The Cheltenham Festival / Timeform / 16 March 2012 /

Countrywide Flame sprang a [46.0] surprise for North Yorkshire-based trainer John Quinn and jockey Dougie Costello in a dramatic race for the Triumph Hurdle at Cheltenham...

There were several in with chances at the final flight, but it was Countrywide Flame who jumped it best to hit the front and gallop all of the way to the line.

Irish raider Hisaabaat was beaten three lengths in second, with favourite Grumeti another three-quarters of a length away in third.

Dodging Bullets was just behind in fourth.

Costello said: "He's not very big, but he's tough. Horses like this are brilliant."

Sadler's Risk set a fast pace from the outset, with the well-fancied Pearl Swan bringing up the rear.

The race began to heat up as the field came down the hill, at which point it was difficult to call.

The well-backed Baby Mix looked to be travelling with great panache, only to find nothing at the business end.

Dodging Bullets got a great run through on the stands rail, though, while Grumeti also came with what looked like a winning run.

Hisaabaat was bang there, too, but it was Countrywide Flame, challenging towards the far side, who had the measure of them all.

Balder Succes fell halfway through the race, while Pearl Swan came down at the last.

Costello added: "I was getting knocked about going to two out and I thought I would just try and find some room going to the last.

"He pricked his lugs and flew the last. It's great for all the lads in the yard."

Quinn said: "He's never run a bad race yet but I did think he had to find plenty to win.

"He's won three races, been second in a Listed race, and was third in a Grade One in Ireland and second in a Grade One at Chepstow.

"He's very tough and hardy and stuck at it really well.

"He's not very big, and got buffeted about, but I'm really pleased."

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