Scolardy sprints to Triumph success

It looked like a competitive affair beforehand but the JCB Triumph Hurdle at Cheltenham today turned into a procession as Scolardy showed electric acceleration to sprint clear of the field after the second last.

Willie Mullins` gelding, sent off at 16-1, shot a dozen lengths clear of the field rounding the bend on the turn for home and kept up the momentum all the way to the line for an easy success.

Non So had taken them along at a good gallop early on but started to feel the pinch at half-way and was replaced at the head of affairs by Live The Dream.

But approaching the third last it was plain that Martin Pipe`s filly was only there on sufferance as Charlie Swan tracked her on Scolardy and the pair duly moved ahead after that flight.

Fellow Irish challenger Newhall moved into contention at the second last but the filly, who had been awarded a race at Leopardstown when Scolardy was disqualified, could not live with her rival today.

Swan `said go` rounding the bend and the response was immediate as the son of Turtle Island found another gear. He could afford to ease down close home for a comfortable 11-length success.

Newhall (8-1) stayed on well to finish second, holding 66-1 shot Diamond Joshua by three-parts-of-a-length. Balapour was fourth at 100-1.

Swan was suitably impressed by his partner: 'He`s a lovely horse and liked the cut in the ground.

'He jumped super throughout the race and I got there a bit sooner than I wanted - but when I got there I was able to dictate a bit and just go my own pace.'

'When I kicked around the last bend I couldn`t believe that he picked up. I didn`t realise I was so far in front because of the crowd and the wind.'

Trainer Mullins was also suprised by the manner of victory :'I thought when it rained here on Tuesday and Wednesday that would give him the edge but I am surprised he won so easily.'

'He has been for sale all year but nobody wanted him. He will probably go now for the four-year-old hurdle at Punchestown.'