Durable Buena eventually gets his reward

Cheltenham regular Buena Vista (5th in the event in 2008 and 2nd to Kayf Aramis twelve months ago) made every yard of the running to win the Pertemps Final on his sixth Festival start.

Given a perfectly judged ride by 3lb claimer Hadden Frost, who was riding his first winner at the meeting, the nine-year-old bounded clear up the straight.

The well-backed Alfie Sherrin never featured and it was left to Dermot Weld's Prince Erik and Chamirey to lead the chase, although they could never get in a blow.

Cross Kennon ran on through beaten horses for fourth but David Pipe's Buena Vista (16-1) ran out an impressive five-length winner.

Frost said: "It's his sixth attempt but he's always gone close. He's so gallant and gutsy.

"David and connections have done well to get him here today and I just thank them for the opportunity.

"You spend your whole childhood dreaming (of a Cheltenham winner) and then it comes true. Words can't express it really."

Pipe said: "This is great for the late for the late Jean Broadhurst. It's fantastic.

"She'll be looking down from up there. Had she been there I would have had 20 smothers and lipstick all over me.

"He's been great for the owners and for Pond House all these years. It's his sixth Festival. He's been placed in the Supreme Novices, he's run in the Bumper, he's run in the Arkle.

"Hadden gave him as great ride. It probably wasn't the intention to be up there but he pulled his way to the front early on ad he's enjoyed it."