The event that was billed as the “most anticipated race for decades”  failed to deliver the promised climax today when the hot favourite failed to finish and the other was beaten in the race to the post.

Trainer Paul Nicholls looked set to dominate the race for the third year in a row, with Kauto Star and Denman squaring up once again, but it was Nigel Twiston-Davies who was celebrating after the race.

The race was won by 7/1 third favourite Imperial Commander, who won by 7 lengths in the end after pulling clear of Denman (the 2008 winner) ridden by McCoy and Mon Mome. This was trainer Nigel Twiston-Dacies and jockey Brennan’s first Gold Cup win. Brennan said afterwards, “It’s by far the best day of my life. I’m speechless. It was a dream the whole way.”

Kauto Star, the pre-race favourite made a couple of big mistakes during the race and nearly lost Ruby Walsh earlier on before eventually falling.

The one two three classification for the Cheltenham Gold Cup race was as follows:

1st Imperial Commander (P J Brennan, 7-1 ).
2nd Denman (A P McCoy, 4-1 2nd favourite).
3rd Mon Mome (A Coleman, 50-1).