Weather great, crowds great, racing great BUT Hurrican Fly got beat!
Hurricane Fly incurred his first loss in a Gr 1 for ages when he couldn't catch the leading pair in the Champion Hurdle - Rock on Ruby who got the honours under a superb ride from Noel Fehily and the 20/1 shot Overturn. Those two fought out the lead for most of the race until the last when Rock On Ruby jumped well and had enough left for a great finish. Hurricane Sky had settled to the rear of the field and was shadowed by Binocular, but they were unable to catch the first pair and finished 3rd and 4th, with Zarkander 5th,
The first went to Cinders And Ashes with a 1 1/4 length win over Darlan who had not started favourite, Trifolium a neck back in third and Montbazan a touch unlucky fourth. Favourite was Galileo's Choice but he was unimpressive.
Sprinter Sacre was superb in winning the Arkle by 7 lengths from Cue Card, with Menorah third and Al Ferof only 4th after making a few mistakes.
The JLT Gr3 saw the roughies dominate with the win going to Alfie Sherrin 14/1, the second Fruity O'Rooney 16/1 and Our Mick 11/1, with 4th placed The Package the first home of the fancied runners.
The Cross Country went to Balthazar King at 11/2, A New Story 20/1 and Wedger Pardy 33/1 for another bunch of roughies. Sizing Australia was 4th.
And the Mares Hurdle - they really should name it after Quevada as she dominated to win her 4th consecutive edition of this race. She settled mid-field and came through the field just before the last like the proverbial knife through butter, finishing 4 lengths ahead of Kentford Grey Lady with Golden Sunbird at 66/1 adding value to the exotics for anyone lucky enough to have included her. Our Girl Salley and Violin Davis were not impressive in the least.
