LUDLOW trainer Henry Daly had the perfect boost ahead of this week’s Cheltenham Festival when eight-year-old hurdler Flashjack won at Hereford at the weekend.

And his victory in the extended three mile Handicap Hurdle made it a fourth triumph of the season.

Under pressure from a long way out, Flashjack responded well for jockey Andrew Tinkler and won by a short head after rival The Cider Maker made a mistake at the final hurdle.

Daly said: “Not many manage to win four times in a season but he was well handicapped after last season, when he had bleeding problems. He is so tough and does nothing when he hits the front. He really needs a stiffer track to get the best out of him.”