Lively bags big race win

Joe Lively made just about all the running and defied a terrible mistake at the second last to win the Letheby & Christopher Chase at Cheltenham.

The 11/1 shot set an honest gallop and had all bar Halcon Genelardais (5/2f) and Star De Mohaison beaten two out.

But an error there looked costly as Robert Thornton urged Halcon Genelardais in the lead despite being off the bridle for over a circuit.

But Joe Tizzard got a second run out of Joe Lively heading to the final fence and sensationally outstayed Alan King's charge despite having to concede 6lb in weight.

The pair pulled clear of Tidal Bay (9/2), who plugged on for third while Star De Mohaison, who had been given a patient ride by Barry Geraghty, faded to a walk on the run-in.

Paul Nicholls' second runner Nozic failed to land a blow after hitting the final ditch while Snoopy Loopy and Roll Along were also outpaced from a long way out.

"It all played into our hands today," said winning trainer Colin Tizzard. "The ground suited him and front-runners aren't coming back to them.

"He nearly threw it away at the second-last and landed sideways but he stayed on again.

"He's a courageous chap and we've been to the well with him a few times but he keeps on dishing it up. I didn't know how he'd handle the ground but today was our day and he does stay.

"I'm not exactly sure where he'll go next. There is a race at Haydock but we're more than likely to play the big game and go for the Gold Cup and the Grand National."