Gift wraps up victory

IRIS’S GIFT overcame a number of novicey mistakes to continue his rise through the jumping ranks with an comprehensive success in the Ian Williams Owners Novices’ Chase at Cheltenham yesterday.

The 2004 Stayers’ Hurdle winner faced his stiffest task to date but warmed to the job through the race and came home an easy 17-length winner from Sweet Diversion.

The Tony McCoy-ridden eight-year-old had to fiddle several fences but had most of his rivals in trouble at the top of the hill, with his nearest pursuer You Owe Me unseating Carl Llewellyn four from home.