Berties springs Bartlett surprise

Berties Dream sprung a 33-1 surprise in the Albert Bartlett Novices' Hurdle to give jockey Andrew Lynch his second winner of the week at Cheltenham.

Successful in the Arkle on Sizing Europe, Lynch had to work much harder on Paul Gilligan's seven-year-old.

The rain came just before the race and turned the three-mile affair into a real war of attrition.

Restless Harry made a bold bid for home and had them all on the stretch running down the far side, but Timmy Murphy loomed up on Paul Nicholls' Najaf.

Restless Harry began to waver and was a tired horse when he fell at the last, and Berties Dream plugged on relentlessly to beat Najaf by six lengths with Kennel Hill staying on for third.

The well-fancied trio of Tell Massini, Quel Esprit and Shinrock Paddy were all big disappointments.

Lynch said: "The rain came just in time for him, he just keeps on galloping. He kept finding more and he's so honest.

"Over the hurdles course, because they'd already had two races, they are starting to get into it (the ground). The chase course should be nice."

Gilligan said: "This is my first runner at the Festival and it's unbelievable.

"People totally ignored his form as he ran a great race against War Of Attrition last time.

"He's a super horse and it was a super ride by Andrew as well.

"Money can't buy a feeling like this.

"He always runs a good race and we did think we were coming here with a chance, although you never think you're going to win at Cheltenham.

"He'll jump a fence next season and I would think he'll be put away now."