Put The Kettle On steams to success in Arkle Trial at Cheltenham

Watch a full replay of the Arkle Trophy Trial Novices’ Chase plus interviews with Aidan Coleman and Paul Nicholls.

Put The Kettle On produced a brave front-running performance to see off her three rivals for a surprise win in the Racing Post #responsiblegambling Arkle Trophy Trial Novices’ Chase.

The Henry de Bromhead-trained mare had run six times since May, including three wins over fences, and she made full use of that experience compared to the opposition.

Aidan Coleman dictated affairs from the start – and although Put The Kettle On looked a sitting duck when the other three runners closed, her jumping proved decisive.

Getaway Trump was a big danger until a mistake two out set him back in his tracks, while Put The Kettle On (6-1) maintained the gallop to score by two and a half lengths from Al Dancer, the 7-4 favourite.

Winning jockey Coleman said: "I would say spectacular would be doing her an injustice because, when I wanted her to come, she came, but she was so economical as well, which is very important on that ground.

"She just handled that ground really well, which is kind of a surprise because it was an unknown. What an attitude and what a little jumper.

"It was attritional conditions, not really conditions a horse would excel on, but she did it really well.

"This was no fluke as she had good form in Ireland, had the allowances and it was just a very good performance - I won well.

"Henry was very straightforward. He said to let her stride on and use her experience. He didn't tie me down but, looking at the race, she was always going to be in front.

"She got a lovely lead the whole way and her jumping was impeccable - it didn't make the difference as she was the best horse in the race on the day but it definitely helped."

Jockey Sam-Twiston Davies said of Al Dancer: "I'm very happy with that as we gave the winner far too easy a time up front. My lad is all speed and I thought I'd be quicker than her up the hill, but in this sort of ground there's no such thing as a fast horse.

"He relaxed really well and jumped better today than last time, even though the ground wasn't that nice. It was a massive performance to give 3lb to Getaway Trump and a lot more to the winner, but I'm just sick at getting beat."

Trainer Nigel Twiston-Davies said: "I don't know if he's favourite for the Arkle but he probably should be. I'm sure he's better on better ground and missing out the [downhill] fence didn't help as his jumping is absolutely perfect. I'm still very positive."