World title for Drever

Graham Wylie and Howard Johnson returned to the hallowed winner's enclosure at the Cheltenham Festival as Inglis Drever dug deepest of all to reclaim his Ladbrokes World Hurdle title.

The eight-year-old formed part of a memorable treble for millionaire owner Wylie and County Durham trainer Johnson when winning the race in 2005. But they drew a blank at the big meeting 12 months ago, when Inglis Drever was missing having been ruled out through injury.

The horse was back in a big way on this occasion, however, as he worked his way into the race and stormed up the hill under jockey Paddy Brennan to score by three-quarters of a length from Mighty Man.

Drama could be found at every corner, with the 2-1 favourite Black Jack Ketchum tipping up at the third flight, while Inglis Drever himself appeared to be running a moody race at the rear of the field.

But the 5-1 shot started to motor through the pack approaching the third-last and he had surged to the front as the penultimate obstacle loomed.

It was a brave man who would have bet against anything passing him on the home run and although Mighty Man tried in vain, Inglis Drever was too tough and stayed on gamely, with the pair pulling four lengths clear of Blazing Bailey.

Johnson said: "He is such an honest little horse and he does come on and off the bridle. He did exactly that when he beat Baracouda two years ago.

"I told Paddy not to worry and said that when the horse comes down the hill and sees daylight that he will pick up.

"It is nice to come and do it two years out of three and this horse, along with Direct Route and Grey Abbey, would be the best I have trained."