Sam's top horse racing tip Our Vic is a faller at Cheltenham (From Wilts and Gloucestershire Standard)

Sam's top horse racing tip Our Vic is a faller at Cheltenham

OUR Vic's fall at the last on Saturday when on his way to winning the Bonusprint Gold Cup at Cheltenham brought the jump racing community to a halt, writes 'Standard' tipster Sam Hoskins.

The likely winner lay on the ground and punters feared the worst as jockey Timmy Murphy stuck close.

A sickly hush spread around Prestbury Park until, after five minutes, Our Vic rose to his feet to the loudest cheer of the day. He was just winded.

Hundreds forgot that Monkerhostin and Richard Johnson went on to win the race, but their achievement should not be ignored because of the drama which surrounded Our Vic.

He was fit and healthy afterwards but, very sadly, Massac from Alan King's yard broke a leg when falling early and had to be put down.

So when Our Vic fell everyone feared the worst. The most fitting tribute came from a gentleman standing next to me by the course rails.

He said that despite backing the horse, as many did, this was the best result of the day. I agree 100 percent. In the end, it's the horses that matter most, not the betting.

Sadly, Our Vic was my top tip last week and I believe he would have won. But that's racing for you!

The rest of Saturday's card was one of quality action for the small but speculative crowd at Cheltenham.

Patrick Haslam made it three out of three for the meeting as Yankeedoodledandy's Juvenile Hurdle win joined those of King Revo and You're Special the day before, while Henry Daly scored with Bonus Bridge in the Two Mile Handicap Chase.

Martin Pipe and Timmy Murphy notched their usual Saturday double as Lough Derg and Control Man both won well in their respective races.

Back In Front, from Edward O'Grady's Irish yard, took the Bula Hurdle, defeating Inglis Drever, and finally, Ian Williams's Brewster took the finale.

On Friday at Cheltenham, two local horses fought out second and third in the opening Novice Hurdle behind top novice, Chilling Place.

Va Vavoom, from Nigel Twiston-Davies's yard, eventually finished second in front of Good Citizen from Tom George's yard, near Stroud.

When I went visited Nigel's yard, I heard good things about Va Vavoom, so one can expect that both he and Good Citizen will go on to bigger things.

Cross-country specialist Spothedifference made it two out of two in the cross-country races held at Cheltenham this season and will return for a crack on the same course at the Festival.

Jonjo O'Neill is still struggling for winners, but I believe there may, finally, be cause for optimism.

German import Olaso won a very hot Newbury novice hurdle last week, and must be followed, while stable star Iris's Gift is due to make his eagerly awaited chasing debut this Saturday at Windsor.

This this week's top tips, check out:

Delgay Lad. Has not shown much form in all his outings, but was well backed on both his bumper starts and reportedly goes quite well at home. He is probably able to win, so do not discount him when he receives a handicap mark. Trained by Jonjo O'Neill.

Locksmith. Looks capable of being a top novice chaser for the Martin Pipe team, judged on his chasing debut. He not only receives an age allowances but also has a splendid attitude.