Jockey Nico de Boinville has spoken of his delight at riding Coneygree to victory in the Gold Cup at this year's Cheltenham Festival.

The 7/1 shot Coneygree was making his first appearance at the festival and was running for only the fourth time over fences, but he dominated the race and held off a late rally from Djakadam and Road To Riches in a thrilling finish.

"It's the best feeling ever, I'm lost for words," Sky Sports News quotes De Boinville as saying. "I never thought they shouldn't have run in this, it was a great plan.

"The weather gods were looking down on us and the ground was ideal. He's so deceptive, even when he gets in tight he's brilliant, it's all thanks to the Bradstock family, it's a great family effort.

"I must thank the owners and the Bradstocks for keeping the faith in me. These horses only come once in a lifetime."

Coneygree has now become the first novice to win the Gold Cup since 1974.