Diamond Harry shines on

Diamond Harry came close to losing his unbeaten record before showing admirable battling qualities to again come out on top at Cheltenham today.

Nick Williams' strapping gelding is a strong ante-post favourite for the Ballymore Properties Novices' Hurdle back at the course in March with five previous wins, nearly all completed without any fuss.

Turning for the final straight in the Grade Two Racecourse of The Year Classic Novices' Hurdle, Timmy Murphy made an interesting move alone up the far rail and 8-13 market leader Diamond Harry quickened instantly.

But the Alan King-trained Bensalem was moving nicely on the other side of the track and it was difficult to see which had the advantage, although Murphy just had the upper hand by the last flight and held off his foe by half a length.

"I thought the unbeaten record was going," conceded Williams.

"He has never even come off the bridle over hurdles - never even close - and it had to happen some time, although I'd rather it hadn't.

"He was as brave as a lion. He was plenty light enough before this so I would say he shouldn't run again before the Festival."

Diamond Harry remains a general 3-1 chance for the Ballymore.

Williams added: "Looking at that I wouldn't say it has improved his chances - he has had a slog but the runner-up is not to be underrated."

The Devon trainer and owners the Paul Duffy Diamond Partnership went close to winning the Wragge & Co Juvenile Novices' Hurdle but King was able to reverse the order thanks to Walkon.

King has been astounded by the progress made by his grey, who was beaten by JCB Triumph Hurdle favourite Zaynar at Newbury before Christmas but confirmed his ability in the Finale at Chepstow.

Walkon (6-5 favourite) is 5-1 second best in the Triumph and impressed with his determination as he kicked a length and a quarter away.

"This horse has done nothing but physically improve, even since his run at Newbury," explained King.

"I got him last July, gelded him and he just fell to pieces on me.

"I don't know whether it was the penalty that caused him to be beaten by Zaynar (at Newbury) or just that he's improved since.

"I wouldn't think he will run again until the Festival."

Williams was delighted with Reve De Sivola, tellingly reporting: "They must have been flying to go 25 lengths clear and it shows how good the pair of them must be.

"I'll only consider the Triumph if the ground is soft as he's too good a horse to risk. I think he's that good.

"He'd be as good as Diamond Harry but is a lot more straightforward and relaxed."

A thrilling front-running effort from The Sawyer (9-1) saw him land a valuable prize in the Grade Three betchronicle.com Trophy.

Trainer Bob Buckler turned his charge out just 10 days after he won at Newbury and under Willie Kennedy, the chestnut kept pulling out a bit more despite repeated challenges.

"He's just a loveable character and he loves to battle," said Crewkerne-based Buckler.

"He could come back here for the Kim Muir, and then on to Punchestown."

Venetia Williams, on the mark with Lightning Strike at Doncaster, followed up by saddling 3-1 favourite Ping Pong Sivola to success in the Timeform Novices' Handicap Chase.

Aidan Coleman raced into an early lead on the mare and she batted the field away by upwards of 16 lengths.

Those who braved the rapidly-falling temperatures for the closing Brightwells Cheltenham Bloodstock Auctions Handicap Hurdle were treated to a thrilling and rousing conclusion.

Philip Hobbs' Presenting Copper went on at the fourth flight, and after seeing off the majority the 7-1 chance had Awesome George breathing down her neck straightening up for the hill.

Awesome George managed to narrowly head the mare approaching the last but she dug deep and rallied to claim a half-length success.

Connections indicated the totesport Trophy at Newbury next month will be next and the sponsors cut her to 14-1 from 33.