Corben wins the Greatwood on Old Guard Old Guard, ridden by teenager Harry Cobden, took the spoils in the StanJames.com Greatwood Hurdle at Cheltenham. The combination had been successful over the course and distance last month and repeated the trick in one of the most competitive hurdles in the calendar. Cobden, 16, who claims 7lb, kept the Paul Nicholls-trained Old Guard covered in the pack as Ebony Express set a decent pace with Bidourey in close attendance. Those two led into the straight where the race changed complexion and there were many horses in contention. Old Guard (12-1) crept into the picture and led on the run-in to win by two lengths from Superb Story. Noel Meade's Waxies Dargle (7/1) was four lengths away in third with the Willie Mullins trained Renneti (9/1) taking fourth after being reluctant to start. Cobden said: "He was absolutely amazing, he travelled and jumped and scooted up the hill. "I'd like say thank you to Mr Nicholls and the owners for letting me ride him and keeping me on him. "I kept a little bit wide as I think he's more of a good ground horse, it's fantastic. "This is definitely a career highlight." Nicholls said: "He's made massive improvement this year. I told the owners not to worry about his form and that he just needed a good summer out. "I was a bit worried about the ground, but he looked stunning today and had improved from the last run. We'll have to see where we end up with him, but he's obviously improving rapidly. "Harry gave him a very good ride. It was his first ride at Cheltenham when he won on him the last day. To go into a race like this you have to have confidence. "We talked about it and I've been watching him for a long time and I always thought he'd be good."
