Cheltenham Festival LIVE: Latest ideas, racecards and outcomes as Gaelic Warrior WINS the Gold Cup

(Paul) was so cool on him. Can you imagine what was going through his head going to the last fence. The way he did it… it was fantastic.

(Gaelic Warrior) got everything right, just put in a tremendous round of jumping. We can’t ask for better than that.

And owner Rich Ricci is overcome, at one point close to tears:

I’m a wreck. I’ve been crying since the second last. I’ve been trying to win this race for 21 years. Great ride by Paul. It’s just magic. Been a great week, incredible. I’m pleased for the horse.

We’ve reached the mountain. I love the game. It’s kept me involved for all these years. It’s the passion, the people. I’m not the easiest fella, I’m American, loud, obnoxious – they’ve been very good to me. I love the sport. Long may it last.

I’m speechless. We were dealt a big blow with Galopin Des Champs. I was lucky enough with this lad coming along. It’s hard luck on Patrick, but he’s done a lot of work with the lad. I was just the fortunate one to be on his back today.

That’s not keen for Gaelic Warrior! I was delighted. Didn’t ever envisage being in front, turning as well, but I wasn’t going to slow him down. It was just a case not falling off.

1. Gaelic Warrior
2. Jango Baie
3. Iknowthewayurthinking

There’s no chance of catching Gaelic Warrior, as Inothewayurthinkin looks to get in the mix life.

A brave, and tremendously tactical race from Paul Townend and Gaelic Warrior.

And Gaelic Warrior, charging up the field, looks to challenge The Jukebox Man, who will be sorely tested now.

Hedging his bets as the horses bunch up with three fences to go as they rattle down the hill.

Haiti Couleurs clings onto the lead for now, but The Jukebox Man is making his move now, as is Gaelic Warrior now on the outside.

… as Haiti Couleurs looks to up the pressure in the front, enjoying a confident run. Jango Baie looking good in fourth.

Haiti Couleurs leaps enormously with eight to go, and Grey Dawning makes two mistakes in quick succession.

And gets remonstrated, and encouraged to make up the distance to the pack.

12 fences to go, and L’Homme Presse and Envoi Allen make up the running.

Haiti Couleurs continues to lead, while Jango Baie looks for a better spot on the outside. 10 fences to go.

Just fallen back on the inside, in front of Iknowthewayurthinkin.

Haiti Couleurs leads by a length, with The Jukebox Man in third. Gaelic Warrior still comfortable on the inside, while Grey Dawning makes up the pack.

L’Homme Presse drifting back in seventh as they run down the hill.

He’s settling into the lead on the outside, and that means that Gaelic Warrior is likely to settle for the better.

The Jukebox Man is sitting on the outside in third, with Iknowthewayurthinkin not jumping at his best towards the back.

Gaelic Warrior has looked edgier and edgier since coming out, and as the flag is brought down, he takes up a position on the inside.

Grey Dawning leads them out, with Gaelic Warrior gaining keenly.

All of the horses looking in such fine fettle, and Ruby Walsh suggests that it’s the best field we’ve had for 20 years.

High, high hopes here.