BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra

Sir Alex Ferguson, speaking to BBC Radio 5 Live Sports Extra: "It's my first win at Cheltenham - and I've waited a long time.

"The jockey was absolutely brilliant. He creeped forward and judged it perfect. It's fantastic and I'm really pleased.

"It's been about 20 years probably that I've waited for a Cheltenham winner.

"What makes it so special is that it is a national day, everyone looks forward to Cheltenham. You've got the Derby and Cheltenham - these two events are unsurpassed."

Cheltenham could be described as the Premier League of jump racing.

So, quite aptly, former football managers Sir Alex Ferguson and Harry Redknapp have enjoyed success at the track today.

Legendary Manchester United boss Ferguson enjoyed a double.

Monmiral, trained by Paul Nicholls, gave the part-owner a first win at the meeting and it was followed by Ryanair Chase victor Protektorat.

Then Shakem Up'Arry, owned by a delighted Redknapp, triumphed for trainer Ben Pauling.

Frank Keogh
BBC Sport at Cheltenham

While top cricketers might give an extravagant wave of the bat to the pavilion on reaching a century, Willie Mullins marked his historic ton by holding his trilby aloft with a wide smile.

His gentle charm and ability to recruit leading owners and top bloodstock agents, willingness to experiment and the top team in the background have all contributed to his achievements.

Major Mullins winners over the years read like a who's who of racing stars - Florida Pearl, Hedgehunter, Hurricane Fly, Quevega, Faugheen, Vautour, Douvan, Annie Power... the list goes on.

Even when Mullins lost a major backer five years ago, he regrouped and went on to even greater success.

Read more about how his 'outside the box thinking' has enabled the 67-year-old's success and whether his dominance is good for racing.

Willie Mullins dominated the opening two days at Cheltenham, earning a hatful of winners to take the Irish trainer to a magical 100th victory yesterday.

But today has seen the others bite back.

Questions had been asked about why the British trainers couldn't lay a glove on the Irish and the home contingent has responded on St Patrick's Thursday.

Dan Skelton has led the pack - two wins yesterday followed by another in the opening race today - with Paul Nicholls, Jeremy Scott and Ben Pauling all chipping in today.

Suddenly the competitive nature of Cheltenham looks a little rosier.

Image source, Getty Images

That winning feeling feels extra special at Prestbury Park.

Image source, Getty Images

Charlie Poste
Former jump jockey on BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra

Jeremy Scott is a very unassuming man and a talented trainer. He has gone through the run-up not shouting too much but full of confidence and she has come here and done the talking.

If you were on her at 10-1 you would be very pleased.

Andrew Thornton
Former jockey on BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra

Image source, PA Media

I enjoyed Lorcan Williams' confidence - he didn't push the button.

He was like: 'I'm not going quicker. Jack Kennedy, if you want to go first that's up to you, I've got a lot left under me'.

Golden Ace has handled it not a problem. And you notice her walk in and she knows she's good. She's got a bit of presence about her.

Charlie Poste
Former jump jockey on BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra

There was no fluke about that win. I thought Jade De Gruigy and Brighterdaysahead both potentially overraced in what was probably a muddling temp.

Golden Ace looked best of all and sprinted away up the hill. It has proved a shock and a decent contest in its own right. She is a talented mare.

Golden Ace has readily won and maybe we will see her now at Aintree taking on the males.

1 Golden Ace (Lorcan Williams) 10-1

2 Brighterdaysahead (J W Kennedy) 5-6 Fav

3 Birdie Or Bust (Rachael Blackmore) 10-1

8 ran

Who saw that one coming?

What was built as a two-horse race between Jade de Grugy and Brighterdaysahead turned out to be nothing of the sort.

Were the pair overrun coming into Cheltenham?

Whatever the reason, Golden Ace came through to win an enthralling race.

Here come Brighterdaysahead, Jade de Grugy and Golden Ace... can Birdie or Bust hold on? This is tight!

Birdie or Bust has taken over as Victoria Milano predictably fades.

Not much a race so far. Everyone galloping and not making a move yet... three hurdles left.

Victoria Milano is reined in a tad by the chasing pack, with Birdie or Bust in second.

Victoria Milano has darted out in fast start and is seven or eight lengths ahead.

The starters are long out of the paddock and stalking the start line.

Can anyone stop this being a two-horse race?

Image source, Getty Images

Jade De Grugy comes into the Festival unbeaten in her two runs to date and Willie Mullins and Paul Townend will hope that the French-trained mare can keep that record.

But Brighterdaysahead, trained by Gordon Elliott, will have something to say about that and could be the main challenger to a horse who has huge potential but has barely been tested so far.

She has had three wins over hurdles this season and guided by Jack Kennedy, will be hoping to make it four on the big stage.

Anyway, back to today and it is time for the penultimate race... the Mares' Novices Hurdle.

Andrew Thornton
Former jockey on BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra

If this keeps raining for another couple of hours, Willie Mullins will be rubbing his hands.

If it keeps raining I can see Galopin going off odds on - which you rarely say at a Gold Cup.

He just loves the mud. I think he would relish it.