Any Currency (right)© Photo Healy Racing
Veteran performer Any Currency stuck on gamely to strike for trainer Martin Keighley and jockey Aidan Coleman in the Glenfarclas Chase at Cheltenham.
Second in this race for the last two years, the 13-year-old took over from long-time leader Valadom in the final part of this cross-country test over three and three-quarter miles and was the clear leader from the third-last obstacle. Bless The Wings kept Any Currency (11-1) company on the racecourse proper before the 15-8 favourites Josies Orders finished with a flourish up the hill to get to within a length of the winner at the line.
Bless The Wings was another length and a quarter away in third.
The well-fancied Balthazar King came down at the second of the cheese wedges at the end of the first of three circuits.
Both horse and jockey Richard Johnson appeared to escape unscathed.
Coleman said: "Who says these horses need to be retired at a certain age? This horse is better than ever. He's getting his just rewards - he's a pleasure to be involved with. I'd love to take him hunting when he retires."
Keighley said: "I'm speechless. The horse deserves it. Aidan gave him a great ride, it's absolutely brilliant."
The trainer added: "He was in the perfect position the whole way. It all went to plan and I knew coming here that I had him in better form than last year. He deserved that as he's run well over those fences so many times."
