RACING
Gripping finish for Harry Cobden as he survives last-fence scare
Jockey claims his first victory in the Paddy Power Gold Cup at Cheltenham after sitting tight and showing tremendous tenacity following mistake at the last
Cobden won his first Paddy Power Gold Cup on Stage Star, while the victory was a third for trainer Nicholls
PRESS ASSOCIATION
Balance can be beautiful — until it isn’t. For 15 of the 16 fences of this Paddy Power Gold Cup, Harry Cobden and Stage Star were the image of a soaring, spring-heeled centaur. Then, at the last, the stride was wrong, the horse threw himself long and low, sprawled on landing, and for a dreadful moment all seemed over.
But somehow Cobden kept a leg either side, regathered his reins, and after a few frantic seconds had enough gallop to keep a four-length advantage to the line.
Cobden and Stage Star had set off on their 2½ -mile journey as a front-running favourite should. For a full circuit, top-weight The Real Whacker and the locally-trained Fugitif vied for the lead with the grey, Unexpected
