Paul Townend doubles up thanks to Irish Cavalier at Cheltenham

Irish Cavalier capped a fine day for jockey Paul Townend when lifting the CHAPS Restaurants Barbados Novices’ Handicap Chase at Cheltenham.

Successful on Glens Melody in the OLBG Mares’ Hurdle, Townend delivered the Rebecca Curtis-trained grey to lead on the run-in after Horizontal Speed had taken the field to the last, to complete a big-day double.

There were several in with chances at the final fence, but Irish Cavalier (11-1) came out on top as he strode gamely up the hill to win by two and a half lengths from 6-1 favourite Thomas Crapper.