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ROARING TO VICTORY

Cheltenham 4.50 result: Flying Tiger wins the Juvenile Handicap Hurdle as Richard Johnson bags his first winner of the Festival

It was also trainer Nick Williams' first winner, and the horse was believed to be the stable's second string behind Diable De Sivola

RICHARD JOHNSON recorded his first winner at this year's Cheltenham Festival as 33/1 shot Flying Tiger secured a shock victory in the Juvenile Handicap Hurdle.

It was also trainer Nick William's first winner at the festival.

 Flying Tiger came home at 33/1 to secure a shock win in the Juvenile Handicap hurdle
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Flying Tiger came home at 33/1 to secure a shock win in the Juvenile Handicap hurdle

Favourite Divin Bere was in second at odds of 9/2, separated by just a neck, while Nietzsche came home third at odds of 12/1.


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The well-fancied Divin Bere moved smoothly towards the front end rounding the home turn before being joined by Nietzsche at the final flight.

However, it was Flying Tiger who finished best, getting up to beat Divin Bere and provide champion jockey Johnson with his first winner of this year's Festival.

Nietzsche was third ahead of Project Bluebook in fourth.

 Richard Johnson's first victory at this year's Festival came on 33/1 shot Flying Tiger, who pipped favourite Divin Bere
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Richard Johnson's first victory at this year's Festival came on 33/1 shot Flying Tiger, who pipped favourite Divin Bere
 Richard Johnson admitted to being 'speechless' as he steered Flying Tiger to a shock victory at Cheltenham
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Richard Johnson admitted to being 'speechless' as he steered Flying Tiger to a shock victory at CheltenhamCredit: PA:Press Association

Johnson said: "It's fantastic. Lizzie Kelly was riding another horse (Diable De Sivola, fifth) but has done a lot of work to get him settled.

"He's always been talented in France but he got it right on the day.

"I'm slightly speechless."