Master Minded took the Seasons Holidays Queen Mother Champion Chase for the second year in succession with another imperious display at the Cheltenham Festival.

Sent off the 4-11 market leader, the Paul Nicholls-trained six-year-old was settled in behind the leaders by Ruby Walsh, but cruised ominously to dispute the lead after jumping the fourth from home.

The result was in little doubt from that stage as he went into a clear lead on the turn to the finishing post.

Although he had to be pushed right out to the line, Master Minded still came home seven lengths clear of Well Chief.

The victory was a third on the card for Walsh, who was always happy to sit a few lengths off the furious pace set by Marodima in the early exchanges.

Well Chief, having his first run for almost two years, ran a mighty race to fill the runner-up spot for the second time, having chased home Moscow Flyer in this event some four years ago.

Petit Robin made a couple of bad mistakes but still ran on well enough to get third, another two lengths in arrears.

Master Minded is already just 4-7 to emulate Badsworth Boy with a third success in 12 months' time.

Nicholls said: "If we mind him and look after him he can keep on coming back.

"Last year we were probably a little bit harder on him than before today.

"You only get him ready to perform at a level you think.

"We just wanted him to win the race today, which he has done.

"He's got a little lazy now because he does everything so easily.

"He jumps great and does everything really well, but what a wonderful run by Well Chief.

Walsh added: "He's the best chaser around, as I'd say he wasn't as good today as he can be.

"He's just a very good horse. I think he's been better (this year).

"What makes him so good is that good horses always win on an off-day."

Clive Smith, Master Minded's owner, said: "He seemed to take it easier. He didn't go out in front like he did last year but it's great to win.

Well Chief's owner, David Johnson, was thrilled with the effort of his popular 10-year-old.

He said: "It's been a tremendous training achievement by David (Pipe) because the horse has legs like glass. He's run into a superstar today and if his legs are OK, we would take the winner on again if he went to Aintree."