Cheltenham Gold Cup 2014 – in pictures

It is 50 years since Arkle won his first Gold Cup and punters are looking for inspiration in choosing this year's winner from their form guides Photograph: Tom Jenkins

Here's what today is all about Photograph: Tom Jenkins

Racegoers watch an earlier race no doubt with thoughts of the big race in the back of their minds Photograph: Tom Jenkins

Here's a wider view of the thousands who are packed into Cheltenham Photograph: Tom Jenkins

Last year's Gold Cup winner Bobs Worth walks around the pre-parade ring. He was well fancied to make it two in a row as he was 7/4 favourite ahead of the race Photograph: Tom Jenkins

Trainer Philip Fenton waits with his jockey Brian O'Connell for his horse Last Instalment Photograph: Tom Jenkins

Waiting expectantly for the big race Photograph: Tom Jenkins

It's no wonder Michael O'Leary, the boss of Ryanair and owner of Last Instalment, is enjoying the day, he's had a couple of winners already Photograph: Tom Jenkins

The packed crowd around the bookies in the main stand watch the race on a big screen Photograph: Tom Jenkins

The field is led by, left to right, Teaforthree, Last Instalment and On His Own on the second lap of the race Photograph: Tom Jenkins

Reigning champion Bobs Worth, right, within the field as they head out into the country for the last time Photograph: Tom Jenkins

Silviniaco Conti looms up beside On His Own at the third last. Bobs Worth is asked to close as they approach the final turn. Silviniaco Conti is first over the last but flags on the run-in and is overtaken by, left to right, The Giant Bolster, On His Own and Lord Windermere. It's very close as they head towards the line ... Photograph: Tom Jenkins

Extremely close in fact as David Casey riding On His Own, left, and Davy Russell on Lord Windermere go over the line together. It's going to be a photo-finish Photograph: Tom Jenkins

The jockeys await the result Photograph: Tom Jenkins

Davey Russell reacts after he hears that he has won the Gold Cup on Lord Windermere after a photo-finish. However the celebrations are premature as it's been announced that there will be a stewards' enquiry as it has been claimed Lord Windermere took On His Own’s racing line on the run-in and it’s now gone to the stewards’ room. They have to decide if Lord Windermere cost On His Own the race by interrupting his run Photograph: Tom Jenkins

Jim Culloty, the trainer of Lord Windermere, faces an anxious wait for the result of the stewards' enquiry Photograph: Tom Jenkins

The stewards have deliberated and it's official, Lord Windermere has won the Gold Cup Photograph: Tom Jenkins

A big hug for Culloty from Lord Windermere's owners Photograph: Tom Jenkins

Davy Russell, the jockey of Lord Windermere, kisses The Gold Cup at the presentation ceremony Photograph: Tom Jenkins

And then pretends to drink out of it Photograph: Tom Jenkins