First Cheltenham win for Elliott

Grand National-winning trainer Gordon Elliott sent out his first winner on another big stage as Newton Bridge raced to success under his brother Joey at Cheltenham today.

There were plenty in with chances as the field swung for home on a crisp winter afternoon, and it was Peacock who was seemingly going best of all as he eased clear.

But Elliott's mount pinged the final flight to take command and the 11-1 chance drew away for a three-length success.

The trainer said: "The jockey is my brother and this is our first winner at Cheltenham.

"The horse will be finished for the moment - we are going to give him a couple of months off, but he could be a horse for the Topham Trophy over the National course as he has won over fences before."

SunAlliance Chase aspirations for Glasker Mill were never realised last season but intensive schooling sessions have worked a treat and the seven-year-old kicked off his new term with victory in the paddypower.com Graduation Chase.

Fundamentalist made a blunder three out when in command, leaving 15-8 favourite Ofarel D'airy to strike for home, only for Graham Lee to galvanise the 11-2 chance and Henrietta Knight's charge stayed on best of all to score by a short head.

Knight said: "He fell twice over fences last season, so we put him over hurdles and he slightly lost his way.

"We have done loads of schooling with him - he jumped 16 fences yesterday - and he has always had ability.

"We were thinking about the SunAlliance Chase for him last season as he does stay, but there are limited opportunities for him now as he is high in the handicap."