Moscow Flyer - crowned champion again.

By Dave Ord

He is some machine, unbeaten in all completed starts over fences and one of the best we have seen for a generation.

This wasn't spectacular, Well Chief ensured that wasn't an option, but the victory was authoritative.

Last year, Moscow Flyer crashed out at the final open ditch and Azertyuiop took the crown. This time it was the English star who cracked.

He hadn't blazed out as had been mooted but had Moscow Flyer in his sights when leaving his hind legs behind at the water jump.

It was a sickening mistake, but remarkably Azertyuiop could continue. He never got to the principals again in taking third but there are other Champion Chases for him.

Heading down the hill Moscow Flyer took the measure of the front-running Central House and the crowd stirred. They were here to hail their hero.

A safe leap at the second last and the crescendo rose but this race wasn't over.

Well Chief was only a length behind and fighting hard. Barry Gerraghty had to act, four sharp reminders turning for home galvanising his mount for the final lung-bursting hill.

Well Chief never gave up the fight but Moscow Flyer wasn't for passing.

Hats and newspaper acting as confetti fell from the stands. Moscow Flyer was on top of the world again.

At 11 there has been no diminishing in his powers but can he come back again at 12 and defy the younger generation?

It would be some performance but then again Moscow Flyer is some story.

He is a horse who people have long hitched their wagon to and for good reason.

His record is remarkable, matching his talent. It was a privilege to be at Cheltenham to see this.

Earlier in the card Howard Johnson, Graham Wylie and Graham Lee registered remarkable doubles when No Refuge took the Royal & SunAlliance Novices' Hurdle.

The same team landed Tuesday's opener with Arcalis and like his stablemate No Refuge was an expensive recruit from the Flat.

Staying is his game and he wore down Racing Demon, a fantastic long-term chasing prospect, to bring more glory to his County Durham team.

Nicky Henderson's Festival record has been patchy over the last few seasons but he had told everyone who cared to listen that Trabolgan was his bet of the week in the Royal & SunAlliance Novices' Chase.

He delivered too – overcoming a mistake at the second last to beat Comply Or Die.

33/1 for the Gold Cup next year with William Hill, it would be a major surprise if this was his last big-race win.

But for all the potential of the earlier winners this day – and arguably the 2005 Cheltenham Festival – belonged to Moscow Flyer. He is a champion again.