Codd shows character in Kim Muir

Character Building was given the coolest of rides by Jamie Codd to come out on top in the Fulke Walwyn Kim Muir Challenge Cup at Cheltenham.

The 16-1 chance was settled towards the rear in the early stages but made stealthy headway to take closer order as the field came down the hill.

Codd was still sat motionless after jumping the final fence and only had to push out his mount to hold the challenge of Pretty Star by a length.

Character Building, trained in North Yorkshire by John Quinn, was gaining compensation from the Festival two years ago when he was beaten less than a length in the National Hunt Chase.

Pretty Star tried his best to claw back ground on the run-in but the winner always had matters in hand.

Newbay Prop stayed on to finish third, while Bowleaze rewarded those who backed him each-way at odds of 16-1.

Well-supported favourite Poker De Sivola travelled nicely into the race but his challenge flattened out in the straight.

Character Building’s triumph saw William Hill promote Quinn’s charge into 12-1 co-favouritism for the John Smith’s Grand National.