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.