Jane Mangan previews a Christmas feast of top-class racing action

Al Boum Photo and Paul Townend (far side) land over the last fence to win from Santini (behind) and Lostintranslation (near) for trainer Willie Mullins and owners Joe & Marie Donnelly in the Magners Cheltenham Gold Cup Chase (Grade 1) of £625,000.
To add further intrigue to the race, Nicky Henderson has opted to supplement last year’s Gold Cup runner-up Santini for the race, a move that could prove lucrative following the news that Irish raider Monalee can’t travel following recommendations from the Irish government.
