Owner Paul Duffy could not have been left more thrilled following Diamond Harry’s sensational victory over fences at Haydock this weekend.

After being beaten by Big Buck’s at Newbury last month, connections opted to switch to bigger obstacles ahead of the Cheltenham Festival in March.

As a result of his 16-length victory over Knockara Beau, Diamond Harry is now as short as 7/1 for the RSA Chase at Cheltenham and Duffy explained: "It was fantastic. Bensalem looked as though he might be a good second, but you never know. The third-last was a definitive moment.

"Diamond Harry is a very competitive horse and Barry said that. He likes to get his head in front. He did as much as we could have asked of him.

"I got a bit carried away afterwards as I got very nervous before the race with him running over fences for the first time.

"You do get anxious for the horse. I was looking away a bit at the third-last but it all came good.

"Barry rode him well and is good horseman. He gave us a good insight after the race saying the horse did everything right and that he must have been well schooled to have done that. He was very congratulatory.

"All the preparation had been done but you can't beat preparation on the racecourse.

"We are hoping to get another race into him before the Festival providing he comes out of the race OK. The race at Newbury works out very nicely for us.

"We've got to make sure he's OK and look after him. He looked great yesterday. He was ready for it and it showed.

"I was proud and relieved in equal measure."

Follow this link to William Hill for information on how to get a free bet on this year’s RSA Chase.

RSA Chase: William Hill

7-2 Punchestowns, 5-1 Long Run, 7-1 Diamond Harry,  8-1 Mikael D’Haguenet, 10-1 Weapons Amnesty,  14-1 Pandorama, Weird Al, 16-1 Bensalem,  20-1 Inchidaly Rock, 25-1 Mighty Man, Robarto Goldback, 33-1 Alfie Sherrin, Black Harry, Catch Me, Gullible Gordon, Knockara Beau, 40-1 bar  Others Available (EW 1/4 1,2,3)