By Andrew Atkinson
The Leader hit the bookies on Ladies Day on day two of the Cheltenham Festival on Wednesday tipping the last FOUR winners on the card returning a 41-1 accumulator – with each way selections also placed!
Altior (4-11) got the ball rolling when winning the Betway Queen Mother Champion Chase, it being a record 18th consecutive win for the Nicky Henderson trained star, ridden to victory by Nico De Boinville.
“He had to have a little fight – but he made it exciting for everybody – including myself,” said jubilant Henderson.
“It was a cracking good race, but for me it was hell,” said Henderson.
Jockey De Boinville said: “What an absolute monster – aren’t we lucky to be in an age where he’s here.
“We should just celebrate him. He’s a phenomenal athlete – he doesn’t know how to lose.”
Leader selection Tiger Roll (5-4) romped to a 22 lengths victory in the Glenfarclas Chase, with French trained Urgent De Gregaine, a Leader each way tip running third.
The Boodles Fred Winter Juvenile Handicap Hurdle (4.50) saw Joseph O’Brien trained Leader tip Band Of Outlaws win (7-2) with each way tip Coko Beach placed (14-1).
And the Leader completed a ‘Bookie Bashing’ when the Gordon Elliott trained Leader selection Envoi Allen (2-1) won the Weatherbys Champion Bumper race.
In the Ballymore Novices hurdle Leader selection, Champ finished second with noted City Island successful at 8-1.
The RSA Chase Leader selection Delta Work run third, with noted Santini second behind winner and noted runner Top Of The Game.
*The Leader has tipped six winning selections on the first two days of the Cheltenham festival, having tipped a 42-1 double on the opening day, along with placed each way selections. No.1 for Racing!