STAN JAMES CHAMPION HURDLE

THEY said it was Hamlet without the Prince but in the end it mattered not, for there was a Queen ready to step on to the throne.

Annie Power made virtually all the running under Ruby Walsh and in winning the Stan James Champion Hurdle by four and a half lengths, she became the first mare since Flakey Dove 22 years ago to win hurdle racing’s biggest prize.

She gained due compensation for her last flight fall when set for victory in the mares hurdle last year. In hindsight what a relief it was that she was uninjured in that nasty tumble.

The win was hugely popular, Ruby Walsh fist pumping again and again passing the line and reduced her owner Rich Ricci to tears.

Walsh had been the subject of criticism after a few last fence falls but this again was evidence that while many races are lost at the last, many more are won by astute tactical rides.

This was another one from the festival’s leading rider. He judged the pace perfectly, sending the mare on from over the first hurdle and keeping up a strong pace on drying ground that resulted in a course time for the race.

Walsh said later. “I said to David Casey after riding work, remind me going out not to ook back, they weren’t going too outstay me, they may have outsprinted me.”

Annie Power and Ruby Walsh take the last

Annie Power jumped really well in the lead, Walsh was positive going to the last and she ran away to win it well in a course record time. Even her supporters could not have thought she would win so well.

My Tent Or Yours was well supported after his two years off and ran a great race. He will make a fine Arkle contender next year and fences may curb his enthusiasm a bit more, he was still keen despite a hood, citation bridle and net muzzle!

The New One was ridden more prominently than usual but he has no longer the speed for top class two-mile hurdles.

Nichols Canyon ran a brave race. Not very big, he always looked in top gear and has a tendency to stand too far off, and lacks the scope. One day you fear he will pay the price for his bravery.

Identity Thief was thought to be suited by better ground but never travelled very well. His sixth place finish was a bit disappointing.

Top Notch proved best of the five-year-olds and ran a brave race for fifth.

The future is not bright for Peace And Co who looked uncomfortable even before the off and though he did make a move down the side, he was pulled up. He has not love of the racecourse.

Sempre Medici was always on the back foot and he is not Grade 1 class. He was pulled up before the last. Hargam and Camping Ground were always struggling.

It was a great performance by the mare and Willie Mullins, given that even getting her to Cheltenham had been doubtful earlier in the year and she came off a less than ideal preparation.

Comparisons with Dawn Run were immediate with connections recalling she was bought for chasing. It is hoped that she will be campaigned more boldly and given the chance if she takes to fences. With Faugheen back next year that will hopefully be possible.

The one issue to note for the future is that the addition of intermediate and specialist races is undoubtedly taking away from the main events. Vautour heading for the Ryanair is the second example this week. Only for the defection of Faugheen, Annie Power would probably have been in the mares hurdle. And on today’s evidence it have been a crying shame if Annie Power had not been allowed to show her true ability against the best around in the hurdling championship.