Tidal Bay impressive in Arkle Denis O?Regan partnered his first Cheltenham Festival winner as Tidal Bay recorded an impressive victory in the Irish Independent Arkle Challenge Trophy Chase. Runner-up in the Ballymore Properties Novice Hurdle 12 months ago, the seven-year-old gelding went one better in some style. Heading Kruguyrova soon after two out, the Howard Johnson-trained 6/1 second favourite quickened clear off the home bend and stayed on strongly on the run-in to beat the mare by a massive 13 lengths. Noland and Thyne Again both held every chance approaching the second last but could find no extra when the winner set sail for home. Noland, the well-backed 7/4 favourite, finished a further length and a half back in third with Thyne Again a neck away in fourth. h.
