Stage Star overcomes final fence drama at Cheltenham as low-cost syndicate celebrate

By Melissa Jones Favourite backers breathed a sigh of relief as Stage Star survived a late scare to reward a large group of lucky owners in the Paddy Power Gold Cup. Paul Nicholls’ chaser was in control of the £160,000 highlight when his momentum was dramatically halted by a final fence mistake. His bold jump was met with a steep landing, which all-but ground the 4-1 market leader to a walk under Harry Cobden. Even 14-times champion trainer Nicholls felt it was game over and closest pursuer Notlongtillmay would be gifted victory. Yet the front runner dug into his extra reserves to assert by fo…

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