Actor's horse takes centre stage

An actor took centre stage at Cheltenham today when Jimmy Nesbitt’s horse Riverside Theatre won the Ryanair Chase.

The horse chalked up another win for the most successful duo at this year’s festival – trainer Nicky Henderson and Irish jockey Barry Geraghty.

Co Antrim-born Nesbitt, who owns the horse with two friends, said he was almost speechless at the win. “Extraordinary, I can’t really talk to tell you the truth. I just can’t believe it,” he said.

He said he was thrilled for everyone back home. “Northern Ireland is a very small place. A lot of people have put on a bit of money…I hope they all have a decent night tonight.”

The horse is named after the theatre in Coleraine where the actor made his debut before going on to be nominated for Golden Globes and Baftas.

Michael O’Leary’s horse Sir des Champs started the day off well for the Irish by winning the Jewson Novices’ Steeple Chase in what would be the sole Irish-trained win of the day.

The victory also garnered a Boylesports €50,000 bonus which will be split between the Ryanair boss and trainer Willie Mullins because the horse won the novice chase at Leopardstown. “But if somebody said they’d penalise you €50,000 for a winner in Cheltenham I’d happily pay the penalty.” Mr O’Leary said.

There were no surprises when Ruby Walsh stepped on to the winners’ podium after taking Big Buck’s to victory in the Ladbroke’s World Hurdle. It was his record fourth time to win the race and his 16th straight win over hurdles.

It was a bad day for the bookies, with a lot of money riding on Big Buck’s, Sir des Champs and Riverside Theatre.

“There’s no question, punters have cleaned us out today,” said Leon Blanche of Boylesports. “This is a day for punters to savour. But we’re still leading 2:1 heading into the final day.”

Paddy Power bookmakers said they paid out £3 million [pounds] on Big Buck’s alone.