LOR’S IN CHARGE

Poignant victory for Arkle hope

LALOR delivered a heartwarming chasing debut success at Cheltenham yesterday to earn a 6-1 quote for the Arkle at the Festival next March.

The six-year-old, whose trainer Richard Woollacott was found dead aged 40 at his Devon stable last January, scored at the top level over hurdles at Aintree for his wife Kayley (right) in April.

And, pitched into Grade 2 company for the Arkle Trial Novices’ Chase, Richard Johnson’s mount jumped with panache to overcome Dynamite Dollars by seven lengths.

“It was just amazing – the perfect start,” said the winning trainer.

“Richard said he was a little brave over the first, and he looked a little novicey over a couple, but he took to it quick and his jumping was slick.

“My husband always maintained he’s the best horse we’ve ever had. It is great the owners still have him with me and allow me to do it.”

is 14-1 for the Queen Mother Champion Chase after overcoming a stubborn effort from Simply Ned for the Grade 1 Shloer Chase.

And there was a turn-up in the Greatwood Handicap Hurdle as 20-1 chance held on by a neck from Silver Streak.

■ SAMCRO faces a Fighting Fifth Hurdle clash with Buveur D’Air at Newcastle next month after sidestepping the Morgiana Hurdle at Punchestown yesterday.

“I’m disappointed I couldn’t run the horse, but the way I’m thinking now is Newcastle,” said trainer Gordon Elliott, who pulled Samcro out of the Grade 1 race because of unsuitably fast ground.

With Samcro and Supasundae absent, 2015 Champion Hurdler Faugheen went off the 2-5 favourite – but proved no match for his Willie Mullins stablemate