Coleman Hits Big Time at Festival

Aidan Coleman (20) from Innishannon in Co. Cork, rode his first winner at the Cheltenham Festival when Kayf Aramis showed stamina in abundance to capture the Pertemps Final Handicap Hurdle.

On his way to being champion conditional, Coleman only recently lost his claim and of course is a brother to Kevin, Galway Plate hero on Sir Frederick in 2007.

He said: "It couldn't have gone any better. Venetia (Williams) said pop him out handy just in case he missed one, which he can do, and we'd end up last before we knew it. He travelled so well today, he has just got the hang of it with his last couple of wins in modest enough handicaps - now that he has got his head in front there is no stopping him.

"I thought I heard something coming on the run-in and I was thinking no not now, he has been in front for so long he didn't deserve to get caught. I can't tell you what it's like to have a winner here to be honest, I'm still nearly speechless."

Successful trainer, Venetia Williams said: "I just can't believe it. A few runs ago I couldn't even win a maiden hurdle with him. I just can't believe it, it's absolutely fantastic.

"The one thing I said to Aidan though was that if you get stuffed today it won't be for lack of stamina, so I mean you know, up the front and kick on. It was the best he ever jumped."

Kayf Aramis was backed down from as big as 33/1 this morning and he really excelled under Coleman who is nearly six feet tall. (EM)