Chasing switch for As I Am

As I Am: Will now be sent over fences

As I Am is set to strut her stuff over fences this summer after signing off over the smaller obstacles in magnificent fashion in the Thoroughbred Breeders Association Mares Novices Hurdle at Cheltenham.

Returning after a 108-day absence, the admirable one-eyed six-year-old jumped with aplomb and galloped her rivals into submission to register her seventh victory since June.

Emily Gray did her best to make a race of it in the straight, but 7/2 shot As I Am produced a mighty leap at the final flight and stormed up the hill under Conor Shoemark to seal a three-length triumph.

However, trainer Don Cantillon revealed As I Am was nearly withdrawn from the Listed contest.

She was almost a non-runner because of a hip injury she had very recently, but luckily the vet passed her fit, said the Newmarket handler.

The rider said she didnt overlove the ground yet she was just amazing. She jumped so high at the last hurdle. Shes had her holiday. Thats why she hadnt a run for 108 days.

Shes going to go summer jumping. Her next race might be a two-mile beginners chase at Worcester on May 14. Ive been schooling her over fences, which is why shes given her hurdles so much daylight.

Shoemark swiftly completed a double as Me And Ben (9/1) opened her account over fences in the EBF/Thoroughbred Breeders Association Mares Novices Chase Finale.

Fergal OBriens seven-year-old overtook the always prominent Possibly Flora after jumping the second last and plugged on stoutly to score by two lengths.

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Chasing switch for As I Am