Paul Townend wins the Ballymore Novices' Hurdle on Sir Gerhard

Heavy favourite Sir Gerhard wins the Ballymore Novices’ Hurdle as jockey Paul Townend kicks off day two at Cheltenham with victory

Paul Townend won the Ballymore Novices’ Hurdle on Sir Gerhard to kick off the second day at the Cheltenham festival. 

However, it was Rachel Blackmore who was leading on Journey With Me as they headed into the final four fences. 

Sir Gerhard did well to pull himself second on the back straight to track Journey With Me. The pair went head-to-head until the home turn when Sir Gerhard powered into the lead. 

Journey With Me then took a nasty tumble at the final fence, clearing the way for the favourite to win the race.   

 More to follow…

Paul Townend won the Ballymore Novices' Hurdle on Sir Gerhard (pictured above)

Paul Townend won the Ballymore Novices’ Hurdle on Sir Gerhard (pictured above)

BALLYMORE NOVICES’ HURDLE PLACINGS

1/ Sir Gerhard (P Townend) 8-11 Fav

2/ Three Stripe Life (D N Russell) 8-1

3/ Whatdeawant (D E Mullins) 18-1

source: dailymail.co.uk