Wichita Lineman leads over the last.

touchdown for lineman punters

By Tom Peacock, PA Sport

Wichita Lineman again showed the resilience that is fast becoming his trademark as he got punters off to the best possible start on a star-studded card at Cheltenham.

Tony McCoy was one of the first to push the button on the even-money favourite as they turned for home in the Ballymore Properties Novices' Hurdle, with the shadow of Massini's Maguire looming large.

But the Jonjo O'Neill-trained six-year-old maintained his gallop in the testing ground and was six lengths clear at the line with Tidal Bay, who had looked a spent force two out, running on to take second.

"He's a lazy horse who keeps everything to himself," said O'Neill of the half-brother to Rhinestone Cowboy.

"We're happy with him and on this form, we'll consider the Ballymore Properties (now ) Hurdle back here, as long as we keep him safe and sound."