Meade and Carberry combine for Festival winner

Meath trainer Noel Meade and jockey Paul Carberry joined forces to claim the Albert Bartlett Novices’ Hurdle at Cheltemham's final day.

The Meade trained 33/1 shot Very Wood finished clear of Deputy Dan in second place and Barry Geraghty’s mount Apache Jack in third at 20/1.

Meade praised the patience of jockey Carberry after a late flourish in the final furlong secured the win.

“It’s a dream to win here. We probably ran him on too shorter trips earlier in the season but this is probably his distance. He needs a patient ride and Paul Carberry gave him that.

“I’ve had an up and down time since Christmas. Yesterday morning he had a bruise on his foot so thanks to the vet for doing a marvellous job on him. It’s hard to beat a winner here,” said Meade.

Fergal Lynch