Graeme Rodway reflects on how Lisnagar Oscar came of age in the Stayers' Hurdle

In the latest in our series analysing all the big races at Cheltenham, Racing Post tipster Graeme Rodway takes an in-depth look at the Stayers' Hurdle, won by Lisnagar Oscar.

Paisley Park was widely expected to add his name to Baracouda, Inglis Drever and Big Buck's as a multiple winner of the Stayers’ Hurdle, but not a lot went right for the favourite, who lost two of his shoes and was later found to have suffered from an irregular heartbeat. He lost his crown to 50-1 outsider Lisnagar Oscar, with fellow outsiders Ronald Pump and Bacardys finishing second and third.

First circuit

Apple’s Jade and Donna’s Diamond led a big field away from the tape and it briefly looked as if they might take each other on up front, but Apple’s Jade showed why she was sent off favourite for last year’s Champion Hurdle with two quick and accurate leaps to take her clear.