Cheltenham Festival: Russell-trained Myretown wins Handicap Chase

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,” 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.”