Imperial Commander rules Paddy Power Gold Cup

Imperial Commander made a successful seasonal bow as he ran out an impressive winner of the Paddy Power Gold Cup at Cheltenham.

The seven-year-old was having his first start for 337 days but Nigel Twiston-Davies’ runner did not want for fitness, taking up the running at the halfway mark for Paddy Brennan before staying on up the hill.

The 13-2 shot easily held Barbers Shop, who gave his all to finish second for the Queen, while Private Be was third.

Ashley Brook and Turko were at the head of affairs from the off before Yes Sir swept through to set a fair pace, with the winner and favourite Silverburn settled comfortably in the chasing pack.

Yes Sir remained in front until Brennan made his move after the seventh, at which stage he began to turn the screw on his rivals with a fine display of fencing.

Brennan was still travelling well three from home but it looked as though Barbers Shop and Silverburn were set to challenge before the latter made a bad blunder two out.

That left Barbers Shop to push Imperial Commander up the hill – but the winner was always finding more for pressure and eventually came home two and three-quarter lengths clear.

Private Be, who made a bad mistake at the fifth, did well to recover and finish an 11-length third, with Il Duce fourth.

Brennan said: "That was a brilliant performance - he gave me some feel.

“I haven’t ridden a horse like this in my life.

“I’d like to especially thank (jockey) Tony Evans, who made the horse, and the boss, Nigel.

“The work is done at home and I’m really pleased.”

Victor Chandler were most impressed and cut his Hennessy odds from 20s to 6-1.

The same firm also introduced him into the King George betting at 12-1.