Gold Cup glory for Lord

Lord Windermere survived a stewards' inquiry to win a thrilling renewal of the Cheltenham Gold Cup for trainer Jim Culloty and jockey Davy Russell.

Last season's RSA Chase winner, sent off a 20-1 outsider, was all out to hold the rallying On His Own by a short head, with The Giant Bolster a further three-quarters of a length away in third place.

Defending champion Bobs Worth held every chance at the final fence when jumping it just behind leader Silviniaco Conti, but both of them were passed on the run-in.

Celebrations were quickly put on hold as an inquiry was called after the first two came close together, but the places were left unchanged.

After two false starts, Knockara Beau was quickly away, although On His Own soon took it up, while Lord Windermere was a few lengths detached in last after a few fences. Teaforthree and Lyreen Legend were others to join in with pacemaking duties, and then Last Instalment unseated his rider at the fifth-last fence.

Silviniaco Conti led three out and Bobs Worth was clearly in with a big chance as the pack closed in a wide-open race, with Lord Windermere joining in the fight late. He veered right on the punishing dash to the line but just kept On His Own at bay.

Russell said: "I can't believe it, I was never on the bridle. I was never in the race, the whole field was in front of me for the whole race, I had to sit and suffer the whole way. I didn't use any petrol, I went around the inside and he jumped great. The whole way round I was hunting, I thought the race had gone - the credit has to go to Jim Culloty, what a man.

"I was on the best horse in the race. He was very idle, like he was last year. Silviniaco Conti veered over and startled him a little bit. I wanted to do the right thing for the horse. I couldn't ride a winner for Jim all year, but he kept saying to me wait for Cheltenham."

Culloty added: "To be fair, halfway round Davy Russell was getting the sack!

"He was beaten 26 lengths at Leopardstown last month, but Davy said take no notice, it will be a different ball game at Cheltenham. I knew he'd take his time, but that was waiting tactics exaggerated. I can't believe it. The horses just weren't right this season, but god they have come right at the right time."