Pipe's eighth wonder

Our Vic gave trainer Martin Pipe his eighth victory in the Paddy Power Gold Cup Chase with a smooth success in the big Cheltenham handicap.

The 9-2 favourite was always prominent before taking a clear lead at the third-last.

He kept all challengers at bay and stormed up the hill to beat the staying-on Monkerhostin by two and a half lengths.

Kandjar D’Allier was another length and a half back in third, with Fondmort fourth.

Lord Sam took the field along in the early stages with Banker Count, Our Vic and Lacdoudal close up.

Irish raider Forget The Past joined the leaders at the fifth-last fence, but Timmy Murphy always had Our Vic in a good position.

He decided to let the big-race gamble go on with three to jump, although Redemption looked a major threat before coming down at the penultimate obstacle.

Kandjar D’Allier put in a brave bid but Alan King’s charge could not get close enough to put in a serious bid.

He was passed on the run-in by Monkerhostin, who did remarkably well to take second spot after making a bad mistake in the early stages.