Third Wind wins the Pertemps final

The wind claims the glory of Pertemps

Ben Linfoot’s 33/1 ITV Tips selection Third Wind gave Tom O’Brien yet another reason to celebrate his narrow win in the Pertemps Network Final Handicap Hurdle at Cheltenham.

Just days after his wife gave birth to their second child, O’Brien was back in business to add a Festival winner to his list of accomplishments.

Third Wind (25/1), coached by Hughie Morrison, and Fergal O’Brien’s Alaphilippe battled for the finish after jumping last. There was nothing between them, with Third Wind proving stronger in the closing stages to get the verdict by a neckline after three miles. Mill Green was two lengths in third place with Winter Fog fourth and Honest Vic fifth.

Stewards conducted an investigation as the top two closed in, but the result stood.

Morrison said: “In his day he is a very good horse and when the rain came he had the soft ground he likes. We said jump positively and Tom took the brave inland route. He said it was easy and he didn’t even have to hit him.

“I thought it was a useless inquiry because they hardly touched on it, and if we had lost it I would have appealed. It was six of one and a half dozen on the other, and nothing happened. Tom said he was really relaxed and loved this ground. It was heavy at Haydock but he had a great run at Warwick, so we are came here hoping for a good race.

Fab Cheltenham four for Cody

Cool Cody recorded a fourth success at Cheltenham in a rally with terrific style to lift the Craft Irish Whiskey Co. Plate Handicap Chase.

Evan Williams’ charge was still close to the pace that seemed reserved for minor honors in the closing stages at best, but he found that extra bit to clinch the spoils.

Imperial Alcazar made a strong bid but Coole Cody (22-1) led over the final fence and stormed up the hill to win by six and a half lengths at the hands of Adam Wedge. Spiritofthegames was a close second in third with Stolen Silver fourth.

Williams said: “At 11 years old and so many miles on the clock, he is still fighting. At the top of the hill I was hoping he would finish in the top six because he is a career high, he jumps well and I thought how can he improve? He had an early bump, but in truth it helped him and all credit to Wedgy, we have a lot to thank him for.

“But really, even though he looked like he was beaten, the others found out that when you fight this guy, there will only be one winner. It’s so strange that he likes Cheltenham with his tendency to jump right but what we have seen with him is that it is a difficult course for difficult horses and he is one of them It has been a long time since our last Festival winner and I relish every minute.

“I enjoy a glass of beer and a glass of wine, but in truth I’m more of a cup of tea and digestive biscuits. It won’t be champagne for me. As you get older, you appreciate the little things in life.

Wedge added: “He’s as tough as they come. He never knows when to stop. It’s fantastic, isn’t it? Riding a winner at Cheltenham for Evan means everything, he has supported me through thick and thin of a 10lb contender. It’s fantastic.”