Bannister times it right as Nelson River lands Triumph trial at Cheltenham

Nelson River came from an unpromising position to mow down the opposition close home and claim the JCB Triumph Trial Juvenile Hurdle for trainer Tony Carroll and an inspired Harry Bannister.

Katpoli set a rattling tempo in front and when his nearest pursuer, Fret D'Estruval, began to backpeddle early in the straight, it looked to be a fight between the leader and Fanfan Du Seuil.

Nelson River still had plenty to do jumping the last but, switched to the inner by Bannister, he powered up the hill to score at 6-1.

"I thought they were getting away from me coming down the hill but all he does is stay and he's done it really well in the end," said Bannister, who was rushing off to ride at Hereford.

"He was very good when he won at Bangor, workmanlike and a little bit green. He was more professional today and it's great for Mr Carroll and the team to have a nice winner at Cheltenham."

Nelson River earned a quote of 40-1 for the Triumph Hurdle with Sky Bet.

Watch Nelson River win at Cheltenham

Drovers Land continues rise for Curtis

Rebecca Curtis said she didn't know where the improvement in Drovers Lane would end and, after a hard-fought defeat of Le Breuil and Jenkins in the Ryman Novices' Chase, he looks set to be pitched into Graded company.

Some will want to pick holes in the form after favourite OK Corral was a late non-runner and his replacement as market leader, The Russian Doyen, failed to have a proper cut at his fences after a mistake at the first.

But this was a taking performance from Drovers Lane, who was conceding weight all round and is now three from four over fences.

Deputising for the injured Adrian Heskin, Sean Bowen moved Drovers Lane up to force the issue early on the final circuit and, bar one mistake coming down the hill, the son of Oscar's galloping and jumping produced a fine sight. He is 25-1 for the RSA Novices' Chase.

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