Vibrato Valtat lands Haldon Gold Cup at Exeter

Sam Twiston-Davies’s charge survives a blunder at the final fence to triumph

Sam Twiston-Davies guides Vibrato Valtat to victory in the Haldon Gold Cup Steeple Chase at Exeter. Photograph: Getty Images
Sam Twiston-Davies guides Vibrato Valtat to victory in the Haldon Gold Cup Steeple Chase at Exeter. Photograph: Getty Images

Vibrato Valtat survived a blunder at the final fence to run out an impressive winner of the Sportingbet Haldon Gold Cup at Exeter.

Last year’s Arkle fourth travelled powerfully throughout under Sam Twiston-Davies, but there were still four horses in with a realistic chance on entering the home straight.

Dunraven Storm, last year’s winner God’s Own, former champion chaser Sire De Grugy and the eventual winner all jumped the fourth-last in a line.

Sire De Grugy and Vibrato Valtat soon pulled clear, but Gary Moore’s stable star blew up at the second-last, leaving the grey with a clear advantage.

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Paul Nicholls’ charge fluffed the last but the 5-2 favourite won by an eased-down four lengths from the staying-on Third Intention.