OXFORDSHIRE-trained Coneygree has become the first novice to win the Betfred Cheltenham Gold Cup for more than 40 years.

The eight-year-old, from Mark Bradstock’s Letcombe Bassett stables, near Wantage, started as a 15-2 joint-second favourite in only his fourth run over fences.

Nico de Boinville led from the front and held off a late charge to take victory ahead of Djakadam, ridden by Ruby Walsh and Road To Riches.

He is the first novice to win the race since Captain Christy in 1974, vindicating the decision to bypass the RSA Chase earlier in the week and run in the Gold Cup instead.

  • Latest Sport news

A delighted de Boinville said: "It is the best feeling ever ­– unbelievable. I am lost for words.

"It was a great plan (to run the Gold Cup).

"We knew the weather gods were looking down on us and the rain came at the right time – ideal.

"He’s so deceptive, he won’t even tell you.

Oxford Mail:

  • Coneygree on the way to taking glory in the Betfred Cheltenham Gold Cup

"I must thank the owner and the family for keeping the faith in me.

"These horses only come once in a lifetime and I am very grateful. It’s still sinking in."

Sara Bradstock, who trained Coneygree with her husband, said: "I can’t believe it.

"I have been saying when we win the Gold Cup in the same breath as when we win the lottery - it is that amazing."

Oxfordshire’s last Gold Cup success was in 2004, when Best Mate, trained by Henrietta Knight, completed a hat-trick of victories.

Mark Bradstock said: "It won’t sink in for a while, but it’s great.

"We have done it before in smaller races and we’ll still keep doing, but it is obviously fantastic to do it on the big stage.

"I am not very good at watching races.

"I won’t be very fit tomorrow morning.

"The decision was very tricky because every forecast was so up and down.

"The rain was meant to be here Tuesday, then Wednesday and it never arrived, but it is great we made the right decision."