Cheltenham Festival

Packed stands on Gold Cup day as spectators hope for a re-run of last year's classic ... Photograph: Tom Jenkins

The bookies' pre-race favourite Kauto Star, priced at 7-4, parades in front of the grand stand prior to the race Photograph: Tom Jenkins

Over the first fence safely go Madison du Berlais, Denman, Kauto Star, Miko de Beauchene and Neptune Collonges Photograph: Tom Jenkins

Neptune Collonges leads the field on the second circuit Photograph: Tom Jenkins

The Queen watches the action from the royal box Photograph: Tom Jenkins

Reigning champion Denman edges momentarily ahead of his stablemate Kauto Star, the 2007 winner, with three fences remaining ... Photograph: Tom Jenkins

... but Ruby Walsh guides his ride to victory, beating Denman by more than a dozen lengths Photograph: Tom Jenkins

Sam Thomas on Denman gives his rival Ruby Walsh a pat on the back Photograph: Tom Jenkins

Euphoria all round as the pair are greeted in the winner's enclosure Photograph: Tom Jenkins

Trainer Paul Nicholls gets his hands on the Cup Photograph: Tom Jenkins