Scottish trainer Lucinda Russell won the Ultima Handicap Chase at Cheltenham for the third time in four years as Patrick Wadge guided Myretown to an 11-length victory.
The eight-year-old gelding was heavily backed in the final minutes before the race and jumped perfectly to stretch away and win by a long distance.
Russell was a winner in the same race in 2022 and 2023 with Corach Rambler, and watched Myretown lead from the front to claim another victory.
The Kinross-based trainer admitted she was not initially keen on running him, but was convinced to by the owners.
“I can’t believe it at all,” the Russell said.
“He’s a novice horse, his jumping has been hit and miss. Since we ran him at Kelso, he’s got his confidence back and he’s quite well-handicapped.
“I suppose he suits the three miles and the novices. I’ve only just remembered I own half of him so it gets even better.
“He’s a bit different to Corach Rambler who jumps so exuberantly and Corach was a star, but just a different type of horse.
“This is a brilliant horse and I’m delighted for Patrick, it wasn’t a bad ride for his first Festival winner was it? It was really brave.”
