CHELTENHAM?Festival 2011 was a cracker with many close finishes and new heroes and old favourites running starring races.

Readers may agree with me up to this point — until I reveal that my starring ride was on a horse that came second and it was ridden by a woman!

Nina Carberry was mightily impressive in picking up Garde Champetre in the Glerfarclas Cross Country race after major interference had lost the duo several lengths — to come a brilliant second.

Despite gloomy predictions from some, Ruby Walsh — recently back from serious injury — had a five-timer to end as leading jockey of the four-day feast of National Hunt racing.

It was truly marvellous to see him triumph on Big Bucks in the Stan James World Hurdle to clock up three successive wins — even though some had doubts about his mount that equalled those about the rider himself.

Both proved their detractors wrong!

The old guard of Kauto Star, Denman and Imperial Commander — all previous winners at the Prestbury Park amphitheatre — tried their hardest, but it was the young blood of Long Run for trainer Nicky Henderson (his first Gold Cup winner) that took the Totesport Tropy under amateur Sam Whaley-Cohen. He was the first amateur to win a race trageted by owners, trainers and jockeys as of paramount importance, in 30 years.

The Irish had a great festival even though we were told in advance that economics meant they had to part with many of their top steeds, finishing on the last day just one behind the British.

If you took my pre-race tip for trainer Paddy Mullins and Ruby, you will have had a lucrative festival.

Looking forward, the classy Zarkandar, who won the JCB Triumph Hurdle, could be a star of the future and don't forget the fine effort of What A Friend, who was ipped in a photo for third by Kauto Star in the big one.

Sadly, there was one equine fatality after the 27 firecely competitive contests.

Keith Whitford.