Emotional racehorse owner Simon Hunt is hoping his National Hunt star The Giant Bolster can return to Cheltenham next year for another stab at the Gold Cup after his gallant fourth place behind Bobs Worth on Friday.
The eight year-old gelding, named after an ogre from Cornish mythology near the resort of St Agnes, was beaten a shade under 16 lengths by the Nicky Henderson-trained victor, with Sir Des Champs and Long Run filling the other places.
Hunt said: “That proves last year’s second place was no fluke.
“Look at the people who have finished in front of us, trainers such as Nicky Henderson and Willie Mullins... giants of the sport.
“We lost a few lengths at the fourth last but the horse still managed to get up again on the inside to challenge.
“It was another amazing effort from the trainer David Bridgwater and his team.
“Hopefully the horse will be able to go back to Cheltenham in 12 months’ time.”