'Immense emotion' for Richard Bandey as Diesel D'Allier justifies summer buy

Friday: Cheltenham

Trainer Richard Bandey's faith in cross-country specialist Diesel D'Allier was rewarded as the gutsy eight-year-old motored home to deny a game effort from plucky veteran Potters Corner.

In a race in which 11 of the 15 runners were trained in Ireland, the visiting team could not get involved in the gripping final battle as the mount of Harry Bannister pulled out all the stops to go two places better than his course outing last month.

"One thing that horse does is stay and I’m just full of immense emotion," said Bandey of the 6-1 winner.

Potters Corner (right): posted a game effort in defeat behind Diesel D'Allier (grey)Credit: John Grossick (racingpost.com/photos)

"I bought the horse in the summer from Emmanuel Clayeux and I did so under duress from the wife, who wasn't so keen that I purchased him.

"I had faith that I was going to sell him and then a month before the November Meeting I still hadn’t sold the horse, so there was a little pressure from home.

"I then put a syndicate together and they're just local people – friends and people I’ve known for a number of years – and they all came on board for a fun horse to take us to Cheltenham.

"He's done what I said he’d do and what Emmanuel said he'd do, so it's wonderful."

No stopping bold-jumping Commodore

Commodore produced a terrific round of jumping to run out a ready winner of the Grade 3 Betfair Handicap Chase over 3m2f, making amends for a final-fence departure in the same race 12 months ago.

Trained by Venetia Williams and partnered to victory by Charlie Deutsch, the 7-1 chance pulled 15 lengths away from Irish raider Mister Fogpatches, who in turn was well clear of Court Master and the returning Santini for Polly Gundry.

Commodore: not for catching in the Grade 3 Betfair Handicap ChaseCredit: Edward Whitaker

It was an emotional victory for Commodore's doting groom Izzy Davis, 37, who is due to give birth on January 18 and celebrated a winner on her final shift before taking maternity leave.

Williams said: "Izzy has worked for me for too many years to remember. She has looked after Commodore since he first arrived. I told her, 'I hope you kept your legs crossed in the closing stages!'"

Davis added: "It was remarkable and such a joy to watch. His relentlessness and accuracy of his jumping was just amazing."

Bellamy landmark Cheltenham winner

It was also a day to remember for conditional Archie Bellamy, brother to fellow jockey Tom, as he relished a first Cheltenham success on the David Jeffreys-trained Lively Citizen in the 2m1f Catesby Handicap Hurdle.

The 23-year-old, who previously spent time riding in Australia, could not hide his delight as he crossed the line.

Archie Bellamy: 'I'm absolutely speechless'Credit: Alan Crowhurst

"I've not had the easiest of times and these days are unbelievable," said Bellamy. "I'm absolutely speechless as I'm so grateful for the owner [Mark Smith, Brake Horse Power Syndicate] and trainer for putting me up."

Rambler in Scottish National picture

Strong-staying seven-year-old Corach Rambler continued his rise through the ranks with a smart display in the 3m1½f Tiggys Trust Novices' Limited Handicap Chase for Derek Fox and Lucinda Russell.

"He's still a novice but maybe we could look at the Scottish National this season," said the winning trainer of the 2-1 favourite. "We are well known for our staying chasers and this is another one."

Malzard on target again

Victoria Malzard flew the flag for Jersey racing at Cheltenham again as she guided veteran Kansas City Chief to a popular success in the 3m Citipost Handicap Hurdle, the pair's second win in their last three appearances at the track.

Results, replays and analysis

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