2 minutes Monmiral, a 25-1 outsider, donned blinkers for the first time and surged ahead in the final stretch, outpacing Kyntara and Cuthbert Dibble, the 11-2 favourite, with Bold Endeavour trailing at 50-1.
Trainer Paul Nicholls celebrated his first 2024 Cheltenham victory when Monmiral, overcoming initial setbacks, secured the win in the Pertemps Hurdle Final on day three of the Festival.
This victory also marked a notable first for co-owner Sir Alex Ferguson at this prestigious event. Despite a lackluster start with no wins in the first two days, Nicholls showed promise when Ginny's Destiny clinched second place in the Turners Novices' Chase. Monmiral, a 25-1 outsider, donned blinkers for the first time and surged ahead in the final stretch, outpacing Kyntara and Cuthbert Dibble, the 11-2 favourite, with Bold Endeavour trailing at 50-1.
Jockey Harry Cobden, surprised by the win, expressed his disbelief on ITV Racing, "I can't believe this horse has just done that!"
Despite his initial reservations about Monmiral's chances, Cobden credited the blinkers as a pivotal factor in their win.
Cobden shared his race strategy, noting his cautious approach due to the fast pace set by others and his decision to shadow Harry Skelton, who was riding one of the favourites. This tactic paid off, leading to a well-timed finish.
For Nicholls, this marked his 49th Cheltenham Festival win, breaking a dry spell since Stay Away Fay's victory the previous year. Cobden reflected on the intense competition, particularly from Irish contenders, acknowledging the elevated challenge.
Nicholls praised his horses' performances, especially Ginny's Destiny's near-win. He detailed Monmiral's journey, transitioning from hurdling to chasing and back, culminating in this unexpected victory. Sir Alex Ferguson, celebrating his first Cheltenham Festival triumph, lauded Cobden's exceptional performance, saying,
"That was fantastic. What a jockey, he was brilliant."
Furgeson is becoming an increasingly bigger name in the world of horse racing. Just a few weeks ago, Furgeson made headlines for purchasing Caldwell Potter, the priciest horse to be bought at auction.