Cinders And Ashes claims Supreme

Cinders And Ashes was an emphatic winner of the William Hill Supreme Novices' Hurdle on day one at the Cheltenham Festival.

Donald McCain's five-year-old was always travelling well under Jason Maguire but made a couple of jumping errors, including at the last, on his way to a one-and-a-quarter length victory over Darlan.

The Charles Byrnes-trained Trifolium was best of the Irish, finishing third under Davy Russell.

Montbazon struck for home early in the straight but was overtaken by Cinders And Ashes jumping the final flight, and despite crashing through it the winner bounded up the hill best of all.

With the pace not as frenetic as might have been expected, plenty of runners were pulling for their heads in the early stages, including the winner.

The result was plenty remained in with chances heading down the hill and bunching caused traffic problems for those behind.

Leading fancy Darlan was one of the first to commit for home while Trifolium was another right there rounding the home turn.

But Cinders And Ashes quickened to the lead soon after and despite flattening the final flight, he was good value for his victory.

Joint-owner Phil Cunningham, whose Cockney Rebel won the English and Irish 2000 Guineas back in 2007, said: "I think I'll stick to Flat racing, my heart is still racing!

"It was a cracking ride and training performance.

"What an amazing day."

Maguire said: "Fantastic, but I probably got to the front a bit too soon. He pricked his ears and he got in a bit tight at the last.

"He's a smart horse and has got a Flat pedigree. He's just a year stronger this year and Donald's done a brilliant job with him.

"His Flat pedigree has helped him as it got a bit tight a couple of times on the inside."

McCain said: "That was magic. I told the owners to help themselves to the 33s at Christmas.

"He's a fair horse. I wasn't sure if he'd be as good on that ground but he's a bit like Peddlers Cross - he's a tool."

Frank Berry, racing manager to Darlan’s owner JP McManus, added: “He ran well but just found one too good. He’s one to look forward to next year and chasing might be on the agenda.”

Charles Byrnes, trainer of third-placed Trifolium, said: “There are no excuses. He’s near enough top drawer and he might go to Punchestown, although he’s had plenty of racing this year.”

Galileo's Choice was sent off 6/1 favourite but could only finish seventh while Steps To Freedom was well beaten in 14th.