Inglis Drever - one of Lee's three winners.
LEE TAKE JOCKEYS' TITLE
By
Graham Lee's three winners were enough for the Irishman to land his first
Daily Telegraph Trophy for the leading rider at the Cheltenham Festival.
However, it was a close call as Robert Thornton also had three successes - but
Lee's second on Bambi De L'Orme in the Johnny Henderson Grand Annual Chase on Friday
clinched the title.
He had his first Festival victory at the meeting when Arcalis took Tuesday's
curtain-raiser, the Letheby & Christopher Supreme Novices' Hurdle, and he also
scored on No Refuge in the opening Royal & SunAlliance Novices' Hurdle on
Wednesday.
His next win came aboard Inglis Drever in the Ladbrokes World Hurdle, but he
drew a blank on the final afternoon.
Thornton won the first two races today on Penzance (JCB Triumph Hurdle) and
Moulin Riche (Brit Insurance Novices' Hurdle) to add to his triumph on Kelami
(William Hill Handicap Chase) on Tuesday to draw level with Lee, so the title
was decided on second places.
As well as the trophy, Lee also gets 88 pints of Guinness and a holiday in
Spain.
The jockey's three winners carried the colours of Graham Wylie and were
trained by Howard Johnson.
After receiving his trophy, Lee said: "I can't believe it. I am over the
moon.
"At a meeting like this it is great to get one winner, never mind three.
"It is fantastic - but don't forget Howard, Mr Wylie, all the staff and the
horses."
Johnson was the top trainer at the meeting ahead of Nicky Henderson, who also
had three victories.
The Daily Telegraph Trophy for leading trainer was decided on prize money.
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