INOTHEWAYURTHINKIN galloped on strongly up the hill to deny Galopin Des Champs a famous Cheltenham Gold Cup hat-trick today.

Gavin Cromwell’s seven-year-old was supplemented for the race at a cost of £25,000 and that proved another shrewd investment by owner JP McManus as he stormed home to score by six lengths at 15-2.

Galopin Des Champs, who broke the heart of Bravemansgame two years ago and was too strong for Gerri Colombe last year, was settled in mid-division as Ahoy Senor set the pace, but the defending champion was not quite at his fluent best over the early fences.