More Of That too strong for Power

The Jonjo O'Neill-trained More Of That outstayed Annie Power up the famous Cheltenham hill to claim the Ladbrokes World Hurdle.

Tony McCoy appeared to have dealt a hammer blow to More Of That's chances a couple of weeks ago by choosing to ride At Fishers Cross, who eventually finished third, but punters were not deterred, however, and he was sent off the 15-2 third-favourite in the hands of Barry Geraghty.

Plenty still held chances at the bottom of the hill, but it was left to the two unbeaten young guns to fight it out, with More Of That, having just the fifth run of his life, powering up the hill to glory.

"It doesn't get much better than this," said O'Neill, who had earlier won the JLT Novices' Chase with Taquin Du Seuil.

"Barry gave him a super ride. I was only messing with AP (when reportedly telling McCoy to pick More Of That) but I was just pleased with my fellow. He's still a big frame of a horse really and coming to himself.

"It all came together nicely, it's brilliant. He doesn't show you much at home, he's just a real class horse and goes about his business, never does anything flash."

Geraghty said: "It's great. AP was the first to congratulate me, there's no hard feelings - he's a true professional.

"He's a good horse. I was always happy. Ruby (Walsh, on Annie Power) was upsides me in the straight and he looked to be travelling and when he gave her a squeeze, the response was OK but I thought I had enough in reserve.

"It's only his fifth run. He jumped and travelled away. He was a bit innocent when he got to the front, a bit unsure but he kept going."

A delighted McManus said: "Someone was going to be disappointed and it was Barry's day.

"It's nice to have horses that are good enough to run in these big races, and having Barry and AP on my side is great. Jonjo is a star man."

Ruby Walsh said of Annie Power: "She was keen early and I didn't get her 100 per cent switched off. I probably got in a battle too early and picked the wrong McManus horse to follow.

"The winner found plenty, she stayed all right but he stayed better. I wouldn't mind riding the race again and challenging after the last rather than at the furlong pole.

"She jumped like a buck and she'll benefit greatly from a race like that, she's still a very good mare."

Willie Mullins said of Annie Power: "I imagine she ran up to her mark, we were just beaten by a better horse on the day. She jumped well, I couldn't point to one hurdle and say she made a mistake.

"We'll see if she'll run again, there's Aintree or Punchestown which I would say might be favourite, but that was an extremely hard race and she might need a rest."

Rebecca Curtis said of At Fishers Cross: "He ran a brilliant race. I thought he was going to win coming down to the last couple of flights. I'm delighted that JP has won anyway."