Samcro edged out Melon – and Faugheen – in a thrilling race for the Marsh Novices’ Chase at Cheltenham.

The 2018 Ballymore Novices’ Hurdle winner has had a chequered career since that Festival highlight – but returned to his best in a finish that had just about everything.

The pair battled it out up the famous hill and it could have gone either way, but in the end it was the Gordon Elliott-trained Samcro (4/1) who snatched the verdict on the line under Davy Russell.

Faugheen – with the packed stands willing him on – was right behind the first two in third spot, with Mister Fisher fourth.

Sent off the 3/1 favourite, Faugheen was away smartly, but Reserve Tank and Poker Play made the early running before Melon joined the leaders before the fifth fence.

There was early drama when Itchy Feet blundered and unseated Gavin Sheehan at the sixth fence.

Samcro travelled well and there was all to play for until Faugheen made a mistake three out that cost him ground at a crucial time.

It left Samcro and Melon ahead of the pack with the former, wearing the Gigginstown House Stud colours, prevailing by a nose, as Faugheen rallied to be just another length behind.

An emotional Gordon Elliott said: "Samcro was in the doldrums for a while and had lost his way, so it means a lot to get him back to win another G1 at Cheltenham.

"You can see how much it means to everyone in the yard. All the girls and Jack Madden who looks after him everyday, have done all the hard work with this horse.

"They have spent day and night trying to get this horse right. He hasn't been scoping clean and it has been hard to get him to scope right - thankfully it has paid off today."

Elliott credited the success to the Cullentra House team and in particular, Jack Madden:

"He's had his issues, but he was right today and it was job done. Jack Madden said to me this week that he hadn't been this well since the Ballymore and he has looked better everyday.

"I'm delighted for the team, it's a great effort from everyone and all of the team back home will enjoy this as well.

"It was a great feeling for him to win. Just to have him back is brilliant."

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