Synchronised, Ridden By Tony McCoy, Wins Cheltenham Festival's Gold Cup

In Sync - McCoy Rides Synchronised To Victory

Synchronised, ridden by AP McCoy, has won the Gold Cup at Friday's Cheltenham Festival.

It is McCoy's second Gold Cup win, and came at the expense of Kauto Star, who was pulled up by rider Ruby Walsh.

The horse was passed fit for the Festival on Monday, but Walsh was visibly unhappy and neglected to continue in the race.

But 8-1 shot Synchronised galloped on strongly to head The Giant Bolster (50-1), while last year's winner Long Run, the 7-4 favourite, finishing third.

A beaming McCoy said: "He was off all the way but what I didn't want to be doing was firing him down the fences.

McCoy (second right), trainer Tom Mullins and McManus had already won the Vincent O'Brien County Handicap Hurdle with Alderwood

"He is an amazing horse and I am delighted for owner JP McManus. I said I'd take Jamie Moore to Vegas if I won, it's going to cost me a lot!"

Winning trainer Jonjo O'Neill added: "That was magic. It is what jump racing is all about.

"When he was coming down the back with a bit of light I knew we had a chance, and AP got him into a great rhythm. There is nobody else who can ride him as well.

"It was a big team effort, everyone has done so much on this horse."

Princess Anne presented local legend O'Neill with his replica Gold Cup, before pressing the flesh with jockey AP McCoy and Kauto's groom in the winners' enclosure. Owner JP McManus is wreathed in smiles as the shutters fire for the front pages.

Gallery of the final day at Cheltenham:

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