The highlight race of the Festival is the £450,000 Totesport Cheltenham Gold Cup Chase (G1) for 5-year-olds and up at a distance of 3 5/16 miles over 22 fences. A field of 16 went but the eyes of the racing world were on 7-4 favorite Kauto Star, winner of this race in 2007 but finished a close second in 2008. 15-2 third choice Neptune Collonges set the early pace, but he was under pressure the whole way by last year's winner and 7-1 second choice Denman, and favorite Kauto Star. At the fourth last obstacle, Neptune Collonges did not jump cleanly, allowing Kauto Star and Denman to pass him. However, it was all Kauto Star, who drew off down the long stretch to win by 13 over Denman in 6:44.95. It was another 2 1/2 lengths back to 8-1 Exotic Dancer third.
Paul Nicholls, trainer of winner Kauto Star, runner-up Denman, 4th place finisher Neptune Collonges, and 5th place finisher My Will said, "For me, 'Kauto' was never going to get beat. His preparation had gone right, and believe me, he was as good as he's ever been. But Denman has astounded me with his run. It's not been easy, but I'm incredibly proud for him to run like that."
Winning jockey Ruby Walsh added, "I hadn't planned to be in front as early as that, and thankfully there was a stride there at the last (fence)." Walsh won a record seven races at the Festival, and his career total of 24 is just one behind all-time leader Pat Taaffe.
