'He's so slow' - Kingswell Theatre springs pleasant Cross Country Chase surprise

It was billed as one of the highest-quality races in 25 years of cross-country racing at Cheltenham but, with Easysland and Tiger Roll disappointing, it instead fell to a horse described as "so slow" and unable to compete in regular staying handicaps.

That horse was 11-year-old and 22-1 outsider Kingswell Theatre, rated 127 and out of the handicap by 18lb. He had been beaten by 112 lengths in four of his five runs last season, and was pulled-up in the other.

But the cross-country's hedges, banks and cheese wedges have a strange way of revitalising horses and was precisely what Michael Scudamore's challenger required.

He was recording a second win in the race – three years on from his 2017 success – and made every yard under the trainer's brother Tom, jumping emphatically and holding off Beau Du Brizais by five lengths.

Glenfarclas Cross Country Handicap Chase full result and replay

Kingswell Theatre's chances were enhanced when Tiger Roll was pulled-up after the 20th and 8-11 favourite Easysland ran well below the sparkling standard he set when victorious here in March. But for Kingswell Theatre, the win could be the perfect swansong.

"He loves it around here," Scudamore added. "The race fell apart and the top two didn't turn up and his experience has probably counted. What a wonderful old horse to have done it three years ago and still come back and love the game as much as ever.

"Without being rude to the horse – he's so slow. In the grade he's got to in those staying races, they go quick and he can't get a position so he just gives up. Around here he's given that bit more time and room. He's so economical about his jumping, it's not about being flash. He never gets an inch higher than he has to. He just loves it."

He added: "We'll have to see if we want to run again or whether retirement is the best thing. He's 11 years of age and in some ways it's nice to finish on a note like this. We'll get him back and see how he is. If he's fit, well and happy, there's plenty of targets for him.”

'Maybe his best days are behind him' – Tiger Roll's future uncertain after defeat

Future targets could include the Glenfarclas Cross Country Chase back here in March, for which he is as short as 20-1 with bet365. That contest is also on the agenda for Potters Corner, who on his first start over the obstacles ran well to finish third.

"I'm over the moon," said trainer Christian Williams. "The cross-country in March could be the next big aim now. We'll be disappointed if he doesn't step forward from now and then. It's a big decision to make but it'd be a great prep for the Grand National too."

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