The 12-year-old was having the final start of his glittering career in the Cheltenham Festival highlight, with owners Cheveley Park Stud having confirmed he would retire following his run in the blue riband – his eighth appearance in all at the Festival.

A sole runner for Willie Mullins in the most prestigious race on the National Hunt calendar, the 11-4 joint-favourite was ridden by Paul Towend and shared his position at the head of the market with Nicky Henderson’s Jango Baie.