More green and gold glory as Geraghty strikes again on Sire Du Berlais

A dream week for Barry Geraghty, JP McManus and Gordon Elliott continued as Sire Du Berlais became the third horse to win back-to-back renewals of the Pertemps Network Final in a one-two for the Cullentra maestro.

It was a third successive victory in the £100,000 event for Elliott, who struck with Gold Cup hope Delta Work two years ago, and the trainer's 30th festival triumph.

A 7lb higher mark should have made life tougher but the key punting pointer was in a headgear change. Last year first-time cheekpieces did the trick and 12 months on it was the application of blinkers that made the difference as he edged The Storyteller by half a length.

Watch the Pertemps Network Final replay

Geraghty, celebrating his fourth winner of the week, said: "Last year was hard work and I was pushing him along all the way, but this time with the blinkers he was on the money from the off. They went a good gallop and it suited him well.

"There's weight off your shoulders once you’re among the winners and you can enjoy it."

Six and a half lengths back in third was Tout Est Permis, who was a first festival ride – and first visit to Cheltenham – for claiming professional Eoin Walsh.

The jockey, based with Noel Meade, said: "It was an unbelievable buzz to ride around here and to finish in the first three is quite incredible.

"Tout Est Permis ran a great race and all he does is gallop. I’ve never been here before, even as a racegoer. It’s unreal and the roar from the stands makes the hair stand up on the back of your neck."

Sire Du Berlais and winning connections in the winner's enclosureCredit: John Grossick (racingpost.com/photos)

There was a sad postscript to the race as the Tim Vaughan-trained Copper Gone West suffered a fatal injury.

Vaughan said: "She broke a fetlock. She was travelling like a dream and something must have happened to her coming down the hill.

"It's devastating. She was a nice progressive type and a lovely broodmare prospect."

More to read:

100 not out . . . yet! Gigginstown reach century of Grade 1s with super Samcro

Racing in Ireland in the balance as government reveals coronavirus measures

Bookmaker shares in freefall amid 'unprecedented' concern caused by coronavirus

Keep up to date on the must-have news, tips, photos and more by following the Racing Post across all social channels