All eyes are on Galopin Des Champs, who is aiming for a third successive Gold Cup at the climax of the Cheltenham Festival. General admission for the Gold Cup has sold out, with nearly 70,000 spectators gathered at Prestbury Park.

Cheltenham Festival reaches its thrilling conclusion on Friday afternoon when Galopin Des Champs goes in search of a third straight Gold Cup crown for Willie Mullins

Galopin Des Champs, who broke the heart of Bravemansgame two years ago and was too strong for Gerri Colombe last year, was settled in mid-division as Ahoy Senor set the pace, but the defending champion was not quite at his fluent best over the early fences.