Balko Des Flos stunned heavy favourite Un De Sceaux to cruise to victory in the Ryanair Chase at Cheltenham.
Owned by Michael O’Leary, who also owns the Irish airline sponsoring the race, Balko Des Flos came from the middle of the pack to stun the bookies’ favourite on Thursday.
Favourite Un De Sceaux and veteran Cue Card were pipped to battle it out and that’s how the race began with the pair leading the way through the early phases. The latter, however, was forced to pull out of the race with five jumps remaining.
Balko Des Flos pictured in the 2.50 Ryanair Chase at the 2018 Cheltenham Festival
After following the leaders closely throughout, Balko Des Flos kicked on and ran away with the lead after the third from last jump to claim what would become a landslide victory.
More to follow.