'We're over the moon' - Padraig Roche's Brazil pips Mullins' talking horse

Tuesday: Boodles Juvenile Handicap Hurdle, Cheltenham

Brazil proved there is no substitute for experience when narrowly denying the well-backed, talking-horse Gaelic Warrior and providing trainer Padraig Roche with his breakthrough success at the festival.

All the talk in the build-up was about the runner-up, who appeared leniently treated by the British handicapper on a mark of 129 for his British debut, 10lb lower than his French mark after three starts.

Such was the excitement surrounding the 13-8 favourite, his jockey Paul Townend nominated him as his best chance of the day and for much of the race it seemed as though the pair were set to make all.

Gaelic Warrior (leading) had jumped the last ahead of Brazil (green and yellow)Credit: John Grossick (racingpost.com/photos)

However, while his rival jumped right throughout, Brazil eased into contention under Mark Walsh and got up to win by a short head.

"It's fantastic," said Roche after celebrating his first festival success. "We're incredibly lucky to have a horse like him and we're over the moon. He's a full brother to Capri, so we always knew he'd stay. To have a winner for JP and Noreen McManus here is extra special."

'This is a magical place'

The trainer added: "That's my first runner here and in Britain, and this is a magical place. I was leading up here when I shouldn't have been. I was 12 or 13 when I led in Like-A-Butterfly when she won the Supreme Novices'.

"My dad [Christy Roche] always had runners for ten years and I was lucky to get a couple of rides. I've been coming here for a long time.

"We knew he'd stay and I left it to Mark. There's no point giving him instructions and he gave him a great ride. We grew up together and Mark started with Dad. We're the same age and are best friends."

Brazil was hampered by Gaelic Warrior at the second-last but rallied well under Walsh, who added: "Paul's horse kept jumping right and he interfered with me, so I was happy when Paul kicked into the straight so I could get down his inner. I knew Brazil would stay.

"Everybody down at the start wanted to make it but when we jumped off nobody seemed to kick on, so we hacked for most of the race. I sent him on down the hill and I wanted it to be a staying race."

Boodles Juvenile Handicap Hurdle: full result and replay

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