Countrywide Flame burns brightly in Triumph

Countrywide Flame sprang a 33-1 surprise for North Yorkshire-based trainer John Quinn and jockey Dougie Costello in a dramatic race for the JCB Triumph Hurdle at Cheltenham.

There were several in with chances at the final flight, but it was Countrywide Flame who jumped it best to hit the front and gallop all of the way to the line.

Irish raider Hisaabaat (20-1) was beaten three lengths in second, with 5-1 favourite Grumeti another three-quarters of a length away in third.

Dodging Bullets was just behind in fourth.

Costello said: “He’s not very big, but he’s tough. Horses like this are brilliant.”