Let's not forget about Buveur D'Air, who sadly fell halfway round in pursuit of a Champion Hurdle hat-trick.

Happily it is being reported that both jockey and horse are fine.

Mark Walsh and Gavin Cromwell could both barely speak. They seem as shocked as the rest of us...

BBC Radio 5 Live

Image source, Reuters

Jockey Mark Walsh: "I can't believe it. It was brilliant from a 5-year-old to do that, wow. I couldn't have won it any better.

"Unfortunately Barry [Geraghty] fell in front of me on Buveur D'Air but my horse took me to the front so easily. I was glad to see the rain come in this morning. I'm delighted."

Image source, Reuters

High fives and handshakes all round as Mark Walsh almost sheepishly punches the air. An unsung hero but a very talented jockey, make no mistake about that.

JP McManus has won more big races than you or I have eaten cereal for breakfast. Yet still every victory means so much to the Irishman who celebrates with connections.

BBC Radio 5 Live

Trainer Gavin Cromwell:"I am shellshocked. It absolutely skated up, I am so lost for words. It's just unbelievable."

If you've had a pound each way on any of those three then you'll be celebrating with a trip to the pub tonight...

1 Espoir D' Allen 16-1 (Mark Walsh)

2 Melon 20-1 (Paul Townend)

3 Silver Streak 80-1 (Adam Wedge)

Image source, Reuters

The drama! It is a winner in the colours of JP McManus... but not the horse people expected.

Buveur D'Air's fall halfway round the course caused chaos and changed the complexion of the race.

And five-year-old Espoir D'Allen - an outsider at 16-1 - took advantage with a stunning performance.

Melon is overtaken by Espoir D'Allen going into the last... Laurina is battling away but looks to have left it too late...

Image source, Reuters

Apple's Jade is going backwards. Melon still leads with three to go...

The hat-trick hope is out! Buveur D'Air falls. Huge gasp of shock from the crowds...

If you like horses and fruit then you'll be happy. Melon and Apple's Jade leading...

So will this be the three-horse race many predict? Let's see. A steady pace to begin, Melon leading at the first turn, a neck ahead of Apple's Jade..

This is the one... off we go without a blip.

The Cheltenham grandstands are packed to the rafters, a sea of heads bobbing up and down in excitement for the day's big race. And not a brolly in sight now...

Here's one final reminder of the field. Place your bets...

1 Brain Power - N Henderson - N De Boinville

2 Buveur D'Air - N Henderson - B Geraghty

3 Espoir D'Allen - G Cromwell - M P Walsh

4 Global Citizen - B Pauling - D Bass

5 Melon - W P Mullins - P Townend

6 Sharjah - W P Mullins - P Mullins

7 Silver Streak - E Williams - A Wedge

8 Apple's Jade - G Elliott - Jack Kennedy

9 Laurina - W P Mullins - R Walsh

10 Verdana Blue - N Henderson - N Russell

Cornelius Lysaght
BBC racing correspondent at Cheltenham

The seven pounds less weight to be carried by mares, including the outstanding Apple's Jade, may be decisive, and I'm going for her.

The horses are circling in the paddock as they prepare for the parade.

Apple's Jade trots out confidently, chin up, a sassy strut. And so she might. Four wins this season with a cumulative winning distance of 63 lengths...

Frank Keogh
BBC Sport at Cheltenham

The weather at Cheltenham is almost as hard to predict as one of the tricky races with lots of runners.

Tuesday AM - Punters ducked for cover, clashed brollies and generally splodged around looking a bit sorry for themselves.

Tuesday PM - Sun comes out. The mood brightens - ah yes, Spring is in the air.

Image source, BBC Sport

Image source, BBC Sport

BBC Radio 5 Live Sports Extra

Owner Michael O'Leary on Apple's Jade: "She's been a revelation this year. Gordon has done a terrific job. She's run brilliantly.

"She's going to meet tough ground and Buveur D'Air loves soft ground so it will be tough."