6 Unforgettable Moments From The 2014 Cheltenham Festival

3. The New Generation Of Champion Hurdlers Arrive As A Legend May Say Goodbye The most anticipated race of the festival was the Champion Hurdle, it was billed as a battle of young and old, and between British and Irish. The English were represented by 2 new stars in The New One and My Tent Or Yours. The Irish were represented by 2 time previous winner Hurricane Fly, and debutants Our Conor and Jezki. The race began with a fast gallop, past the stands before turning up hill to go out onto final lap. Down the back straight, tragedy struck when Our Conor sadly fell, and heavily hampered Sam Twiston-Davies on The New One by an estimated 5-10 lengths as he stumbled and practically stopped trying not to fall. He was slowly caught up to the pack, but had used vital energy that Sam had to conserve for the end. Turning the corner for home, Hurricane Fly, pacemaker Captain Cee Bee, My Tent or Yours, Jezki and The New One weren't far apart, but a final 3 approached the final fence with Captain Cee Bee falling off the pace, and the effort of catching up seemingly tiring The New One. As the 3 jumped the fence, Jezki took a lead on My Tent or Yours, and Hurricane Fly couldn't keep up. The New One flew up the Cheltenham hill, past Hurricane Fly and made up 8-10 lengths to finish 2 3/4 lengths behind the winner. It was an amazing turn of pace by the horse. Jezki was victorious and ridden by Barry Geraghty, AP McCoy was 2nd on My Tent or Yours having turned down the ride on Jezki. Hurricane Fly was 4th as he was outdone for pace by his younger rivals, and defeated by his compatriot, and this may be the last time we see him here.