Irish return home from Cheltenham

Thousands of Irish punters will begin the long trip home today following this year's Cheltenham National Hunt Festival.

The three-day event produced six Irish winners, including Back to Front for Eddie O'Grady and You'll Never Walk Alone for Christy Roche on the opening day.

Hardy Eustace also won the Royal and Sun Alliance Novices' Hurdle for Dessie Hughes, while Moscow Flyer justified the favourites tag with a win for Jessica Harrington in the Queen Mother Champion Chase.

Barry Geraghty, meanwhile, saddled five winners, earning him the Daily Telegraph trophy for top jockey.

However, the festival ended on a sad note for the Irish yesterday when veteran jumper Doran's Pride had to be put down following a fall in the Foxhunters' Chase.

Elsewhere, Rooster Booster took the Champions Hurdle, while Best Mate will be back next year looking for a hat-trick of wins in the Gold Cup after becoming the first horse in 32 years to win the event in consecutive years.