Favourite Baracouda triumphed in a close finish

Baracouda produced a gutsy display to claim a fourth Telectronics Systems Long Walk Hurdle at Windsor.

The Francois Doumen-trained nine-year-old needed a strong Tony McCoy drive to get the better of a three-way fight with Crystal D'Ainay and the fast-finishing Rule Supreme in the Grade One event.

McCoy made sure that Baracouda, who was the 8-13 favourite, held on to the lead to win by three-quarters of a length from Crystal, with Rule Supreme in third.

Outsider Kadara set off in front and she was soon 10 lengths clear of Ilnamar, while Baracouda was initially at the front of the chasing pack in third.

McCoy then slotted him in behind in about fourth place for much of the way before pulling to the outside turning for home.

Baracouda just got his head in front of Crystal at the second last as Ruby Walsh tried to get Rule Supreme to come between the leading pair, but was forced to switch as the gap closed.

But Baracouda had just enough left to hold on for an exciting victory.

Doumen said: "He hung on well from the last. The public is very near the track here and he is very nervous about the public. I don't think that helped him.

"He is what he is, and he can idle, but he's so good that we forgive him. He is amazing at home and I believe he is stronger than ever."

McCoy added: "I rode the race to beat Crystal D'Ainay. Robert (Thornton) thought he could win by slowing it up, but Baracouda is not a slow horse.

"I followed him round in the Long Walk for three years and somehow managed to beat him once, but it's a lot more enjoyable riding him than following in behind."