'We haven't had one like him for a while' - Cheltenham winner emerges as festival contender for team Twiston-Davies

A race named after a great was won by a potential one as Potters Charm, described as one of the best the Twiston-Davies team have had in a while, breezed to a stylish victory in the 2m4f novice hurdle which was run in honour of Alastair Down.

Willy Twiston-Davies called the five-year-old the "apple of my eye" after the 6-5 favourite dashed clear of Minella Sixo by two and a quarter lengths under brother Sam, but the assistant to father Nigel vowed the best was still to come.

The team have high hopes he will be a player back here for the festival in March and Paddy Power make him a 33-1 chance for the 2m5f novices' hurdle [formerly the Gallaghers] and 40-1 in the Albert Bartlett if he is upped in distance.

Willy Twiston-Davies, representing a yard whose yardsticks of top-class horses include Imperial Commander, Bristol De Mai and The New One, said: "I expected him to win much easier at Worcester and I expected him to win much easier here.

"It's a learning process, he's getting better at home. He races behind the bridle quite lazily but every time Sam asks him he comes. I think if another horse pushed him he'd go on again. We haven't had one like this for a while I don't think.

"The long-term aim would be the festival. I've always said this horse is the apple of my eye, everything he does at home pleases Dad and I. I promise you, you've not seen anywhere near his best."

Winning connections of Potters Charm receive their trophy from Alastair DownCredit: John Grossick

The five-year-old carried the silks of Ged Mason but is owned by El Rincon, a Mason-led group of friends from the north-west of England which includes Sir Alex Ferguson.

Mason said: "A lot of these owners haven't been in racing before but they've just had the day of their lives. It's nice to see the smile from new owners coming into the sport. Willy encouraged us, found the horse and it's testimony to everyone at the yard.

"There's about six of us. It was my 60th birthday, we were in a Spanish restaurant in Manchester called El Rincon. Paul Nicholls was there but went home, but Willy talked us into two horses and they've both won."

It completed a double for the trainer, who also won the 3m1f handicap chase with The Newest One. He was ridden by Toby McCain-Mitchell, the grandson of Red Rum's trainer Ginger McCain, who was enjoying a first success at the track.

Off and running

Gavin Cromwell was Cheltenham's second winningmost trainer last season, behind only the all-conquering Willie Mullins, and he hit the ground running on Friday as Path D'Oroux landed the 2m novice chase.

Little separated all four runners in the closing stages but he battled well under Keith Donoghue to register his first victory over fences, having finished third in handicaps at Cheltenham and Aintree in last term's debut chasing season.

Cromwell said: "I'm delighted, he was banging on the door so many times last season and didn't win but got a lot of experience. He's probably not good enough to mix it with the Grade 1 novices but at the same time he's experienced. In the early season in against some he may just have the upper hand. This was the plan for a while."

Path D'Oroux (centre): another Showcase meeting winner for Gavin CromwellCredit: John Grossick

The County Meath trainer enjoyed nine winners at the track last season, including a Cheltenham Festival double with siblings Inothewayurthinkin and Limerick Lace, and he vowed to return just as frequently this season.

"We won't be bringing horses over just to take part," he added. "As long as we have the right horses and the right races to be competitive we'll be here."

Irish trainer Cian Collins also enjoyed his first winner at the track with Impero, who could be aimed at the Martin Pipe following his success in the 2m½f conditionals' handicap hurdle.

'I didn't think he could do that'

Valgrand was installed at 40-1 for the Supreme Novices' Hurdle by Paddy Power after scorching his rivals to win by 17 lengths in the race's Grade 2 trial.

The 3-1 shot made every yard to win in impressive style for Dan and Harry Skelton, leaving connections stunned by the performance of the five-year-old who had won moderate races at Uttoxeter and Bangor ahead of this.

Valgrand: an impressive winner at Cheltenham on FridayCredit: john grossick

"I thought he was a player but I didn't think he could do that," said the trainer. "To put up the performance he did from the back of three out to the line is very taking. We need to see another race to make sure that wasn't a fluke."

It was a second winner for the Skeltons, who also celebrated with Calico in the 2m handicap chase.

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