Somerset-based Scott mentioned: “It is marred by the 2 horses who got here down, however I am simply delighted the gods favoured us.”
The coach had been persuaded to run within the characteristic race, somewhat than the Mares’ Hurdle, by proprietor Ian Gosden.
Borrowing a line from Solely Fools and Horses, Gosden mentioned: “He who dares, wins, Rodney.”
Structure Hill, educated by Nicky Henderson, had recovered from a respiratory subject and suspected colic since his triumph two years in the past to enter the race unbeaten from 10 begins.
He was despatched off the 1-2 favorite and his fall on the fifth hurdle is estimated to have saved bookmakers a £10m payout.
“No person is damage, they’re two jockeys and two horses who’ve had correct previous falls however they’re all OK. That is the primary factor,” mentioned Henderson.
State Man, the mount of Paul Townend for Willie Mullins, was nicely clear earlier than his mistake on the remaining flight
Cheltenham’s crowd on the opening day was 55,498 – a drop of almost 5,000 on final yr, with the price of lodging and attending the races cited as elements.
