Wonderwall finds right tune in Hunters' Chase

Wonderwall made it three from three for trainer Sam Curling with triumph in a thrilling St. James’s Place Festival Challenge Cup Open Hunters' Chase under jockey Rob James in a 1-2-3 for Ireland. 

The 28/1 chance was well-positioned on the run down the hill behind the bold-jumping Shearer under Olive Nicholls, with former two-time race runner-up Its On The Line joining that one at the head of affairs on the turn for home while Willitgoahead went nicely behind those.

The Irish horses went clear on the run to the final fence as Angels Dawn – the favourite and former Festival winner also trained by Curling – faded into fifth – and while the mercurial Its On The Line put up a bold bid as he attempted to make it third time lucky in this contest, it was the nine-year-old Wonderwall – lightly-raced over fences and in a first-time tongue tie – who lasted it out with a verdict of half a length at the line in a compelling race. 

"Unbelievable - I'm stuck for words," the winning rider told Racing TV's Lydia Hislop.

"It's great to get a winner for Sam - he's always been good to me at home and in point-to-points and he had him spot on today. He has a brilliant team at home and fair dues to them. 

The jockey added: "He just jumped and travelled and took me everywhere. We probably go there a little bit too soon but look it,we held on. 

"[Its On The Line] always rallies, he likes a battle, but [Wonderwall] was travelling so well and his jumping was so quick he just took me there."

James landed Festival glory aboard Milan Native in the Kim Muir in 2020 and said: "It feels like a long time ago now!

"It's great to relive it again and you probably take it in better this time.

"It's great to get the Foxhunters' on the board. They took away the [National Hunt Chase for amateurs] and it's not ideal for us and we don't get too many chances, but we’ll take them when they come."

Curling said on his winner: "He's a very good horse, he won his point-to-points well and we kept him fresh for the race. 

"We fancied him well now and Rob gave him a lovely ride, he jumped brilliantly for him. His jumping used to be the issue but it's come very good there, so we gave him a big chance if he got into a rhythm."

On another Cheltenham triumph after Angels Dawn beat Stumptown in the Kim Muir two years ago, Curling added: "It's brilliant, especially in this race. We’re big into point-to-pointing and this is the race you want to win. It’s our championship race and it's great to win it."

The trainer said on Angels Dawn: "The ground probably dried too much for her, she's actually going to be covered now so that was her last run I’d say."

Curling hailed rider Derek O'Connor for his work with Wonderwall in getting him jumping after the rider partnered the horse in both wins last autumn at Loughrea and Damma House, but that would likely have proved little consolation after finishing second in this race aboard Its On The Line for the third year in a row.

He told Lydia Hislop: "To be fair, I think Wonderwall just on the line opened up a little bit again.

"But my horse - I actually think it's the best run he's ever put in.

"He jumped, he was so enthusiastic, he travelled well and he tried all the way to the line - I couldn't ask for any more off him. 

On future plans, he added: "Aintree and back to Punchestown and sure, isn't he just the best horse in the world really - it's some sport to go to all of the Festivals, some sport."