SADLY, the Times does not know how to pick a winner — our choice at the Cheltenham Festival failed to win his race.

Following the visit of legendary horse trainer Martin Pipe to their Okehampton store, BetFred kindly offered the Times a free £50 bet on the Cheltenham Festival, with any winnings going to the charity of our choice.

With the potential payout earmarked for the Okehampton Foodbank, Martin recommended we put our money on Grands Crus, a horse owned and trained by his son David, to win the RSA Chase.

Grands Crus was favourite to win before the race, and looked in contention before the home straight, where he faded badly to end up fourth, lagging far behind winner Bobs Worth.