'It's my first time at Cheltenham and it's the happiest day of my life' - joy for French owner on a day of many tonics

Watching Hyland winging his way around Cheltenham would have been a tonic for anyone. For one of his owners, that was certainly the case.

Sandy Orr enjoyed his best moment in racing when Triolo D'Alene landed the 2013 Hennessy Gold Cup. This time next year we could be looking at Hyland as a serious contender for Newbury's signature chase, while more immediately his latest Cheltenham success was surely enough to earn a festival ticket for March. There is good reason to be excited about the Nicky Henderson-trained novice. Orr has terminal cancer but is as excited as anyone.

"This is lovely," said the 85-year-old Orr, a member of the Ten From Seven syndicate. "It's a huge boost, but then it always is when you get a good horse. The strange thing is that boost lasts for a while. The enjoyment of a good win lingers. You keep remembering it, so it's a marvellous thing."