Current next after Carter defeat

Carter McKay's bid for glory at the Cheltenham Festival folded when he finished unplaced at the meeting yesterday.

One of 22 runners in the Weatherbys Champion Bumper, the Patrick Mullins-ridden Carter McKay held a prominent position for much of the race, but came under pressure heading to the final turn, was slightly squeezed for room, and his rider had no option but to accept the position.

As a point-to-point winner over three miles the grey six-year-old remains an exciting prospect who has shown he can jump a fence, and he will be well worth following when running over jumps in the future.

Pearl Bloodstock's Current Event (yellow colours towards right of photo) runs in today's St James's Place Foxhunter Chase at the Festival. The Rose Loxton-trained gelding was fourth last year under Will Biddick, but will have a new rider this year in the shape of Lisa O'Neill.

A member of trainer Gordon Elliott's team, O'Neill won the National Hunt Chase on Tuesday for that stable.

Current Event is making his season's debut , and he once again faces On The Fringe, who has won the race for the past two years.

At Lingfield, Qatar Racing's unraced Sea The Stars' colt Bless Him makes his debut in a maiden (15.45). Bought at Arqana breeze-up sale last year, he is trained by David Simcock, who says Bless Him has plenty of natural ability.

Photograph of Current Event: (Ce)