BLOOMIN' FANTASTIC

Brighton owner has Cheltenham success and win over bitter rivals

-  NEIL MCLEMAN

OWNER Tony Bloom celebrated a famous win double yesterday as Brighton beat bitter rivals Crystal Palace after his horse romped to victory at Cheltenham.

The professional gambler saw Energumene retain his Queen Mother Champion Chase crown by 10 lengths in his blue and white colours.

Bloom was thought to be the punter behind two huge bets, which produced winnings of £830,000, after admitting he had a few quid on".

The Brighton chairman took a helicopter to see his club win by a smaller margin, but draw level on points alongside Liverpool in pursuit of the even bigger prize of European football.

Solly March scored the winner after 15 minutes of a feisty clash - on March 15. But on the Ides of March, this was another stark warning that Palace's Premier League future is in danger after a 12th consecutive game without a win.

Playing like this, they won't stay 12th for long and they face leaders Arsenal on Sunday.