Bell tolls for white-hot Henderson

Nicky Henderson topped off an incredible week by saddling the first two home in his father’s race, the Johnny Henderson Grand Annual Chase, as Bellvano benefited from the ultimate waiting ride by Paul Carberry.

Stablemate Tanks For That appeared to have the race in the bag as he held a three-length advantage over the last, but Carberry had yet to ask his mount for everything.

Henderson, who was winning a remarkable seventh race of the week, was in the envious position of not knowing which horse to shout for in the final 100 yards as Bellvano (20-1) closed in on the leader.

Carberry asked for everything as the line approached, and his mount responded to give owner JP McManus his fifth success at the Festival on the day he won his first Gold Cup with Synchronised.

Kumbeshwar ran a game race in third, while Henderson’s Anquetta claimed fourth.

A tearful Henderson said: ``We've fielded quite a few of them, and three have finished in the first four.

“We’ve ran him here plenty of times – he’s a very good horse – but this horse has never got up the hill before until now.

“It’s been an amazing week and this is an emotional day.

Carberry said: ``It's great end to the week for Nicky, and JP has had a great day today.

“He really travelled well. I just kept waiting with him.

“It’s super to ride a winner for Nicky in his dad’s race and a great end to the week for me.”