Sandown victory for Detroit City

Detroit City (left) stumbled at the last but still held off Straw Bear

Cheltenham Champion Hurdle favourite Detroit City overcame a mistake at the last obstacle to defeat Straw Bear and win the Agfa UK Hurdle at Sandown.

The 1-3 chance, ridden by Richard Johnson, was comfortably in the lead but he ploughed through the last.

The error gave Straw Bear and Tony McCoy a chance but Johnson's mount picked up the pace again to the line.

It was Detroit City's eight consecutive victory and ensured he remains at the head of the Champion Hurdle betting.

Johnson took the grey to the front of the front of the six-strong field at the first flight in the back straight.

He's favourite for the Champion Hurdle and so he should be Detroit City trainer Philip Hobbs

His usual quick jumping was on display for most of the way home before his blip at the last.

The five-year-old remains a general 5-2 favourite for Cheltenham and trainer Philip Hobbs was happy with how his preparations are going.

"I suppose he was more workmanlike than impressive, but he has never been that impressive winning in the past," said Hobbs.

"He jumped well except for the mistake at the last, but that was over with very quickly and it didn't stop him.

"I was worried just for a second that he might fall, but he survived and the mistake won't have done him any harm at all.

"Richard said he would have needed the run. This won't have reduced his Champion Hurdle chance, anyway, and it couldn't have gone any better.

"All the Irish horses are very good, but they are getting older and he is only five so should still be improving. He's favourite for the Champion Hurdle and so he should be."

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Agfa UK Hurdle
1. Detroit City (R Johnson) 1-3 Fav
2. Straw Bear (A P McCoy) 7-2
3. Whispered Promises (A O'Keeffe) 66-1
6 ran