Jewson Chase goes to Copper Bleu

Copper Bleu (12-1) won an eventful renewal of the Jewson Novices’ Handicap Chase, the first race on day three of the Cheltenham Festival.

There were plenty of casualties throughout the two-mile-five-furlong contest, but Richard Johnson weaved his way through the field to lead at the final fence.

Philip Hobbs’ eight-year-old, who was fourth in the Supreme Novices’ last year, began to idle out in front which enabled Paddy Brennan to have another go on runner-up Othermix.

The pair crossed paths on the run-in, but Johnson showed his strength to galvanise his mount once more and score by three and a half lengths.

Willie Mullins’ The Midnight Club ran on well for third, with the well-backed China Rock in fourth.

Johnson said: ``He ran well here last year (fourth in the Supreme) and I always felt on that form he had a good chance today.

“The tongue-tie helped and I think the extra trip has also helped today.

“He was having a look around on the run-in but it’s just fantastic to have a winner.

“It’s a funny place when you are on your own. He wasn’t stopping, he was just looking around.”

Hobbs' wife, Sarah, said: ``The horse is still very green but he jumped super and Richard gave him a great ride.

“I thought to have one winner (Menorah won the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle on Tuesday) was great, but to have two is fantastic.”