A New Story (far left) won the Cross Country at the third time of asking

  PICTURE: Edward Whitaker  

Cross Country victory for 25-1 A New Story

Report: Cheltenham, Tuesday

Glenfarclas Handicap Chase (Cross Country Chase) 3m7f, 5yo+

A NEW STORY gave trainer Michael Hourigan and 7lb claimer Adrian Heskin victory in the Cross Country Chase, stretching clear of L'Ami on the run-in.

Tom Segal (Pricewise) tipped the winner at 40-1 in the Racing Post newspaper. He returned at 25-1.

It was A New Story's third attempt at the Cross Country crown but there was no doubt about the manner of his victory, winning going away from a host of fast-finishers.

A delighted Adrian Heskin, celebrating his first victory at the festival, said: “Absolutely brilliant. I could not have asked for a better ride. I did not want to get there too early as he can idle, but he jumps so well and is very clever.”

Dual Cross Country victor Garde Champetre failed to figure in his bid for the treble. A combination of top weight and a bad error on the final circuit, from which Nina Carberry did incredibly well to maintain the partnership, proved enough to end his hopes, making him the fifth consecutive beaten favourite on the opening day of Cheltenham.

Heads Onthe Ground cut out the early running alongside 2007 Grand National winner Silver Birch, with Double Dizzy and the gallant Lacdoudal in close proximity while Garde Champetre and stablemate L'Ami were settled in mid-division.

There was little to report for much of the opening two circuits as the field were content to continue at a fairly sedate pace,although leading British hope Monkerhostin was never travelling well.

Only when the field entered the straight did the action develop, as several lined up for a pop at the race. L'Ami had made good progress to enter contention and Lacdoudal continued to travel well, but the free-wheeling A New Story was clearly travelling best of all.

L'Ami proved the Hourigan-trained runner's biggest threat but A New Story quickly put the race to bed, opening up a two-and-a-half length gap by the line.

Michael Hourigan saddled his first festival winner in 11 years

  PICTURE: Mark Cranham  

Hourigan, who was celebrating his first festival winner since Deejaydee won the National Hunt Chase in 1999, said: "It's wonderful to be back, especially with that horse. He's taken me all over the UK and Ireland.

"Adrian gave him some ride, the horse was buzzing under him."

Hourigan said that, while A New Story holds a Pertemps Final entry,he was more likely to be next seen in Uttoxeter's Midlands National on Saturday.

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