Cheltenham 2019: Bryony Frost makes Festival history on Frodon in Ryanair Chase as first female Grade One winner over fences

Frodon took an early lead and looked unbeatable throughout

Bryony Frost became the first female jockey to win a Grade One race at the Cheltenham Festival with a stunning ride on Frodon.

The 9/2 SP joint-favourite took an early lead in the Ryanair Steeple Chase and a series of perfect jumps took it to victory.

The Paul Nicholls-trained runner is a Cheltenham favourite and had won on its two previous visits to Prestbury Park, making it a popular selection amongst the punters on St Patrick’s Day at the Festival.

Frost, who started riding Frodon in December 2017, said winning was a dream come true.

"My god, he jumps and just at that minute when he got overtaken, most horses would quit, but he grabbed me by the hands and said, 'don't you dare give up, don't you dare not send me into the last - I want this more than you, now come on, where are you'.

"Just look at what he's done there - deny that he just loves racing. He's unbelievable," she added.

"He just made the dream come true, it's just incredible. He will deserve every single high five, pat and carrot."

Nicholls revealed there was some concern over its fitness ahead of the Festival, but a run at Wincanton on Friday eased any problems.

Bryony Frost celebrates winning the Ryainair Chase on Frodon (Reuters)

“We've had to work hard to get him really, really fit and we thought we were a bit short last week so we took him to Wincanton on Friday to let him do a mile and a half and that put the finishing touches in.

"It's one of the best days ever,” he added.

"I said keep saving it and save one big run for the last. It was a brilliant team effort from absolutely everybody.”

Frodon gave reason for Frost to smile (Reuters)

Frodon had been considered for the Gold Cup, but Frost insisted she was happy to race him in any event.

"There was a lot of talk about the Gold Cup, but I left that all to Paul, he'll always do the right thing, my job is to ensure the horse has the most successful career possible.

Frost became the first woman to win a Grade One chase at Cheltenham over fences (PA)

"I must thank Paul and the owners Mr and Mrs Vogt for sticking by me once I'd lost my claim, it would have been easy to put someone else on.

"This is a big team effort and I'm just so pleased it's all come together."

"It's one of the best days ever,” he added.

"I said keep saving it and save one big run for the last. It was a brilliant team effort from absolutely everybody.”