Old is hoping for another miracle from Sir Talbot

Racegoers attending Cheltenham this Saturday can witness a small miracle when death-defying Sir Talbot lines up for the Victor Chandler Bula Hurdle.

The Jim Old-trained gelding, winner of the 1999 County Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival, has not raced since finishing second to eventual 2000 Champion Hurdle third, Blue Royal, at Ascot almost two years ago.

Having already made one recovery from a fractured pelvis sustained that day, Sir Talbot suffered an identical injury during a schooling session 12 months ago. The question then was not whether Old's stable star would run again, but whether he could be saved for a comfortable retirement.

"It was the worst fall I've ever seen any time, any place, anywhere," said Old. "He turned a double somersault and we heard his back snap again. His whole hindquarters swelled to elephantine proportions and he was in agony. We were begging the vets to put him to sleep.

"But they couldn't tell what was wrong until the swelling subsided. He was made comfortable and, after he returned to normal size, amazingly he was fine. He'd lost the confidence to jump at first, but he schooled brilliantly this morning. He's enthusiastic and looks tremendous."

Old admits Saturday's race is crucial for Sir Talbot. "He may not be as fast as he was - we'll find out in the Bula," he said. "We thought he was a serious Champion Hurdle horse two years ago. Who knows if he can be now. The first priority is a clear round this Saturday."