Horse Racing

In a race billed as the ‘Decider’ between Kauto Star and Denman – both previous winners of the race, Imperial Commander showed it was not just about two horses as he bounded up the famous Cheltenham hill for a memorable victory. It was the culmination of four breathtaking days of racing.

Paddy Brennan and Nigel Twiston-Davies crowned a day to remember with a stunning victory for Pigeon Island in the Johnny Henderson Grand Annual Chase.

Favourite for the Supreme Novices' Hurdle two years ago, he has found life over fences pretty tough.

However, he scraped in at the bottom of the handicap and not surprisingly ridden with supreme confidence, the 16-1 chance flew up the famous Cheltenham hill.

French Opera, saddled with top weight, made a bold bid under David Bass to come the race in the Henderson family and he was only a length and a quarter away in second.

Consigliere travelled well for a long way and finished third, with Cornas fourth.