THE Cheltenham Festival saw a local winner in the very first race when the Ferdy Murphytrained Poker de Sivola came home in front in the National Hunt Chase.

The 14-1 shot, trained at Murphy’s stables in West Witton, was well-ridden by Katie Walsh, sister to top rider Ruby.

Afterwards the winning trainer, who has a great record at the meeting, said: “She gave him a fantastic ride. He was a bit unlucky in the Kim Muir last year when he got pushed a bit wide.

“It’s fantastic for the Walsh family and Ruby’s grandfather was a big help to me when I was starting out.”