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Trainer Nicky Henderson was delighted with the performance of On The Blind Side, who stayed on strongly on the run-in to record a two and a half length victory at Cheltenham this afternoon.

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The 9/2 shot, who remains unbeaten, travelled reasonably well under jockey Nico De Boinville and the pair loomed dangerously as the field turned for home, with Poetic Rhythm and eventual runner-up Momella going toe-to-toe at the head of the field.

 

However, these two horses could not match the staying power of On The Blind Side on the run for home, with the five-year-old striding away up the hill to leave his trainer looking forward to seeing the powerful gelding over fences next season.

 

"He's stayed on strongly at the end but ran a funny race really," said Henderson.

"He struggled coming down the hill but came up the hill really well. He's finished off superbly though.

 

"He wasn't travelling as well as he ought to have been but he's obviously got stamina rather than speed. It was a good gallop all the way though - it was a good performance.

 

"I seriously hope we see him back in one of these novice chases here next season - that really should be on the cards. Where we go from here, I'm not sure. I would have thought he'll end up at three miles at the end of the season - the Albert Bartlett (at the Festival) would have to be on the agenda. I'm not saying he'll start over three miles on his next start though."

Harry Skelton, rider of the second Momella, said: "I'm absolutely delighted with her. She is a real nice mare and she has got some black type over hurdles. That was only her third start over hurdles so we couldn't be happier."