Whiteoak edges Mares thriller

Whiteoak got back up to pip Refinement in a thrilling race for the opening David Nicholson Mares Hurdle on Gold Cup day at Cheltenham 2008.

The opening race on the final day of the Festival provided a pulsating finish with Jason Maguire on Donald McCain´s Whiteoak (20-1) mugging Tony McCoy on Refinement (10-1) in the last stride for a short-head verdict.

Refinement only took it up from Whiteoak on the run-in but Donald McCain´s runner rallied in the dying strides as Refinement drifted towards the centre of the track to force her head in front on the line.

Chomba Womba, the 100-30 favourite, was two and a half lengths back in third.

Irish hope Sweet Kiln failed to run to her best, beating just one home.