Mirabad won the 1:15, 2m3f, Catesby Estates Handicap Hurdle, on the Friday December 13th Cheltenham meet for jockey Luke Scott in an unusual manner after Willmount‘s fall obstructed rivals.
Magic Seven took the lead after the flag dropped, starting fast for jockey Richie McLernon.
Willmount and top of the weights Valgrand settled on the inside rail in mid-division.
Bo Zenith raced in the rear of midfield for trainer Nicky Henderson, as they turned to head round the back for the first time.
Jonathan Burke aboard Tintintin stalked the other Henderson trained horse, Willmount, before a mistake meant Tintintin was pushed along to keep pace.
Mirabad, a 10/1 shot, raced keen, and pulled to the front, passing the leader Magic Seven.
James Bowen and Bo Zenith dropped to the rear at the end of the first circuit.
Wilmount was a faller under Nico de Boinville in midfield three out, which halted the chasing packs momentum, gifting Mirabad a 10 length lead over Magic Seven, who was a further five lengths ahead of the field.
The favourite Wreckless Eric was soon off the bridle down the hill as he hit the front of the chasing pack on the turn, passing Magic Seven, who was quickly caught by the field.
Wreckless Eric under Kielan Woods and Spirits Bay led the chase over the last hurdle.
Despite their efforts Mirabad made full use of the advantage on the run to pass the post first.
The favourite kicked clear on landing in second, with Spirits Bay behind three lengths clear of the chasing quartet: To Chase A Dream, Tintintin, Media Naranja and Lively Citizen.
However, from last at the final turn, Bo Zenith came flying through from the rear of the field, finishing strongly to pinch third by a length from To Chase A Dream.
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— Racing TV (@RacingTV) December 13, 2024
Mirabad – not for catching at @CheltenhamRaces! @UrloxheyStables pic.twitter.com/oBMHf7R3Hr
1st – Mirabad 10/1
2nd – Wreckless Eric 4/1F
3rd – Bo Zenith 7/1
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