'He was like Patrick Swayze' - McCoy praise as Edwardstone averts disaster

On Saturday the Six Nations culminates with three games, but you will be hard-pressed to see a side-step in any of those matches as good as the one Edwardstone produced in the Sporting Life Arkle at the fourth fence when Brave Sesca fell right in front of him.

The faller also took out Saint Sam, who was several horses deeper in the field, but Edwardstone was right behind him and his swerve drew high praise from Sir Anthony McCoy – who is no longer the last man to ride a Cheltenham Festival winner for Alan King after Edwardstone's success.

Edwardstone flies the flag for Britain with impressive Arkle win

Asked if it was one of the all-time great side-steps by ITV host Ed Chamberlin, McCoy said: "Yeah, he was unbelievably fast this horse. When the horse fell in front of him how quick he was to side-step it. He did a right straight away, he was like Patrick Swayze he danced that well. Honest to God I've never seen anything like it.

"It's the horse. As much as you'd love to take the credit for it the horse has to see things you can't. That's why he's such a good jumper, because he watches everything. When the horse fell he had his eyes on it straight away and side-stepped it, it was brilliant to watch."

How the incident unfolded

Magic Daze (right) and Brave Seasca lead the Arkle, with Edwardstone (circled) in behind

Brave Seasca (white cap) comes down at fourth, with the winner Edwardstone close behind

Edwardstone (centre) is left with nowhere to go, almost, with faller Brave Seasca in front

Edwardstone (Tom Cannon) makes a split-second move to avoid a potential Arkle disaster

But he shows remarkable agility to side-step Brave Seasca and avoid any Arkle drama

Sporting Life Arkle Challenge Trophy Novices' Chase: result and replay

McCoy was full of praise for both horse and rider, with Tom Cannon partnering Edwardstone to his first ever festival success. McCoy said: "The whole way around he never put a foot wrong, even at the second-last when Riviere D'Etel went right into him.

"This horse obviously jumps very well but he also stays very well. It was a big day for Tom Cannon, he hadn't ridden a winner at the Cheltenham Festival. It's big pressure coming here [on a favourite], I always say it's a huge privilege but he handled the privilege pretty good."

McCoy's co-pundit Mick Fitzgerald added: "This is a moment for Tom Cannon now. You never tire of looking into that crowd and it's amazing, you'll see faces of people you haven't seen for years and you can be amazed you can pick them out with so many people there but you do. Enjoy it."

The in-running comment

Jumped well, travelled strongly, in touch with leaders, hampered by faller 4th, steady headway 4 out, went second going easily 3 out, led and bumped 2 out, ridden and went clear run-in, readily

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