Cheltenham: More of That scores minor upset in World Hurdle

More of That, a 6-year-old gelding making his fifth start, scored a minor upset in Thursday’s $457,000 World Hurdle at Cheltenham, holding off a sustained threat from the previously unbeaten mare Annie Power in the three-mile race.

More of That, ridden by Barry Geraghty for trainer Jonjo O’Neill, won by 1 1/2 lengths as a 15-2 shot over Annie Power, the 11-8 favorite. At Fishers Cross, a 9-1 chance, finished third in the field of 10.

Big Buck’s, who won the Grade 1 World Hurdle for four consecutive years from 2009 to 2012 but missed last year’s race because of injury, finished fifth. An 11-year-old gelding, Big Buck’s was promptly retired after the race by trainer Paul Nicholls.

More of That is owned by J.P. McManus, who also owns At Fishers Cross. McManus is Ireland’s leading owner of steeplechases. By Beneficial, More of That is unbeaten in five starts. He won his debut in December 2012 but did not start again until last November. More of That won the Grade 2 Relkeel Hurdle at Cheltenham in December and had not started since.

O’Neill said More of That was held out of major stakes in January and February because of deep ground. The World Hurdle over 12 hurdles was run on a turf course rated “good.”