Stellar showing nicks win

SAM Ewing and Stellar Story pounced in the very last stride to inflict Albert Bartlett Novices’ Hurdle agony on The Jukebox Man at Cheltenham.

The Ben Paulingtrained 18-1 outsider, who is owned by former West Ham and Tottenham manager Harry Redknapp, had led the field along from flag fall in the hands of Kielan Woods, with Gordon Elliott’s shock 33-1 winner among those to track the pacesetter.

The sedate early gallop saw plenty in with chances as the runners descended towards two out, but one by one they dropped away as Woods upped the tempo aboard The Jukebox Man and made his bid for home.

Pauling’s charge held the advantage running down to the last, but the six-year-old got in tight and gave Ewing and Stellar Story a glimmer of hope and they took full advantage, rallying to reel in the brave runner-up in the shadow of the post.

It was Elliott’s second success of the festival week following on from Teahupoo’s Stayers’ Hurdle triumph on Thursday.

But for young rider Ewing, it was his maiden strike at Grade One level.

Ewing said: “He’s a horse that jumps very well, he loved that ground and he battled very hard for me.

“He was brilliant at the last as well, when we needed it, so I can’t believe it.”

Elliott admitted he thought Stellar Story’s odds were generous, saying: “We thought he was overpriced, we knew he’d love the ground and he’s as tough as old nails.

“He stayed very well and Sam was good and positive. He was bought to be a big chaser. He’s a lovely horse.”

Owner Michael O’Leary said: “It was just a slog fest, but I’m very happy to win it.”

Harry Redknapp.