TOMMY LYONS: Harry Fry leads Brits on a quickfire double

Irish-trained runners were utterly dominant at the Cheltenham Festival, recording a record haul, but the British-based trainers are fighting back on the return trip, to Punchestown, writes Tommy Lyons.

Harry Fry, one of the brightest young talents on the scene across the water, recorded a quickfire double in the featured Grade 1 Ladbrokes Champion Stayers Hurdle, with Unowhatimeanharry, and the Shamrock Enterprises Handicap Hurdle with Minella Awards.

Hot on the heels of Wednesday’s Gold Cup, the stayers’ hurdle was another thriller and, under a clever ride from Noel Fehily, Unowhatimeanharry reversed Cheltenham form with Nichols Canyon – but only just.