Sam Waley-Cohen believes Long Run could be the best horse ever after his stunning victory in the totesport Cheltenham Gold Cup.

The ex-French gelding, owned by his father, Robert, from Edge Hill, near Banbury, became the first six-year-old to claim chasing’s blue riband since Mill House in 1963.

And after beating Denman and Kauto Star, Sam said: “He’s phenomenal. He might be the best ever.”

For Robert Waley-Cohen it was a proud moment.

“To have a runner in the Gold Cup is an honour, but to have your son riding the winner is a dream,” he said.

“He’s a gorgeous young horse.”

Lambourn trainer Nicky Henderson was ending a 33-year wait for his first Gold Cup winner.

“It has taken a few years and this race has eluded us a bit, but we haven’t really had any real chances,” he said.

“This is a very good horse and he has proved it today.”

Long Run, who is 3-1 with the sponsors to retain his Gold Cup crown, could appear next at either Aintree, Punchestown or Auteuil.

Meanwhile, outsider Carruthers, from Mark Bradstock’s Letcombe Bassett stables, near Wantage, was last of the nine finishers.

OXFORD Mail tipster Blewbury came up trumps with Long Run (7-2, nap) and Bobs Worth (15-8).