Ruby Walsh: 'It's lucky Aidan Coleman was riding because I would have given up'

Aidan Coleman's stunning ride on Paisley Park in the Cleeve Hurdle left Ruby Walsh and his fellow pundits in near shock on ITV – after the former jockey had written off the pair's chances following a nightmare start. Here we relive how a dramatic Cleeve Hurdle unfolded . . .

Paisley Park stuns Champ with 'special' comeback to land Cleeve hat-trick

The worst possible start

The race began with Paisley Park almost refusing to race, giving up around 15 lengths to the rest of the five-runner field. All hope appeared lost at this point and, speaking on ITV on what he would be thinking in this scenario, Walsh could see no way back.

Ruby Walsh: "You just give up and come back into the parade ring. He's running around now in a race he can't possibly win."

Speaking after the race, Coleman revealed he could see it coming and tried his best to avoid it.

Aidan Coleman: "He has that in him; he's nearly done it a couple of times. Just before the tape I gave him a yank and a belt down the neck to say cop on, and he still did it."

Coleman begins to edge back into contention

Paisley Park slowly begins to catch up with his rivals but remains well off the pace in the opening exchanges, with Coleman revealing his frustration at the situation post-race.

Coleman: "I threw the buckle at him after the first and said, 'if you want to get into it, you do it, I'm not doing anything. You've already annoyed me, so you sort it out. You got yourself into this mess, so sort it out'."

Paisley Park still has it all to do turning for home

The 2020 Stayers' Hurdle winner Lisnagar Oscar is running a mighty race, but has McFabulous and 8-15 favourite Champ travelling well alongside him. The trio appear to have the race between them on the turn for home with Coleman animated in the saddle as Paisley Park plugs away in fourth. Despite hitting a high of 48 on the Betfair Exchange during the race, Coleman knew he was far from finished.

Coleman: "I said to Paddy [Brennan, on Dandy Mag] at the top of the hill, 'I'm still in it even though he whipped around'. He's just different at this track."

The impossible becomes possible

However, a ride of extraordinary patience and exquisite timing from Coleman begins to pay off as Paisley Park – always a strong finisher – begins to gallop relentlessly up the Cheltenham hill he has been victorious on three times previously.

In front of a shocked and elated crowd, Paisley Park jumps alongside Champ in the lead at the last and, with the help of the nearside rail, powers clear of the Long Walk winner for the unlikeliest of victories.

'It was an incredible performance'

Walsh handed full credit to Coleman after the race.

Walsh: "Fair play to Aidan Coleman. It's lucky he was riding him and not Ruby Walsh because I would have given up but, hey, it just goes to show you should never give up.

"It was an incredible performance, he did give them the best part of 15 lengths and on form he didn't have 15 lengths to give them. It looked like he needed a few lengths of a head-start, not giving the others a head start, but it was an incredible performance from him and he looked like the horse of old."

His fellow pundits concurred.

Mick Fitzgerald: "It was amazing. It was almost as if it was going to be too easy jumping off with the others, so [he said] I'll just give them a bit of a start to make it interesting for myself."

Rather than basking in his moment of glory, the rider heaped praise on his mount.

Coleman: "This is really special. The longevity of this horse is a testament to his ability and character, I love him."

Cleeve Hurdle: full result and replay

Saturday's race reports:

Cleeve Hurdle: Paisley Park stuns Champ with 'special' comeback to land Cleeve hat-trick

Peter Thomas: Phenomenal Paisley allows us Brits to forget those gaudy green banners for now (Members' Club)

Expert jury: 'It's going to take a good one to beat him in the Triumph Hurdle'

Cheltenham: Supreme an option for 'classy' new Triumph Hurdle favourite, says Gordon Elliott

Cotswold Chase: Chantry House provides JP McManus with 4,000th winner in Cotswold Chase

Sky Bet Chase: Windsor Avenue battles back for Sky Bet victory on stellar day for Brian Ellison

Doncaster: Arkle bid in doubt for Third Time Lucki after suffering setback in Lightning win

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