The Will Biddick-ridden nine-year-old, trained by Rose Loxton, was in contention at the final fence, but could not quicken with winner On The Fringe, who was landing the race for the second year in succession. Current Event was beaten just over two lengths, and now seems likely to head to Aintree for the Crabbies Fox Hunters' Chase over the Grand National fences.

Current Event was bought privately last year by David Redvers, and carries the colours of Pearl Bloodstock. Sheikh Fahad, who was at Cheltenham for the race, said: "I'm very happy with that - Will gave him a good ride and Rose gave him a perfect preparation. He was simply beaten by better horses on the day.