ANOTHER EXCELLENT COUNTRYSIDE DAY CROWD AT CHELTENHAM
 
Today's attendance came to 21,612, an increase of 679 on the 2016 total of 20,933. 
 
Ian Renton, Regional Director, Jockey Club Racecourses South West, commented: "We have enjoyed another fantastic day of racing at Cheltenham and it is great to see so many people here on Countryside Day.
 
"We now look forward to the remaining two days of The November Meeting and anticipate more terrific racing tomorrow and on Sunday."
 
MORE ABOUT FINIAN'S OSCAR
 
Joe Tizzard, assistant trainer to his father Colin, was interviewed on ITV after the horse's victory in the Steel Plate And Sections Novices' Chase over two and a half miles.
 
He said: "It was really lovely to be given the go-ahead to run the Potts' horses this weekend.
 
"This was a celebration of what Alan (Potts) gave to National Hunt Racing, and thanks go to Cheltenham for what they did before the race.
 
"You need to be positive with this horse whatever you do, whether it is going short or long. He was typically novicy early on.   
 
"I could not have been happier coming down the hill and I knew he would pick up. I thought he would put it to bed, but we saw it at Punchestown, he just idled.
 
"This is the bit I like, Barry got first run on us, but once Bryan got hold of Finian's Oscar he has picked up and won very nicely. I think this will have taught the horse a lot.
 
"He won a sprint and we haven't ruled out the Arkle (at The Festival in March) - but we thought it would be too much to come around here for the first time over two miles.
 
"He won't go for the RSA, he has too much speed for that. Don't get me wrong, we think he could grow into a Gold Cup horse. But for now, he does not need to be running over extreme distances.
 
"He showed a cracking turn of foot today and it was a lovely performance. He ticked all the boxes today."      
 
STEWARDS' REPORTS
 
Race 1 - 12:40pm MARKEL INSURANCE AMATEUR RIDERS' HANDICAP CHASE
Following the race the Veterinary Officer reported that WHAT HAPPENS NOW (IRE), unplaced, lost its right hind shoe.
 
Race 2 - 1:15pm FAIRLIGHT BOOKS NOVICES' HANDICAP HURDLE
Following the race the Veterinary Officer reported that COUNTER SHY (IRE), which was pulled up, was lame right fore and Ciaran Gethings reported that STUCCODOR (IRE), which was pulled up, was never travelling.
 
Race 3 - 1:50pm BetVictor HANDICAP CHASE
Permission was given for EXITAS (IRE) to go early to post and for DOITFORTHEVILLAGE (IRE) to wear a hood in the parade ring only.
 
DOITFORTHEVILLAGE (IRE) appeared to show improved form compared with its previous run at Cheltenham on 28 October 2017, where the gelding finished sixth of the fifteen runners, beaten around 20 lengths on good ground. Paul Henderson's explanation that DOITFORTHEVILLAGE (IRE) was suited by the softer ground on this occasion was noted. The gelding was routine tested.
 
Race 4 - 2:25pm STEEL PLATE AND SECTIONS NOVICES' CHASE
Following the race Davy Russell reported that WILLIAM HENRY (IRE), which was pulled up, jumped right-handed throughout, causing his saddle to slip.
 
Race 5 - 3:00pm GLENFARCLAS CROSS COUNTRY HANDICAP CHASE
Following the race Lizzie Kelly reported that AUBUSSON (FR), unplaced, made a bad mistake five fences from home, causing her saddle to slip, and because of this she had to finish the race without her irons. The Veterinary Officer reported that AUBUSSON (FR), was lame right hind. The Veterinary Officer further reported that CANTLOW (IRE), placed fourth, lost its right fore shoe and that NEED TO KNOW (IRE), which was pulled up, was lame.