As it happened: Cheltenham Festival 2014, Day 3

Good afternoon and welcome to TheScore.ie’s live coverage of day three of the Cheltenham Festival.

Niall Kelly here to provide you with a shoulder to cry on as you tear up those beaten dockets. Don’t worry — if the evidence of the first two days is anything to go by, I’ll be crying too.

The first race is off at 1.30pm. Let’s get to it.

What’s the weather like in Cheltenham this morning? Misty.

Ruby Walsh leads World Hurdle favourite Annie Power through the Cheltenham mist. David Davies David Davies

Hopefully that will all have burned off by the time the roar goes up and the JLT Novices’ Chase goes to post.

As for the going it’s good, good to soft in places following a spot of overnight watering by one of the most watched men in the Cotswolds this week, clerk of the course Simon Claisse.

The day’s feature race is of course the Grade 1 Ladbrokes World Hurdle which pits four-time champion Big Buck’s against Willie Mullins’ undefeated wondermare Annie Power among others.

We tested the water a little bit earlier and here’s the early mood among TheScore.ie readers.

The calendar will tell you that St Patrick’s Day isn’t until Monday but nobody told Cheltenham – they’re celebrating today!

Margaret Connolly Dan Sheridan / INPHO Dan Sheridan / INPHO / INPHO

David Gill, Declan Corbett and James Corbett from Castlebar, County Mayo. Dan Sheridan / INPHO Dan Sheridan / INPHO / INPHO

Dan Sheridan / INPHO Dan Sheridan / INPHO / INPHO

The first race of the day is the Grade 1 JLT Novices’ Chase over 2m4f. This one was won by Benefficient last year and we’ve another Irish contender at the head of the market this time around as Willie Mullins and Ruby Walsh look to take the opener for a third straight day. They team up with 7/2 shot Felix Yonger in the colours of Andrea and Graham Wylie.

There’s a lot of love too for Nicky Henderson’s Oscar Whisky (5/1) who got eight pounds off Wonderful Charm (5/1) when he beat him here on good ground in November.

If you’re looking for an Irish each-way shout, how about Sizing Gold (12/1)?

And they’re off in the JLT Novices Chase. Mozoltov and Oscar Whisky GONE at the first!

Uxizandre — you try pronouncing that — takes the early lead in the McManus colours from Double Ross. Early days yet though.

Ruby has settled the favourite four from the rear as they head away from the stands for the first time.

Uxizandre still leads from Double Ross at the head of the field. Off the Ground and Djakadam next. Six to jump.

Djakadam GONE four out…

Taquin du Seuil wins at 7-1

After yesterday’s narrow miss, AP McCoy wins the opener for Jonjo O’Neill. Cracking finish as he jumped the last alongside long-time leader Uxizandre and Double Ross before just holding on to win.

The favourite Felix Yonger was fourth but never really involved in the shakeup.

Here’s that result in full:

1. Taquin du Seuil (7/1)

2. Uxizandre (33/1)

3. Double Ross (11/1)

“He makes all the difference,” winning trainer Jonjo O’Neill says as he pays tribute to that winning ride from AP McCoy.

All three fallers in that opening race — Mozoltov, Oscar Whisky and Djakadam — are reported to be fine as are their jockeys — Davy Russell, Barry Geraghty and Paul Townend.

It’s a decent start for the bookies as favourite-backers get burned in the opener. There’s only one way to get over that disappointment though — straight back on the horse for the next race, the Pertemps Network Final (2.05pm).

One non-runner and one jockey change to inform you about before the next race. Lucinda Russell’s Lie Forrit is the NR while Ruby Walsh is on Seefood for Dessie Hughes.

Taquin Du Seuil and AP McCoy, centre, jump the last fence ahead of runner-up Uxizandre, right, and Double Ross. PA Wire / Press Association Images PA Wire / Press Association Images / Press Association Images

Here’s the market. Fingal Bay 9/2, If In Doubt 13/2, Jetson 11/1.

They’re off in the Pertemps — and Vics Canvas falls at the first.

Grand Vision leads from Quartz de Thaix in the early stages.

Six to jump as they head past the stands. Still Quartz de Thaix, Grand Vision and Cross Kennon at the lead. Fingal Bay about sixth.

Three out. Cross Kennon takes it up from Grand Vision and Fingal Bay.

McCoy tracking the leaders on If In Doubt.

Fingal Bay cruising as they jump two out but they’re are plenty in this

IT’S ON THE PHOTO!

Nothing in it between the favourite Fingal Bay and Southfield Theatre. Pinot de Re right there too!

FINGAL BAY WINS THE PERTEMPS!

How close is that?!

Fingal Bay wins in a photo finish in the second race. RTÉ Sport RTÉ Sport

Here’s the result in full:

1. Fingal Bay (9-2F)

2. Southfield Theatre (20-1)

3. Pineau de Re (33-1)

4. Trustan Times (33-1)

5. Jetson (11-1)

The official winning distance is a nose!

Ok, we’ve just about had a chance to catch our breath after that cracker. Next up is the day’s second Grade 1, the Ryanair Chase over 2m5f.

In 10 years of its existence, the Ryanair has never been won by an Irish-trained horse. Make of that what you will but it’s another fence for Benefficient, Boston Bob, Hidden Cyclone and Rathlin to overcome.

Here’s the market. Dynaste is 10/3 favourite to turn the tables on Benefficient (9/2) from their first and second as novice chasers here last season.

2011′s Supreme Novice Al Ferof (11/2) is a shot with Menorah (15/2), Boston Bob (8/1) and Shark Hanlon’s Hidden Cyclone (9/1) next best in the market.

If you fancy Benefficient, Hidden Cyclone has some form that might tempt your each-way pennies here. He was second to Benefficient and then a distant second to yesterday’s Champion Chase winner Sire de Grugy.

They’re off in the Ryanair.

Kauto Stone goes off in the lead ahead of Hidden Cyclone and Benefficient.

Tom Scudamore has dropped Dynaste out to third from last in these early exchanges.

Unchanged with Kauto Stone, Benefficient and Hidden Cyclone leading them past the stands. Still 10 to jump.

All going nicely here with six to jump. Rajdhani Express moves up on the outside.

Dynaste wins the Ryanair from Hidden Cyclone and Rajdhani Express.

It wasn’t always easy for the favourite but Tom Scudamore delivers Dynaste to pip Hidden Cyclone. So close for Shark Hanlon’s charge.

Tom Scu is “delighted” — he’s said it three or four times there in the first few seconds of his interview.

That result in full:

1. Dynaste 3-1F

2. Hidden Cyclone 10-1

3. Rajdhani Express 18-1

Winning trainer David Pipe: “We know the horse is good and he’s proven it today.”

Two racegoers stand on a bench to get a better view of the The JLT Novices' Chase. Mike Egerton Mike Egerton

Dan Sheridan / INPHO Dan Sheridan / INPHO / INPHO

Dynaste and Tom Scudamore, left, win the Ryanair Chase ahead of Hidden Cyclone. PA Wire / Press Association Images PA Wire / Press Association Images / Press Association Images

Alright it’s time for the big one — 15 minutes to go until the showdown between Irish wondermare Annie Power and four-time champ Big Buck’s in the World Hurdle.

As I’ve just been reminded by one of my colleagues, “there are some other horses too.”

Not a lot of love from you, dear readers, for Annie Power.

Here are the prices with 10 minutes to post time:

• Annie Power 5/4
• Big Buck’s 4/1
• More of That 8/1
• At Fishers Cross 10/1
• Rule the World 14/1
• Zarkandar 14/1
• Bar 25/1

This morning’s Racing Post billed this one as “The Lady and the Champ”, and today’s feature gives us one of the most eagerly anticipated head-to-heads of the week.

Annie Power has been seriously impressive in her 10 unbeaten starts and now bids to become just the third mare in 30 years to win this race. The only question mark is her ability to stay the three miles. If she does that, she should win.

On the other hand, Big Buck’s has been here and done it — four times no less. But he missed last year’s race through injury and then was beaten on his reappearance. He’s got Sam Twiston-Davies on board today, with Ruby on Annie Power.

Of the others AP McCoy is on At Fishers Cross, second in the Cleeve Hurdle, while Barry Geraghty is on the other McManus runner, More of That. He’s unbeaten in four starts but is quite unexposed so far.

They’re off in the World Hurdle

Reve de Sivola heads off in early lead from Celestial Halo.

Unchanged at the top with Rule the World, Big Buck’s and At Fishers Cross settled in behind. Ruby has Annie Power out at the back.

Reve de Sivola leads them past the stands at the end of their first circuit. Celestial Halo, Rule the World, Big Buck’s and At Fishers Cross next.

Five to jump.

Unchanged as they jump the third last. No move from any of the leading contenders.

More Of That wins the World Hurdle from Annie Power!

Stunning finish as More Of That and Annie Power cross the final hurdle neck and neck but it’s Barry Geraghty who does just enough to hold off the mare.

“He was innocent when he got to the front,” Barry Geraghty says. “He was a little unsure.”

But he did more than enough and it’s a HUGE result for the bookies.

Here’s the result:

1. More Of That (15/2)

2. Annie Power (11/8F)

3. At Fishers Cross (9/1)

BREAKING: Paul Nicholls confirmed that Big Buck’s has been retired from racing.

Big Buck’s trainer Paul Nicholls:

We’re delighted he has come back in one piece and Andy and I have just decided that he’s retiring.

We’ve been talking about and we’re not going to ask him to do any more. He’s been a legend.

Big Buck's: retired after today's run in the World Hurdle. David Davies David Davies

Before we switch our attention to the day’s two remaining races, spare a thought for AP McCoy. That’s twice this week that he’s got off a JP McManus runner and twice that the horse has gone on to win a Championship race in the hands of Barry Geraghty. Ooof.

Right, no time for wallowing — although there are a lot of glum faces in TheScore.ie HQ after seeing Annie Power turned over.

Next up is the Byrne Group Plate, a 2m4f handicap chase, with another McManus horse — Colour Squadron — the 11/2 favourite.

Here’s the market:

Colour Squadron 11/2

Third Intention 7/1

Tap Night 8/1

Johns Spirit 10/1

Sraid Padraig 11/1

Ballynagour 12/1

Bar 14/1

False start in the Byrne Group Plate. They’ll have to come back…

They’re off at the second time of asking.

Champion Court leads from Act of Kalanisi and Third Intention in these early stages.

One of JP’s four runners — Christopher Wren — is way out the back carrying bottom weight. At least McCoy didn’t pick that one!

Still Champion Court from Act of Kalanisi and Third Intention, with Shangani and Tatenen in behind. Still a long, long way to go.

Four out. Champion Court still leads, McCoy hovers on Colour Squadron in sixth or seventh. Ballynagour closes up too.

Tatenen and Third Intention go on ahead of the second last.

Ballynagour wins the Byrne Group Plate ahead of Colour Squadron.

It’s a double on the day for David Pipe and Tim Scudamore who pull clear of the favourite Colour Squadron after the last to win by seven or eight lengths. A 12/1 shot.

Here’s that result in full:

1. Ballynagour (12-1)

2. Colour Squadron (5-1F)

3. Tatenen (33-1)

4. Johns Spirit (9-1)

Aside from being a third win in five years in this race for the Pipe yard, Ballynagour’s win has also left the race for the jockey’s championship looking very interesting indeed.

Ruby Walsh, Barry Geraghty and Tom Scudamore are all tied on three wins apiece ahead of the fourth and final day of racing tomorrow.

None of them will be in action in the final competitive race of the day, the Fulke Walwyn Kim Muir Handicap Chase.

The bookies have their say on Annie Power’s defeat in the World Hurdle.

“The gamble on Annie Power was nothing short of phenomenal,” David Williams of Ladbrokes said.

The gamble on Annie Power was nothing short of phenomenal. It was a one horse day and felt like a one horse week, let alone a one horse race.

Our advertised price of 9/4 and our money back pledge both boosted turnover to huge levels.

We were in the rare position of knowing our entire day would be determined by Annie Power so when More Of That outstayed her up the hill we were able to breathe the biggest sigh of relief in many a year.

With Gold Cup day to come it’s massively in the balance. But if Annie Power had gone in it would have been a knock out blow.

With 24 runners, this race is wide wide open. I’m keeping what little money I have left in my pocket but in case you’re interested, here’s how the market is shaping up.

The race is off at 4.40pm.

• Indian Castle 4/1
• Cause of Causes 13/2
• Balnaslow 9/1
• Buddy Bolero 10/1
• Spring Heeled 12/1
• Our Father 12/1
• Bar 14/1

JP McManus waves to the crowd as he collects the trophy -- and the cheque -- for the Ladbrokes World Hurdle. PA Wire / Press Association Images PA Wire / Press Association Images / Press Association Images

Just in case you think it is a typo I can confirm that yes, the favourite in this 23-horse handicap chase over three miles is a 7/2 shot.

7/2? Madness.

They’re off in the Kim Muir.

A very loose start that probably should have been called back. Swing Bill is left a good 15 lengths behind at the start.

Buddy Bolero and Spring Heeled hit the front early on.

For those of you who backed the Gigginstown runner, Balnaslow, he’s in sixth early on.

Tabhachtach comes up to join Spring Heeled and Buddy Bolero at the head of affairs. Steady enough pace as they complete their first circuit.

Pickamus, Twirling Magnet and Fine Parchment are just in behind the leaders as they pass the stands. Still a good distance to go.

Mistake by Tabhactach and he ships his jockey Mark Slevin out the side door.

Spring Heeled leads from Balnaslow and Pickamus as they head down the hill towards three out. Buddy Bolero a faller.

Spring Heeled really putting it up to them as they come to two out.

Spring Heeled wins the Kim Muir for Robbie McNamara and Jim Culloty in the colours of Dr Ronan Lambe

Nina Carberry and Cause of Causes chased down coming to the last but Spring Heeled jumped it the better and after making all the running, he was full value for his win.

What an emotional win for Robbie McNamara in the race that his cousin John Thomas was seriously injured in last year.

That result in full:

1. Spring Heeled (12-1)

2. Cause of Causes (13-2)

3. Roberto Goldback (16-1)

4. Balnaslow (9-1)

Winning jockey Robbie McNamara:

This is lovely now, the icing on the cake.

Yesterday was more of a relief. I’ve been trying for a long, long time to ride a winner here and I’ve loads of seconds and loads of thirds. That’s the height of me and I’m not going to be riding forever so it was a matter of time if I was going to get that first winner.

I’ll never forget that but don’t take it away, this is lovely too.

That’s all from us for today. There is still one race left on the card — the St Patrick’s Day Derby in aid of Cancer Research — while will see TV presenter Rishi Persad take on 11 others in the charity race. Best of luck to all involved.

That’s all from us for today. Thanks for reading and for commenting. We hope you had a few winners — more than we had in here anyway — and we’ll see you back here tomorrow for the fourth and final day of this year’s Cheltenham Festival.