Energumene claims first Cheltenham Festival Champion Chase for Mullins

Energumene won a dramatic running of the Betway Queen Mother Champion Chase for Paul Townend and Willie Mullins.

The much-anticipated rematch between the Irish star (5-2) and Nicky Henderson's Shishkin did not materialise as the latter never looked happy and was pulled up.

Mullins’ other contender, Chacun Pour Soi, parted company with his rider and it was Venetia Williams’ Funambule Sivola who came home in second.

It is the eight-time Festival leading trainer's first ever victory in this race, the last championship event that had eluded him.

ELECTRIC ENERGUMENE! He strides clear after SHISHKIN pulls up to win the @Betway Champion Chase