Gavin Cromwell’s Inothewayurthinkin was tasked with carrying top-weight in the Fulke Walwyn Kim Muir Challenge Cup Amateur Jockeys’ Handicap Chase at the Cheltenham but made light work of that burden to oblige favourite-backers who had sent the six-year-old off the heavily-backed 13-8 market leader.
It was a second winner of the week for jockey Derek O’Connor, who kept his mount hidden in rear for the first three-quarters of the contest, before sluicing his way to the front and on for victory in facile style.
Cromwell said: “He jumped the first awkward and got shuffled back, but they went quite hard in front which stretched the field. It all went to plan after that. He was nice and relaxed and within his comfort zone.
“Derek was so cool on him, having him on in races like this is invaluable really, he makes it so comfortable to watch, you know you are in safe hands.
“He could be an Irish National-type one day maybe.
“It’s great to get a winner here. We came last year and all of them ran well but we left with no winner. We’ve had a great season but to have a winner at the Festival caps the whole season.
“Some people say it’s not all about Cheltenham, but it is!”
In the previous race, there was a a first Festival victory for West Country handler Jeremy Scott as his high-class mare Golden Ace claimed the scalp of Irish hotpots Brighterdaysahead and Jade De Grugy in the Ryanair Mares’ Novices’ Hurdle.
Sent off 10-1, jockey Lorcan Williams appeared to be holding on to plenty of horse as the duo travelled into contention in supreme style.
Still to push the button jumping the last alongside the main market principals and fellow Irish challenger Birdie Or Bust, all it took was a shake of the reins for Golden Ace to scoot clear in the closing stages.
Scott joked: “I wasn’t too worried about the Irish, they’ve been struggling all week haven’t they, so I don’t take a lot of notice really!
“I thought coming second last year with dear old Dashel Drasher was something, but this is very, very, very special.
“She was travelling so well, her jumping wasn’t great but she jumped the last one probably the best of the lot. She travelled well and always looked to have them covered, didn’t she?
“She’s not one that tears the gallops up in all honesty, but her racing has always been really good and she was so cool and calm in the paddock. She takes everything in her stride, which is such an asset.
“It doesn’t look like she’ll jump a fence, so we’ll stick to hurdles. We’ve got a lot to dream about and we’ll enjoy this moment, reflect on it tomorrow and think about a plan.
“Lorcan is such a talent, he’s got a really cool head on him and he’s a natural horseman. I’m really glad that he’s had the opportunity to shine a bit and hopefully other trainers will use him as well.”
