Paul Nicholls and Ruby Walsh had two winners at Cheltenham on Friday and they picked up where they left off as Far West claimed the first event on day two of the Open meeting.

Sent off a 15-8 chance for the Grade Two JCB Triumph Hurdle Trial, Walsh was positive throughout on Far West, disputing the early lead with outsider Shabra Emperor.

However, when the pace turned up a notch three flights from home, there were just three left in it with favourite Vasco Du Ronceray and McVicar trying to go with him. The latter soon cried enough and the market leaders settled down to slug it out up the straight, with Far West always holding the advantage.

He pulled clear after the last to win by seven lengths with 26 lengths back to the third-placed Roc D'Apsis.

Nicholls said: "He won nicely at Chepstow and the form was good. He's improved a lot since then, we knew the second was a good horse, but they're both pretty good. He's a grand horse who jumps well - with these juveniles if they don't jump they don't win.

"We will play it by ear - today was the target. We have some nice juveniles and we will see what develops."

13 May 2013

Fabre confirms Ocovango for Epsom
Aspect on route to big things
Room at the top for Cityscape
Freedom steps into chasing ranks
Lucky thirteen in line for Lockinge
Galway beckons for Swinton hero
Sajjhaa set for late return
Cadeaux thriving in Singapore
Pink primed for Duke Of York
Liber takes aim at Musidora
Battle won for O'Brien
Pretending the real deal
Duntle back to winning ways
Classic glory for Flotilla
Style wins the day in Paris
Highclere double-handed for Dante
Cornerstone plans up in the air
Beckett planning Gesture workout

12 May 2013

No hurry for Jammy plans
Guest in hunt for more Ascot glory
Vow set for Goodwood return
Gold-en boy Anodin in Classic hunt
Buick aiming for French strike
Angel flies home to land Chartwell
Barizan bounces back in style
Queally lights up Ascot meeting
Ektihaam storms to Buckhounds win
Nevis takes depleted Trial contest
Hard-fought battle won at Haydock
Secret impresses in Oaks Trial
Ascot drama for Fanning

11 May 2013

Felix foot-perfect on fencing debut
Cavalryman leads Cup charge
Ramsa ready to stand Trial
Duntle out to dazzle in Amethyst
Swift return doesn't bother Moran
Garman gives Bolger hope
Henderson: Ground vital for Voice
McMahon sweet on Tart Ascot claims
Murphy to move to France
Athos flies to Ormonde glory
Dee day for impressive Magician
Kingdom confirmed for Queen Anne
Secret's out for Lingfield glory
Lambe expects good run from Hall
Marengo ready to do battle
Greatwood on trial at Lingfield
Barizan sneaks into Swinton
Jamesie gunning for Vic-tory

10 May 2013

Telescope focus is on Dante
Blinkers considered for Guarantee#
Bonfire camp bemoan Huxley flop
Moohaajim has six appeal
Ascot welcomes a couple of Guests