Olofi, trained by Tom George and ridden by Paddy Brennan, won the Racing Post Hurdle at Cheltenham.

The 8-1 shot was gaining handsome redemption after finishing second 12 months ago. Despite having his path blocked by the game Bothy down the inside rail, Brennan's partner responded manfully for pressure after the last flight to defeat Cash And Go by two and a half lengths. Cause Of Causes finished third, with Bothy fourth.

George said: "He had no luck last year, but it's all come right for him today. He's a very, very talented horse and could still be improving."

The handler continued: "He was only beaten four lengths by Zarkandar last year (Betfair Hurdle, Newbury) and everything that could have gone wrong, did go wrong. It's credit to my staff for getting him back to win a race like this.

"Last year you could have run him in the Champion Hurdle and he'd go with anything until the second-last. It's a long shout to go for the Champion, but he's obviously improving and you'd hope he'd go on again."

Brennan said: "He's got me so many rollickings this horse, giving him too much to do, but by doing that, that's how we've had the finished article today. It was just a case of trying to keep him under control and out of the race. The brilliance was always there. It was just getting him to use it.

"I thought I might be on the floor at one stage, but I was lucky enough to have a horse who was willing and tough enough to get me out of the situation. It was a great race to win. It means an awful lot winning prizes like this.

"You don't get much higher than today - it's a very special race to win. He'll have to improve to make it to the very top, but you never know."

Successful owner Max McNeill said: "After Walkon (Paddy Power Gold Cup runner-up) on Saturday, it's been a great weekend. I thought Walkon ran a mighty race against a very good horse.

"This horse was backed for Newbury and then for the County Hurdle, but he's had a lot of bad luck. All credit goes to Tom."

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