Another Master class in Champion

Master Minded landed the Seasons Holidays Queen Mother Champion Chase for the second consecutive year and, in the process, completed a 14/1 treble on the afternoon for Ruby Walsh.

There was drama beforehand with two false starts as Marodima was too keen to get away. However those who supported the 4/11 favourite had few worries during the race as he led after two out and was driven clear on the run-in.

The performance lacked the brilliance of last year's success but Paul Nicholls' charge still forged seven lengths clear of Well Chief, with Petit Robin finding no extra in the straight back in third.

Walsh said, 'He's the best chaser around, as I'd say he wasn't as good today as he can be. He got worked up in the parade, and the false starts were messy.

'He's just a very good horse. What makes him so good is that good horses always win on an off-day.'

Walsh is the first jockey to ride a treble at the Festival since Mick Fitzgerald ten year's ago, and he is now level with Tony McCoy on 21 career Festival wins.