Cheltenham Festival: day four - in pictures

A steam engine arrives at Cheltenham Race Course station bringing carriages full of punters to the festival ready for a big day Photograph: Tom Jenkins for the Guardian

The Gloucestershire and Warwickshire steam railway is like a trip back in time. It's 100 years since people started coming to the festival by train Photograph: Tom Jenkins for the Guardian

However some punters prefer more of a 21st Century mode of transport Photograph: Tom Jenkins for the Guardian

The prevalent headwear on Ladies' Day was fancy titfers and fascinators. On St Patrick's Day it was Guinness top hats. Whereas today it's furry horned helmets. Hmm. An alcoholic marketing campaign, by any chance? Photograph: Tom Jenkins for the Guardian

There are also an assortment of trousers on display Photograph: Tom Jenkins for the Guardian

Not to mention the samba dancers. The crowd seem quite entertained by it all. But it's not quite Rio, is it? Photograph: Tom Jenkins for the Guardian

A spectator takes a photo of the statue of Arkle, arguably the greatest ever steeplechaser, winner of three consecutive Gold Cups in the 60s. Arkle is listed as the top horse in jumps history according to the Timeform data system. Guess who's third? Yep, Kauto Star Photograph: Tom Jenkins for the Guardian

Here's a Kauto fan - one of many. She's hoping to see the 12-year-old claim his third Gold Cup today. But Kauto has been injured of late and though he's been deemed fit to race, he's only the second favourite behind last year's winner Long Run Photograph: Tom Jenkins for The Guardian

Fans watch the early races, but let's face it there's only one race anyone is really interested in and that's the big one at 3.20pm Photograph: Tom Jenkins for The Guardian

Here's the prize. Kauto Star starts at 4-1, Long Run at 7-4. The tension is high, so too are the stakes ... Photograph: Tom Jenkins for The Guardian

Kauto Star is led out onto the course with Ruby Walsh aboard
Photograph: Tom Jenkins for The Guardian

The Paul Nicholls trained horse has won 23 of his 40 races thus far including the 2007 and 2009 Gold Cups
Photograph: Tom Jenkins for The Guardian

Sam Waley-Cohen comes out on the reigning champion Long Run, who stormed to victory at the expense of Kauto last year
Photograph: Tom Jenkins for The Guardian

Everyone's ready, the spectators included. And they're off ...
Photograph: Tom Jenkins for The Guardian

Sadly though, Kauto Star makes a sluggish start to the race and is withdrawn by his rider after just a few fences
Photograph: Tom Jenkins for The Guardian

A punter in the Best Mate enclosure roars her chosen horse on Photograph: Tom Jenkins/Tom Jenkins

Long Run (orange) hits the front but is reeled in by the 50-1 outsider Giant Bolster (in red) with one fence remaining
Photograph: Tom Jenkins for The Guardian

But Giant jumps it badly and Syncronished, ridden by AP McCoy (in green and yellow), charges through for an unlikely win by two lengths
Photograph: Tom Jenkins for The Guardian

McCoy, the 16-times champion jockey, celebrates his thrilling victory on the 8-1 shot. "In any sport, if you do not have the will to win you have got nothing. This horse has heart," the Northern Irishman said afterwards
Photograph: Tom Jenkins for The Guardian

Synchronised looks pumped full of adrenalin. He's still chomping at the bit
Photograph: Tom Jenkins for The Guardian

Paul Nicholls looks pragmatic after the race. He won't have any complaints about Ruby Walsh pulling Kauto out of the race. It was clear from the off his charge was struggling. It's been a disappointing week for Nicholls
Photograph: Tom Jenkins for The Guardian

In the final race of the 2012 Festival, McCoy and Walsh - fresh from their contrasting Gold Cup rides - both experience poor fortunes. Walsh is unseated while his friend and rival goes on to finish a lacklustre 12th. It matters little though - McCoy will go home tonight with a smile on his face having won the second Gold Cup of his career
Photograph: Tom Jenkins for The Guardian