Marie’s Rock gave Nicky Henderson and Nico de Boinville gave a big-race double by springing a shock within the Shut Brothers Mares’ Hurdle at Cheltenham.
The 18-1 shot, owned by Middleham Park Racing, collared Queens Brook up the hill to win a dramatic renewal of the Grade One contest over two and a half miles.
There was all to play for when Indefatigable fell on the second-last flight, bringing down Telmesomethinggirl, for the Honeysuckle connections of proprietor Kenny Alexander, coach Henry de Bromhead and jockey Rachael Blackmore.
Queens Brook was left within the lead however she was quickly onerous pressed by Marie’s Rock, who proved the stronger to get the decision by a size and three-quarters. Mrs Milner was the identical distance away regardless of being hampered by the melee on the penultimate hurdle.
The victory was the second leg of a brace for Henderson and De Boinville after Structure Hill within the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle.
De Boinville mentioned: “She’s such a gutsy mare, the boss has needed to be fairly affected person together with her as she did not actually discover her stride final 12 months.
“She’s simply come into her personal immediately, that was implausible.”
Tim Palin, of the Middleham Park Racing syndicate that personal the seven-year-old, mentioned: “I am thrilled for all these homeowners and Nicky Henderson, what a genius.
“She was within the wilderness for 12 months. She was favorite for the mares’ novice, bought injured after which we misplaced her, however he is a genius.
“She spent a while off in a area and got here in a distinct horse after which it has been onwards and upwards.
“We have had a winner right here earlier than with Junior within the Kim Muir however that is our first Grade One over jumps, by no means thoughts right here, and he or she solely value £35,000.”
Henderson mentioned: “That is implausible as a result of we misplaced her final 12 months, a bit like Epatante, she went walkabout – it is pretty once they come again.
“I used to be very impressed together with her when she received at Warwick final day out so I used to be hopeful, however I knew it will be very aggressive.
“Profitable the primary race takes the strain off, we are able to take pleasure in all of it now.”
