Hatch sheds tears on an emotional afternoon for two fine young men

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There in the sodden Cheltenham winner's enclosure, almost hidden among the vocal throng of Splash Of Ginge supporters, was a young man struggling to hold back the tears as he talked about what had just happened.

Given the young man was Ryan Hatch you would be forgiven for thinking they were tears of sadness. You would be wrong.

It was on a similarly mucky afternoon at Newbury in February, 2014, that Hatch won the Betfair Hurdle aboard the pride and joy of owner John Neild and his self-proclaimed 'Ginge Army'.

That now seems a long time ago.

Here last December, back at the scene of his 2016 festival success on Blaklion, Hatch suffered a fall that changed everything.

He fractured vertebrae at the base of his neck and another below his shoulder blade. Also fractured was the sternum, while there was a haematoma on his spinal cord. Reflecting on the injury while lying flat on his back in hospital – as he did for seven weeks – Hatch observed: "It's not ideal."

Splash Of Ginge sets off up the hill, followed by StarchitectCredit: John Grossick (racingpost.com/photos)

Not ideal, no. So bad was the injury, Hatch remains on the sidelines. There is no return date but he says he feels good. On this important Cheltenham day he felt emotional. Winning rider Tom Bellamy is his closest friend. Neild and triumphant trainer Nigel Twiston-Davies can only be marginally behind.

Hatch was not sorry for himself. He was happy for them.

"I am so bloody delighted for everyone," he said.

"Tom and I bought a house together 15 minutes from Nigel's. While I've been off there have been a few spare rides going, so I said to Tom it wouldn't hurt him to ride out for Nigel. He went to Nigel's one morning and last Sunday had his first winner for him. This was a chance ride today and it's magical.

"Anyone in racing will tell you Tom is the most fun to be around, a real good laugh, but he's dedicated as well. He had 10st 6lb to do today, and he's a big lad, but he's disciplined and he's a grafter. I'm chuffed for him."

Neild was chuffed for him as well, but his main thoughts were with Hatch, who he made sure was on the victory podium.

"We're family," he said. "We win together and we lose together. It's when you lose you find out who your friends are.

"Today is a celebration. We believe in Ryan. He's part of us. He's had a year from hell and this is for him.

"Bells and Ryan live together and we put Bells on the horse today for that reason. Ryan told him everything he needed to know. On top of that Nigel believes in his jockeys. He's unique. It's why I love him and it's why he's the best trainer in the country."

Tom Bellamy waves his whip in delight after winning on Splash Of GingeCredit: Edward Whitaker

The country's newly proclaimed best trainer knows all about winning the great race he has now plundered four times. For Bellamy it was a new experience. Winning at Cheltenham was not, although it was something he had not experienced since a success as an amateur at this meeting six years ago.

He proved more than up to the task, as he had when landing the Sky Bet Chase for boss Alan King in January, but this was a task only presented to him because of a suggestion made by his housemate.

"It's amazing. I'm absolutely chuffed," said the 23-year-old.

"Things have dried up since I lost my claim, but that happens to most people. I've spread myself around a bit more and started riding out for Nigel, but I didn't expect to get a ride as big as this so quick. I'm pinching myself."

Bellamy then spoke of how he had first met Neild when with Hatch soon after Splash Of Ginge's previous finest hour at Newbury.

"We had a good celebration that night and he's been a friend ever since," he explained. "I'm delighted to get a winner for him."

Cheltenham's paddock was full of delight. Hatch, who consistently comes across as a young man of the very highest order, was every bit as thrilled as those whose Weatherbys accounts will soon be topped up handsomely. He was not thinking of himself. Others were thinking of him.

"I'm delighted for myself and I'm gutted for Ryan, although I know he'll be chuffed for me," said Bellamy.

"At the back of his mind he must be thinking it should have been him. I know we'll both enjoy watching the replay over a few drinks, though."

They will have done exactly that. Best mates. Even better men.

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