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Who was to blame for late collision in the December Gold Cup? I reckon it changed the outcome

Chris Cook runs the rule over the weekend action

Gemirande (right) and Madara jump the last together in the December Gold Cup
Madara, left, got alongside Gemirande in the December Gold Cup but couldn't get pastCredit: John Grossick (racingpost.com/photos)

Everyone seemed to know that Madara was going to run a big race in the December Gold Cup, even though he'd been unplaced in his previous three starts, and they were duly proved right. The five-year-old put up a personal=best performance, improving on his Paddy Power fourth by 11lb on Racing Post Ratings, but it wasn't quite enough, thanks to Gemirande finding a bit more when challenged.

Did run style contribute to the outcome? The front is so often the right place to be over fences at Cheltenham, as in the mares' handicap chase on Saturday when the two who were to the fore throughout were returned at 22-1 and 14-1.

Charlie Deutsch initially looked like settling Gemirande in midfield, but he started a notable forward move after clearing the first and it carried him into the lead with more than a circuit to go. Meanwhile, Madara stayed in midfield until creeping forwards along the back stretch.

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