Western Warhorse edges out Champagne Fever in Arkle Chase

Pre-race favourite Champagne Fever was beaten on the line by Western Warhorse in the Arkle Chase at the Cheltenham Festival this afternoon.

Under Ruby Walsh, Champagne Fever hit the front early on and cleared each fence with minimal fuss.

However, Tom Scudamore, who was on board Western Warhorse, mounted a late charge and although it appeared that Champagne Fever was going to hang on, he was pipped by the 33-1 shot in a photo finish.

"The first half of the race was quite scary, but suddenly half the way down the back he gave me belief," Scudamore told BBC Sport after the race.

Champagne Fever had to settle for second, while Trifolium came third.