Paisley Park completes fairytale for owner Andrew Gemmell

Thursday is meant to be the quiet day at the Festival, a chance to take a deep breath, but on what turned out to be a day when even the reserve hanky found employment, within an hour of Bryony Frost’s emotional victory on Frodon, Paisley Park had completed the meeting’s Hans Christian Andersen scripted double.

The Emma Lavelle trained seven-year-old, once so sick it looked like he would never make it home from the vets, had just won the Sun Racing Stayers' Hurdle for his popular owner Andrew Gemmell who has been blind since birth.

Compared to the full-on front-running Frodon, Paisley Park’s racing style is almost in complete contrast but the end result is equally effective.

Turning in the 11-8 favourite, one of the best backed horses of the meeting, looked a lost cause and out of his ground with some eight lengths to make up Sam Spinner, who was never going to stop, and Faugheen, a former Champion Hurdler.

But, though it can make dramatic viewing, the impressive late surge is becoming Paisley Park’s trademark and, within a matter of strides, he and Aidan Coleman had not only gathered in the two leaders but was already a length up when he plunged through the last, his only mistake.

It did not stop him. From thereon up the hill, he was just doing enough to beat the vastly over-priced 33-1 shot Sam Spinner, one of last year’s favourites for the race, by two and three quarter lengths with four back to a brave Faugheen. His pricked ears suggested that there is a lot more in the tank if he ever needs it.

“It’s been a dream trip,” said Gemmell, one of sport’s greatest fans but now in the very thick of the action. “It’s amazing. It was great wasn’t it? I still had hope turning in because we know that’s the way he runs. But I can’t believe it has actually happened.”

Speaking about his horse, he added: “In the words of Prince [after whose home he named Paisley Park]: ‘Nothing compares to you.’”

The result was also huge for Lavelle, who recently invested in a new yard near Marlborough but whose 20-year career has just lacked a champion. Likewise it was about time for Coleman whose career, spanning nearly 1000 winners, has thus far lacked a marquee Festival winner. Indeed it is 10 years since the jockey rode his only Festival victory on Kayf Aramis.

“It’s amazing,” said Lavelle. “People are giving three cheers for Paisley Park. I was thinking he was too far out of his ground but Aidan knew what he had. Those real true stayers always travel off the bridle then come through. He has had a proper race today. If the will of the people was anything to go by he’d win – they’d have blown him up the hill.

“There was a Tannoy in direct line of the last from where I was watching so I never saw the mistake. When I saw it on the replay I thought it was maybe not ideal but Aidan said, apart from that, it was the best he’s jumped. He just missed that one. What a special, special horse.

“I felt very calm until the start when I wanted to burst into tears. The most emotional I’d been was when Frodon won for Bryony. I thought ‘Oh my God, that’s amazing, but now she’s gone and stolen the whole fairytale. But we’ve got a chunk of it so that’s OK. I can’t say how bad our hangovers are going to be in the morning.”

Lavelle’s husband, the former jockey Barry Fenton, said: “The horse is very laid back but, though I’d have been the first person to drop a horse out and creep through a race, I thought he was too far out of his ground. But Aidan said he still got there too soon.”

The Cork-born but English based Coleman said: “You are never expecting to go round on the bridle on Paisley Park but that’s what makes him such a good horse because he races behind the bridle, but it’s the Stayers' Hurdle and what he does is stay, exceptionally well.

“That allows him, when he hits the hill, to really finish. Though you’d like to be going better down the hill you know when you hit the rising ground you’re going to get there. He’s a fantastic horse to be associated with – I’m living the dream at the moment.

“I couldn’t see him being beaten all week but I couldn’t believe the relief when I crossed the line. This has certainly filled a few missing pieces in the jigsaw for me and the one thing for sure is that I won’t be waiting another 10 years for my next winner – I’ll be long retired by then! ”

The first thing Joe Colliver should do when his rearranged court appearance on a drink-driving charge is held is thank the magistrate for allowing him to ride Sam Spinner in yesterday race – and hope he was on each-way.

“He jumped great all the way,” said Colliver. “He only missed the last. He answered my every call but was beaten by a better horse on the day.”

5:46PM

And that concludes day three of the Festival

Another bruising day for the bookies but who cares about them? Bryony Frost, Lizzie Kelly and Aidan Coleman and Barry Geraghty were magnificent and though Frost and Paisley Park will dominate the coverage, Fodon, Kelly and Geraghty's early double deserve to share the spotlight.

Friday is Gold Cup day, when Presenting Percy will go off as favourite and the Albert Bartlett, in which Birchdale heads the market. Gold Cup day is always a rewarding experience, spiritually if not materially. Join us from noon for full coverage. Thanks for your company.

5:40PM

Kim Muir Challenge Cup result

1. Any Second Now 6/1

2. Kilfilum Cross

3. The Young Master

4. Crievehill

5:21PM

Noel Fehily announcement

Who just won the last race on Eglantine Du Seuil, has announced that this will be his final Cheltenham Festival and that he intends to retire in the next few weeks. He is 44 and won two Champion Hurdles in 2014 and 2017 ans, best of all, in 2013 and 2014 he won the King George VI Chase on Silviniaco Conti.

5:10PM

Betting market for Kim Muir Challenge Cup

This is an amateur riders' race and the market leaders among the 24 entrants are:

Measureofmydreams 2/1F
Any Second Now 10/3
Kilfilum Cross 9/1
Its All Guesswork 11/1
No Comment 11/1
Just a Sting 14/1
Livelovelaugh 14/1

5:05PM

5.30 - Kim Muir Challenge Cup preview

Marlborough writes:

LIVELOVELAUGH put two disappointments behind him with a fine warm-up effort at Leopardstown. This longer trip is expected to suit and he has the help of probably the best amateur currently riding. Just A Sting has already displayed plenty in just three chase starts and there is surely more to come. Speaker Connolly is another with plenty of potential.

4:57PM

A boon for the bookies in Mares' Novices' Hurdle

1. Eglantine Du Seuil 50/1

2. Concertista 66/1

3. Tintangel 40/1

4:56PM

Photo between

Eglantine Du Seuil and Concertista.

4:54PM

With two to go

Emily Moon leads by a head from Elfile and Posh Trish. Epatante bunched at the moment.

4:52PM

Away they go in the Mares' Novices' Hurdle

Just over two miles this one and only eight flights. Emily Moon leads from Elfile over the third hurdle.

4:32PM

Mares' Novices' Hurdle betting

Full latest odds available here.  But at market leaders are:

Epatante 11/8
Posh Trish 9/2
My Sister Sarah 8/1
Sinoria 8/1
Queenohearts 10/1
Elusive Belle 11/1
14/1 bar

If Epatante triumphs, a ninth winning favourite of days two and three, the bookies are going to be bare-backed and shirtless this evening. Shame ...

4:28PM

Two races left, starting with the Mares' Novices' Hurdle

Marlboroughwrites:

EPATANTE arrives with a glowing reputation but, reassuringly, she backs that up with some solid form on her record. Sinoria clocked a decent time when beating a useful rival – the pair finishing clear – in a Listed race at Punchestown and should continue to mature.

As ever Marlborough's full analysis and the selections of Whistler, Ross Clarke and Charlie Brooks are available just a click away.

4:25PM

Lizzie Kelly wins on Siruh Du Lac

Her verdict on the ride: "My God, he jumps. He jumps and he jumps and he jumps and he jumps and he jumps."

Doesn't he just:

4:18PM

Festival Plate result

1. Siruh Du Lac 9/2

2. Janika 3/1F

3. Spiritofthegames 6/1

4. Eamon An Cnoic 10/1

4:01PM

Festival Plate betting

Full latest odds available here.  But at the head of the market are:

Janika 11/4
Siruh Du Lac 5/1
Spiritofthegames 15/2
River Wylde 9/1
Eamon An Cnoic 9/1
Didero Vallis 16/1
Kalondra 16/1

20/1 Bar

3:58PM

4.10 Festival Plate preview

EAMON AN CNOIC ran a fine race in the Ultima Handicap here at last year’s Festival – he was well there until weakening up the hill to the line. This shorter trip appears ideal and his handicap mark remains fair.

Marlborough's full analysis and the selections of Whistler, Ross Clarke and Charlie Brooks are available just a click away.

3:57PM

Consider the lilies

One of the drawbacks of a day at the races is the urgency of the next race, the next race, the next race, which takes away the time to treasure moments such as Frodon's victory in the Ryanair, Geraghty's ride on Defi Du Seuil and Aidan Coleman's on Paisley Park.

I hope, for once, they won't be dwarfed as Gold Cup fever takes hold this evening.

3:48PM

An hour to rank with Cheltenham's greatest

3:44PM

A magnificent run from Aidan Coleman

It took him an age to manoeuvre through the pack to take the lead before the last but then blundered through the last flight, running straight through it. Sam Spinner caught him but then he powered on to victory.

3:41PM

Andrew Gemmell, the owner speaks

3:39PM

Stayers' Hurdle starting prices

1. Paisley Park 11/8

2. Sam Spinner 33/1

3. Faugheen 5/1

4. Bapaume 20/1

3:38PM

Stayers' Hurdle result

1. Paisley Park

2. Sam Spinner

3. Faugheen

4. Bapaume

3:34PM

Halfway round

Nautical Nitwit still leads from Sam Spinner and a bunched field. Only Coquin Mans looks out of it.

3:32PM

They're off in the Stayers' Hurdle

Three miles and 12 flights in this marathon. Nautical Nitwit takes an early lead from Sam Spinner.

3:27PM

Award winner

Ross Clarke reports

I feel Spoty should be held in the same contempt Chris Morris holds for Sebastian Coe.

3:24PM

Market latest for the Stayers' Hurdle

Full latest odds available here.  But at the head of the market are

Paisley Park 11/8
Faugheen 5/1
Supasundae 9/1
Black Op 12/1
Top Notch 12/1
Bapaume 16/1
Kilbricken Storm 16/1

20/1 Bar

You can see the quality of Bryony Frost's ride below

3:18PM

Stayers Hurdle 3.30 preview

Marlborough writes:

Doubts regarding stamina hang over many of these and the safest option may be to side with a horse that is fully proven in that department, PAISLEY PARK. He has looked increasingly assured this season and the only real negative would be if the ground came up very heavy, for his one poor run was on that surface here 12 months ago.

Marlborough's full analysis and the selections of Whistler, Ross Clarke and Charlie Brooks are available just a click away.

3:14PM

'If you love horse racing, you should be smiling now'

3:06PM

Fine footage of Paul Nicholls

2:59PM

Frodon and Bryony Frost has won the Ryanair

Meet Bryony Frost - psychologist, poet and superstar ...

Bryony Frost speaks:

2:56PM

Ryanair Chase result

1. Frodon 9/2

2. Aso 33/1

3. Road to Respect 9/2

4. Monalee 5/1

2:55PM

Three to go

Frodon and Aso in the lead Road to Respect third. Here comes Un de Sceaux on the inside.

2:54PM

Over the water

Sub Lieutenant a head in the lead. All apart from Coney Island and Charbel travelling well.

2:53PM

Down comes the flag

And they're off in the Ryanair Chase. Frodon leads by a length from Sub Lieutenant with 12 fences to clear. Coney Island seems to be struggling.

2:51PM

Frodon

With Bryony Frost up has come in to 9/2 as Monalee drifts out to 9/2. Balko Des Flos is in to 16/1. Can Frost or Blackmore become the first woman jockey to win the Ryanair?

2:36PM

Winning everywhere

Ross Clarke reports

2:34PM

Ryanair Chase betting market latest

Footpad 3/1F
Monalee 4/1
Road to Respect 5/1
Un De Sceaux 5/1
Frodon 7/1
Terrefort 20/1
Balko Des Flos 20/1
The Storyteller 20/1
Aso 33/1
Comney Island 33/1
Charbel 33/1
Sub Lieutenant 66/1

2:31PM

Ryanair Chase offer

I have been informed and asked to pass on that there's something on offer for Telegraph Racing readers and in particular those interested in placing a wager on this race from Coral.  Click here if you are interested.

2:28PM

Battling the bookies

Ross Clarke reports

2:27PM

Marlborough employs the nap on the Ryanair Chase

Marlborough's full analysis and the selections of Whistler, Ross Clarke and Charlie Brooks are available just a click away.

2:21PM

Two from two

For Barrie Geraghty and JP McManus. And the run of favourites winning continues. As days go it's shaping up to end Bookies 1-2 Punters.

2:18PM

Pertemps Final result

There were 13 in contention up the straight

1. Sire Du Berlais 7/2F

2. Tobefair 40/1

3. Not Many Left 16/1

4. Cuneo 14/1

2:12PM

They're off in the Pertemps

A vast 24-horse field, 12 furlongs, three miles. Unless something dramatic happens I'll go straight to the result for this horrible to read race.

1:58PM

Market latest for the Pertemps Final

Full latest odds available here.  But at the head of the market are

Sire Du Berlais 4/1
Samburu Shujaa 9/1
First Assignment 10/1
Champers on Ice 11/1
Thermistocles 12/1
Cuneo 14/1
Flemcara 14/1

16/1 Bar

1:51PM

Marlborough on the Pertemps Final

You can read his full analysis and his colleagues' tips here.

1:50PM

The racecard for the 2.10

Is here. And here is a flavour of the depth of information freely available there:

1:42PM

Lostintranslation

Did all the hard work until, in the words of David Coleman, 'little' Defi Du Seuil "opened his legs and showed his class" up the straight. Terrific ride from Barry Geraghty.

1:36PM

There's a photo for fourth

Between Vinddication and Kidisart.

The judges call it for Kidisart.

1:35PM

JLT Novices Chase result

1. Defi Du Seuil 3/1F

2. Lostintranslation 4/1

3. Mengli Khan 10/1

1:34PM

Four to go

Lostintranslatoon still leads. Defi Du Seuil well-placed in fourth.

1:33PM

Vinddication is jumping poorly

Lostintranslation leads with 10 to jump as they turn away from the stand. Vinddication is up in second despite shoving Robbie Power up his neck as he landed over the fifth.

1:31PM

Down goes the flag and they're off in the JLT

Today's races take place on the New Course, which is a more strenuous test of stamina on a harder trip. There is a vociferous roar. Voix Du Reve hits the first fence hard but gets over and lands safely enough to continue.

1:20PM

Latest betting for the JLT

Defi Du Seuil 11/4
Lostintranslation 4/1
Real Steel 6/1
Vinddication 8/1
Kildisart 9/1
Voix De Reve 9/1
Pravalunga 12/1
Mengli Khan 14/1
Castafiore 28/1 
Capeland  28/1

Here is Defi Du Seuil, a pocket battleship of a horse. One bookie tells us on ITV that he has just taken £60,000 on the nose at 3/1.

1:14PM

A hooker in silks

Make up your own jokes

1:12PM

1.30 - JLT Novices Chase preview

Marlboroughwrites:

You can read his full analysis and his colleagues' tips here.

1:10PM

Premature Paddy's Day Escalation

The ITV racing team is supping pints of plain around their podium table and the photographers can hear cash registers in their ears as they click the shutter switch:

12:37PM

Balko Des Flos

Last year's Ryanair Chase winner will defend it this afternoon after becoming Michael O’Leary’s first success at his 13^th attempt at winning his own race. “I’ve had a runner every year we’ve sponsored it,” he said last year. “This is very special. It’s cost me a fortune trying to win my own race. I think we’ll keep the sponsorship going now!”

He added: “If the ground had been good I’d have thought he had a chance. But I don’t think this is as testing as real soft in Ireland. When its soft/heavy here it’s like good to firm for the Irish!

“Balko is a going the right way. Imperial Commander won this and the Gold Cup. I don’t know if he’ll stay three miles two furlongs. We’ll worry about that another time and I’d be happy if he’s a Ryanair horse for next year.”

And so it proved. He has been well beaten over three miles this season at Down Royal and Leopardstown but has not looked anywhere near his best back at shorter distances, which explains why he is as long as 20/1.

12:19PM

Throughout the day

Our racecards are the resource for form and ratings. You can find them here and our guide to how to get the best out of them here.

12:12PM

Table talk

Ross Clarke writes:

12:06PM

Ed Chamberlin on Paisley Park

I defy anyone not to shed a tear should Paisley Park win the Stayers Hurdle for Andrew Gemmell

11:58AM

As if you ever doubted...

That money goes to money. Here is Festival regular Lee Westwood's post of yesterday's betting slip:

Hewon £48,000 by backing six of the seven winners in a super-heinz. He'd have won north of a million if Killultagh Vic had made it a seven sweep.

11:55AM

Life is just a party and parties weren't meant to last

Good morning and welcome to our rolling coverage of day three of the Cheltenham Festival where the early rain has eased and the going, like yesterday, is good to soft, soft in places. We have seven races on the card today, the twin highlights of which are the Ryanair Chase at 2.50 and the Stayers Hurdle at 3.30. Last year's Arkle winner, Footpad, goes in the former as does Monalee, the favourite, who was runner-up in last year's RSA.

Monalee was well beaten over three miles by the favourite Kemboy at Leopardstown last Christmas but looked much better with Rachael Balckmore up (as she is today) over 2m 4f at Gowran Park last month. The Ryanair, over 2m 5f should be ideal.

Paisley Park is the overwhelming favourite in all senses in the Stayer's Hurdle, the race once known as the World Hurdle, as short as 15/8 this morning. The horse is owned by Andrew Gemmell, who has been blind since birth and is deservedly popular with the the racing public despite a background as far from the English horse set as one could imagine. Paisley Park has won all four races this season but Faugheen, “the machine” is a formidable opponent who won the Novices’ Hurdle at the Festival in 2014 and the Champion Hurdle four years ago. A victory for the veteran would probably be the only solace for broken hearts if Paisley Park is thwarted.

Marcus Armytage spoke to Mr Gemmell last week and I reckon victory for Paisley Park will inspire a roar louder even than tomorrow’s for the Gold Cup winner:

“Gemmell has been to the Melbourne Cricket Ground with 100,000 people for an Ashes match, he was in the crowd at the London Olympics when Mo Farah won his second gold medal and the noise was so loud he could not hear the radio commentary in his ear, and he has attended some of the world’s biggest races. But if Paisley Park wins the Stayers’ Hurdle on Thursday week? ‘Without a doubt,’ he said. ‘It would top them all.’