Winning jockey Lorcan Williams, speaking to ITV Sport: "I'm very lucky and I need to thank Will (Biddick, trainer), I remember being sat on the sofa when he called and said we'd win the Hunters' this year. He was right.

"Porlock Bay was jumping so well, thought I'd give him a bit of light. I didn't want to hit the front two soon, I was trying to fill him up before the hill.

"I can't believe it."

1 Porlock Bay (Lorcan Williams) 16-1

2 Billaway (P Townend) 2-1 Fav

3 Staker Wallace (M P Walsh) 9-1

18 ran

What an awful wait for the riders...

"We have a winner," comes the voice over the tannoy.

"Porlock Bay."

Jockey Lorcan Williams jumps to his feet in the saddle, punching the air in pure delight.

Blimey! It is a photo finish. Looks to me that Porlock Bay is a nose ahead...

Incredible finish.

Over the last and going up the hill, it is a two-horse race now... Billaway and Porlock Bay going hell for leather....

Seven or eight in with a shout here. Latenightpass shows a hint of an error but Bridget Andrews keeps him in check. Billaway and Porlock Bay emerging...

Six fences to go. Still Latenightpass is ploughing along nicely, Billaway now in second.

Long way to go yet in this three mile and two furlong race. Plenty of to-ing and fro-ing at the front. Now it is the turn of Latenightpass to lead the pace.

Hazel Hill makes an error, while Chameron pulls up. Shades of Champ in the previous race there.

Mr Mantilla has taken over at the front, with Latenightpass just behind.

Here we go. Sonneofpresenting takes the early initiative...

Paul Nicholls is a specialist at this race which is normally the Gold Cup for amateur riders, with four wins.

This time, there are no amateurs, because of Covid restrictions but Nicholls still has a good chance with Bob and Co, ridden by Sean Bowen.

The 10-year-old was formerly trained in France but won at Haydock on his debut for the Ditcheat trainer.

Once again, there is a strong Willie Mullins challenger with Billaway a danger.

Image source, Getty Images

More reaction to the big one to come... we've got another race about to start...

Gold Cup-winning trainer Henry de Bromhead still looks shocked as he talks through Minella Indo's Gold Cup-winning run.

"It is unbelievable, I'm delighted for everybody, all connections," the Irishman tells ITV Racing.

"We've had so much fun with his guy, he's such a good horse and he comes alive here. He is amazing. He is like a different horse here, just like Put The Kettle On."

On claiming the 'holy trinity' of Champion Hurdle, Champion Chase and Gold Cup wins at Cheltenham: "I think I'm still in my hotel on Monday morning when nothing has even started yet - it is a dream."

Image source, PA Media

The Gold Cup triumph puts Henry de Bromhead in the driving seat for the leading trainer prize, while Jack Kennedy has a glimmer of hope in closing the gap on Rachael Blackmore in the race to finish as leading jockey...

Leading trainers:

Henry de Bromhead 6

Willie Mullins 4

Denise Foster 3

Leading jockeys:

Rachael Blackmore 6

Jack Kennedy 4

Nico de Boinville 3

This was Jack Kennedy at Cheltenham 12 months ago. He was on crutches after breaking his leg shortly before the 2020 Festival.

Image source, Getty Images

Sean S Atkinson: Great achievement. I loved watching Bryony leading the field for so long. The Irish are absolute genius with training. Well done to everyone involved.

Frank Keogh
BBC Sport at Cheltenham

Henry de Bromhead has completed the 'holy trinity' of Champion Hurdle, Champion Chase and Gold Cup.

Not quite the spine-tingling noise which would have greeted Minella Indo and Jack Kennedy as the victorious pair return to a near-empty winners' enclosure.

That walk back with palms slapping your shoulders and congratulations ringing in your ears must be a heck of a feeling.

But make no mistake... this will be a cherished experience for both horse and jockey even without the thousands of punters who are normally there.

Still, there is a rapturous applause which welcomes them back from those lucky few in the industry who are allowed to be there.

Special, special moment.

Katie Walsh
Former jockey Katie Walsh on BBC Radio 5 Live Sports Extra

Jack Kennedy is a fantastic jockey and has been riding out of his skin.

He has had some horrible injuries over the years but is a great Irish talent and really deserves this.

Everyone felt Rachael went for the right horse in A Plus Tard but Minella Indo operates well around here.

Image source, PA Media

Winning jockey Jack Kennedy, speaking to ITV Racing: "I can't believe it! This is what I've dreamt of since I was in a child. I'm so grateful to Henry for giving me the opportunity to ride him. I can't thank them enough and I'll owe them forever."

On earning Gold Cup victory after injury problems: "This is what I live for. I can't believe this is happening. I'm delighted."