THURSDAY REVIEW
A new order is emerging in jump racing and it was
suitably demonstrated as Inglis Drever saw off Baracouda in
the Ladbrokes World Hurdle.
From their base in a chilly village in County Durham, owner Graham Wylie, jockey Graham Lee and trainer Howard Johnson are forming a formidable team.
The Irish cheer Irish winners at Cheltenham, and the British salute the home contenders, but there is a genuine feeling of pleasure all round on behalf of Wylie.
 Graham Wylie's millions have led to Cheltenham success this year |
He's invested huge amounts of money into the sport, and it is nice to see him getting a return, having been so bold.
Imagine a non-racing person saying to their financial adviser - 'I'm going to invest in National Hunt racing'. They would have thought he was bonkers.
He's been brave enough to put his money where his name is, and this week it has really started to pay dividends.
Graham Lee is a serious role model for what any sportsperson should be. He is a Grand National winner, and now a three-time Cheltenham Festival winner.
He has also provided surely the quote, if not quotes, of the week.
Lee came into the meeting with no previous Festival victories - he described himself as a Cheltenham virgin.
After his second win, he said: "I'm a right tart now."
And when Inglis Drever made it three, he joked: "I'm a complete slapper."
 |  Henderson is back to ensure the new order don't have it all their own way |
In contrast to the new era, there has been a return to the old order thanks to Nicky Henderson.
It had been three years since the trainer had enjoyed a winner at the meeting.
Now, after two blank seasons, he has scored three Festival winners - with the treble sealed by Libertine, a 25-1 chance, in the Mildmay of Flete.
This was an emotional success for Henderson and rider Sam Waley-Cohen, whose family are close friends, and the tears flowed in the winner's enclosure.
Henderson isn't just back with a bang. He is back with three bangs, to ensure the new order don't have it all their own way.
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