The Voy done good

Voy Por Ustedes proved his liking for the Cheltenham Festival with victory in a dramatic Seasons Holidays Queen Mother Champion Chase, the feature race on day two of the showpiece meeting.

The 5-1 shot, trained by Alan King and ridden by Robert Thornton, was following up his battling victory in the Arkle Trophy 12 months ago.

Leading at the last, he galloped on strongly to beat Dempsey (20-1) by a length and a half, with River City (33-1) five lengths away in third. But there was a shock as early as the second fence when Well Chief, the even-money favourite, fell.

Last year's winner Newmill and Ashley Brook set a furious pace from the off and it was no surprise when there was an early casualty, with Well Chief giving Timmy Murphy a heavy fall.

Ashley Brook soon went on and continued to lead until after the third-last, where Dempsey was still going well.

Meanwhile, Voy Por Ustedes was making relentless progress and it was between the eventual winner and Dempsey at the last that the valiant Ashley Brook came down.

It was a second big-race success at this year's meeting for King and Thornton following their triumph with My Way De Solzen in the Arkle on the opening day.

The victorious six-year-old was bouncing back after unseating Thornton in the Game Spirit at Newbury last time out, a race won by Well Chief.

King told Racing UK: "He was a bit forgotten about after his run at Newbury, which didn't go quite according to plan, but we've been thrilled with his preparation and the ground came right for him.

"He's a much better horse when it dries up so I was quite pleased when I walked the course in the morning and 'Choc' (Thornton) gave him a wonderful ride. He got in a bit tight at the second-last, but he stays very well. I was looking forward to it and it's great for the team."