It’s easy to point to the statistics which show only one horse has ever won this race and gone on to success in the RSA, though 15 have tried since 1988. However, I don’t see any solid reason why O’Faolains Boy shouldn’t show the same sort of form at Cheltenham.

The early pace wasn’t strong, and when it picked up after the seventh last O’Faolains Boy was stretched into being a bit hesitant and slow over the next three fences. He then picked up nicely though and jumped well thereafter, kicking on the lead soon after turning in and then keeping on better than the runner-up.