Although the Grand National at Aintree is the world's most famous steeplechase, the most prestigious National Hunt race meeting is the Cheltenham Festival, with eleven Grade 1 jump races carded over 4 days.
Kicking off the Festival on Tuesday March 16 was the £100,000 Spinal Research Supreme Novices' Hurdle (G1). A field of 18 horses aged 4 and up contested this 2 1/16 mile trip over 8 hurdles. 12-1 shot Menorah saved ground on the inside the whole way while racing just off the pace set by 66-1 Cootehill. After the second last jump he took over the lead and held off late-running 9-2 Get Me Out Of Here in the final strides to get the win by a head in 3:56.30 on the good-to-soft course. It was another 1 3/4 lengths back to 4-5 favorite Dunguib third.
Winning owner Diana Whateley said, "I'm trembling from head to foot. I can't believe it. Dunguib seemed unbeatable, infallible. We are so completely thrilled and ecstatic." Jockey Richard Johnson added, "I thought a true run race would be ideal for him. I thought I might see a black and white flash, but luckily he never came. Menorah has not had a race to run to suit all year, especially at Ascot. He only ran in his bumper 8 months ago so there is no reason why he won't improve."
