Sport Q&A: Defenders of the Cup

Q. Who was the last Cheltenham Gold Cup winner to retain the crown?

A. The last Cheltenham Gold Cup winner to retain the crown was L'Escargot, who won in 1970 and 1971.

Others of note are Arkle, who won from 1964 to 1966 inclusively, Cottage Rake, 1948-50, and the star of the show, Golden Miller, 1932-36.

Peter Ratcliffe, Tyldesley

Q. How many Football League grounds allow play to be seen by people standing outside the ground?

A. The free view obtained on the hill above the Twerton Park ground was confirmed (and probably still is) by the name of the road at the top - Freeview Road. As a former resident of Twerton, I can state that it was well named.

David Young, Bingham

ANSWERS PLEASE

Q. How long have Everton's players run out to the strains of the Z Cars theme at Goodison Park? Has a different tune been played during that period? And which football club holds the record for the longest-playing tune?

Noel Martin, Bootle

Q. Who takes the final decision on conferring first-class status on a cricket match?

Donal Donovan, Schull, Co Cork

If you know the answers to this question or have one of your own, write to Q&A, Independent on Sunday, 1 Canada Square, London E14 5DL. Fax: 0171- 293 2894