Energumene claimed a brilliant victory in the Queen Mother Champions Chase on day two of the Cheltenham Festival.
The horse, trained by Willie Mullin, was pushed all the way by Captain Guinness before he eventually pulled into a comfortable lead on the final straight.
Jockey Paul Townend judged the race expertly to claim back to back wins in the event for Energumene, who claimed a win last year.
“He was perfect everywhere, got into a rhythm with him, he jumped brilliant and I was there to get up the straight when I let go of him,” said jockey Townend.
“You don’t win championship races like that normally you know and I was able to take it all in.”
A heavy favourite going into the race, Energumene was eventually able to win by several lengths, securing a second win of the day for Townend.
