Energumene all class in Champion Chase defence

Backed into 6-5 favourite as the rain continued to pour throughout the afternoon, his supporters would have had barely a moment of worry.

CLASS ACT: Jockey Paul Townend celebrates after winning the Betway Queen Mother Champion Chase aboard Energumene. Pic: Tim Goode/PA Wire.

Energumene defended his Betway Queen Mother Champion Chase crown in imperious style at Cheltenham - routing the opposition to become the first back-to-back winner of the day two feature since Master Minded in 2008 and 2009.

Only third in the Clarence House Chase behind reopposing pair Editeur Du Gite and Edwardstone, he arrived at the Festival with a point to prove.