It’s the second day of the races at Cheltenham and it’s nonstop action as Langer Dan wins back to back at the Coral Cup Hurdle.
It was a close affair with Ballyadam and Shanbally Kid almost catching but Langer Dan kept trotting on and secured back to back wins.
His trainer Dan Skelton is adamant that it’s nature rather than nurture that causes him to be at his best in the spring, but the bottom line is the last three seasons he has come alive at this time of the year after some very poor build-up efforts.
Harry Skelton spoke to ITV after his infamous win.
“In this case it’s magic isn’t it, it’s a massive team effort.
“He’s a quirky little customer but I’ve never been prouder of a result.
“He’s an important little fella, he trains himself he doesn’t train in the Winter”
13:45 – Gallagher Novices Hurdle
Earlier, Ballyburn took victory in the Gallagher Novices Hurdle in the opening race of the day.
Sean O’Keefe brought home Jimmy Du Seuil in second place with Ile Atlantique finishing in the final podium spot.
Jockey Paul Townend told ITV: “Not a big field. I respected the horses behind them but he blew them out of the water. It was a bigger performance than I expected.
“His bark is a lot worse than his bite. He’s very good.”
Trainer Willie Mullins took the top five spots with all five of his horses.
14:30 – Brown Advisory Novices’ Chase
Fact To File won the Brown Advisory Novices’ Chase in the second race of day two of the Cheltenham Festival.
Rachael Blackmore brought home Monty Star in second place with Giovinco taking third.
Mullins is now only one win away from a century of career wins.
Mark Walsh after riding Fact to File in the Novice’s Chase:
“It’s easy when you’re riding a horse like that he travels so well. He got down that hill so well.
“This is a class horse, great decision by JP, we’ve got a great one on our hands.”
