IRVING NEEDED A photo finish to beat Apple’s Jade in a photo finish at the Fighting Fifth Hurdle at Newcastle today.
It was Irving’s first outing for 280 days as the 6-1 chance held off Apple’s Jay by a nose at the finish.
The horse, trained by Paul Nicholls and ridden by Harry Cobden, was declared the winner after a lengthy delay.
“I was never really going and I thought I was in trouble at the first, to be honest,” Cobden said afterwards.
“He was so gutsy after the last and really stuck his head down and fought for it.
“It’s my first ride in a Grade One and I’m very grateful to the owners and especially Mr Nicholls for letting me ride.”
Meanwhile the Cheltenham Gold Cup favourite Thistlecrack enjoyed a victory in the Grade Two bet365 Novices’ Chase at Newbury.
The World Hurdle horse followed up wins at Chepstow and Cheltenham, and justified its 1-8 favourite tag with a flawless round of jumping.
Bigbadjohn finished in second ahead of Ibis Du Rheu.
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