NH Chase report: Treble up for Elliott

4.50 Cheltenham result

1st Tiger Roll (16/1)
2nd Missed Approach (50/1)
3rd Haymount (33/1)

Race Report

Gordon Elliott secured a treble at Cheltenham after Tiger Roll won the JT McNamara National Hunt Chase.

The 16/1 chance was recording his second victory at the Festival having won the 2014 JCB Triumph Hurdle and this was a remarkable effort over double the distance in this four-mile stamina test.

He pulled the arms out of amateur rider Lisa O'Neill all the way round and the combination kicked clear off the home turn and soon had the upper hand.

Edwulf looked to be launching a strong challenge over the final two fences but was pulled up sharply on the run-in to leave Missed Approach and Haymount to fill the places. 

Joseph O'Brien's Edwulf was immediately assessed by racecourse vets after he appeared to suffer what was thought to be some form of seizure.

Sophia Dale, communications manager for Jockey Club Racecourses, said: "Edwulf has gone off in the horse ambulance and he will continue to be assessed by the vets."

O'Brien's brother, Donnacha, had tweeted: "Hearing Edwulf is up after a suspected seizure, all limbs fine. #fingerscrossed."

Reaction

Lisa O'Neill: "It's surreal, to be honest. It's an overwhelming feeling. I was just hoping up the hill that there was nothing there to pass me.

"It's a good team effort and it's absolutely brilliant."

Gordon Elliott: "She's decent and is an absolute star. She pre-trains our horses and does everything for us. She's an absolute star and I'm delighted for her."

"I knew after three fences he was on a going day.

"He's a Triumph Hurdle winner and he's won here twice. He's never been moving so well at home.

"I can't believe it. To train three winners on the first day of Cheltenham. I thought if I had one this year I'd be delighted. It's a credit to the staff I have at home and the owners and the horses. It's brilliant."

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