Having teamed up to take yesterday’s concluding National Hunt Novices’ Handicap Chase with Holloway Queen, trainer Nicky Henderson and jockey James Bowen were back in the winner’s enclosure today as Jingko Blue justified 9-2 favouritism with an impressive six-length win in the BetMGM Handicap Hurdle.

Nicky Henderson said: “I thought James was interesting - it wasn’t exactly the plan to make the running, but he did it exceptionally well, didn’t he? It was great. He’s not the easiest horse to keep on the right side of - when he’s good, he’s very talented, but he’s not the easiest. His jumping has never been… We tried him over fences and he won over fences, but…

“This was the obvious race to come for. He’s not a slow horse, but he got an easy lead there - normally the pace is flat out. Great pace-making by James!

“At least the owner [Tony Barney] has got a day to calm down before Jango Baie in the Gold Cup - he might need it!”

James Bowen said: “Plan A went completely out of the window, then B and C! I never intended to make the running but I winged the first and the next thing I was there, doing nothing. It felt good when I winged the last because he doesn’t always come for you, but he did today.

“He got in a great rhythm and I was able to take him back the whole way, then when we got between four out and three out I was able to roll on into it. I jumped that one well and from the top of the hill to turning in it just worked out well.

“It’s quick ground and I feel like we went slower today than yesterday when I won the National Hunt Chase. It was always going to suit the ones on the front end and I’m just glad it was me.”

Josh Williamson, who only had his first Cheltenham ride yesterday, said of the runner-up Franciscan Rock: “That was a great thrill. He jumped and travelled great. It was disappointing to get beaten but it was a great run. He was 50-1 but Mouse wasn’t writing him off at all. He’d run well here before and Mouse thought he had a great chance.”

Josh’s proud father Norman Williamson, who rode the winners of the Champion Hurdle (Alderbrook) and Cheltenham Gold Cup (Master Oats) in 1995, said: “You can never underestimate Mouse and he ran a blinder. He rang me a month ago and said if it dries out he has a chance. He wanted Josh to ride him.”

Mouse Morris added: “I was hoping I’d get Josh because I fancied him. He had some good form here in the past and he’s been running in Graded races on bottomless ground. I left all the headgear off today.”

Nicky Henderson – 78 Festival wins
James Bowen - 2 Festival wins