Dunguib suffers shock defeat in Cheltenham Festival opener

The hotly-fancied Dunguib suffered a shock defeat in the opening race at the Cheltenham Festival today when only third to Menorah in the Spinal Research Supreme Novices' Hurdle.

Philip Fenton's seven-year-old, a hugely impressive winner of last season's Champion Bumper at the four-day meeting, was sent off the 4-5 favourite to maintain his unbeaten record over hurdles.

But despite being ridden with confidence by Brian O'Connell, he was unable to get the Irish off to a flying start.

Dunguib chased the Philip Hobbs-trained winner (12-1) and Get Me Out Of Here (9-2) late in the straight, however he never looked like clawing back the winner.

Menorah found plenty under Richard Johnson to hold off Jonjo O'Neill's Get Me Out Of Here by a head, with Dunguib a further length and three-quarters adrift.

The winner was making a dramatic return to form having suffered a surprise defeat at Ascot in February.

Johnson said: "On a couple of days this year it didn't work out for him but today it has done and it's great to have it. I always thought Cheltenham would be ideal for him with a true-run race."

Meanwhile, Fenton refused to blame O'Connell for Dunguib's defeat and is now targeting redemption at next month's Punchestown Festival.

He said: "He missed a hurdle out at the top of the hill and jumping the third last, we were probably fighting a losing battle. After this, I think Punchestown will still be the next stop for him."

In the following race, Sizing Europe maintained his unbeaten record over fences with a impressive display in the Irish Independent Arkle Challenge Trophy at Cheltenham.

Henry de Bromhead's 6-1 chance travelled powerfully throughout under Andrew Lynch to beat Somersby (4-1) and Osana (14-1).