Cheltenham Festival LIVE: Latest updates, tips, racecards and results from Day Four as Galopin Des Champs is BEATEN in bid for Gold Cup treble

This is a strong late run…

As the Enabler comes up on the right, Nurse Susan out to the left losing ground somewhat as they make the turn towards home.

Wodhooh is coming on well now, as is No Ordinary Joe…

… into the midpack as they head over the next hurdle halfway through their trip.

Over flight number seven, Nurse Susan still doggedly holds the lead, with Kopeck De Mee third on the inside.

Taponthego moving forward now as they go up the hill.

Following Nurse Susan, and ahead of Kopeck De Mee, No Questions Asked, and Karafon.

Push The Button is the back marker, and Electric Mason is also bringing up the rear.

The flag is waved for the final race of the Festival. Favourite Kopeck De Mee leads them over the first hurdle, but makes a little mistake, and drops back a little, with Nurse Susan in the lead.

He was never travelling. The plan was to be in the first two or three, even make the running, when he couldn’t do that down to the first, I thought, this horse is not enjoying himself.

I was hoping he would come alive at some stage, he came alive for a few seconds around the fourth last, but not to be on the day.

But wait! The day’s not over yet – unless you’re ITV Racing.

We’ve got one more race to end this year’s Cheltenham Festival, and it’s always a cracker – the Martin Pipe Handicap Hurdle.

Kopeck De Mee – A. P Kelly – 15/8

East India Express – Freddie Gordon – 9/2

Taponthego – P. O’Connor – 7/1

Wodhooh – Danny Gilligan – 6/1

No Ordinary Joe – Freddie Gingell – 10/1

Nurse Susan – Tristan Durrell – 12/1

Park Of Kings – C. Stone-Walsh – 18/1

Karafon – Tiernan Power Roche – 25/1

No Questions Asked – Callum Pritchard – 22/1

Tounsivator – Kieran Callaghan – 35/1

Doyen Quest – Harry Atkins – 30/1

Raglan Road – Gavin Peter Brouder – 28/1

Minello Sixo – Jake Coen – 25/1

The Enabler – James Smith – 25/1

Punctuation – Freddie Mitchell – 30/1

Act of Authority – Lewis Saunders – 30/1

Electric Mason – Caoilin Quinn – 30/1

Push The Button – Finn Lambert – 50/1

Uncle Bert – James Turner – 70/1

Mordor – T. P Harney – 70/1

Stormbreaker – Sean Cleary-Farrell – 80/1

Harsh – F. Brickley – 90/1

Wilde About Oscar – Dylan Johnston – 125/1

Flash Collonges – J. Hogan – 150/1

Odds courtesy of Paddy Power correct at the time of publication

1. Wonderwall
2. Its On The Line
3. Willitgoahead

Unbelievable. I thought I was going too well, and it came too soon, but he just held on, thank God.

It’s the one as an amateur you want to win. They’ve done a wonderful job with the lad, look he’s absolutely brilliant.

It’s neck and neck as Wonderwall and Its On The Line contest for the front after the first hurdle, but Wonderwall presses on and cruises past the post to snatch the win at the last.

Great riding from Rob James.

But it’s still Shearer who leads with two fences to go. Angels Dawn and Plan of Attack are still looking competitive up the hill, and Its On The Line surges into a small lead.

But here comes Wonderwall with one to go…

… as from behind Angels Dawn looks to make up some ground from the midfield with six fences to go.

Bardenstown Lad makes a mistake over the fifth-last, and Django and Au Fleuron are struggling at the back.

Just behind Its On The Line, just behind the frontrunners. Angels Breath at the back pulled up swiftly, hopefully all okay there.

Shearer leads by a length now, as Allmankind is pulled up now…

… over the ditch, with Angels Breath making a small mistake, alongside Angels Dawn, in the midpack.

Go On Chez nudges forward, gaining on the leaders, with Bardenstown Lad gaining on Shearer with 12 fences to go.

Its On The Line leads the vast pack across the standing start and over the first two hurdles.

Angels Dawn – P. A King – 3/1

Its On The Line – D. O’Connor – 3/1

Shearer – Olive Nicholls – 5/1

Rockys Howya – D. Queally – 12/1

Willitgoahead – J. L Scallan – 6/1

Fairly Famous – Gina Andrews – 17/2

Ryehill – L. P Shanahan – 8/1

What A Glance – Toby McCain-Mitchell – 33/1

Music Drive – Ellie Callwood – 35/1

Wonderwall – R. James – 25/1

Allmankind – Alex Chadwick – 22/1

Bardenstown Lad – E. Mahon – 40/1

Go On Chez – Tom Hutsby – 66/1

Lift Me Up – Jack Andrews – 35/1

Ontheropes – Charlie Mullins – 35/1

Plan Of Attack – B. O’Neill – 40/1

Angels Breath – Edward Vaughan – 70/1

Havent Time – Lucy Turner – 66/1

Take All – Martin McIntyre – 125/1

West of Carrig – A. J Browne – 100/1

Carnfunnock – S. Connor – 90/1

Django – Darren Andrews – 40/1

Lisleigh Lad – Darragh Allen – 125/1

Au Fleuron – Aimee Jones – 125/1

Odds courtesy of Paddy Power correct at the time of publication

Sadly, ITV Racing have shared a statement from Cheltenham Racecourse confirming that Corbetts Cross sustained a fatal injury.

Sincere condolences to his connections – JP McManus owned both winner Inothewayurthinkin and Corbetts Cross.

I’m speechless. We’ve had great faith in this horse. Keith Donoghue has been a huge part of this horse, doing all the schooling, all the work, a great thanks has to go to him too.

It takes him a long time – he’s really a spring horse. His year has built, he’s getting closer all the time.

It’s unbelievable, we’ve had a brilliant year. A winner this year already, five seconds, three thirds – but I’d swap them all for this.

He also hints that the Grand National could be in the horse’s future.

There’s a reason only four horses have won three times in a row.

You have to enjoy these moments. They’re so long in the making, and we’ve had this animal since he was a foal, homebred by Maureen, and by that great sire Walk In The Park.

It’s a very exciting time, and I’ll treasure it.

I’d like to see it again, I don’t think I took it all in. But Mark is more than capable. It’s an exciting day.

1. Inothewayurthinkin
2. Galopin Des Champs
3. Gentlemansgame

I’m dancing inside! It’s brilliant, I can’t believe. It was a nice gallop, he jumped well on the whole.

In fairness to this fella, he’s had to do some growing up. Gavin Cromwell’s a genius, had him spot on for today. Brilliant.

He’s a homebred, which makes it extra special. Delighted.

That was a nasty late fall, and we will keep everything crossed that he is OK.

Ahoy Senor, who fell earlier, is up and about.

Over the final hurdle, Galopin Des Champs is tracked closely by Inothewayurthinkin, who comes from nowhere, and once clear over, turns up the dial and goes clear – the champion can’t catch him!

What an upset in Cheltenham’s biggest race.

He goes clear over the second fence, and at the back down goes Corbetts Cross!

A length clear, tracked by The Real Whacker and Galopin Des Champs turning on the power now with two fences to go.

Here’s the turn for home…

But Ahoy Senor is out with six fences to go. More updates on that fall as we have them.

Galopin Des Champs and Montys Star hampered!

As he takes the pack up the hill and towards the 10th fence. He shifts slightly to the right, forcing quick thinking from Gentlemansgame.

Royale Pagaille at the back is dropping out a little, but still somewhat in touch.

Galopin Des Champs on the outside as they go over the tenth from the finish. Still well towards the back, with Iknowthewayurthinkin.

The Real Whacker is second, with Gentlemansgame perched on the outside. Corbetts Cross is the widest on the outside, and drops back a little now to allow a little room for Galopin Des Champs to move a hair forward.

He’s just behind Montys Star as they turn downhill. There’s a mistake from Montys Star! But Rachael Blackmore keeps her cool and clings on.

… and Galopin Des Champs is also on the outside, but a little further back. Royale Pagaille is the back marker.

At the front, Ahoy Senor leads over the water jump, which Galopin Des Champs doesn’t land in the cleanest fashion.

They’ve fanned out as they make the bend, and it’s Banbridge who leads the field over the first fence.

‘Like a child’s pony,’ Ruby Walsh suggests.

Less composed is The Real Whacker, who’s a little tetchy as he’s led past the rapt stands.

Corbetts Cross is wearing a hood as they make their way to post, as is Montys Star.

Without stepping foot on the familiar turf, those watching in the parade ring are quick to show their respect for the two-time Gold Cup winner.

Imagine the noise should he nose first past the past.

Along with Inothewayurthinkin, Joseph O’Brien’s Banbridge could present a real challenge for the would-be history-maker.

The nine-year-old favours the softer ground here, with the multiple Grade One winner the bookies’ preferred option to spoil Galopin Des Champs’ fun.

He’s fantastic. He’s awake, alert, good signs.

Not good! But nerves are good. It means it matters.

Galopin Des Champs – P. Townend – 1/2

Inothewayurthinkin – M. P Walsh – 13/2

Banbridge – J. J Slevin – 7/1

Corbetts Cross – J. W Kennedy – 11/1

Monty’s Star – Rachael Blackmore – 12/1

The Real Whacker – Brian Hughes – 33/1

Gentlesmangame – D. J O’Keeffe – 35/1

Ahoy Senor – Derek Fox – 66/1

Royale Pagaille – Charlie Deutsch – 110/1

Odds courtesy of Paddy Power correct at the time of publication

Forget the Prestbury Cup – it’s Willie Mullins versus the rest on both sides of the Irish Sea, as the legendary trainer claims his 10th winner.

His tally has been well boosted today, with his yard responsible for every winner on Cheltenham Friday.

With the Gold Cup our next race, don’t expect the trend to end soon.

1. Jasmin De Vaux
2. The Big Westerner
3. Derryhassen Paddy

It’s been a trying week, this lad takes a bit of warming up, but he’s a classy individual.

I think a lot of it is just confidence with him, and getting the rhythm.

That’s the ups and downs of it. This game will bring you back down to earth pretty fast. Every winner here is special, but I’ll keep it short and onto the next.

Moving through the field and into contention ahead of the last, Jasmin De Vaux jumps furiously and then streaks forward, challenging other late-to-the-party rival The Big Westerner, to steal the win on the straight. A powerful win for the Willie Mullins-trained, Paul Townend-ridden mount.

Wingmen has kept the lead for all of this time, but here comes Jasmin De Vaux, as they approach the last and the pack thins.

And slips into third, with The Big Westerner gaining ground well to take fourth with two to go.

Jet Blue is pushing forward looking for space, with Jasmin De Vaux at the back of the pack also poised for a move forward.

… as the horses make the turn away, all still in 10 lengths of one another, ahead of the quick three flights of hurdle from sixth-last.

Wingmen keeps hold of the lead, hand in hand with Derryhassen Paddy, with four hurdles to go.

… on the inside, just ahead of Argento Boy and Ma Shantou. On the outside, the Big Western, Jigs Forge, Jax Junior and Derryhassen Paddy.

They’re all still clumped together on the straight run as they pop over the next hurdles, with Nativehill the back marker.

They’re let go with relative ease, with Wingmen one of the first, as well as Jax Junior on the outside, heading over the second hurdle.

… and has offered a little word of wisdom of his Albert Bartlett hope, The Yellow Car.

We’ll have a little squeak. We’ve filled him up with petrol, and hope he’s ready to go.

After a disappointing run-out for Shakem Uparry yesterday, the former manager will be looking to end the Festival on a high.

The crowd get to their feet and applause the incoming Dinoblue. Three visits to Prestbury Park without reward, and on the fourth…

The Big Westerner – D. J O’Keeffe – 4/1

Jet Blue – James Reveley – 5/1

Jasmin De Vaux – Paul Townend – 9/2

Derryhassen Paddy – Derek Fox – 17/2

Argento Boy – Rachael Blackmore – 12/1

Wendigo – Gavin Sheehan – 9/1

Wingmen – J. W Kennedy – 15/2

Intense Approach – Sean Bowen – 12/1

Ballybow – Danny Gilligan – 14/1

Flicker Of Hope – Keith Donoghue – 28/1

Fishery Lane – S. F O’Keeffe – 30/1

Ma Shantou – Harry Cobden –18/1

Sounds Victorius – P. W Mullins – 20/1

Inn At The Park – D. E Mullins – 35/1

First Confession – Brendan Powell – 40/1

Jax Junior – Tom Cannon – 40/1

Nativehill – Nico de Boinville – 40/1

Port Joulain – B. Hayes – 40/1

Yellow Car – Nick Slatter – 40/1

Jigs Forge – Ben Jones – 80/1

Odds courtesy of Paddy Power correct at the time of publication

1. Dinoblue
2. Brides Hill
3. Shecouldbeanything

Trainer Willie Mullins says on ITV Racing, but he’s ‘keeping fingers crossed’ that his Gold Cup winning jockey is okay for his moment with Galopin Des Champs to come.

Allegorie De Vassy was up and walking away soon after the incident, which was promising to see.

It’s her fourth time at the Festival, fourth time to be favourite. She just put her head in front this time.

She’s a great little mare. You could get a few more like here, and you’d be doing well.

Having benefitted from following in Allegorie De Vassy’s dust, the favourite shows her class as she pulls ahead and goes lengths and lengths clear as she streaks past the post.

… over the last hurdle, but she’s quickly to her feet and the rider looks OK.

Three from the finish, Paul Townend clings onto the lead, towing Dinoblue. Limerick Lace fans out on the right, but here comes Dinoblue pressing on the inside.

Brides Hill joins the chasing three at the front.

Allegorie De Vassy shifts to the right over the next fence before the water jump, and makes another mistake over the water jump. The next fence is stronger, and she clings on to the lead, as Limerick Lace slips back.

Dinoblue in second place, and Brides Hill the new third.

Ahead of the two JP McManus horses, Limerick Lace and Dinoblue, in turn just ahead of Brides Hill.

Royale Margaux, Shecouldbeanything and and Fontaines Collonges are in the midpack, but that latter horse is just losing ground now.

The horses are let go early again, which means they can get underway without a false start.

Limerick Lace has a messy jump over the first fence, but lands without issue, the pack all chasing Allegorie De Vassy, who is lengths ahead.

I remember when he first came. He was a big, tall, leggy, very athletic and you probably wouldn’t have looked at him and known that he was a Gold Cup horse, but he turned into one in the end.

Oh yeah, he knows (what he’s achieved). The more he wins, the bigger he gets in himself. You’ll be trying to wash him off and he’ll be kicking and biting at you. And as the season goes on, he gets a bit bigger and he knows anyway.

With just a few minutes to kill until the start of the next race, who not immerse yourself in the life of one of racing’s most colourful characters?

Mail Sport has the full report on the life of Richard Johnson, below.

Dinoblue – M. P Walsh – 11/8

Brides Hill – Keith Donoghue – 15/4

Allegorie De Vassy – P. Townend – 15/4

Limerick Lace – J. W Kennedy – 9/2

Shecouldbeanything – Danny Gilligan – 12/1

Royale Margaux – Ben Poste – 30/1

Fontaine Collonges – Charlie Deutsche – 40/1

Mayhem Mya – Bryan Carver – 50/1

Je Tai Porte – Shane Fitzgerald – 100/1

Odds courtesy of Paddy Power correct at the time of publication

1. Kargese
2. Ndaawi
3. Absurde
4. Ethical Diamond

She was keen today alright. She’s the heart of a lion. I was in front a lot sooner than I wanted, but it might have helped me that when I got there, she gave herself a bit of air, and that helped her repel at the last.

Who wouldn’t (love Galopin Des Champs, his Gold Cup ride)? Fingers crossed we have a bit of good luck. He’s been here, he’s done it, and hopefully we can go and do it again.

Over the final hurdle, Kargese still has the power and although Ndaawi battles to keep up, it’s another Willie Mullins-trained winner on Cheltenham Friday.

Ndaawi and Kargese are pulling away as they head towards the last hurdle up the hill, and hear comes Absurde…

Kargese jumped it well and moves forward now as they head uphill towards the second-last.

Hansard sticks close by, just in front of Lark In The Morning and Absurde. All tightly clustered still, with Hansard in particular looking for a little room over the second-left.

… with Irish Panther just behind as they all pop safely over hurdle number two.

Our Champ has the lead, very close to Spirit Daunou, just in front of Ndaawi, but he loses ground now over the fifth-last.

Last year’s winner Absurde is still someway back.

A smaller field today take off for their tow mile and a furlong trip, with Hansard in the lead, followed by Ndaawi.

1. Poniros
2. Lulamba
3. East India Dock
4. Lady Vega Allen
5. Place De La Nation

… has a 100/1 shout won a race at Cheltenham. It might not be the Gold Cup, but I reckon that to Poniros’ connections – and anyone who might have backed him – that won’t matter a jot.

Kargese – P. Townend – 3/1

Lark In The Morning – J. J Slevin – 5/1

Absurde – D. E Mullins – 9/2

Mclaurey – M. P Walsh – 7/1

Valgrand – Harry Skelton – 8/1

Daddy Long Legs – S. F O’Keeffe – 14/1

Hansard – Niall Houlihan – 16/1

Ethical Diamond – P. W Mullins – 14/1

Irish Panther – Cian Cullinan – 16/1

Pinot Gris – Keith Donoghue – 14/1

Our Champ – Freddie Gordon – 22/1

Ndaawi – J. W Kennedy – 30/1

Spirit Daunou – Freddie Mitchell – 33/1

Cracking Rhapsody – Craig Nichol – 22/1

Norman Fletcher – Sam Twiston-Davies – 50/1

Fils Doudairies – Danny Gilligan – 80/1

Odds courtesy of Paddy Power correct at the time of publication

Just three days after sharing his harrowing victim impact statement after the sentencing of Kyle Clifford, who murdered his wife Carol and daughters Louise and Hannah. Hunt has, as expected, been so supported by the racing world in the wake of the tragedy, and his return will be welcomed and celebrated by so many.

He offers his thoughts on Tony Bloom’s canny recruitment process – for horses and humans alike, on BBC 5Live:

There’s a little bit of mystery around it but I am led to believe that he does do similar analytical work to horses and footballers. I think he applies very similar principles.

The Brighton owner came to Cheltenham with some big hitters, and it’s a horse that Willie Mullins was preparing for the 2026 Festival that has stolen all of their thunder.

It’s crazy, it’s a funny old game. I was supposed to be in Doncaster today, then my agent called me and said that Willie needed someone.

That’s his first ever appearance over hurdles in public, it’s fantastic.

He’s actually very good, he’d been very straightforward, but first time out in the Triumph…

I felt coming down the hill I was going to definitely nick a bit. Stamina just kicked in, and it’s just mental.

It’s the horse’s debut and a 100-1 shout, and after taking the final hurdle, Poniros streaks ahead from out of nowhere, leaving Hello Neighbour and East India Dock, and Lulamba, in his dust.

What a win for Jonjo O’Neill Jr! That’s right, 100-1.

And turning on the afterburners…

Place De La Nation also moves forward with two to go. Things are still looking competitive over the second-last, but Lulamba and East India Dock are looking feisty now and pulling up the hill for the final hurdle…

And drops out of content as Lady Vega Allen takes the lead ahead of the third-last.

Lulamba and East India Dock, the two rivals, are second and third.

One of the strongest talking horses in the field keeps close to Opec, with East India Dock also chasing.

Lady Vega Allen is in that early cluster, with Blue Lemons, Charlus and Hello Neighbour buried in the midpack.

Too Bossy For Us is the back marker heading over the third hurdle, as Lady Vega Allen heads into the lead.

There’s no false start this time, a rarity this week, as Opec leads the hurtling pack just ahead of the first hurdle.

Instead, East India Dock is trained by British trainer James Owen. The punters will be looking to give the bookies an early poke in the eye with this four-year-old.

You’d hope so. But not just because the King of Cheltenham is streaking away with the leading trainer prize like Desert Orchid, but the fact that Closutton has 11 runners in the Triumph Hurdle.

Not that it’s a numbers game…

I think he can. But loads of people thought Constitution Hill would, lots of people thought Majborough would, lots of people thought Jonbon would, Teahupoo.

But for me, he’s everything you want in a gold cup horse. He settles, he stays, he jumps.

There’s just over 15 minutes until our day kicks off with the first race, so why not take a look at who to back?

East India Dock – Sam Twiston-Davies – 5/4

Lulamba – Nico de Boinville – 11/4

Hello Neighbour – Keith Donoghue – 9/2

Blue Lemons – Rachael Blackmore – 11/1

Lady Vega Allen – P. Towenend – 10/1

Gibbs Island – Stan Sheppard – 20/1

Mondo Man – Brian Hughes – 20/1

Larzac – M. P Walsh – 30/1

Willy De Houelle – B. Hayes – 35/1

Sainte Lucie – D. E Mullins – 35/1

Charlus – S. F O’Keeffe – 50/1

Too Bossy For Us – Harry Cobden – 70/1

Place De La Nation – J. W Kennedy – 125/1

Pappano – Sean Flanagan – 125/1

Poniros – Jonjo O’Neill Jr – 110/1

Lumiere Du Large – K. C Sexton – 200/1

Opec – Sean Bowen – 150/1

Non-runner: Marche D’Aligre

Odds courtesy of Paddy Power correct at the time of publication

In case you missed it, yesterday Peter Crouch had a wager with one Paddy Power – if a British runner won the Stayers’ Hurdle, pints would be on the bookmaker in the Guinness Village.

And if an Irish runner triumphed…

Heading into the final day of the festival, the Irish lead 13-8 in the Prestbury Cup.

A huge day for trainer Henry de Bromhead and jockey Rachael Blackmore yesterday helped the constigency from across the pond grow their lead even more.

Whilst Daily Present under Barry Stone ran an absolute blinder to make sure the Irish finished on a high, as they stormed to victory for Paul Nolan in the Kim Muir Handicap Chase.

the JCB Triumph Hurdle (Grade 1) at 1:20pm.

He may be up against a special talent in LULAMBA. The French import gave Mondo Man 10lb and brushed him aside at Ascot in January. He looks to have multiple gears.

Hello Neighbour, best of the Irish, efficiently won the Grade One juvenile hurdle at Leopardstown last month.

Mondo Man may have been beaten by Lulamba but he was the classiest of these on the Flat and will get more suitable ground for the first time over jumps, so he appeals as a long shot.

SELECTION: LULAMBA…………………………..5-2

MAIN DANGER: EAST INDIA DOCK……………………….2-1

LIVE OUTSIDER: MONDO MAN………………………..25-1

See who else Townend has tipped to win throughout the final day of the festival.

Speaking to ITV Racing, Henry de Bromhead reacts to a successful day 3 at the Cheltenham Festival for himself and Rachael Blackmore:

Expecting would be a strong word. Always hoping.

They seemed in good form and as we said they were running well the day before so it was lovely to get a couple. Incredible!

Air of Entitlement was really good and sure Bob [Olinger] was amazing, that was a big one. Rachael brilliant on them.

He seems really well, were hoping.

He has sort of didn’t get a clear run through the season, so feel we’ve got him here now as good as we can.

She may not be on a favourite today but that by no means you should count out the former Gold Cup winning jockey.

As Mail Sport’s Dominic King highlighted she was at her very best on St Patrick’s Thursday.

The Tipperary native showed her class yesterday claiming two victories, firstly on outsider Air Of Entitlement, a 16/1 scorer in the Mares Novices Hurdle who breezed past clear favourite Sixandahalf in the opening race.

Before she rolled back the years on Bob Olinger.

‘The Queen of Cheltenham’ reigned supreme yesterday and she will be hoping she can carry her dominance into the final day of the festival.

So far the 2025 Cheltenham has delivered the drama with unexpected winners seemingly coming ftom nowhere.

It was no more so evident than in the Champion Hurdle on Tuesday when unfancied outsider Golden Ace claimed victory ahead of favourites Constitution Hill and State Man who both fell out the race.

Ahead of the highly anticipated Gold Cup and a supercomputer

has predicted who will win the coveted trophy.

Galopin Des Champs, jockey: Paul Townend, trained by Willie Mullins – 4/7

Inothewayurthinkin, jockey: Mark Walsh, trained by Gavin Cromwell – 13/2

Banbridge, jockey: J. J Slevin, trained by Joseph O’Brien – 7/1

Monty’s Star, jockey: Rachael Blackmore, trained by Henry de Bromhead, 9/1

Corbett’s Cross, jockey: Jack Kennedy, trained by Emmet Mullins – 12/1

The Real Whacker, jockey: Brian Hughes, trained by Patrick Neville – 33/1

Gentlemansgame, jockey: Darragh O’Keeffe, trained by Mouse Morris – 40/1

Ahoy Senior, jockey: Derek Fox, trained by Lucinda Russell – 50/1

Royale Pagaille, jockey: Charlie Deutsch, trained by Venetia Williams – 100/1

Odds courtesy of Paddy Power correct at the time of publication

It’s been an emotional Festival so far, between Golden Hour on Wednesday in honour of the late Michael O’Sullivan, and Rachael Blackmore completing her feature-race set yesterday on the day of her cousin Robert’s funeral.

But, as Mail Sport columnist ED CHAMBERLIN notes, there’s still one more day for magic in the West Country.

Grade One and Cheltenham Festival winning jockey Lizzie Kelly is back to take you through the seven races on day four.

Galopin Des Champs is the story of the day, with the history-hunting nine-year-old stallion chasing a third success on the bounce to join a very elite club.

For Kelly it’s difficult to look past him in the Gold Cup at 4pm, but has she gone with the heavy favourite Dinoblue in the Mrs Paddy Power Mares’ Chase at 2.40pm?

• Triumph Hurdle, 1.20pm
• County Hurdle, 2pm
• Mares’ Chase, 2.40pm
• Albert Bartlett Novices’ Hurdle, 3.20pm
• Gold Cup, 4pm
• St James’ Place Hunters’ Chase, 4.40pm
• Martin Pipe Handicap Hurdle, 5.20pm

Stop right there! Where do you think you’re going, without having a leaf through Paddy Power’s expert tipsters’ thoughts on the final day of the Festival.

With seven races to get through, there’s a lot of opinions to consider, below.

Massive day. We’re really looking forward to it.

He’s going to love this ground, the extra two furlongs will be a help to him, and look, Galopin is the one we all have to beat, but we’ll be giving it our best shot.

Without further ado, here’s your final serving of Cheltenham Breakfast, Mail Sport’s DOMINIC KING’s daily dose of all things Festival.

You wouldn’t consider beginning your day without it, would you?

Temperatures dropped to a frosty minus three and a half last night in the West Country, but as Clerk of the Course Jon Pullin explains, all the racing lines were covered.

And it’s business as usual: the going remains good to soft.

Galopin Des Champs was out on the gallops this misty morning, looking in rip-roaring form, and utterly at home.

As his groom Adam Connolly explained to Racing TV:

(It’s his) home from home. He came off the lorry yesterday, he stood on the ramp and he looked around, and he knew where he was.

Hello and welcome to Mail Sport’s live coverage on the crescendo of this year’s Cheltenham Festival – Gold Cup day, our final at Prestbury Park.

This year’s race could end up being one for the history books, as Willie Mullins’ towering Galopin Des Champs goes for his third Gold Cup in a row, and etches his name into the annals of true greats.

Or will one of his rivals spoil the party? In a meeting that has seen no shortage of upsets, Banbridge, Inothewayurthinking, and Monty’s Star are among those who should not be ruled out on the day.

Our feature race will be getting underway at 4pm, but until then, there’s lots of action for us to sink our teeth into.

Let’s get underway, shall we?