By Elizabeth Hudson and Oliver Brett

Master Minded won the Queen Mother Champion Chase with a stunning performance that was just one highlight of a memorable 10-race card at Cheltenham on Thursday.

He beat favourite and 2007 winner Voy Por Ustedes by 19 lengths.

Timmy Murphy and Our Vic on their way to Ryanair joy

Aged just five, the Paul Nicholls-trained horse gave Ruby Walsh the proverbial "armchair ride", jumping quite magnificently. He is as short as even money to retain the title in 2009.

The World Hurdle was won by the favourite Inglis Drever, who stayed on superbly up the hill under an expert ride from Denis O'Regan, holding off the French-trained Kasbah Bliss by a length.

Inglis Drever became the first three-time winner of the race for his emotional trainer Howard Johnson and joined a select band of horses to have won any three races at the Festival.

In the Ryanair Chase, Mossbank was given too much to do, leaving David Pipe's Our Vic victorious. Timmy Murphy made all the running to win by five lengths.

1830: Goodnight all, and sleep well before tomorrow. If you are headed to Cheltenham, allow loads of time to get there and make sure you enjoy yourselves! Kauto Star is still 5-4 for the Gold Cup, with Denman 2-1. I can't believe those prices will hold, expect them to be much closer when the race starts.

"Absolutely gutted. Had a mate going on at me about Cousin Vinny for the last two days, ended up not having enough funds to back it today. Just my luck... Hope somebody won on it at least!"
NFFC_RYAN on 606

A quick update on the leading jockeys at the Festival, remember there are still nine races to come on Friday: Robert Thornton and Denis O'Regan both have two wins, everyone else is still stuck on one. Thornton leads by virtue of his additional second place.

1803: Darkness falls at Cheltenham, after an unprecedented 10 races on a Festival card studded with outstanding wins for both Master Minded and Inglis Drever.

"I am so delighted for Patrick. He did everything we discussed about doing. I'm quite emotional and can't really speak."
Winning trainer Willie Mullins

A confident peformance from the mud-splattered amateur jockey Patrick Mullins, to give his dad and trainer Willie Mullins his sixth win in a Cheltenham bumper.

1750 Weatherbys Champion Bumper (2m 110y)
1. Cousin Vinny (Mr P Mullins) 12-1
2. Corskeagh Royale (Miss N Carberry) 7-1
3. Zaarito (D N Russell) 3-1 Fav
23 ran. Dist: 3�, �

1751: They've got down to the start quickly and won't be too late. Zaarito and Apt Approach are vying for favouritism. Late money too for Corskeagh Royale.

1743: So just one more race, one of Cheltenham's traditional "bumpers" - a National Hunt flat race. It won't go off on time at 1750, I don't think. By the way, it's getting very dark and the rain has returned. The turf was really cutting up in that last race and I reckon it could be pretty slow going on Friday.

1739: Confirmation that those were the first winners for jockey James Tudor and trainer Evan Williams at the Festival. "I've been lucky enough to have two winners here, but never at the Festival," says Tudor.

1737: The gamble on My Immortal didn't pay off, I'm afraid. His race was run by half distance. That news will please anubisrich, who said on 606: "I refuse to back My Immortal in protest at naming a horse after the most emo song ever."

1715 Fulke Walwyn Kim Muir Challenge Cup Handicap Chase (3m 1f 110y)
1. High Chimes (Mr J Tudor) 14-1
2. Openide (Mr R O'Sullivan) 18-1
3. Burntoakboy (Mr T Weston) 12-1
4. Noir Et Vert (Mr R Harding) 11-1
23 ran. Dist: 4, 7, 10

1721: They're off in the 1715 race, a bit late but that's nine out of 10 races out of the way now.

1718: For the second time today, BBC Radio 5 Live's John Inverdale has revealed that he should have backed 66-1 winner Mister McGoldrick on the back of bumping into the trainer's husband as he arrived at Cheltenham. But he didn't.

1711: My Immortal, Josh Guerriero's mount, is now in to 8-1. I didn't know that many punters were reading this!

1700: Wallaceno7's tip for the 1715 Handicap Chase is currently favourite, but at the attractive odds of 9-1 on the exchanges. Another very trappy race though - with another huge field.

"Lads, I am not going to miss this one, My Immortal in the next! Can't ignore Pipe the way his handicap runners are running"
wallaceno7 on 606

1656: Official going for Friday has just been revealed: Good to Soft (good in places).

"We're fed up with the thirds. We've had two thirds and just wanted something to win. I imagined there would be one or two better handicapped, but he's run a fantastic race and won easily in the end. Now watch out for Knowhere."
Winning trainer Nigel Twiston-Davies, who appears to be tipping his entry in the Gold Cup

1640 Pertemps Final (Handicap Hurdle) (3m)
1. Ballyfitz (P Brennan) 18-1
2. Miko de Beauchene (R Walford) 7-1 Jt Fav
3. According To Pete (F King) 33-1
4. Mobaasher (R Walsh) 12-1
24 ran. Dist: 3, 2�, Neck

"Gutted I can't be at Cheltenham. All the boys from my local, Crown and Anchor in Worcester, are there dressed as scouts and brownies."
Baz, Worcester, via text

1636: No slacking please from you jump-racing fans. To be fair, the next race looks a betting nightmare. There are about five horses who could start as favourite in a 24-runner handicap hurdle. Pass.

1628: Another interview with Denis O'Regan, whose fantastic performance aboard Inglis Drever has been the highlight of this Festival: "I thought for a second I might not get away from the French horse, but he did. He's one of them horses that deserves a reception like that. I'm just delighted to be part of the era when he's been around. It's been an unbelievable week for me, I'm enjoying it. Happy days."

"Oliver's BBC racing tips.That's the best thing the organisation has done since the final Only Fools and Horses. The kids are getting food.. the heating is going back on... everyone's happy!"
Jammy_2006 on 606
Pleased to be of service! (I tipped Inglis Drever on 606)

1620: Fantastic news about both Tony McCoy and Don't Push It. Both rider and jockey are on their feet, and none the worse for their fall.

"He's done a fantastic job. All credit to the owner, Richard Longley, he's been very good to me and the horse."
Winning jockey Dominic Elsworth

1615: All this rain today at Cheltenham is leading to the suggestion that Denman is going to be backed more than his Gold Cup rival Kauto Star in the next 23 hours before the big race. Denman could even start favourite.

1605 Racing Post Plate Handicap Chase (2m 4f 110y)
1. Mister McGoldrick (D Elsworth) 66-1
2. Gwanako (R Walsh) 9-1
3. Fundamentalist (P J Brennan) 28-1
4. Bible Lord (M D Grant) 6-1
22 ran. Dist: 13, 11, 4�

The Sue Smith-trained horse has absolutely hacked up in this race at a huge price - every bit as impressive in winning this as Master Minded was in the Queen Mother.

Meanwhile, Tony McCoy had a bad fall on the favourite Don't Push It, and it's hard to say yet whether he's picked up an injury.

1605: I don't like Don't Push It's chances though. Only four favourites have taken this race since it was first run in 1959.

1559: Still four races to go, would you believe, on what has been an epic day of racing already. Next up is the 1605 Racing Post Plate, a Grade 3 handicap chase with the winner getting �57,020. Exactly. Don't Push It, ridden by Tony McCoy and trained by the in-form Jonjo O'Neill, will be favourite.

"There were 17 horses in the race and top of the hill he was in a little bit of bother. But when he comes up the hill, he sticks his neck out and just goes. Howard will make the decision [over whether Inglis Drever will now retire]."
Winning owner Graham Wylie on BBC Radio 5 Live

1554: The emotional winning trainer Howard Johnson and a muddy Denis O'Regan, still in the winning gold and black colours, collect their trophies.

Inglis Drever joins an exalted list of 16 horses in the history of the Festival to have won three times.

"The acclaim for Inglis Drever, the three-time winner of this race, is absolutely incredible. They're cheering him on like a Gold Cup winner."
BBC Radio 5 Live's John Inverdale

"I'm absolutely delighted, absolutely thrilled."
Winning jockey Denis O'Regan

1530 Ladbrokes World Hurdle (3m)
1. Inglis Drever (D O'Regan) 11-8f
2. Kasbah Bliss (C Pieux) 9-1
3. Kazal (B Geraghty) 12-1
17 ran. Dist: 1,7

That was a stunning ride from Denis O'Regan, so patient, and just unstoppable coming up the hill. One can't help thinking that the rain falling through the afternoon has helped Inglis Drever by deadening the ground and making the race a classic test of stamina.

Lough Derg made the running with Hardy Eustace just behind. Both fell away before Kazal made his bid for glory after the third-last. French hope Kasbah Bliss produced a fine effort but Inglis Drever was always just reeling him in up the hill.

1526: Enough about the favourite in the World Hurdle, how about the others? Blazing Bailey, who has always looked a good bet to make the frame, remains second favourite and is getting some support in the ring. Robert Thornton has remained faithful to the other Alan King horse, My Way de Solzen, and is looking to follow up his two wins on Tuesday.

"He wants a clear run, the horse seems fit and well and Denis [O'Regan] will give him a confident ride. Hopefully he'll do the business for me again today."
Inglis Drever's owner Graham Wylie speaking to Cornelius Lysaght on BBC Radio 5 Live

"Inglis Drever is too short a price for me with the yard under a bit of a cloud. Go for a bit of value on My Way De Solzen."
spreck1212 on 606

1511: John McCririck is interviewing a very attractive Irish bookmaker (female). Steady John... She says she is going to "stand the jolly" in the World Hurdle, so is happy to lay Inglis Drever. The horse is edging out all the time, so she is not the only one wanting to take on the favourite.

"The horse has been knocking on the door all season and deserved a big race - now he's got it. David [Pipe] said the blinkers might liven him up - he's been a bit lethargic in his races - and it's worked the oracle. Once he jumped the first I thought he'd have a real chance. Over the last I was keeping my fingers crossed he'd get up the hill. Timmy gave him a great ride."
Winning owner David Johnson

"I think Mossbank was given too much to do. If he had been ridden more prominently he would have had more of a chance."
Race commentator Luke Harvey on BBC Radio 5 Live

1455 Ryanair Chase (2m 4f 110y)
1. Our Vic (T Murphy) 4-1
2. Mossbank (D Russell) 4-1
3. Turko (R Walsh) 7-1
10 ran. Dist: 5, 7

Blinkers, worn for the first time, worked their magic for the David Pipe-trained Our Vic.

The 10-year-old, owned by David Johnson, made all the running and kept up the gallop after the last to beat the Irish-trained Mossbank comfortably.

The Listener starts the 1455 race as favourite.

"Ryanair have said they are going to giving away a million free flights on their website if their horse [Mossbank] wins this race."
John Inverdale on BBC Radio 5 Live

1450: Onward, ever onward on this manic day of action. The Ryanair Chase is due off in just five minutes. The Listener and Mossbank are vying for favouritism.

"My first winner, it feels good! I doubt anyone was to know he'd be so impressive though. The Listener in the next and the Drever in the World Hurdle would set me up nicely for my little visit tomorrow."
JONNYBOY151 on 606

1444: To put Master Minded's remarkable performance in some context, it is the first time a five-year-old has ever won the Champion Chase, and he was running at Cheltenham for the first time.

"He's awesome for a five-year-old. He jumped absolutely brilliantly. I'm gobsmacked. I know he's been improving at home. He's obviously a hugely talented horse, just incredible. He's a proper horse to win a race like that."
Winning trainer Paul Nicholls

1437: Paul Nicholls's young daughter Megan has the trophy in her mitts - happy faces all around for the connections of Master Minded.

"This is some horse, phew... What a horse."
Winning jockey Ruby Walsh on BBC Radio 5 Live (the rest is drowned out by the cheers of those who backed him)

1420 Seasons Holidays Queen Mother Champion Chase (2m)
1. Master Minded (R Walsh) 3-1
2. Voy Por Ustedes (R Thornton) 5-2f
3. Fair Along (R Johnston) 12-1
4. Schindlers Hunt (P Carberry) 33-1
8 ran. Dist: 19, 16, 1

That was an awesome performance by Master Minded and Ruby Walsh, beating last year's winner by a staggering 19 lengths.

The five-year-old, trained by Paul Nicholls and owned by Clive Smith, produced a masterclass in jumping to destroy the rest of the field, and is as short as even money to win this race in 2009.

The 3-1 second-favourite went ahead half-way through the race after early leaders Schindlers Hunt and Tamarinbleu fell away, and produced a quite stunning finish.

1420: They're off bang on time in the Queen Mother.

"Twist Will Produce The Magic. Come On!"
loughdergh1 on 606

1412: "It's been a frustrating week so far. That's the nature of it, a few ups and downs, and some falls - Ruby [Walsh] twice today. Twist Magic is a very big price at the moment."
Trainer Paul Nicholls on BBC Radio 5 Live

1406: Twist Magic is drifting in the market for today's big race, the Champion Chase, off at 1420. There is good money for the other Paul Nicholls runner, Master Minded, and it's impossible to say whether he or the 2007 winner Voy Por Ustedes will start as favourite. David Pipe's Tamarinbleu is also being supported. The trainer hints jockey Tom Scudamore will want the race run at a fast pace.

1359: It wasn't supposed to rain much at Cheltenham today, but it's coming down quite hard now, probably keeping the ground as it was officially at the start - good to soft. I don't think it's too fast for the likes of Tamarinbleu and Inglis Drever in the two big races later this afternoon.

"[Winning by] a short head here is as good a mile. It was a tough call whether we were going to run in Sun Alliance or this one. I said after we won the Gold Cup [with Kicking King in 2005] wouldn't it be great to win some of the smaller races too."
Winning trainer Tom Taaffe, on BBC Radio 5 Live

"Nicholls horses are just not going at all at the moment. Voy Por Ustedes [trained by Alan King] is my biggest bet this week."
wallaceno7 on 606

"He jumped great. I knew he was going to stay, but I couldn't believe how well he travelled."
Winning jockey Barry Geraghty

1348: Well that was quite a finish. Half a dozen horses had a chance three from home, before the Queen's horse Barbers Shop was headed off in a tight finish by the Tom Taaffe-trained Finger Onthe Pulse.

1340 Jewson Novices' Handicap Chase (2m 4f 110y)
1. Finger Onthe Pulse (B Geraghty) 9-1
2. Barbers Shop (M FitzGerald) 12-1
3. Possol (M Bradburne) 25-1
4. Fleet Street (A Tinkler) 66-1
20 ran. Dist: Neck, 1�, Sh Hd

That was an action-packed race... The favourite Mr Strachan fell early, and the next best in the betting Dear Villez was brought down later in the race.

1338: The 5 Live team are getting excited about some of the names in this next race - "Boomshakalaka and The Hairy Lemon, I want to see them in a driving finish to the line," says John Inverdale. Meanwhile, the first shower of the afternoon Prestbury Park.

1336: Plenty of celebrations in Trevor Hemmings's box at the moment I should imagine, two winners out of two for the owner thus far today...

1335: Looking ahead to the Queen Mother Champion Chase at 1420, last year's winner Voy Por Ustedes looks likely to start as the favourite with the ground drying out all the time.

1330: We're just 10 minutes away now from the third race of the day on this helter-skelter day of action, a tricky little novices' handicap chase. A lot of money seems to be coming in for Sue Smith's Mr Strachan, and he could start favourite ahead of Paul Nicholls's Dear Villez.

"I'm delighted for the trainer. Jonjo always produces the winners come Cheltenham. It's part of the job to get the falls. You're always in a mad rush to get back and thanks to all the doctors who helped me."
Winning jockey Tony McCoy

1321: "Jonjo's coming good, what price Exotic Dancer now?"
brizy boy on 606

1320: "He's a great little horse. We were a bit nervous about the ground but he jumped really well."
Winning trainer Jonjo O'Neill

1305 Royal & SunAlliance Chase (3m 110y)
1. Albertas Run (AP McCoy) 4-1f
2. Roll Along (Timmy Murphy) 20-1
3. Battlecry (PJ Brennan) 25-1
11 ran. Dist: 4�, 3�

Tony McCoy got his first winner since returning to action after a back injury when Albertas Run claimed a comprehensive victory.

McCoy, who failed to get a winner on Tuesday's opening day, was well-placed on the Jonjo O'Neill-trained seven-year-old throughout.

He moved up to challenge Battlecry with two fences to go and looked the stronger as he pulled clear approaching the final fence. He jumped the last safely and ran on well for the win.

1301: "Pomme Tiepy is my banker of the week. Get in there Ruby!"
spreck1212 on 606

1300: It's a tight betting market for the second race, the Royal & Sun Alliance Chase with plenty of interest in Air Force One, Albertas Run and Pomme Tiepy.

1253: "We've forgiven everyone for what happened yesterday and we'll just get on with it and we are looking forward to a marathon run today."
Former jockey Peter Scudamore on BBC Radio 5 Live

1245: The winner of the opener is owned by millionaire Trevor Hemmings, who greeted the win with a very broad smile and embraces Sir Peter O'Sullevan when the prizes are presented.

1230 Peter O'Sullevan National Hunt Chase Challenge Cup (4m)
1. Old Benny (Mr C Huxley) 9-1
2. Over The Creek (Mr J Guerriero) 7-1
3. Back On Line (Mr W Biddick) 8-1
20 ran. Dist: 7, 4�

Trainer Alan King adds to his Cheltenham successes as Old Benny takes the opener under Charlie Huxley, who claims his first Festival winner.

He fought it out to the finish with Over The Creek after the pair had gone clear on the run-in to the last but Old Benny jumped the last marginally ahead of his rival and the jockey pushed hard up the hill for victory.

1230: And they're off - to a loud roar from the assembled crowd.

1224: Ornais, trained by Paul Nicholls, is set to go off favourite on the back of a victory last time out and he will be ridden by Nick Scholfield who is growing in confidence all the time.

1222 Time is ticking down towards the day's opener - The National Hunt Chase Challenge Cup - which is now named in honour of broadcasting legend Sir Peter O'Sullevan, who celebrated his 90th birthday recently. It is over a course of four miles and it is the amateur riders who will be taking part.

1215: Remember if you want to get in contact with us over this helter-skelter afternoon you can get involved via 606 or via text 81111.

1211: The horses for the opening four-miler are out in the parade ring. Conditions at Cheltenham seem a little bit blustery and a tad grey but racegoers don't care. It looks like a bumper crowd at Prestbury Park.

1200: If you are suffering from racing withdrawal symptoms after Wednesday's Cheltenham card was called off, then worry not, normal service is being resumed. It's a busy day, with 10 races including the Queen Mother Champion Chase (1420) and the World Hurdle (1530).