Salsify scraps to Foxhunter glory

Salsify just held Chapoturgeon for an Irish victory in the Christie’s Foxhunter Chase at Cheltenham.

The 7-1 shot, trained by Rodger Sweeney and ridden by his son, Colman Sweeney, got home in the amateurs’ Gold Cup by a length from the 3-1 favourite.

The first two pulled 11 lengths clear of the third, Oscar Delta (28-1).

It was an eventful race with Enter Paradise an early casualty and Sam Waley-Cohen taking a tumble from Roulez Cool after his disappointment in only finishing third on Long Run in the Gold Cup.

Rodger Sweeney said: “He gave him a great ride and to have a winner at Cheltenham is unreal. I’m delighted for everybody. I know he was going along easily but so was the favourite.

“It’s nice to see him come back and win his race. It’s a dream come true.”

Colman Sweeney added: “I had to lose a lot of weight before Christmas to get to ride him and I got down to 11st 5lb on New Year’s Eve – it’s been worth it.

“He disappointed at Thurles in January but he still had a lot of condition on him then. He won well the last day and this is just unbelievable.”