Honesty is always the best policy, as Paddy Brennan proved after telling a stewards' inquiry that rival Tommy O'Brien was innocent of any foul play having beaten him on the third day of the Cheltenham Festival.
Alaphilippe jockey Brennan was beaten by a neck in the Pertemps Network Final Handicap Hurdle as O'Brien and Third Wind edged him to the line on Thursday. The result was subject to a stewards' inquiry amid concerns the front pair had clashed near the climax, but Brennan was candid as he assured he "didn't feel any interference."
The 40-year-old watched footage of the race back and agreed he and O'Brien had each drifted in the build-up, but he maintained he was "surprised" the inquiry was called. O'Brien's victory aboard 25/1 Third Wind therefore stood, while 11/2 joint-favourite Alaphilippe settled for silver.
