LISA HONOURS ‘JT’ LEGACY
Winning jockey Lisa O’Neill is presented with the trophy by Olivia and Harry McNamara, children of the late jockey JT McNamara, after her victory aboard Tiger Roll in the JT McNamara NH Challenge Cup Chase at Cheltenham yesterday
GORDON ELLIOTT completed a famous Cheltenham treble with Tiger Roll in the JT McNamara National Hunt Chase thanks to a brilliant steer from Lisa O’Neill.
The late Co Limerick jockey – who enjoyed plenty success at the Festival and whose name was of course remembered in the title of the race this year – would have been proud of the composure shown by O’Neill as she guided the 2014 Triumph Hurdle hero to victory in the four-miler for Elliott and Michael O’Leary’s Gigginstown House Stud.
The seven-year-old was pulling O’Neill’s arms out running down the hill and picked up from the home turn for a ready threelength win.
After the unfortunate Edwulf – bidding to give Joseph O’Brien his first winner at the Festival – broke down after the last when looking booked for second, this left Missed Approach was left to take the runner-up spot ahead of Haymount in third.
A delighted O’Neill (left), who won last year’s Kerry Grand National on Wrath Of Titans for Elliott, said: “It’s surreal, to be honest. It’s an overwhelming feeling.
“I was just hoping up the hill that there was nothing there to pass me. It’s a good team effort and it’s absolutely brilliant.”
Elliott said of the jockey: “She’s decent and is an absolute star. She pre-trains our horses and does everything for us. She’s an absolute star and I’m delighted for her.”
The Cullentra, Co Meath handler added: “I knew after three fences he was on a going day.
“He’s a Triumph Hurdle winner and he’s won here twice. He’s never been moving so well at home.
“I can’t believe it. To train three winners on the first day of Cheltenham. I thought if I had one this year I’d be delighted. It’s a credit to the staff I have at home and the owners and the horses. It’s brilliant.”
The final race on the card was delayed by 10 minutes as Edwulf was being treated.