Imperial Commander signalled a changing of the guard among the dynasty of staying chasers as he eclipsed both Kauto Star and Denman in the totesport Cheltenham Gold Cup.

The Nigel Twiston-Davies-trained 7-1 chance travelled powerfully all the way for Paddy Brennan and with Kauto Star falling four fences out, only 2008 Gold Cup winner Denman could stay with him on the turn for home.

Imperial Commander was easily travelling the best of the two, however, and after going ahead on the run to the last, he powered away on the run-in to win with seven lengths to spare.

Reigning champion Kauto Star, chasing his third Gold Cup success, had already made a horrendous mistake at the eighth fence before he came down when looking beaten.

Brennan said: "It's by far the best day of my life. I'm speechless. It was a dream the whole way. This is a serious horse and he will be around a long time.

"I've just got to take time to thank my boss (Twiston-Davies). He's the best boss ever - he's produced two horses this week (Imperial Commander and Champion Hurdle runner-up Khyber Kim) and I just had to steer them."

Twiston-Davies, who went on to record a treble on the day, added: "It's absolutely superb. I thought Kauto was in trouble some way out before he fell.

"It's just absolutely brilliant. It's been very hard for us sat there with the third-favourite when all the talk was about Kauto and Denman, but we always knew we were going to win."

It could be the Betfair Bowl at Aintree next for Imperial Commander and Twiston-Davies added: "I would like to run him at Liverpool. I don't imagine Denman or Kauto will run, so it should be a penalty kick."