Paisley Park produced a sensational late surge to claim the Stayers' Hurdle on day three of the Cheltenham Festival, as he sent favourite backers into raptures on Thursday afternoon.
Sent off the short-priced 11/8 favourite, the Emma Lavelle-trained raider was forced to dig deep to reel in some of the leaders, but as Aidan Coleman got to work on board the recent Cleeve Hurdle he soared to the lead and sprinted well clear of Sam Spinner and Faugheen.
Sam Spinner set a fierce gallop alongside Nautical Nitwit and the former maintained the gallop as they turned for home. On his shoulder was former Champion Hurdle hero Faugheen, who was running a mighty race under Ruby Walsh. However, as they approached the last flight of hurdles, Coleman had managed to find a real tune out of Paisley Park and in a matter of strides he picked up the lead and soared up the Cheltenham hill in fine style, despite making a blunder at the final hurdle.
Paisley Park duly cemented his place as the next star staying hurdler, and while some punters would've been worried as he hit a flat spot coming down the hill, it was Coleman that never panicked in the saddle, and as he got into full throttle, Paisley Park just found another gear and cruised past the brave Sam Spinner, who ran a huge race at lofty odds.
Faugheen supporters would've been excited as the top-class Willie Mullins-trained star travelled well throughout the contest, but the 11-year-old failed to pick up and had to settle for third place and it was all about Paisley Park, who was a sensational winner.
Paisley Park a true stayer and he powered up the hill to win the Stayers' Hurdle.
Great scenes!
(📹@RacingTV)