Harry retains unbeaten record

Diamond Harry had to pull out all the stops to maintain his unbeaten record in the Grade Two Racecourse of The Year Classic Novices' Hurdle at Cheltenham.

Nick Williams' inmate was sent off the 8-15 market-leader on the back of his runaway success in the Challow Hurdle at Newbury and travelled strongly throughout under Timmy Murphy.

But he looked in trouble as Bensalem cruised to the front soon after turning for home, Timmy Murphy opting to take a lone course up the inside turning into the straight.

There was little between the pair at the final flight but Diamond Harry battled back to score by half a length.

Sky Bet left the winner the unchanged 3-1 favourite for the Ballymore Properties Hurdle at the Festival in March, while the runner-up is 10-1 from 20s.

"He was as a brave as a lion," said the trainer. "He has never had to be off the bridle over hurdles and it has got to happen sometime of course - although I didn't really want it to," he said.

"The second horse is not to be under estimated and they have come a long way clear so looking at that, he shouldn't be running again before the Festival."

Bensalem's trainer Alan King added: "We'll get the winner one day but I'm 3-0 with him at the moment. It's disappointing to get beat but I'm very pleased with my horse.

"That's the first proper race he's had and a good battle will have done him good. I know he idles when he's in front and he had no company in the closing stages.

"His work has always been very good and he'll make a smashing chaser next season.

"He'll be entered in both the Albert Bartlett and the Ballymore at the Festival and we'll decide nearer the time where we go."