Four legendary Cheltenham Festival moments that sent the crowd crazy

The Cheltenham Festival has played host to some of the most memorable moments in the history of the sport, and there is little that can compare for a winning jockey or trainer than being roared into the winner's enclosure by the packed grandstands. Victory for Honeysuckle in the Champion Hurdle or Paisley Park in the Stayers' Hurdle would bring the house down, but before that here is a look at four other legendary festival moments that have sent the crowd wild . . .

Sprinter Sacre regains the Champion Chase, 2016

The background: Indisputably one of the greatest two-mile chasers of all time, Sprinter Sacre swept all before him over fences, winning the Arkle and Champion Chase during a scintillating streak of seven straight Grade 1s in 2012 and 2013 before issues with an irregular heartbeat began to play havoc with his career.

After making only four racecourse appearances and recording no victories in a two-and-a-half year span from April 2013 to November 2015, he shrugged off talk of retirement when making a successful comeback by winning the Shloer Chase and Desert Orchid Chase in the lead up to the 2016 festival.

But was he still at his electrifying best and would it be too much to ask for him to regain the Champion Chase crown he had first won three years prior?

What happened: Un De Sceaux, who had won 14 times from 16 starts and was unbeaten when completing his race, was a formidable favourite against the now ten-year-old Sprinter Sacre, who seemingly had it all to do.

But in a stirring occasion that will be long remembered, the Nicky Henderson-trained star stunned his rivals by powering to the front turning for home and galloping clear up the hill. The impossible dream had come true and as tears flowed and raucous cheers echoed around the Cotswolds, Sprinter Sacre returned to the winner's enclosure a champion again.

Watch the replay here

Kauto Star becomes the first horse to regain the Gold Cup, 2009

Ruby Walsh celebrates aboard Kauto Star as the pair regain the Cheltenham Gold Cup in 2009Credit: Edward Whitaker

The background: The seemingly unstoppable Kauto Star had his Gold Cup crown wrested from his grasp in 2008 by stablemate Denman, but, much like Michael Jordan, the five-time King George winner seemed to take that personally.

Victories in the Down Royal Champion Chase and the King George, either side of an unfortunate unseat in the Betfair Chase, confirmed he retained all his ability in preparation for a highly anticipated rematch with Denman and an attempt at history, as no horse had ever regained the Gold Cup after losing it.

What happened: In one of the greatest exhibitions of jump racing ever, Ruby Walsh maintained prime position throughout on Kauto Star as he tracked the leaders.

Having barely put a foot wrong over his fences, Walsh made his move three out and impressively built up a commanding advantage over a not-quite-at-his-best Denman in a matter of strides to create a special piece of Cheltenham history in front of an adoring fanbase.

Dessie does it in the Gold Cup, 1989

The background: Desert Orchid, the people's champion and perhaps the most beloved British racehorse in history, had just about accomplished everything over all sorts of trips and obstacles, but had yet to taste victory at the Cheltenham Festival, something not helped by his propensity for jumping to his right.

After finishing second in the Champion Chase in 1988, Desert Orchid arrived at Prestbury Park a year later at the peak of his powers having reeled off seven straight wins, including a second King George and a series of top-class handicaps off top weight.

What happened: On ground he hated, at a track that wasn't his favourite and going a direction where he could lose as much as half a length at every fence, there was still no stopping the magnificent grey.

Yahoo looked to have David Elsworth's charge in trouble and he had the advantage jumping the final two fences, only for Desert Orchid – fuelled by the roar of the Cheltenham faithful – to grind down his rival up the hill and prevail in an epic contest, further cementing his legendary status.

Istabraq equals legends with third straight Champion Hurdle, 2000

The background: Handled at first by John Gosden and then the similarly legendary Flat trainer Aidan O'Brien, Istabraq's ascent to the top of jump racing was not a typical one, and neither was the freakish talent he possessed over hurdles.

Istabraq had won 20 of his 23 starts over hurdles including 12 Grade 1s before arriving at Cheltenham in March of 2000 seeking a record-equalling third Champion Hurdle, and a win at the festival for the fourth consecutive year.

What happened: With Charlie Swan wearing the famous green and gold hoops of JP McManus, he and Istabraq were sent off the 8-15 favourite to equal the feat of See You Then, Persian War, Sir Ken and Hatton's Grace.

After taking the shortest route of all around the inside, victory was never in doubt after Istabraq quickened up effortlessly when jumping into the lead at the last, allowing the crowd to savour their returning champion as he waltzed away up the hill.

Unfortunately, the foot and mouth crisis denied Istabraq the opportunity to go for a historic fourth victory in the race, and he was pulled up in the 2002 running at the age of ten before being retired.

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