No hurdles, no problem for 'fabulous' Song For Someone as Goshen fails to figure

The Champion Hurdle may well not be contested by the winner of Cheltenham's own trial, but that will be of no concern to the connections of Song For Someone after their pride and joy delivered them another major victory and in the most thrilling fashion.

At what should have been the final flight of the Unibet International Hurdle a blanket could have been thrown over eight of the ten runners. At the line only a nose separated two gallant horses, with Song For Someone edging out Silver Streak to provide further cheer for owners Sir Peter and Lady Gibbings.

For them, trainer Tom Symonds and rider Aidan Coleman, there was delight. Not so for the Moore family. It made no difference to Goshen that his nemesis flight from the Triumph Hurdle was omitted. By the time it was swerved due to low sun – only five of the eight scheduled hurdles were jumped – he was already a distant last.

The runners in the International Hurdle take the final flight and set the seagulls flyingCredit: Edward Whitaker

While Song For Someone is far from certain to run in the Champion Hurdle, the horse Coleman is set to ride, Epatante, is now a best-priced 6-4 to defend her crown.

If the television in her box was tuned to ITV Racing it is unlikely Epatante will have seen much to frighten her, yet television viewers and the 1,700 annual members on course were treated to a wonderful finish that resulted in Song For Someone following up his earlier wins in the Kingwell Hurdle and Ascot Hurdle.

"He is a fabulous horse," said Symonds. "The lack of hurdles was a problem because he loves jumping. That's when he makes ground, not on the flat, so I'm thrilled he has won another Grade 2."

'Health and safety bonkers' – Evan Williams blasts removal of jumps over low sun (Members' Club subscribers)

Symonds is inclined to favour the Aintree Hurdle over the Champion Hurdle. Coleman would concur.

"I was in top gear the whole way but he has a fantastic attitude and kept finding," said Coleman.

"I'm not sure the Old course would suit him in the Champion Hurdle, and I'm not saying that because of Epatante. I think the Champion Hurdle would be a bit sharp for him. He would probably be better over a little further and is maybe more of an Aintree horse."

Goshen trails in last under Jamie Moore in the International HurdleCredit: Alan Crowhurst

Although unhappy that flights were removed, Evan Williams in no way blamed that for the defeat of Silver Streak, who had been carried out early in the Fighting Fifth Hurdle.

"I've no excuse," said Williams. "Our horse has run a great race. The winner has run a better race.

"If we're okay two weeks today we'll be at Kempton to watch Nicky Henderson's mare swoop by us going to the last. We'll admire her backside and try to get a bit more prize-money."

There was no money won here by Goshen – but plenty of money lost by those who backed him into 6-4 favouritism.

"He appears to be okay after the race but it was a massive disappointment," said trainer Gary Moore. "Jamie [Moore] said he was hanging slightly and he was too keen as well. We'll get him home and see how he is before we make a plan."

More Saturday reaction:

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Is Chatham Street Lad a serious player for the Cheltenham Festival?

Saturday reaction: 'My instinct is he's not a Grade 1 performer – yet'

'One run then the Marsh' – Nicky Henderson plots festival plan for Fusil Raffles

At last! Serial villain and punters' foe Sky Pirate wins on bridle at Cheltenham

'I like him a lot' – Monmiral's Triumph Hurdle odds tumble after impressive win

Full result

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