From the doldrums to the winner's circle: Samcro beats Melon and Faugheen in thriller

The much-maligned Samcro got the better of Melon in a thrilling finish to the Marsh Novices' Chase, the opening race of the third day of the 2020 Cheltenham Festival.

As the pair crossed the line, it looked like Samcro, winner of the 2018 Ballymore Novices’ Hurdle, had been mugged on the line by Melon but when the verdict came through the dual Champion Hurdle runner-up was a neck behind with the 12-year-old Faugheen producing a valiant effort in third.