Local Hero prevails in a thriller Local Hero won the JCB Triumph Hurdle Trial (Registered As The Finesse Juvenile Hurdle) at Cheltenham. Trained by Steve Gollings and ridden by Tony McCoy, the 15-8 favourite had to work hard to see off the strong challenge of Third Intention (5-2) up the Cheltenham hill. The winner had made a mistake at the fifth flight of hurdles but he responded well to his rider's pressure to join the eventual runner-up at the last hurdle. Although headed after the flight, McCoy coaxed his mount back in front to win by two lengths. "That was brilliant - he came here with questions to answer and he has done that," said Gollings. "They didn't go fast enough for him and he was still a bit novicey but he's only a new kid on the block. "It's great for a small yard and he'll have an entry in the Fred Winter back here, but I think we'll look seriously at the Triumph." Indian Daudaie ran a promising race back in third on his UK debut for Paul Nicholls. William Hill were very impressed and go 14s for the JCB-sponsored Triumph Hurdle, whilst Sky Bet are 20s from 33s. Matt Doyle of Sky Bet said: 'Although the absence of Smad Place robbed the race of some of its depth, the winner is nothing if not brave for the tougher tasks ahead.'
