My Tent Or Yours lands International thriller from The New One
My Tent Or Yours enjoyed a well-deserved day in the sun after claiming victory in a thrilling Unibet International Hurdle at Cheltenham.
Nicky Henderson's 10-year-old has finished runner-up in three renewals of the Champion Hurdle, not to mention in the 2013 Supreme Novices' Hurdle, and was also second to The New One in this Grade Two contest 12 months ago.
He had not managed to get his head in front since landing a National Hunt Flat race at Kempton in February 2014, but proved the fire still burns bright with a heartwarming success under Barry Geraghty.
The jockey said: "He's had some great runs here and that was brilliant.
"He deserved it. He's knocked on the door plenty, but he battled really well against an ultra-tough horse (The New One).
"You never want to take on The New One too early because you know he's going to keep coming.
"It was sweet. It was a good buzz. It was teed up for a big finish - everything was there.
"He pinged the last and he just found that extra gear. It was a great finish and it was as good as horse race as it gets.
"If any horse has deserved a big race at Cheltenham it was him. He definitely deserved it and maybe he can run well in March."
My Tent Or Yours serves up an early festive treat with his first victory since 2014 🙌
— Sporting Life (@SportingLife) December 16, 2017
One for the oldies 💪
pic.twitter.com/SKK6UFqiB8
The New One set out to make all the running in his bid to claim this prize for a fourth time, with My Tent Or Yours and the Willie Mullins-trained 7-4 favourite Melon waiting in the wings for much of the two-mile journey.
The big three came down to the final flight together, with The New One sandwiched between My Tent Or Yours on the rail and the strong-travelling Melon on the far side.
They settled down to fight it out and for a horse whose gumption has on occasion been questioned, My Tent Or Yours knuckled down admirably to prevail by a length and a quarter from his old rival.
Melon was a further length away in third.
Henderson said: "Ever since this horse was a bumper horse I thought the world of him.
"You don't see horses that can have battles like that at that age.
"That was a true race and he deserves it."
Owner JP McManus said: "Full marks and Nicky to the team. Nicky never lost faith in this horse and always had faith in him.
"Even at the age of 10, he still has the old spark there."
Sam Twiston-Davies rode The New One for his father, Nigel - his first mount since he suffered broken elbow in a fall from Double Ross at Sandown on November 12.
He said: "It's very rare you see me smiling after finishing second, but I had a great buzz off riding him and it's great to be back.
"It's as fast as I've been over an obstacle in a while and he ran a blinder.
"It's always going to be difficult to give 6lb to My Tent Or Yours, but he's run a cracker."
David Mullins rode Melon, who was having just his fifth run over hurdles, and felt his inexperience told at the business end of the race.
Mullins said: "He travelled very well and I thought I'd a great chance going down to the last and winged it.
"Those seasoned horses were probably a bit tougher at the finish."
Sky Bet left The New One unchanged at 33/1 for the Champion Hurdle with My Tent Or Yours trimmed to 25s from 33s.
Spokesman Michael Shinners said: "It was an absolute thriller and My Tent Or Yours proved he still has a touch of class, although it would be a surprise were he to prove good enough to get the better of Faugheen and Buveur D'Air.
My Tent Or Yours finally enjoyed a big win at Cheltenham today, beating old rival The New One! 🏇🙌
— Sporting Life (@SportingLife) December 16, 2017
🥈x 3 Champion Hurdle
🥈Supreme Novices Hurdle
🥈International Hurdle 2016
🏆 International Hurdle 2017 pic.twitter.com/UkfgK7wlvJ
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