Cheltenham Festival 2024 RECAP: Galopin Des Champs wins the 100th Gold Cup in a stylish victory for the second year running on a thrilling final day… but which trainer came out on top?

Thrills, spills, and everything in between – thanks for following along with our live coverage on what has been a terrific 2024 Festival.

The week’s Leading Trainer is who else but Mr 100, Willie Mullins, with his stupendous nine wins. It was his Festival, really, and although the Skeltons looked to be challenging yesterday, his crushing dominance came to the fore on the final day – and with Galopin Des Champs, in some style.

Therefore it’s of zero surprise that his jockey Paul Townend ends the week as Leading Jockey for the third year in row, with his career-best six wins. Claiming his fourth Gold Cup also equals the record – which makes the prospect of a Galopin Des Champs triple bid next year all the more enticing.

Majborough – Mark Walsh – trained by Willie Mullins

2.10pm – County Handicap Hurdle

Absurde – Paul Townend – trained by Willie Mullins

2.50pm – Albert Bartlett Novices’ Hurdle

Stellar Story – Jack Kennedy – trained by Gordon Elliot

Galopin Des Champs – Paul Townend – trained by Willie Mullins

4.10pm – St James’s Place Hunters’ Chase

Sine Nomine – John Dawson – trained by Fiona Needham

Limerick Lace – Keith Donoghue – trained by Gavin Cromwell

5.30pm – Martin Pipe Handicap Hurdle

Better Days Ahead – Danny Gilligan – trained by Gordon Elliott

As Irish claim a one-two-three-four in the final race, and with it, another emphatic win in the Prestbury Cup.

After yesterday’s false dawn for the British, Cheltenham week ends…

Ireland 18-9 Great Britain

1. Better Days Ahead
2. Waterford Whispers
3. Quai De Bourbon
4. Answer To Kayf

I got the biggest kick out of that. To win the Martin Pipe, he’s my idol.

They’re (the owners) so good to me, and I’ve been trying to get them a Cheltenham winner.

He’s a big chaser, absolutely delighted.

After turning on the after-burners just over the final jump, and Waterford Whispers has no hope of matching that speed, cruising into second – no better.

But here comes Quai De Bourbon, moving into third positon, but he’s tracked closely by No Ordinary Joe, ahead of the final flight.

Against the rail moving up into fourth, with Sonigino also making the running and moving well.

Running down the hill, it’s still very close between the two front runners, but No Ordinary Joe is looking strong here.

It’s after a mishap from Ocastle Des Mottes, who clatters the jump, but he keeps pace as they head downhill.

He drifts towards the outside and retakes the lead, and he’s neck and neck with Waterford Whispers.

Followed by Mel Monroe, Waterford Whispers and Quai De Bourbon, as they head up the home straight.

Shared is the back-marker, but they’re already making quite a pace, and keeping clustered close together.

… After a false start which sees them streaking away at racing pace on the approach.

The sun is shining brilliantly now, down on leaders Waterford Whispers and Ocastle Des Motts.

1. Magic Tricks – Charlie O’Dwyer
2. Hollow Games – Kieren Buckley
3. Sonigino – Freddie Gingell
4. No Ordinary Joe – Aidan Kelly
5. Quai De Bourbon – Michael O’Sullivan
6. Better Days Ahead – Danny Gilligan
7. Jay Jay Reilly – Tristan Durrell
8. Yeats Star – Shane Fitzgerald
9. Answer To Kayf – John Shinnick
10. What’s Up Darling – Conor Stone-Walsh
11. Angels Breath – Dylan Johnston
12. Stuzzikini – Jake Coen
13. Waterford Whispers – Mike O’Connor
14. Ocastle Des Mottes – Kieran Callaghan
15. Sequestered – Jack G Gillian
16. Teddy Blue – NON-RUNNER
17. Mel Monroe – Ben Harvey
18. Bingoo – Patrick Wadge
19. Fiveonefive – E Walsh
20. Thanksforthehelp – David Pipe
21. Shared – Alice Stevens
22. Jason The Militant – Joe Williamson
23. Russian Ruler – Freddie Gordon

The Festival is set to go out with a bang thanks to a packed house in our final race of the meeting, the Martin Pipe Handicap Hurdle.

Man of the week Willie Mullins has won this race four times and has a good shot at claiming fifth thanks to the well-fancied Quai De Bourbon, but his recent form hasn’t been half as strong as the favourite, Waterford Whispers. Henry de Bromhead has two winners this week, and this is a good chance for his hat-trick.

Also worthy of note is Paul Nicholls’ Sonigino, the last horse of Sir Alex Ferguson’s, which could yet hand him a Cheltenham treble, and Gordon Elliott’s Better Days Ahead.

Your odds with Paddy Power are below:

• Waterford Whispers – 5/2
• Quai De Bourbon – 4/1
• Better Days Ahead – 7/1
• Whats Up Darling – 8/1
• Ocastle Des Mottes – 17/2
• Answer To Kayf – 10/1
• No Ordinary Joe – 12/1
• Yeats Star – 16/1
• Mel Monroe – 16/1
• Bingoo – 16/1
• Sonigino – 18/1
• Jason The Militant – 25/1
• Sequestered – 30/1
• Jay Jay Reilly – 33/1
• Angels Breath – 40/1
• Magic Tricks – 50/1
• Shared – 50/1
• Hollow Games – 66/1
• Russian Ruler – 80/1
• Stuzzikini – 100/1
• Fiveonefive – 100/1

Limerick Lace is a full sister to Gavin Cromwell’s winner yesterday, Inothewayurthinkin in the Kim Muir.

Full siblings have both taken honours at the Festival in the past, but at the same meeting, it’s a rare feat.

Another strong showing from JP McManues’ stable.

1. Limerick Lace
2. Dinoblue
3. Marsh Wren

She showed a bit of heart, didn’t she?

She was genuine. She was in front from a long way out, and she had a battle.

On her pre-race friskiness:

She’s always like that. She’s probably well improved from what she used to be like. A little madam. But she showed guts, determination.

By a neck! It’s a one-two for JP McManus, and Dinoblue looked like she was going to power into an unknown gear to outstrip the leader. But the Gavin Cromwell-trained horse clung on, and stuck her neck out, and won.

But Limerick Lace is looking very strong as she kicks on to swipe the lead with one fence to go.

And Marsh Wren is looking to swipe the lead from Instit. Dinoblue is making moves forward now, tucked in the middle of the pack in fourth as they make their way down the other side of the hill.

As they approach the water jump, which everyone pops over safely, but Harmonya Maker didn’t stick the langing and moves back a little.

Limerick Lace on the inside is moving forward ahead Kestrel Valley, who struggled with that penultimate ditch.

Allegorie De Vassy remains the back-marker, with stablemate Dinoblue just in front, in no rush whatsoever as they climb the hill.

It’s really coming down now.

Through the driving rain, as they make the sweeping turn downhill. Marsh Wren trails, with Kestrel Wren now placed third, but they’re nicely spread early on.

Dinoblue hangs back, alongside Riviere D’etel.

As the mist comes down, the visibility has really denigrated as we begin our penultimate race of this festival.

1. Dino Blue – Mark Walsh
2. Allegorie De Vassy – Paul Townend
3. Harmonya Maker – Jordan Gainford
4. Brides Hill – NON-RUNNER
5. Carole’s Pass – NON-RUNNER
6. Instit – Danny Mullins
7. Kestrel Valley – Sam Twiston-Davies
8. Limerick Lace – Keith Donoghue
9. Marsh Wren – Ciaran Gethings
10. Pink Legend – Charlie Deutsch
11. Riviere D’etel – Jack Kennedy

Before we wave goodbye to this year’s Cheltenham Festival, but there’s still lots of fun to be had, first up with the Mrs Paddy Power Mares’ Chase.

Much of the conversation comes down to the two front-runners: Dinoblue versus Allegorie De Vassy. Both are Mullins-trained, with the former making her first trip back to Cheltenham since 2022. She won a Grade One at Leopardstown in December, but the distance could prove a little troubling, as she has never won over 2m 1f – and we’re 2m 4f today.

Allegorie De Vassy also comes in off the back off a statement win, and will be seeking revenge after coming second in this race last year.

• Dinoblue – 13/8
• Limerick Lace – 3/1
• Allegorie De Vassy – 3/1
• Riviere D’etel – 11/2
• Marsh Wren – 20/1
• Pink Legend – 22/1
• Instit – 28/1
• Harmonya Maker – 50/1
• Kestrel Valley – 70/1

Sine Nomine is trained in Thirsk by Fiona Needham – who herself won the amateur jockeys only race 22 years ago, and jockey John Dawson is Thirsk born-and-bred.

1. Sine Nomine
2. Its On The Line
3. Time Leader

I just progressed all the time. We’ve all believed in her, and I’m chuffed for her.

An excellent spurt of power after coming up to challenge just before the final hurdle, and he holds off Its On The Line to nose over the finish line by a neck.

Its On The Line is trying on the inside, but Sine Nomine has excellent pace to test last year’s runner-up…

Its On The Line is giving chase, as Sine Nomine sprints for third.

As Sine Nomine creeps up the field, with Its On The Line, Premier Magic, and Shantou Flyer all also still in consideration.

As the leader – Ferns Lock, Shantou Flyer and Billaway hold their positions.

But with five fences to go, here comes Time Leader, sneaking forward alongside Shantou looking for second place.

… in fourth as they round the corner to cheers from the stands heading for a stretch before turning left-handed.

Its On The Line moves up to third, with Premier Magic just behind.

Samcro and Time Leader are on the inside – and From The Heart has been pulled up.

Ferns Lock doesn’t look comfortable with the lead, but keeps hold of it as they head down the hill, tracked by Shantou Flyer.

Ramilies and From The Heart at the back look a little off pace at the back as they climb with 12 fences to go.

A wobbly moment from Ferns Lock who leads the pack, and then has a difficult moment over the next fence, straying onto the right.

He keeps the lead now close to the inside, with Shantou Flyer and Its On The Line gaining ground.

With Samcro leading the pack, alongside Its On The Line, Ferns Lock on the outside and Shantou Flyer tucked inside.

Two wins with Galopin Des Champs, was it?

Crack tipster Lizzie Kelly fancies Premier Magic, who won last year, but Its On The Line has caught more than one eye among the raft of Mail Sport predictors, including that of National Hunt icon Peter Scudamore.

1. Billaway – P W Mullins
2. D’Jango – Immy Robinson
3. Ferns Lock – B O’Neill
4. From The Heart – Natalie Parker
5. Its On The Line – Derek O’Connor
6. Premier Magic – Bradley Gibbs
7. Quintin’s Man – Darren Andrews
8. Ramillies – R James
9. Samcro – T Hamilton
10. Shantou Flyer – Olive Nicholls
11. Time Leader – Toby McCain-Mitchell
12. Sine Nomine – John Dawson

Tearing ourselves away from the emotional coverage in the aftermath of that Gold Cup win for Galopin Des Champs, it’s time to start thinking about the next race this afternoon, taking place in just over 10 minutes.

It’s On The Line came close last year, and will be going for glory 12 months later for Emmet Mullins, and he’s in rip-roaring form, having won his last three outings this season.

You can find all the odds via Paddy Power below.

• It’s On The Line – 11/8
• Ferns Lock – 10/3
• Billaway – 11/2
• Premier Magic – 6/1
• Sine Nomine – 9/1
• Samcro – 20/1
• Quintin’s Man – 30/1
• Time Leader – 40/1
• From The Heart – 150/1
• Shantou Flyer – 50/1
• Django – 70/1
• Ramillies -100/1

Relive that awe-inspiring win with Mail Sport’s review of today’s showpiece race, now available below.

I just think he’s put himself in the superstar category, the way he did it – that loose horse.

I think we’ve got to try and come back next year and get him a third one. It’s just about keeping him sound.

He’s only eight years old. Could he bag three back-to-back wins? Arkle, eat your heart out!

As Galopin Des Champs is led in alongside Audrey Turley and Willie Mullins.

Paul Townend stands up in his irons to accept the applause from the grateful, awestruck punters.

Probably very few joining in from the bookies.

A staggering way to bag your 103rd Cheltenham win, Willie Mullins.

He matches Arkle’s great jockey, Pat Taaffe, with this win on Galopin Des Champs.

Surely, breaking that record is in sight after yet another quality victory.

(Watching is) terrifying. I’m sorry but it is. I don’t think it gets any easier. I will enjoy the race later, when I know what’s going to happen.

I’m just so thrilled that everybody got around – and Galopin won!

He is so special to us, we absolutely lovely. When we go to the stables to meet him, he is just so lovely.

i just want to snuggle him and cuddle him all day.

Rode him completely different to last year, and he was just so brave for me. We were kind of in between at the last.

He pulled out all the stops.

What makes him a champion?

We took off his reserves there that only the really special ones have.

1. Galopin Des Champs
2. Gerri Colombe
3. Corach Rambler

That was a fabulous win, as Paul Townend streaks away from Gerri Colombe – and watching the loose horse – to cross the finish line in style.

Another strong win for the double champion.

Going in to the second-last, as Galopin Des Champs streaks forward, but here comes Corach Rambler from nowhere!

With four fences to go, which adds a little needle. Corach Rambler is making good ground at the back as they head over the fourth-last.

The loose Fastorslow is still among the leaders, and hopefully he is caught soon, and safely.

He can’t gain too much ground as they all head over the water-jump, but he trails Galopin Des Champs on the outside.

Corach Rambler is losing ground and looking a little stressed – but Fastorslow is out!

L’Homme Presse moves forward to challenge The Real Whacker at the front, to the sound of a roar from the crowd, as the horses turn to start the last circuit.

… Galopin Des Champs holds his position, keeping third, as Corach Rambler continues to trail at the back.

Gerri Colombe sits just alongside Fastorslow, still very much nestled among the mid-pack.

And loses a little ground, while Jungle Boogie struggles with the next, before they all pop over the next open ditch before taking the turn.

Corach Rambler the back-marker now, as The Real Whacker continues to lead despite an imperfect trip over that next fence.

They’re clustered close together as they turn away from the stands, and he’s tracked by Galopin Des Champs on the outside, alongside L’Homme Presse.

Fastorslow is on the outside of Gerri Colombe as they pop over the next fence, towards the first open ditch.

Gentlemansgame and Monkfish both push for the lead ahead of the first of 22 fences.

And despite the scattered grey clouds, the sun is shining through in bright streaks as the horses are led up in front of a packed house on Gold Cup Day.

Do not go absolutely anywhere – in three minutes, the Gold Cup will be underway.

Winner of the 2021 Brown Advisory Novices’ Chase, the Willie Mullins chase returns to the course after a striking three-year absence.

What a comeback success in the Gold Cup could be.

While some horses have been scratched because of the going, Nassalam is a veritable mudlark, and looks in tip-top condition as he takes a turn in the parade ring.

Winner of the Welsh Grand National, the outside chance – 25/1 with Paddy Power – could make an each-way pick for the brave.

As skies darken over Prestbury Park…

1. Bravemansgame – Harry Cobden
2. Corach Rambler – Derek Fox
3. Fastorslow – JJ Slevin
4. Galopin Des Champs – Paul Townend
5. Gentlemansgame – Darragh O’Keeffe
6. Gerri Colombe – Jack Kennedy
7. Hewick – NON-RUNNER
8. Jungle Boogie – Rachael Blackmore
9. L’Homme Presse – Charlie Deutsch
10. Monkfish – P W Mullins
11. Nassalam – Niall Houlihan
12. The Real Whacker – Sam Twiston-Davies

Anything Al Boum Photo can do, Galopin Des Champs can do better? We’ll have to wait and see, but the Willie Mullins-trained horse looks the clear winner amongst a stacked cast, including last year’s runner-up Bravemansgame.

Paul Nicholls says that his hopeful could struggle with the testing ground, and last year’s Brown Advisory winner The Real Whacker is also thought to be at a disadvantage in current conditions.

But keep an eye on Fastorslow. He’s done enjoyable battle with Galopin Des Champs over this past season, and has come off the better two out of three times. Enough for him to do it on the biggest stage? We’ll have to wait and see.

Paddy Power has all the odds as we gear up for the big race, below.

• Galopin Des Champs – 5/6
• Gerri Colombe – 11/2
• Fastorslow – 13/2
• L’Homme Presse – 12/1
• Nassalam – 25/1
• Corach Rambler – 14/1
• Jungle Boogie – 20/1
• Monkfish – 16/1
• Bravemansgame – 16/1
• Gentlemansgame – 25/1
• The Real Whacker – 50/1

Can Galopin Des Champs be ruled out? Not entirely – but neither could El Fabiolo, before his unprecedented mis-step in the Champion Chase.

Have a watch of today’s Cheltenham Confidential for Lizzie Kelly and Marcus Townend’s thoughts on potential each-way nods, below.

It’s finally time – the Gold Cup will be underway in just 25 minutes time.

It’s never too late to brush up on your knowledge ahead of any potential decision-making – have a peruse of our Gold Cup lowdown, below.

1. Stellar Story
2. The Jukebox Man
3. Dancing City

A heartfelt performance from the Gordon Elliott-trained horse.

Absolutely brilliant. He’s a horse who jumps very well, loves that ground today, he battled very hard for me. He was brillant. I can’t believe it.

The way the week was going, you think it’ll never happen. Unbelievable.

Fair play to the horse. He stuck his head out and tried hard to the end of the line.

He was so close to matching Sir Alex Ferguson with his second winner of the week.

The Jukebox Man crashes into the last hurdle but keeps going – only for Stellar Story to power forward and inch ahead at the last.

The Jukebox Man might have lost by a nose here, and Stellar Story pounces.

Readin Tommy Wrong falls out of contention, but The Jukebox Man is looking really strong now, and leads by a great three-four length distance.

Stellar Story is chasing The Jukebox Man’s lead, but a couple make a mistake – including the former – over the third-last.

Johnnywho has moved into third as they head down the hill.

Captain Teague on the inside gears up to move forward, but Readin Tommy Wrong is being jostled somewhat.

They pass the stands before heading through the halfway stage, and receive a huge roar of encouragement from the crowd.

Stellar Story is still on the heels of The Jukebox Man, but the pack as bunched up as Readin Tommy Wrong and Chigorin are among the contenders starting to plot their move forward over the fourth-to-last.

As they run down hill approaching the fourth hurdle, the chasing pack all content to just keep pace before heading up the hill.

Lecky Watson is one of those hanging back, as well as Gidleigh Park, Chigorin, and Readin Tommy Wrong.

The Jukebox Man still setting the pace by three lengths, with Captain Teague in the midpack, just ahead of Readin Tommy Wrong on the outside.

The back-marker is High Class Hero, but it’s pretty easygoing, with some distance to go.

These novices have a punchy distance of three miles to cover, and in testing conditions, it could be a real slog for the babies, with many of them untested.

The Jukebox Man leads them off – owned by Harry Redknapp, who saw a winner yesterday – followed by Stellar Story and Dancing City.

A personal achievement for Paul Townend could be incoming – and aboard Galopin Des Champs in just over 40 minutes, it feels like a dead cert.

1. Butcher Hollow – NON-RUNNER
2. Captain Teague – Harry Cobden
3. Chigorin – Rachael Blackmore
4. Dancing City – Danny Mullins
5. Dripsey Moon – Ben Harvey
6. Gidleigh Park – Jonathan Burke
7. High Class Hero – P W Mullins
8. Johnnywho – Jonjo O’Neill Jr
9. Lecky Watson – Brian Hayes
10. Readin Tommy Wrong – Paul Townend
11. Search for Glory – Jack Kennedy
12. Shanagh Bob – NON-RUNNER
13. Spread Boss Ted – Sean O’Keeffe
14. Stellar Story – Sam Ewing
15. The Jukebox Man – Kielan Woods

Just over ten minutes to go until we get underway in our third race of the day.

Forget a green-wash, Cheltenham Friday could start looking like a Mullins-wash should Paul Townend mount Readin Tommy Wrong live up to his promise.

In his last outing he won a Grade One at Naas, beating Albert Bartlett contender Lecky Watson, and is unbeaten this season – a fearsome prospect amid a talented field.

Paul Nicholls has named Captain Teague as his strongest prospect running out today, and he makes an intriguing choice as the third-favourite.

But you can review all of the odds for the Novices’ Hurdle, courtesy of Paddy Power, below.

• Readin Tommy Wrong – 15/8
• Gidleigh Park – 5/1
• Captain Teague – 7/1
• Dancing City – 15/2
• Chigorin – 12/1
• High Class Hero – 11/1
• Johnnywho – 14/1
• Lecky Watson – 12/1
• Search For Glory – 18/1
• The Jukebox Man – 22/1
• Stellar Story – 35/1
• Spread Boss Ted – 40/1
• Dripsey Moon – 200/1

Paul Nicholls’ contender was more than overlooked going into the race, but Freddie Gingell knew exactly how to start off on the right foot – before staying, and staying, to claim a place.

That’s two for two for Willie Mullins as he begins to pull away in the leading trainer standings. He now has eight winners, more than the six he needed last year to win the accolade.

But how many more could he get today?

1. Absurde
2. L’Eau Du Sud
3. Pied Piper
4. Magical Zoe

Got a lot of satisfaction out of that one, to tell you the truth.

On winning with the unfancied 12/1 prospect:

I won’t repeat what the lads were saying to me in the weight room, but it was nice to go out and take a chance.

A terrific ride from Paul Townend, with L’Eau Du Sud already dreaming of the post when Absurde picks his way through the leaders after the final hurdle.

He turns on the after-burners, and manages to get ahead by the finest of margins.

Bialystok moves forward on the outside, looking to make ground as the pack closes up on Afadil.

The run up towards the last sees King of Kingsfield plot his move forward, as does Absurde from the very back.

Petit Tonnerre makes a mini-mistake with four hurdles to go, and then on the next, losing ground.

Reaching the halfway stage, Afadil continues to lead by a sizeable distance.

L’Eau Du Sud on the outside makes up some ground to move forward into the mid-pack.

Climbing towards the send hurdle, and he pops over with no bother, before rounding the corner.

He’s tracked by Zenta and Media Naranja on the inside, and closely followed by Petit Tonnerre.

Afadil starts with a five-length lead, and all clear the first hurdle, with Absurde the back-marker for now.

He’s asked about the going, and whether it’s more testing, and confirms:

… before leading King of Kingsfield back to the pack.

Paul Townend atop Absurde concurs.

… are gearing up for the County Handicap Hurdle. Grey Dawning was the first Skelton grey to take victory at the Festival yesterday, but will he be the last?

1. Pied Piper – Danny Gilligan
2. Zenta – Mark Walsh
3. Magical Zoe – A P Heskin
4. Encanto Bruno – NON-RUNNER
5. Hansard – NON-RUNNER
6. King of Kingsfield – Jack Kennedy
7. Westport Cove – Michael O’Sullivan
8. Bialystok – Danny Mullins
9. Absurde – Paul Townend
10. Risk Belle – Jody McGarvey
11. Aucunrisque – NON-RUNNER
12. Gin Coco – NON-RUNNER
13. Petit Tonnerre – Jonjo O’Neill Jr
14. Faivoir – Tristan Durrell
15. L’Eau Du Sud – Harry Skelton
16. So Scottish – Danagh Meyler
17. Parramount – NON-RUNNER
18. Samui – Sam Ewing
19. Mr Freedom – Marc Goldstein
20. By Your Side – Jake Coen
21. Afadil – Freddie Gingell
22. Media Naranja – Jordan Gainford
23. Rare Middleton – NON-RUNNER

It’s hard to overlook L’Eau Sud, the heavily backed favourite, in the County Hurdle – nor should his owner Sir Alex Ferguson’s luck this week be discounted. The Skelton-trained horse could add yet another win to the yard’s haul amid a terrific Festival, but has a number of competitors to see off first – one of whom is Gordon Elliott’s King of Kingsfield.

The horse has lost out of late only to Slade Steel and Ballyburn – champions this week – last month, and in this Handicap field, could storm ahead and claim the ultimate glory.

You know the drill – Paddy Power has all the odds below.

• L’Eau Du Sud – 10/3
• So Scottish – 4/1
• King Of Kingsfield – 11/2
• Faivoir – 7/1
• Zenta – 17/2
• Magical Zoe – 11/1
• Petit Tonnerre – 11/1
• Pied Piper – 14/1
• Bialystok – 14/1
• Risk Belle – 14/1
• Absurde – 16/1
• Mr Freedom – 20/1
• By Your Side – 35/1
• Afadil – 35/1
• Westport Cove – 40/1
• Samui – 40/1
• Media Naranja – 100/1

British trainer Nicholls has his first runner of the day with Afadil in 25 minutes, but missing out on running Rare Middleton after he was scratched earlier this morning.

You can read his thoughts on the remaining horses taking to the turf, via Betfair, below.

Cool, calm and collected until it was time to beat out Kargese.

I’m quite surprised he wasn’t favourite. He was my pick for the day. Not the day, but the race.

I thought a Gold Cup horse (when he arrived). Physically, that’s what he looked like.

That’ll be a few miles down the road. We’ll let him go novice chasing first.

He’s not your typical juvenile hurdler. He’s a big chaser, so strong.

Little bit keen on me hands earlier, but was happy sitting and galloping.

I was delighted (when Kargese entered the race) because there was something to aim at down the straight.

It’s testing work out there.

Kargese was looking so strong before that final hurdle, but pushing uphill towards home, Majborough’s strength carries and carries him, and he streaks towards the finish to hand Willie Mullins his long-awaited (ha ha ha) 101st Cheltenham winner.

But over the last hurdle, Kargese struggles!

Heading downhill, Ethical Diamond comes from behind now into sixth. Fratas is out, as the front five – Bunting, Storm Heart, Salver, Kargese, and Ithaca’s Arrow go for broke before the last hurdle.

He moves forward into third before the second-last, as Fratas comes under pressure as Storm Heart and Kargese also looking forward to getting into position with two to go.

Nurburgring stays the back-marker.

Storm Heart is beginning to head forward on the outside, while Kargese is content with sixth, with a mile to go.

In the middle of the pack, with Highwind, Ethical Diamond and Nurburgring sitting back over the second hurdle.

They take the turn, with Salver still leading the chasers ahead of Ithaca’s Arrow, and Salver on the inside line.

The first race is underway with a roar as Salver leads before the first, with Ethical Diamond just popping that hurdle down.

The countdown to Day Four is ON!

After watching Brighton go out on aggregate in the Europa League to Roma 4-1 at the Amex last night.

His Bunting is the fourth-favourite with Paddy Power at 5/1. Can he continue the football-adjacent trend this week?

1. Bunting – Sean O’Keeffe
2. Ethical Diamond – Michael O’Sullivan
3. Highwind – Rachael Blackmore
4. Ithaca’s Arrow – Ben Ffrench Davis
5. Majborough – Mark Walsh
6. Mighty Bandit – James Bowen
7. Nurburgring – JJ Slevin
8. Peking Opera – NON-RUNNER
9. Salvator Mundi – Brian Hayes
10. Salver – Gavin Sheehan
11. Sir Gino – NON-RUNNER
12. Storm Heart – Paul Townend
13. Fratas – Darragh O’Keeffe
14. Kargese – Danny Mullins

Kargese, looking magnificent ahead of her turn in the first race of the day.

You could do a lot, lot, worse than taking notice of our expert’s tips. The wins continue to stack up!

• Encanto Bruno
• Hansard
• Aucunrisque
• Gin Coco
• Parramount
• Rare Middleton

Plus, Shanagh Bob and Butcher Hollow have been scratched from the Albert Bartlett – the former yesterday.

… for the Triumph Hurdle, coming up in 25 minutes, looking extremely well.

He leads two of his many, many stablemates from the Mullins yard.

Former Gold Cup winner Blackmore has her first ride of Cheltenham Friday on Highwind, and will be keen to get back into the winner’s enclosure after snaring two Grade Ones on Tuesday and Wednesday.

You can read all of her thoughts on her horses, courtesy of Betfair, below.

A straightforward race at the start of the week, the Triumph Hurdle has opened up enormously in the wake of the withdrawl of Nicky Henderson’s Sir Gino – but if there’s one thing this race is likely to do, it’s to put Willie Mullins on the board from the off.

The Irish trainer has seven of the 12 runners lining up for the first race – Peking Opera is the second non-runner – and his Storm Heart is the romping favourite at 7/2.

Paddy Power has all the odds on what should be a tantalising first race, below.

• Storm Heart – 7/1
• Kargese – 9/2
• Majborough – 13/2
• Nurburgring – 13/2
• Bunting – 9/2
• Salver – 8/1
• Salvator Mundi – 11/1
• Mighty Bandit – 14/1
• Ethical Diamond – 28/1
• Highwind – 33/1
• Fratas – 40/1
• Ithaca’s Arrow – 100/1

Martin Brassil’s Fastorslow has pulled a fast one (groan) on Galopin Des Champs in two of their last three encounters, and although the Gold Cup winner got the better of him in their last meeting, the eight-year-old remains an intriguing prospect this afternoon.

Mail Sport’s Dominic King caught up with his jockey JJ Slevin earlier this week.

Galopin Des Champs will be hoping to enter an elite club of multiple Gold-Cup winners this afternoon, including Arkle, Best Mate, Kauto Star and stablemate Al Boum Photo, but hitting the heady heights of Golden Miller remains a long way off.

The bay is the only horse to have won the race a staggering sive times, coming in consecutive years between 1932 and 1936 – and 1934 also saw him become the only horse to have ever won the Gold Cup and the Grand National in the same year.

His statue now watches over the parade ring at the racecourse.

With just over an hour to go until we get underway in the Cotswold, why not have a browse through Mail Sport’s tips for all of Day Four’s action.

Racing tipster Robin Goodfellow, National Hunt legend Peter Scudamore, and more offer their two-penny’worth, below.

It may be hailed as the jewel in the National Hunt crown, but the prize money on offer for the winner pales in comparison to its rival for eyeballs, the Grand National.

Today’s winner will pocket £351,688 – duly divided between owner, trainer, staff and jockey, compared to the £561,300 up for grabs at Aintree.

But both big-money prizes look shoddy compared to the riches available in Flat racing – with Ascot’s Champion Stakes worth £737,230 to the winner, and the Epsom Derby providing the biggest purse on offer in the UK – with £892,160 going to the horse first past the post.

Things aren’t quite so muddy as the Heavy ground Dessie had to endure 35 years ago, but the persistent rain has made the Chase course Soft, Heavy in places ahead of the day’s feature race.

One positive is that the turf is ultra-fresh, having been untouched by boot or hoof since last May, and the Gold Cup is the first Chase of the day.

St Patrick’s Thursday took on a touch of Cup Final day as the legendary gaffers claimed three out of seven races – both owners winning at the Festival for their first time.

Mail Sport’s Dominic King looks back on a day for football-lovers, below.

1989’s running of the race saw Desert Orchid, one of the sport’s best-loved horses, battle through the soupy conditions to beat mudlark Yahoo at the last, and enshrine himself as one of the most successful – and popular – horses in National Hunt history.

If you’ve never seen his miraculous winning run – I implore you to watch the below clip.

2.10pm – County Handicap Hurdle

2.50pm – Albert Bartlett Novices’ Hurdle

4.10pm – St James’s Place Hunters’ Chase

5.30pm – Martin Pipe Handicap Hurdle

We’ll be underway on Day Four in just over an hour and a half – ample time to peruse what our expert tipsters over at Paddy Power have to say on every one of the day’s races.

You can read their thoughts in full, below.

Talks of a green-wash may yet resurface as night falls this evening, but after a strong Thursday, a rout topping last year’s has been cancelled after an impressive turn from British trainers.

That means the standings ahead of Day Four are: Ireland 12-8 Great Britain.

That’s thanks in no small part to a heroic effort from Dan Skelton’s yard, with brother Harry aboard winners Protektorat, Monmiral, Langer Dan, and Grey Dawning.

For those looking to back the red-hot trainer’s runners today, keep an eye on:

• Faivoir and L’Eau Du Sud in the County Hurdle
• Jay Jay Reilly in the Martin Pipe

L’Eau Du Sud has certainly had his prospects boosted after an impressive Festival for the yard – Paddy Power has him as the favourite in the 2.10pm at 7/2.

Former Festival jockey Lizzie Kelly has been on fire this week, and her predictions remain unmissable viewing.

She and Mail Sport’s Marcus Townend share their thoughts on Galopin Des Champs, Triumph Hurdle prospect Kargese, and Readin Tommy Wrong in the Albert Bartlett Novices’ Hurdle.

Check out all of their thoughts below.

The afternoon’s resplendent top prize, in all its glory, and no less shiny for the bleak grey skies overhead.

A new Gold Cup trophy is cast every year, and it’s worth an estimated £10,000 – that’s what 10 ounces of gold looks like, for your information.

Last year’s Brown Advisory Novices’ Chase winner steps up to the big one 12 months on, but as his trainer Patrick Neville explains, the conditions could yet stop the horse from showing his best form.

Conditions are tough down over there. We’re delighted to be here, and it’s brilliant to be running in the Gold Cup.

There’s only one Gold Cup, so we have to take our chance. Conditions aren’t really in our favour, but you never know.

The Willie Mullins-trained Gold Cup winner is in tremendous form coming back into the contest he swept to victory in last year, having beaten major rival Fastorslow in their last meeting at Leopardstown in February.

Mullins was denied the opportunity to tip over his 100-race milestone yesterday, but there’s little doubt he’ll add a few more winners to his Festival haul today – and perhaps claim the biggest prize of all.

But then, typically, the heavens are set to open yet again. It’s been a waterlogged week in the Cotswolds, and as a result, we’ve been denied some key runners, including Gold Cup prospect Hewick from John Hanlon’s yard.

Shishkin was also withdrawn earlier in the week, due to the mysterious ailment that has decimated Nicky Henderson’s horses at the worst possible moment.

Mail Sport columnist is looking forward to a mouthwatering 100th anniversary celebration of the Gold Cup this afternoon, but before that – a word on yesterday’s impressive British fightback.

Things were looking abysmal for the hosts on Wednesday evening, but after claiming five winners to Ireland’s two on Thursday, some genuine needle has been injected back into the Prestbury Cup.

You can read more from the ITV Racing host, below.

The rain began to fall once again on Cheltenham towards the latter half of yesterday, and overnight, there were some biblical looking shots of Cheltenham High Street.

As such, yesterday’s Soft, Heavy in places going is updated to Heavy on the Hurdle course and Soft, Heavy in places on the Chase course, as Clerk of the Course Jon Pullin explains below.

First up, it’s our daily Cheltenham Breakfast bulletin, bringing you everything you might have missed from a scintillating Day Three at the Festival.

It was a day for football managers, rank outsiders, and the British fighting back on St Patrick’s Thursday… and you can catch up on it all, below.

Hello and welcome to Mail Sport’s live coverage of the big one – it’s Gold Cup Day at Cheltenham, with the feature race taking place in just over five hours at 3.30pm.

We’ve got a raft of tempting contenders in the mix, such as last year’s winner Galopin Des Champs, last year’s runner-up Bravemansgame, and Grand National winner Corach Rambler.

But the going could prove a curveball for the most coveted trophy in National Hunt racing, after yet more rain at a boggy Prestbury Park over night.

Cheltenham Friday kicks off at 1.30pm, but before then, we’ll bring you all the latest news, build-up, and Gold Cup info right here.