The Conditional clung on grimly to emerge victorious in the Ultima Handicap Chase at Cheltenham.

A winner over the course and distance in October, David Bridgwater’s charge went on to fill the runner-up spot in the Ladbrokes Trophy at Newbury before placing fourth when favourite for the Classic Chase at Warwick in January.

The eight-year-old was a 15/2 chance on his return to Prestbury Park and travelled strongly for much of the thee-mile-one-furlong journey in the hands of a confident-looking Brendan Powell.

There was a scare for The Conditional’s supporters at the second fence from the finish, but he winged the final obstacle and galloped all the way to the line to hold the persistent challenge of Kildisart by diminishing neck.

Discorama and Vinndication, the 11/2 joint-favourites, finished third and fourth respectively.

It was a well deserved success for trainer David Bridgewater, who said: "I was pretty confident - I was confident last night and I said to Brendan: 'If you are going well at the top of the hill, just fill him up' because I am not sure whether he actually gets the trip. We are still learning about him. He has given that a peach. It's unbelievable, amazing. He is all about next year, really. We've nearly won a Ladbrokes Trophy and now we've won at The Festival - how much higher... Dare to dream, isn't it?

When I bought him off Martin Hassett I thought he was possibly a long-term Grand National horse. We'll see. He's only a baby and we're still only learning, but that's a great start."

Bridgewater was equally complimentary about jockey Brendan Powell:

"I think Brendan is a wonderful jockey and he deserves that because he has had a rough old time last couple of years. We all have down times, trainers, jockeys, and it's very special for him.

"We have been unlucky with The Giant Bolster, who was placed in the Gold Cup three times, but to have a winner a Cheltenham is beyond belief."

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