Kauto Star falls as Imperial Commander steals Cheltenham Festival victory

Gold Cup Day had many punters' hearts in mouths as the Cheltenham Festival delivered a spectacular finale. Kauto Star was a huge favourite, with odds of around 4-5, but fell four fences from home when in fifth position. Denman was the second favourite after his famous Paul Nicholls stablemate, and finished a credible runner-up to Imperial Commander. Imperial Commander was seen by many as a good value tip for the Gold Cup, and the Nigel Twiston-Davies horse will have made many punters very happy indeed with a fine, controlled race.

All this sets things up for the Grand National, which takes place at Aintree Racecourse from April 8th - 10th 2010. Last year's winner Mon Mome was the longest odds winner in 42 years at 100-1, and after achieving a mightily respectable 3rd place in the Gold Cup may well begin as favourite, but the Grand National is an unpredictable race and nothing is assured besides that the Gold Cup has proved that we are in a golden era for horse racing.

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