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Outsider Sentry Duty snatches victory in Freedom Hurdle.

For virtually all of the three runner two mile four furlong Freedom Hurdle on this afternoon's Cheltenham card, the first two in the betting market - 4/6 favourite Mr Thriller, and 11/4 former Champion Hurdler Catch It - made all the running between them, as the Nicky Henderson trained 9/2 outsider Sentry Duty looked on from the rear.

When the Alan King trained Catch It took it up at the second last, he immediately looked as if he had got the measure of Mr Thriller, but ominously, Barry Gerrity had not moved a muscle on Sentry Duty, and when the front pair cleared the last, Gerrity asked Sentry Duty to quicken, and he did so willingly, going on to score from his supposed more illustrious opponents.

The race shows Sentry Duty is very useful when he is 'fresh', and it is likely he will not be seen again on a race track until the Champion Hurdle back at Cheltenham in March.

Mccoy magic lands Victor Chandler Chase.

When thirteen-year-old Mister Mcgoldrick took it up well over a mile from home in today's victorchandler.com Handicap Chase at Cheltenham, he soon opened up a five length lead over his rivals, and seemed to be going so well, he looked as if he was about to land a major upset. Even when race favourite Chapoturgeon came to him at the third last, the Sue Smith trained 'old boy' found more as the favourite began to back pedal.

However, after the last fence, the late finishes of Can't Buy Time and Private Bee eventually forced Mister Mcgoldrick into a well deserved third place as the main protagonist went on to battle it out up the Cheltenham hill, with the incomparable A P Mccoy reminding everyone why he is such a a racing phenomenon, as he drove Can't Buy Time to victory over a two mile five furlong trip which was very much on the short side for a horse used to running in races of well over three and a half miles.

Seven lands two runner Dipper.

Following the first race on today's card at Cheltenham, won by the useful looking Radium from the Nicky Henderson yard, a further inspection of the course was called to allow owners, trainers and jockeys the opportunity to assess if racing should continue.

Thankfully, after a delay, racing was passed as fit to go forward, but the ground conditions inevitably led to a lot of owners deciding to pull their horses from the remaining races. This meant in the next race on this afternoon's card - The Grade 2 Dipper Chase - race favourite Punchestowns, along with Knockara Beau and Bensalem were withdrawn, leaving only two runners - Seven is my number and Pigeon Island.

In the actual race, the progressive David Pipe trained Seven is my number had to make it all, a tactic he did not necessarily enjoy, but his better jumping and superior stamina meant he was never headed during the two mile five furlong contest.

If the racing statisticians are correct, this victory on Seven is my number represents Timmy Murphy's one thousandth winner under rules in British racing.

Hughes praises Hardy Eustace as retirement announced.

After only managing to finish second at Punchestown yesterday, the former dual Cheltenham Champion Hurdle winner Hardy Eustace has been retired from racing with immediate effect. Trainer Desie Hughes commented,

"He has been a grand servent to all of us, including a large number of punters over the years, and I only hope he will now enjoy a long and healthy retirement."

Good News comes in small doses at present.

Although we are very happy to announce this afternoon's premier meeting at Cheltenham goes ahead after passing a third inspection at 11.30 am, the rest of the news about race meetings is not as good.

Today's fixtures at Exeter and Fakenham fell foul of a heavy frost last night, and the meetings planned for Sandown Park and Folkestone tomorrow - Saturday 02 January 2010 - are now both subject to inspections.

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After inspecting this afternoon and finding a frozen circuit, Folkestone became the latest venue to cancel their card for Saturday 02 January.

Tramore also given green light.

After two inspections this morning, the traditional New Year's Day fixture at Tramore has been given the all clear, and thus ensures racing will take place in Ireland this afternoon.