This 2m 1f race has belonged to Willie Mullins with five wins from its five runnings.

His main challenger this year appears to be ex-French challenger Gauloise, the ride of Paul Townend - his other hopes are Glens Of Antrim, Hook Up and Pont Aval.

Peter Fahey's Royal Kahala could benefit from the drying ground while Neil King will also be out to spoil the Mullins party with Perfect Myth.

Image source, Getty Images

Next up? The mares...

13:20: Marsh Novices' Chase (2m 4f, Grade 1) - CHANTRY HOUSE (9-1)

13:55: Final Handicap Hurdle (3m, Grade 3) - MRS MILNER (12-1)

14:30: Ryanair Chase (2m 4 1/2f, Grade 1) - ALLAHO (3-1)

15:05: Stayers' Hurdle (3m, Grade 1) - FLOORING PORTER (12-1)

15:40: Paddy Power Plate Handicap Chase (2m 4 1/2f, Grade 3) - THE SHUNTER (9-4 FAV)

16:15: Mares' Novices Hurdle (2m 1f, Grade 2)

16:50: Fulke Walwyn Kim Muir Challenge Cup (3m 2f)

Had a punt and want to check the winners? This is how the day has panned out so far...

The Shunter's remarkable double comes after the horse was banned from running for two months last year.

Trainer Emmet Mullins was fined €6,000 under the non-triers rule after The Shunter finished fourth in a maiden hurdle at Tipperary.

Andrew Thornton
Former Gold Cup-winning jockey on BBC Radio 5 Live Sports Extra

He isn't a big horse and doesn't do much in front but he has found enough in reserve.

It was a great performance from a horse who has been kept busy this season but is as hard as nails.

Image source, PA Media

Charlie Poste
Former jump jockey on BBC Radio 5 Live Sports Extra

You have to admire Jordan Gainford because he will have been under pressure coming into this one on a short-priced favourite.

But The Shunter has bolted up and connections here are £100,000 richer.

What a performance. It's great when a plan comes together but I imagine Emmet Mullins must have picked out this bonus a long time in advance.

Give the horse how credit for how versatile he is - he seems to be adaptable over fences and hurdles.

Winning jockey Jordan Gainford, speaking to ITV Racing: "It's unbelievable, I cannot believe it, I can't describe it.

"He likes to do his own little thing, he took me there and I thought it was too early but he battled back after the second to last hurdle."

Trainer Mick Malloy: "Thirty-five years I have been coming to Cheltenham and it is my first time leading a winner at the Festival. It is unreal."

1

2

3

21 ran

And The Shunter romps ahead to the winning post. Superb run from the 9-4 favourite. A little hesitant on the fences, but supreme between them.

A big pay day for connections too, they have clinched a £100,000 bonus after winning at Kelso a fortnight ago.

Trainer Mick Molloy is sprinting and jigging down the track in celebration. Steady on, Mick. Don't fall over. He won't care. What a celebration!

Image source, PA Media

The Shunter sticks on the gas, he's over the last...

Lovely jumping as they go over the next. The Shunter moves alongside Kiltealy Briggs...

Pick your winner here... it could be anyone. As you were with the front four. Three fences to go...

Kiltealy Briggs is still setting the pace. Half a length behind is The Shunter. Coole Cody and Two Taffs are in contention as they approach the ditch...

You could throw a blanket over the 21-strong field. That's how packed it is. OK, it'd have to be a very big blanket. But you know what I mean.

Right, we can focus on the racing. Kiltealy Briggs and The Shunter lead the way. Lovely jumping from everyone so far.

Carnage!

Jockeys are whining at the starter, Caribbean Boy is facing the wrong way...

Finally there is some semblance of order and, eventually, the race gets going.

Take two... cut. Communication breakdown. One goes - The Shunter, I think - and that sets them all going.

The starter isn't happy. And that means they go back for a standing start.

Third time lucky...

"Oooh what are you doing?!" A bit of confusion between jockeys and the starters as the big field ambles around the bend.

We go again...