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Long Walk hat-trick for Sivola

Daryl JacobDaryl Jacob
© Photo Healy Racing

Reve De Sivola showed tremendous battling qualities to grab the JLT Long Walk Hurdle at Ascot for the third year in succession.

Nick Williams' 13-2 chance went straight to the front under Daryl Jacob, but the alarm bells must have been ringing when odds-on favourite Zarkandar eased upsides at the third-last.

Sam Twiston-Davies was motionless on Zarkandar as he went into a clear lead at the last, but Reve De Sivola would not be denied, getting back on top on the run-in as the leader momentarily idled, and then battling hard to stop his rival's late rally by a head.

Williams' other runner, Aubusson, kept on well for third.

Jacob said: "This horse has been a big part of my career. When I started a job with Nick Williams he was one of the first horses I rode as a juvenile and for him to keep going the way he has and put in an effort like that was unbelievable. He has a massive heart.

"Zarkandar was running all over us approaching the last, but I've ridden Zarkandar plenty of times and know him well. I know Reve De Sivola has a big heart and knew it was never over until he crossed the line.

"He dug very deep when he needed to and that was his career best today. I was happy with the performance today, but you need the horse.

"Nick and all the staff have done a great job to bring him back after the disappointment of Auteuil last time. He hasn't won since he won 12 months ago and to bring him back in his best shape, I think that's a great training performance. Ascot brings out the best in him. His three best runs have been round here.

"It's the biggest winner I've had since Cheltenham and this is a dream. This is what all of us jockeys want to be doing - riding in the Grade One races. I'm delighted. I've won a couple of Grade Ones on this horse now and he's been a star to me."

Jacob also enjoyed good days with Zarkandar in his former role as stable jockey to Paul Nicholls, including winning the Triumph Hurdle at Cheltenham in 2011.

He added: "I had three fantastic years with Paul and Zarkandar has been a hell of a horse for me as well."

Speaking from Haydock, Williams said: "He loves Ascot, but he made a bad mistake early and got away with it.

"It's fantastic for Daryl. He would have ridden him three years ago, but he had a whip ban and couldn't ride. This time, Richard (Johnson) was banned, so Daryl's stepped in.

"He'll go to the Cleeve (Hurdle, at Cheltenham), probably."