Tidal Bay impressive in Arkle

Denis O?Regan partnered his first Cheltenham Festival winner as Tidal Bay recorded an impressive victory in the Irish Independent Arkle Challenge Trophy Chase.

Runner-up in the Ballymore Properties Novice Hurdle 12 months ago, the seven-year-old gelding went one better in some style.

Heading Kruguyrova soon after two out, the Howard Johnson-trained 6/1 second favourite quickened clear off the home bend and stayed on strongly on the run-in to beat the mare by a massive 13 lengths.

Noland and Thyne Again both held every chance approaching the second last but could find no extra when the winner set sail for home.

Noland, the well-backed 7/4 favourite, finished a further length and a half back in third with Thyne Again a neck away in fourth.

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