Spot Thedifference was winning at Cheltenham for the seventh time

The popular veteran, trained by Enda Bolger, stumbled dramatically after the finishing line, but brought huge cheers when he got to his feet uninjured.

Meanwhile, Champion Hurdle contender Iktitaf has been ruled out for the season after suffering an injury.

Trainer Noel Meade said the horse suffered a bad cut while jumping at his County Meath stable.

"He suffered a nasty overreach and cut himself quite badly. It's put paid to his season I would think," said Meade.

606: DEBATE Well done to Spot Thedifference - a superb effort at the age of 14 Selkirk

The six-year-old horse, who was due to return at Punchestown on Sunday, was running a big race when he fell at the third last in the 2007 Champion Hurdle.

At Cheltenham, Spot Thedifference was claiming his seventh career victory at the track, finishing ahead of 66-1 chance Casadei and Puntal (6-1).

Spot Thedifference is cooled down after his gallant win

Spectators feared the worst when the 11-4 winner, ridden by JT McNamara, fell to the ground after the line.

Green screens were erected around him, but the popular horse was given a rousing reception when he recovered and was led into the winner's enclosure.

"To win this race four times and seven races in all here is brilliant. He is a wonderful horse," said Bolger.