Buena Vista won the Pertemps Final for the second year running for David Pipe under a brilliant front running ride from young Conor O'Farrell.
The 10-year-old led the field a merry dance for virtually the whole of the 3m journey and had them all struggling two from home as he kicked into a clear lead.
It was then a case of come and catch me if you can, but the gelding simply loves Cheltenham and nothing could get near him to land a serious blow.
The Irish pair of Son Amix and Sivota tried in vain to close the gap, but Buena Vista was not for catching and galloped up the hill like a four-year-old.
Topweight Knockara Beau ran a brave race to finish a distant fourth, but it was all about the old boy Buena Vista who may well be back next year to match the feat of Willie Wumpkins and complete the hat-trick.
A delighted O'Farrell said: "I'm speechless. I just can't thank Mr Pipe and the owners enough to give me the chance. I was just a passenger on him. He knows his way round here better than anyone."
