Idole First clears the last in command.

second win for first

Idole First (12-1) won his second race at the Cheltenham Festival when taking the Racing Post Plate for Venetia Williams under Alan O'Keeffe, who was on board when he landed the Coral Cup over hurdles in 2005.

He was always going well near the head of affairs along with Roman Ark and a big leap at the last put the race to bed.

Palarshan (28-1), who had not run for 728 days, emerged from the pack to finish second.

The well-backed Moncadu could never get in a blow and Opera Mundi was always in rear.

Williams said: "He's been a superstar and Alan gave him a great ride. "The horse travelled so well all the way and once he jumped the first three well we knew we were in with a good shout."

O'Keeffe added: "He can be a bit slow with his jumping but today he did everything right and he's a Coral Cup winner.

"I was pretty hopeful coming here. It's a great training performance and the owners have been very, very good to me.

"He just travelled and jumped and it's easy when they do that. I knew he would quicken up well coming down the hill.

"I probably got there a bit soon but he's kept going."