The quality of Imperial Commander’s victory in the Cheltenham Gold Cup on Friday has not gone unnoticed by Timeform as the ratings organisation handed Nigel Twiston-Davies’ star a rating of 184 for his victory over Denman in last week’s feature.

Many people will be surprised to hear that the rating puts Imperial Commander in the top ten chasers of all time and he joins a small batch of horses that have broken the 182 barrier.

Kieran Packman, Timeform's spokesman, commented: "The fall of Kauto Star, in our eyes, failed to stop the Gold Cup being a race of rare quality, a tremendous duel between two top-notch horses resulting in one of the best-ever performances in the great race, a test worthy of the Blue Riband of steeplechasing.

"Imperial Commander made further progress to win the race, putting up a figure that betters even Kauto Star's own success in the race twelve months ago."

Imperial Commander is 4/1 to win next year’s Gold Cup with leading Irish bookmaker Paddy Power – sign up with the firm here and get a free £50 bet on the race,

TIMEFORM'S LEADING CHASERS OF ALL TIME

Arkle 212
Flyingbolt 210
Kauto Star, Mill House 191
Desert Orchid 187
Dunkirk 186
Burrough Hill Lad, Imperial Commander, Moscow Flyer 184
Denman, Master Oats 183
Azertyuiop, Best Mate, Captain Christy, Carvill's Hill, Kicking King, See More Business, Well Chief 182