Bolger dominates cross country

Cross country king Enda Bolger dominated the finish to the Glenfarclas Handicap Chase when saddling the first three home, led by Garde Champetre.

The race developed into a match between favourite L'Ami (7/4) and Garde Champetre turning for home.

The pair battled it out from the last with Nina Carberry conjuring more from Garde Champetre (7/2) on the run-in to repeat last year's victory at the Festival for the partnership.

It was Carberry's third success in a row having also scored on Heads Onthe Ground in 2007.

Drombeag stayed on for third behind the pair, making it a clean sweep for Bolger and owner JP McManus.

Bolger said of the winner: "It was great, we had a bit of luck with everything finishing.

"I've been saying it all along but I think she (Carberry) is probably the best rider I've ever seen, she's tremendous.

"Without a doubt she has been the making of that horse.

"He's not the biggest, we used to have old Spot Thedifference here and this one would be able to walk under him.

"L'Ami got into a great rhythm, and got the run of the race, but the best horse on the day won.

"Let's hope they are all here next year."

Carberry was following up a victory for her brother, Paul, who rode Go Native in the opening Supreme Novices' Hurdle, and she added: "He's a great little horse, he absolutely loves it.

"I thought L'Ami had me turning in. I was squeezing my fellow but he wasn't really picking up.

"I didn't want to help L'Ami up the straight so I pulled wide and gave him a chance to get at him.

"He did it great and he's a class horse."

All of Bolger's horses were running in the colours of JP McManus who said: "That was nice. I didn't know which one to fancy but thankfully for me the right one won as I had a few quid each-way - but the problem is I didn't have enough on!

"Enda lives where I used to live and he has made these races his life.

"He gives horses like L'Ami and Garde Champetre a new lease of life, they have found another vocation.

"It's great that Cheltenham have put a race like this on so that these horses aren't forgotten about and I'm very much in favour of them.

"Nina has wonderful hands and horses run for her."