DORSET runners endured an underwhelming display in wet conditions on the third day of the Cheltenham Festival.
Joe Tizzard first saw The Changing Man finish eighth in the Pertemps Handicap Hurdle.
Tizzard’s charge travelled well near the front throughout the race but lacked an extra gear as the race bottlenecked to the famed Cheltenham hill.
He was eventually crowded out behind winner Good Time Jonny.
Tizzard’s second horse of the day War Lord, strongly fancied by many despite odds of 25/1, struggled throughout the Magners Plate and was pulled up with five obstacles to go.
READ MORE: Meet the 15 runners for Dorset in the 2023 Cheltenham Festival
Mosterton trainer Ben Clarke’s first shot at Cheltenham glory ended with seventh in the Mares’ Novices’ Hurdle for Endless Escape.
Clarke’s charge was in contention coming up the hill but fell behind the lead group after the last hurdle.
Dr Kananga then finished well down the Kim Muir Handicap Chase field in 11th, again saddled by Clarke.
Envoi Allen won the Ryanair Chase, the biggest race of the day.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here