Kicking King puts in another mighty leap (Getty).

By

3.21pm: The tapes go up and 15 horses set off for jump racing's blue riband on a glorious day in the Cotswolds on going described as 'good', with Kicking King the favourite at 4-1.

Fence 1: Graham Lee quickly gets Grey Abbey out in his usual position at the head of the field and he flies over the first obstacle in front, while Celestial Gold is less than fluent.

Fence 2: Passing the hordes of racegoers in the stands for the first time the pack begins to sort itself out and riders jostle for positions. Ballycassidy quickens into second place.

Fence 3: The field sweeps into the back straight with Grey Abbey still out in front, and all the horses jump nicely. Sir Rembrandt takes up third position.

Fence 4: Truckers Tavern is the only horse caught out by the water jump, which caused Azertyuiop such problems on Wednesday, as the 2003 runner-up leaves his back legs in the drink. But he stays on his feet.

Fence 5: The first open ditch and Pizarro moves into fourth, although he is jumping slightly right, and Grey Abbey is still a great sight out in front.

Fence 6: In the early stages most are still going well, but supporters of Beef Or Salmon are already worried as he is clearly not happy at the back of the field.

Fence 7: Sir Rembrandt produces a huge leap to keep himself up at the front, while a mistake at the back of the field cooks Truckers Tavern's goose.

Fence 8: The field turns back towards home going downhill, with Grey Abbey still in front and jumping like a buck.

Fence 9: A tricky fence that gives a rider little time to prepare for, given the speed the horses are travelling, and it catches out both Beef Or Salmon and Ballycassidy.

Fence 10: Still travelling downhill and Beef Or Salmon is now getting reminders from Paul Carberry. He is struggling to stay in front of rank outsider Astonville.

Fence 11: The field have completed a circuit of the great race, with Grey Abbey still blazing the trail. Strong Flow is moving into contention, and outsider Venn Ottery, who had been well-behaved early on, now switches his attention to pulling Jamie Moore's arms out.

Fence 12: Passing the stands for a second time, and excitement continues to build as Andrew Thornton seizes the initiative on Sir Rembrandt, moving his charge alongside Grey Abbey.

Fence 13: Sir Rembrandt is asked for another big one and moves into the lead. He is running the sort of race he produced last year when second to Best Mate.

Fence 14: The water jump for the second time, but it is jumped fluently by all the runners this time. Kicking King and Barry Geraghty are travelling notably well, but so is Strong Flow.

Fence 15: Therealbandit is hanging on to the coat-tails of the pack as a number begin to feel the heat. Tiutchev, Venn Ottery, Truckers Tavern and Beef Or Salmon are out with the washing.

Fence 16: Grey Abbey is still out in front, but Ballycassidy looks to have run his race and blunders at the obstacle. Sir Rembrandt is less than fluent, too.

Fence 17: Pizarro, who has not convinced at many of his fences, takes a tired fall. Celestial Gold, who has been detached for much of the race, begins to move forward.

Fence 18: The 25-1 shot Take The Stand is running the race of his life in the leading group, but Kicking King is tanking along behind. Sir Rembrandt is still in contention, but feels the whip.

Fence 19: Grey Abbey is just about holding on in front, but he is getting reminders now. Kicking King moves into second. They freewheel down the hill, and Ruby Walsh has to get busy on Strong Flow.

Fence 20: Kicking King goes in front, and he is still on the bridle! With a typical cocksure gesture, Geraghty takes a look over his shoulder to check out his rivals. He has not shaken off Take The Stand, but Tony Dobbin is now really pushing his mount.

Fence 21: Take The Stand is running a remarkable race as they come to the second-last, but Kicking King is just in front. Celestial Gold and Royal Auclair are trying to run on, but well behind the leaders.

Fence 22: Kicking King is out on his own in front and powers away from Take The Stand. Tom Taaffe's Irish raider flies up the hill showing no stamina doubts, and Geraghty waggles his whip, to the jubilation of his followers.