Smad stars at Cheltenham as Djakadam falls

Hennessy hero Smad Place staked his Timico Gold Cup claims with a clear-cut victory in a dramatic renewal of the BetBright Trial Chase at Cheltenham which saw odds-on favourite Djakadam fall.

Twelve months ago, Smad Place had been beaten into second place by Many Clouds but the places were reversed this time as Alan King's trailblazing grey took the honours.

However, the turning point of the race came when Djakadam fell at the 10th fence as he was about to get into contention.

Both horse and his rider Ruby Walsh got up.

Smad Place had led to that point and pushed on, but his old adversary Many Clouds was soon on his heels.

There was nothing between them but after last season's Grand National winner Many Clouds had briefly led, Smad Place (9-2) went on again approaching the last.

Partnered by Richard Johnson, who was deputising for the injured Wayne Hutchinson, the nine-year-old put in a prodigious leap at the final fence as he galloped to a 12-length victory.

Theatre Guide ran on to claim third place, another 24 lengths away.

Johnson said: "I'm very fortunate to get the spare ride.

"He jumped and travelled really well. He handled the conditions and that's a positive.

"He's uncomplicated."

King said: "He was in very, very good form today. I was desperate to run him."

King was quick to praise the role of super-sub Johnson.

The Barbury Castle handler said: "It's a shame for Wayne, but Dicky (Johnson) has given him a hell of a ride.

"It was a great exhibition of jumping.

"He keeps up a relentless gallop and he wouldn't have minded the ground.

"I was blown away in the Hennessy and slightly blown away again today - he does that to me, I'm thrilled.

Smad Place was slashed to around 14-1 from 33s for the Gold Cup.