It was a day of redemption for Sprinter Sacre in the Champion Chase, while Ruby Walsh and Willie Mullins picked up where they left off at the on day one.
After pulling out of the Supreme Novices' Hurdle yesterday, all eyes were on the showdown of Yorkhill and Yanworth for the day's opening race - the Neptune Hurdle.
Thomas Hobson and the grammatical nightmare that is Its'afreebe made the early running. The pair moved steadily, with both Yorkhill and Yanworth happy to remain further back in the opening stages.
Thomas Hobson continued to lead, but the impressive running of Its'afreebe left the former out of contention when Barry Geraghty pushed Yanworth along over the final jumps.
Despite being up against the railing, Yorkhill pressed Yanworth and the pair went into the final jump together before Yorkhill pulled away over the last to claim victory.
Ruby Walsh aboard Yorkhill en route to victory in today's opener. Image: ©INPHO/Dan Sheridan
Very little separated Gordon Elliot's No More Heroes and Jonjo O'Neill's More Of That heading into today's Grade One RSA Chase.
Seeyouatmidnight was out in front early on, but quickly began to fade after pressure from Shaneshill. More Of That and No More Heroes remained prominent throughout the race, while Ruby Walsh on board Roi Des Francs was a constant threat.
But a late charge from Blaklion under Ryan Hatch saw him surge through a sea of bodies and snatch victory.
Blaklion [centre right, red] jumps on his way to victory. Image: David Davies / PA Wire/Press Association Images
A total of 26 runners contested the Grade 3 Coral Cup in today's third outing, with 15-2 shot Rock The Kasbah leading the market.
Baron Alco and Ubak were ridden out in front by the Moore brothers early on and to their full credit with a full field getting away safely, they held their own throughout.
Blazer and Hunters Hoof both showed interest at the halfway stage, but the latter didn't appear to have the quality and began to fade with three to jump.
Waxies Dargle, Blazer and Diamond King all put the heads down on the final run to challenge Long House Hall and early front runner Ubak.
It was Diamond King for trainer Gordon Elliot who secured victory.
Left to Right: Blazer, Ubak and Diamond King all jump heading into the home straight. Image: Mike Egerton / PA Wire/Press Association Images
The storyline was more of a fairytale for today's feature race as Sprinter Sacre faced the daunting challenge of toppling heavy favourite Un De Sceaux in the Champion Chase.
Good early running from Special Tiara saw him stay in contention throughout, despite the ominous presence of Un De Sceaux.
Heading into the final three it looked sewn up for the 8-11 favourite, but Sprinter Sacre discovered something extra and two final jumps saw the 10 year-old streak home clear by about seven lengths.
Sprinter Sacre upset the odds to claim victory today. Image: David Davies / PA Wire/Press Association Images
Josies Order and Nina Carberry looked the most impressive duo in the 16 strong Cross Country Chase having won twice around Cheltenham already this season.
Strong runs from Bless The Wings and Quatitativeeasing saw them fight it out for a top five finish, but it was the ever impressive Any Currency who took the honours for jockey Aidan Coleman.
Any Currency finished strongly to claim victory. Image: David Davies / PA Wire/Press Association Images
The days final two races - the Fred Winter and the Champion Bumper - went to Diego Du Charmil and Ballyandy respectively and both by a nose.
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