Festival hope Didtheyleaveuoutto does the business for delighted Gifford

Didtheyleaveuoutto is the horse who could slingshot Nick Gifford back into the big time and displayed just why that might be the case when enhancing his Cheltenham Festival claims with a slick success in the introductory hurdle.

Running in the same JP McManus silks as Gifford's former stable star Straw Bear, Barry Geraghty's mount, who is from the family of the mighty Denman, repelled the well-regarded Thomas Darby to earn a quote of 12-1 (from 25) with Betfair and Paddy Power for the Sky Bet Supreme Novices' Hurdle.

"I've always loved him," said Gifford. "He's got a turn of foot and I think that's his strength. When you go back to his bumper – and I know it was only Lingfield – you saw how he quickened and he's got that button to press when you need to. Not many horses quicken."