HEREFORDSHIRE jockey Tom Scudamore has won his first race over hurdles at Cheltenham after Thistlecrack stormed to victory in the Ryanair World Hurdle. 

Afterwards, Scudamore said he has never ridden a better horse.

"I have spent my whole life running around in these races - whether it's the Gold Cup, Champion Chase, Champion Hurdle - I nearly got and finally I have got a horse like this," said Scudamore.

"It's unbelievable. I never realised it could be so easy.

"I was always very confident and it was just about getting in the right positions.

"What a racehorse.

"I wouldn't mind jumping over a fence with him, but he is very good over hurdles."

Scudamore will be hoping it's a double celebration tomorrow when he defends his Grand Annual Chase title aboard Next Sensation.

The horse is owned by Herefordshire entrepeneur Mark Blandford.

World Hurdle Result

1: Thistlecrack (Evens)

2: Alpha des Obeaux 8-1

3: Bobs Worth 33-1