Cheltenham report: Trainer Philip Hobbs and jockey Richard Johnson yesterday dominated proceedings at Cheltenham with a near 66 to 1 treble. Having already landed the feature Greatwood Handicap Hurdle with Detroit City and the Independent Newspaper Novices' Chase with Fair Along, Massini's Maguire stayed on well to win the Gideon Kasler Novices' Hurdle by half a length from Wichita Lineman.
The 6 to 1 chance jumped the last hurdle with his nose in front and found plenty to repel a determined drive from Tony McCoy on the runner-up. Juveigneur, having a prep race for the Hennessy Gold Cup, was six lengths away in third and was cut byLadbrokes to 14 to 1 (from 20s) for the Hennessy.
Ruby Walsh and Paul Nicholls continued where they left off on Saturday as Cornish Sett helped the duo record a respective fifth and fourth success at the Open meeting in the Jersey Graduation Chase.
The winning 7 to 4 joint-favourite disputed the lead with long-time leader Fundamentalist from three out before Cornish Sett asserted control. Fundamentalist battled back gamely, however, and only went down by a neck. Nicholls said: "He jumped beautifully after running deplorably over hurdles here when we fancied him. That was his first time over three miles and it suited him. He jumped the fence three out so well and he probably got there too soon.
"The plan was to get there as late as he can but I'll forgive Ruby that! These graduation chases are great for horses like this one for experience as if they go into a handicap off a mark of around 150 it is very difficult.
"They are a great innovation and he can now go for a three-mile handicap following a confidence-booster."
There was a sting in the tail for both Walsh and Tony Evans, rider of the runner-up, who received a two- and one-day ban respectively for excessive use of the whip. Walsh will be out of action on November 23rd-24th and Evans is suspended on November 23rd.
An amazing meeting for Walsh was completed when he guided home 7 to 2 chance Cork All Star in the Tiger Developments Open Bumper to land a double for the day and sixth victory at the three-day fixture.
The Jessica Harrington-trained winner was completing a hat-trick and mastered An Accordion by four lengths.
