A lot of the talk in the build-up to this year’s Festival focused on the fact reigning champion jockey Sean Bowen has yet to ride a winner at The Festival. In today’s concluding contest, his younger brother James beat him to a place on the Festival roll of honour when he rode Holloway Queen (12-1) to victory in the National Hunt Novices’ Handicap Chase.

It bookended the day perfectly for winning trainer Nicky Henderson, who saddled Old Park Star to victory in the opening Sky Bet Supreme Novices’ Hurdle.

James Bowen said: “It’s great to get a winner on the first day, and I suppose a bit of redemption for last year, when I missed the whole of the Festival and might have missed a winner, so it’s great to get this.

“We always thought this mare was better on soft ground until today. I was actually a bit negative on her beforehand because of the ground, but if it had come up soft, I’d have really fancied her chances. I suppose the ground didn’t make any difference over that trip today; she just wants a trip on good ground, I think.

“When I jumped three out, I got in close to it and my arse hit the saddle and she took off! Once I got past the horse in front, I thought, something’s bound to come and catch me, but we went fast enough that there weren't any finishers.

“It didn’t feel like I was far clear - the commentator seemed very loud and it made me think there was something right behind me.

“I’ve been at Seven Barrows eight years now, and Nicky’s been extremely good to me. Nico was sat in the weighing room watching the race, and Nicky had every right to put Nico on it, but he’s very loyal and I really appreciate everything he’s done for me.”

Nicky Henderson said: “That was very good. I thought she wanted a bog, so we ummed and aahed and we weren’t going to run unless there was soft all over it, but I suppose you get the same effect when you go three miles and six - a bloody good, honest, staying test. She stays and jumps. Perhaps she’ll be a Grand National horse - if we all live long enough.

“She was on the transfer list earlier in the year as it wasn’t working for her over hurdles and she was getting sulky, but James has got a rhythm with her and she just jumps and gallops. She’s only a novice so we’ll just mind her a bit. You probably wouldn’t want to run her on the ground too often.”

Nicky Henderson – 77 Festival wins
James Bowen – 1 Festival win