'That was better than losing my virginity' - cheeky Charlie Todd rides out claim

Thursday: Cheltenham

Two Graded winners and a first success at Cheltenham is some way to ride out a claim and the achievement was not lost on Charlie Todd, who described the feeling as better than losing his virginity.

Todd moved to within one at Aintree when Party Business gained redemption from a seriously unlucky festival fifth with success on Grand National day, but Cheltenham was a similarly impressive setting to complete the milestone with Malakahna striking in the Grade 3 fillies' handicap hurdle.

The Ian Williams-trained runner completed a hat-trick with a game success, powering clear after the last to fend off Le Renommee by a length and three-quarters.

Williams, himself breaking a near five-year drought at Cheltenham, said: "Honestly, what he said when he came in was 'boss, losing my claim was better than losing my virginity'. He's had a big week, his first Graded win and then another at Cheltenham.

"I wish him every luck from where he goes from here. It's always tougher for the young lads once they lose their claim and he'll probably find it easier than when he lost his virginity! No, seriously he's a great asset to our team and I'm delighted he's ridden his claim out."

Malakahna: could be campaigned on the Flat nextCredit: John Grossick (racingpost.com/photos)

In his own words, Todd said: "I spoke to my agent Ian Popham at the start of the season and the plan was to ride out my claim. I had a difficult summer with injuries and I thought it'd be a struggle, but I've got it done now and hopefully we can keep going forward."

The success was a fourth this season for Malakahna, and she could be sent to Williams' ambitious new satellite yard in France during the summer months.

"What an amazing filly," the trainer said. "We might have a satellite yard in France for the months of June, July and August and she's one who'd go there with the handicap mark she's got."

Todd was, however, given two suspensions for careless riding in the closing stages totalling six days.

Eleanor a proper horse on track

Precious Eleanor can be vicious and aggressive, and a "proper cow" in the words of her trainer, but she is a talented mare and displayed her class with victory in the 2m4½f Listed novice handicap chase.

Her behaviour led to an unfortunate incident at the start as she kicked the Martin Keighley-trained Found On, who eventually had to be withdrawn, but as the tapes were down she transformed into a true professional, taking control of the race at the top of the hill under Richard Patrick and pressing on for a dominant 15-length win.

Precious Eleanor: stylish winner at CheltenhamCredit: John Grossick (racingpost.com/photos)

Despite the success, there was further drama as she trod on the shoe of her groom, forcing the sole to be completely ripped off.

"She's just a proper cow," said winning trainer Henry Daly. "We just have to be careful with her, she will kick and when she aims at one she means to do it. She'll go backwards to dot one, we're just wary of it and accept that's what she does.

"I said to Richard as he got on, 'Be careful she doesn't kick anyone', and I'm really sorry for the Keighleys. Their chance has just gone and that's just awful.

"You get horses like her, but normally they're not so enthusiastic about racing, but she loves it. You say it with a smile on your face."

No wins for Rachael

Rachael Blackmore had her first rides at Cheltenham since her Gold Cup heroics on A Plus Tard last month, but both Lady Rita and Alice Avril could only finish second and third respectively.

Results, replays and analysis

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