KIM Bailey and Norman Williamson became the first trainer-jockey combination in 45 years to complete the Champion Hurdle-Gold Cup double in the same year when Master Oats outstayed his rivals for a thoroughly convincing victory in an exciting Tote Cheltenham Gold Cup.
But there were plenty of worries along the way for the new heroes of the jumping game. With the ground tacky and dead, the emphasis was on stamina from the start of this championship contest, over three and a quarter miles, but Master Oats, the 100-30 favourite, was never travelling well on the first circuit and looked in danger of joining a long list of beaten favourites. Mistakes at the ninth and 11th fences threatened to put him out of contention, and Williamson later admitted that he had almost given up hope at the 12th, the water.
'The horse wasn't jumping well when he was in behind,' the jockey said. 'I think it was the pace that was the cause of that, as in his earlier races he had always been cruising and consequently his jumping was good. But Master Oats changed his tune completely between the water and the ditch (13th), and I went from believing I was going to get beaten to actually thinking I would win,' Williamson recalled.
After joining Merry Gale, the Irish jumper with suspect stamina, Master Oats galloped with him stride for stride as they started the descent to the final three fences, determined to apply the pressure to his chief rival as early as possible and looking all the while the one to beat. Master Oats' relentless galloping style was soon seen to effect as he drew clear rounding the home bend, with only one left to jump in the straight on the opt amended course.
Memories of Alderbrook's sensational Champion Hurdle victory, the first triumph of the week for Bailey and Williamson, seemed an age away as Master Oats approached the fine fence at an even pace, ready to leap into the history books together with his trainer and jockey.
The jump was straight and accurate, which was all that was required for him to race away from the gallant Dubacilla, who had run the best race of her career to finish second, beaten 15 lengths. In the stamina-sapping ground, Miinnehoma was the only one really staying on behind, making up ground to take third, 15 lengths away.
Merry Gale weakened for fourth, Young Hustler ran an even race for fifth, while Monsieur Le Cure ran well before a terrible blunder climbing the hill on the final circuit destroyed his chance of figuring in the finish.
