The Ireland-based Samcro (8-11) won the Grade 1 novices' hurdle in Wednesday's first race at Cheltenham. A shipper from the Emerald Isle was equally brilliant in the second race when Presenting Percy (5-2 favorite) scored a sharp-looking win in the second race, the Grade 1 RSA Novices' Chase at 3 1-16 miles.

Presenting Percy was ridden by Davy Russell for trainer Patrick Kelly and won for the fourth time in six starts this season in the $244,200 RSA Novices' Chase.

Russell rode Presenting Percy confidently through the two-circuit race on the undulating course. Presenting Percy was the back of the field of 10 for the first two miles. Presenting Percy was within a few lengths of the leaders with two fences to go and took turning into the stretch, before two uphill fences.

Presenting Percy won by seven lengths over 10-3 Monalee, who was seven lengths clear of 9-1 Elegant Escape.

Presenting Percy, a 7-year-old gelding by Sir Percy, has won 9 of 17 starts in his career and 3 of 5 starts over fences. Last year, Presenting Percy won the Pertemps Handicap Hurdle at three miles at this meeting.