CHELTENHAM 15:30 294l2r

All 7 ran. Fences: 13.

Time: 3m 58.2s Closing Sectional: (3.75f): 55s (102.1%)

Overrounds: Industry SP 111%, Betfair SP 98.5%

With the winners of this season's Irish 2m Grade 1 chases Blue Lord and Gentleman de Mee missing, for the second year running a Champion Chase that was essentially a rematch from the Clarence House Chase, but as in 2022 the anticipated clash failed to materialise, Shishkin flopping a year ago, Edwardstone and Editeur du Gite both a long way below the form they'd shown 7 weeks previously this time around; as last season, it was Energumene who made the most of the opportunity left to him, scoring with a lot in hand after cruising through a race that wasn't that well run, the performance among the best of his career, age - only Moscow Flyer, Sprinter Sacre and Special Tiara have won this at 10 or older this century - and stable-companion El Fabiolo the main threats to his winning a third Champion Chase in 2024; the stewards looked into interference on the bend and suspended Paul Townend for 5 days for careless riding, having allowed his mount to drift left-handed when insufficiently clear, causing interference to his 2 closest rivals.

ENERGUMENE (FR) wasted no time getting back to form, the tactics rather better than last time, the way he went through the race suggesting a horse much more at the top of his game, perhaps reflected in strong market , that his main rivals failed to fire hardly his fault, his performance still among the best of his career; close up, travelled strongly, disputed lead eighth, went on 3 out, quickened clear entering straight, impressive.

CAPTAIN GUINNESS (IRE) was no match for Energumene but he took advantage of some below-par rivals to claim second, running right up to his best, though significant that more than three-quarters of his earnings over fences come from placed rather than win efforts; waited with, travelled well, tracked pace before 3 out, hampered then left behind by winner entering straight.

GREANETEEN (FR) effectively lost his chance when he belted the final ditch; in touch, bad mistake 4 out and not recover, poor fourth when hit last; he'll presumably try next for a third Celebration Chase win .

EDITEUR DU GITE (FR) wasn't in the same form as last time, pressed by the winner from a long way out this time and finding the effort telling in the latter stages; led, ed eighth, shaken up before 3 out, stumbled then weakened entering straight; while everything went ideally for him last time, it's possible a similar scenario could occur if he takes his chance in the Celebration Chase at Sandown.

EDWARDSTONE ran no sort of race, in trouble from an early stage, neither travelling nor jumping as he can; raced off pace, pushed along 4 out, labouring next.

FUNAMBULE SIVOLA (FR) runner-up in the 2022 Champion Chase, didn't get very far this time; held up, fell third.

NUBE NEGRA (SPA) runner-up in the 2021 Champion Chase and twice a winner of the Shloer, had plenty to find on this season's form but turned in a lacklustre effort even so, beaten a long way out; handy, upsides briefly sixth, lost place before 4 out, pulled up.