Back On The Lash claims cross-country spoils Back On The Lash stayed on strongly up the hill to win a thrilling race for the Glenfarclas Cross Country Handicap Chase at Cheltenham. After 32 fences and three and three-quarter miles, it was the Martin Keighley-trained seven-year-old who got up in the final half-furlong to land the spoils in the hands of Sean Bowen. Back On The Lash, who was backed down to 4-1 favourite, was never too far off the pace set by Potters Corner and Alpha Des Obeaux — but he was only fourth jumping the second-last fence. Diesel D’Allier, the winner in 2019, led at that point and looked like landing the honours for a second time, only to give way in the closing stages. The race developed into a duel on the climb home between Back On The Lash and Singing Banjo, with the former prevailing by a neck. Diesel D’Allier was a length and a half back in third followed by the Henry de Bromhead-trained pair of Plan Of Attack and Balko Des Flos. Irish Grand National winner Freewheelin Dylan was in midfield when unseating Ricky Doyle at the Aintree fence six from the finish. It was a near miss for trainer Philip Rothwell with the Barry Wash-ridden runner-up, but the Tinahely handler later ended the day on a better note when McAlpine landed the concluding novices' handicap hurdle at 33/1 under James O'Sullivan
