BBC Radio 5 live

Jockey Paul Townend on BBC Radio 5 Live after Arctic Fire's battling victory on his comeback after being out for over a year: "He was off the track for so long - what a performance by Willie to get him here!"

The win also ensures that Ireland cannot be caught in the battle against Great Britain for most winners at Cheltenham 2017.

Middlesbrough

Image source, PA

Caretaker boss Steve Agnew has been talking to the media a day after manager Aitor Karanka left the club.

He said: "I have to be honest [Thursday] was a really difficult and emotional day.

"Aitor Karanka put in incredible work over the last three-and-a-half years. I really enjoyed his work and his company during my two-and-a-half years working with him.

"But today the players have trained well and we look forward to the weekend.”

On being placed in charge: " I’ve been in coaching a long time now and I’m very confident in what I can do. 

"It’s a massive opportunity. It’s not ideal the circumstances, but it’s something I’ve always wanted to do, and I owe a lot to Middlesbrough."

And on former Portsmouth boss Joe Jordan joining as assistant: " Joe’s a great football guy. He brings a wealth of experience, in coaching and management.

"He lives in Bristol but I was on the phone to him and he was here six hours later - that’s the kind of guy he is.

"He’s worked at the highest level and Joe is someone I trust and who will have a big impact."

Jockey Katie Walsh on Radio 5 live: "I'm delighted for Paul [Townend]. It's great, he's second jockey to Ruby Walsh and it's a very hard place to get winners."

Another big race win for Willie Mullins - his fifth of the week - as top weight Arctic Fire, back in action after a year's break, edges out the second in the weights L'Ami Serge.

1 Arctic Fire (Paul Townend) 20-1 

2 L'Ami Serge (Daryl Jacob) 25-1 

3 Ozzie The Oscar (Tom O'Brien) 50-1 

4 Air Horse One (Noel Fehily) 10-1 

25 ran

Arctic Fire (20-1) wins the County Hurdle on day four of the Cheltenham Festival.

Wakea is still leading with two to go - will Donagh Meyler be rewarded for a bold display of front running?

The early pace in the County Hurdle is being set by Wakea but the well-fancied Ivanovich Gorbatov is not far away - there are still plenty with chances.

The 25 runners are on their way in the County Hurdle at Cheltenham.

Ruby Walsh and Renneti parted company briefly on their way to post but they are safely on their way with the others.

Walsh described his mount earlier as 'a bit of a monkey'.

We stay over the hurdles for the second race of the day at Cheltenham. Twelve months ago, trainer Dan Skelton won this race with Superb Story and he has a good chance for a repeat this year with North Hill Harvey who won the Greatwood Hurdle here in November on his last run.

Last year’s Triumph Hurdle winner Ivanovich Gorbatov will be hoping for a second Festival success and is ridden by trainer Joseph O’Brien’s cousin JJ Slevin.

Image source, Rex Features

Southampton

Image source, PA

Team news: Southampton right-back Jeremy Pied, who suffered a knee injury after making just one appearance since signing in the summer, could be training with the first team next week. He was supposed to be out for the season, so that's great news.

Striker Charlie Austin is close to a return too, having been out with a shoulder injury.

And here's manager Claude Puel on opponents Tottenham: " They have a lot of wins at home, so it's a good challenge for us. It will be interesting to see our progress.

"It's difficult with one game every two weeks to keep concentration, but it's important to have a good response at Spurs."

And on the England senior call-ups for Nathan Redmond and James Ward-Prowse:  "It's fantastic for them and for the club."

Image source, PA

Defi Du Seuil looked imperious on his way to success in the Triumph Hurdle and it is a second win of the week for jockey Richard Johnson who paid tribute to the horse.

"He's a horse who has improved every time," he tells BBC Radio 5 live. "In his first run at Ffos Las, I'd have never thought he would become what he is today.

"He has done everything so well and this is one to look out for in the future."

Image source, Getty Images

Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp was asked about any moves on a new contract for midfielder Emre Can:

"It makes no sense to talk about it. We are in talks and they are good. Emre likes to be here and we really like him  

"Absolutely no problems at this moment."  

Frank Keogh
BBC Sport at Cheltenham

Some racegoers like to don fancy dress for the big day - and here's two who have come as characters from the 1980s BBC holiday camp sitcom Hi-De-Hi. Natch.

Helen Derrick (right), pictured with friend Maura Keen, said: "I was 60 yesterday so it's a bit of a celebration.

"We dress up every year. Last time it was Disney and I was Mary Poppins, and the year before it was Wild Wild West. This time it's 80s TV and pop.

"There's 14 of us and it's just a bit of fun."

• Lets hope there's no low-de-lows for them this afternoon. Ahem.

Full result

1 Defi Du Seuil (Richard Johnson) 5-2 Fav 

2 Mega Fortune (Davy Russell) 7-1 

3 Bapaume (Ruby Walsh) 10-1 

15 ran

Andrew Thornton
National Hunt jockey at Cheltenham

Richard Johnson rode Defi Du Seuil like it was a racing certainty. He jumped accurately and correctly and once he turned into the home straight, off he went.

This horse loves Cheltenham - that's his fourth win here.  

Defi Du Seuil (5-2) wins the Triumph Hurdle.

As they go reach the top of the hill there are still plenty in contention with Mega Fortune and Dinaria Des Obeaux in contention along with Defi Du Seuil.

Mega Fortune sets the early pace along with stablemate Dinaria Des Obeaux and Soldier In Action.