Lossiemouth captured the headlines at Cheltenham Festival with an action-packed Day 1 in the four-day horse racing extravaganza.
Remaining four from four at the Festival, she stormed to victory in the Champion Hurdle, denying Betterdaysahead and The New Lion before lapping up a glorious reception after creating more history.
Beyond Lossiemouth, in a year that looks set to be more unpredictable than ever, Old Park Star romped home as the favourite in the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle (1.20pm). Then began the upsets as Kargese defeated Lulamba and Kopek Des Bordes to win the Arkle trophy (2.00pm) at odds of 7/1 and Saratoga won the Fred Winter Juvenile (2.40pm) at 10/1.
The outsiders continued to triumph as Johnnywho claimed the prize in the Ultima (3.20pm) ahead of fellow JP McManus horse Jagwar at odds of 18/1.
Follow all the news, including previews, expert tips, free bet offers and the latest Cheltenham odds from day one of the Cheltenham Festival with our live blog below:
Cheltenham Festival day - live updates
- The 2026 Cheltenham Festival began with Tuesday's Champion Day
- REPORT: Undefeated and unassailable, why Lossiemouth is undoubtedly a Cheltenham legend
- Hansard dies after suffering fatal injury in Arkle Novices' Chase
- 5.20pm RESULT! Holloway Queen bookends day one with win for Nicky Henderson
- 4.40pm RESULT! Madara earns Dan Skelton first win of Festival
- 4.00pm RESULT! Lossiemouth storms to Champion Hurdle win and remains perfect in four Cheltenham Festival races
- 3.20pm RESULT! Johnnywho romps in at 18/1 in the Ultima
- 2.40pm RESULT! Saratoga takes the crown in the Fred Winter
- 2.00pm RESULT: Kargese beats favourites to win Arkle Trophy
- 1.20pm RESULT: Nico de Boinville wins opening Supreme Novice’s Hurdle on Old Park Star
Undefeated and unassailable, why Lossiemouth is undoubtedly a Cheltenham legend
16:58 , Mike Jones at Cheltenham FestivalThe Cheltenham Festival roared back into the public consciousness with a sensational opening day that saw Lossiemouth, and jockey Paul Townend, claim the Champion Hurdle spoils in the latest act of glory for this legendary horse.
The Willie Mullins’ trained mare, famed for her grey coat, headlined the first champion race of the four-day festival and was a class above the rest of the field. And that is saying something as the race featured previous Cheltenham winners, Golden Ace and Poniros, as well as Dan Skelton’s favoured The New Lion who hoped to threaten but failed to make his move early enough.
Undefeated and unassailable, why Lossiemouth is undoubtedly a Cheltenham legend
That's all folks!
18:20 , Mike JonesThanks for joining us for our coverage of the Cheltenham Festival today.
It’s been a cracker and all eyes are on tomorrow’s outing and the Queen Mother Champion Chase.
We’ll be back on blogging duty early doors from around 8am so see you then!
Trainer Dan Skelton buzzing after Madara win
18:15 , Jack TannerDan Skelton claimed his 12th winner at the Festival thanks to Madara’s victory in the Plate.
Skelton’s younger brother Harry was the winning jockey riding the seven-year-old gelding.
"I've never come into a festival more delighted to be a part of this game." 🤩
— ITV Racing (@itvracing) March 10, 2026
Make that TWELVE Festival winners for Dan Skelton! 👏#ITVRacing | @DSkeltonRacing | @harryskelton89 | @MCYeeehaaa pic.twitter.com/suihwCrWUV
Cheltenham Festival 2026 tips: Experts’ best bets and 14 horses to watch on day two
18:00 , Mike JonesThe Cheltenham Festival is back and the 2026 edition promises to be action-packed and, perhaps, a little unpredictable though there is sure to be four incredible days of racing culminating in Friday’s Gold Cup with Inothewayurthinkin attempting to win the trophy for a second successive year.
Wednesday sees the return of Ladies Day. Renamed back to its old moniker Ladies Day as is thrilling off the course as on it with spectators turning out in their finest attire to match the splendour of the racehorses themselves.
Cheltenham Festival 2026 tips, best bets and 14 horses to watch on day two
Cheltenham Festival Day One results in full
18:00 , Jack TannerThe racing action from day one at Cheltenham is over.
If you missed results from the earlier races, you can check all of the winners and each-way placers with our results round-up below.
Cheltenham results in full: Winners, today’s racecard and runners
‘We’ve got our Cheltenham back’: Rejoicing crowds give new-look festival seal of approval on opening day
17:45 , Alex RossThe winter sun shone brightly, albeit briefly, for the start of the Cheltenham Festival, the highlight of the jump racing season.
More than 57,000 racegoers – from binocular-armed racing enthusiasts to city hipsters – congregated in this corner of the Cotswolds, sending opening day attendance up three per cent from last year.
The excitement of the smiling crowds entering Prestbury Park, many arriving after a testing six-hour journey from Ireland, was palpable and as the first race set off – met, of course, by the rousing Cheltenham roar – there was consensus on the terraces that the festival was back to its best.
‘We’ve got our Cheltenham back’: Crowds give new-look festival seal of approval
National Hunt Steeple Chase results
17:42 , Jack Tanner1. Holloway Queen 12/1
2. King Of Answers 22/1
3. One Big Bang 11/1
4. Union Station 28/1
5. Iceberg Theory 13/2
6. Wade Out 10/1
7. Pic Roc 20/1
8. Holokea 33/1
Day One Cheltenham Festival attendance announced
17:36 , Jack TannerA beloved event for seasoned punters and day-trippers alike, over 50,000 were in attendance to kick off this year’s Cheltenham Festival.
A MASSIVE turnout on Day 1 of the Cheltenham Festival 🐎 pic.twitter.com/9oTa18soEd
— ITV Racing (@itvracing) March 10, 2026
Holloway Queen wins the National Hunt Steeple Chase
17:32 , Jack TannerPic Roc has fumbled at the last two jumps. King of Answers inherits second behind winner Holloway Queen, another Nicky Henderson victory.
5.20 National Hunt Steeple Chase
17:30 , Jack TannerPic Roc makes a slight mistake on the landing on the penultimate jump, with Holloway Queen capitalising.
5.20 National Hunt Steeple Chase
17:29 , Jack TannerPic Roc still holding the lead, contending with all these jumps with ease. Three fences remain.
5.20 National Hunt Steeple Chase
17:28 , Jack TannerFavourite Kurasso Blue has made a mistake at the latest jump as we approach the final circuit.
5.20 National Hunt Steeple Chase
17:27 , Jack TannerPic Roc still the horse to catch in the National Hunt Steeple Chase. His five-to-six length lead has reduced, but he looks comfortable.
5.20 National Hunt Steeple Chase
17:26 , Jack TannerPic Roc leads Holloway Queen by a few lengths still.
5.20 National Hunt Steeple Chase
17:26 , Jack TannerHolloway Queen - the Chase’s only mare - is challenging for the lead.
5.20 National Hunt Steeple Chase
17:25 , Jack TannerThe 17 runners are starting to spread out, with Pic Roc three lengths ahead of the pack.
5.20 National Hunt Steeple Chase
17:24 , Jack TannerFence number four with Pic Roc leading the field.
5.20 National Hunt Steeple Chase
17:24 , Jack Tanner23 fences, and the first one is navigated by all.
5.20 National Hunt Steeple Chase
17:23 , Jack TannerThird time lucky for the National Hunt Steeple Chase, as we finally get underway.
5.20 National Hunt Steeple Chase
17:21 , Jack TannerSecond attempt is also a no-goer. 17 runners in race number seven will line up again.
5.20 National Hunt Steeple Chase
17:20 , Jack TannerThe final race of the day is scuppered by a false start. We go again.
5.20 National Hunt Steeple Chase
17:19 , Jack TannerIn its 166th year, the National Hunt Steeple Chase Challenge Cup is the most-ran event at Cheltenham Festival, inaugurated in 1860. We’re setting up for the final race of day one now.
Darts stars in attendance at Cheltenham
17:11 , Jack TannerDarts’ top two Luke Littler and Luke Humphries are in attendance on day one of the festival.
Fellow British dartist Nathan Aspinall is also at the track.
5.20 National Hunt Steeple Chase latest odds
17:08 , Jack TannerITV’s coverage has ended, but there is one race remaining on day one of Cheltenham.
BOYLE Sports have provided the latest odds for the National Hunt Steeple Chase Challenge Cup, to use its full name.
National Hunt Steeple Chase latest odds
- Kurasso Blue – 4/1
- Backmersackme – 11/2
- Iceberg Theory - 11/2
- Newton Tornado – 11/2
- Wade Out – 10/1
- One Big Bang – 10/1
- Holloway Queen – 12/1
- King of Answers – 14/1
- Grand Geste – 14/1
- Pic Roc – 16/1
- Walking On Air – 18/1
- BAR – 20/1
Winning jockey Harry Skelton on Madara's victory
16:50 , Jack TannerHarry Skelton is chuffed with Madara’s victory in the 4.40 Plate Handicap Chase.
He tells ITV: “This horse has been brilliant, he won well there. He missed the autumn due to an injury, but prepped him really well. He put his head down and galloped well. To get a win, to come here, it doesn’t get better than this place.”
Madara wins the Plate Handicap Chase
16:47 , Jack TannerMadara proving why punters have backed him, cruising to a win over the final two jumps. Will the Wise holds onto second, whilst Moon D’Orange takes third.
4.40 Plate Handicap Chase
16:46 , Jack TannerWestern Zephyr overtakes Will the Wise for the lead with two jumps remaining. Madara now in contention.
4.40 Plate Handicap Chase
16:45 , Jack TannerWith three to go pre-race favourite Madara has turned up.
4.40 Plate Handicap Chase
16:45 , Jack TannerWestern Zephyr launches an assault with three fences to go. Jungle Boogie still leads.
4.40 Plate Handicap Chase
16:44 , Jack TannerWe have a new leader with nine fences to go, Jungle Boogie overtaking Yes Indeed. The new leader holds first over the next three jumps.
4.40 Plate Handicap Chase
16:43 , Jack Tanner11 fences to go and Yes Indeed leads Jungle Boogie.
4.40 Plate Handicap Chase
16:42 , Jack TannerBizarre start at the second attempt, with no tape in place. We’re underway with Yes Indeed up top.
4.40 Plate Handicap Chase
16:41 , Jack TannerAnother no-go, following the false start in the Champion Hurdle. The entire field trots back to try again.
4.40 Plate Handicap Chase latest odds
16:38 , Jack TannerThe final televised race of the afternoon is up next, with BOYLE Sports offering these latest odds.
Sun Racing Plate Handicap Chase
- Madara - 7/2
- McLaurey - 4/1
- Down Memory Lane - 7/1
- Downmexicoway - 8/1
- Zurich - 9/1
- Booster Bob - 10/1
- Will The Wise - 11/1
- O'Moore Park - 12/1
- No Questions Asked - 14/1
- Jipcot - 14/1
- Guard Your Dreams - 18/1
- Peaky Boy - 20/1
- BAR – 25/1
Lossiemouth owner Rich Ricci praises Willie Mullins' cheek pieces call
16:22 , Jack TannerLossiemouth had a different look during the Champion Hurdle, with the mare donning cheek pieces.
Owner Rich Ricci stated the decision was the brainchild of trainer Willie Mullins.
He tells ITV: “Unbelievable, magic, great. It’s ten years since Annie Power - it’s hard to win these races. She always tries.
“All credit goes to Willie (Mullins), the cheek pieces. A few days ago, Paul Townend said that if I’m going to ride one winner in the Cheltenham Festival it is that mare.”
4.00 Champion Hurdle results
16:15 , Jack Tanner1. Lossiemouth 7-5
2. Brighterdaysahead 7-2
3. The New Lion 3-1
4. Alexei 22-1
Willie Mullins: Lossiemouth in a 'league of her own'
16:14 , Jack TannerTrainer Willie Mullins is similarly full of praise for his charge.
He tells ITV: “She’s a star mare. To come back four years on the trot, never mind win, that puts her in a league of her own.”
Lossiemouth now unbeaten in four races at Cheltenham Festival
16:13 , Jack TannerIt’s now four race wins from four appearances at Cheltenham for Lossiemouth.
A two-time winner of the Mares’ Hurdle, including last year, Lossiemouth adds the Champion Hurdle to a collection of wins that also includes the Triumph Hurdle.
Jockey Paul Townend gushes over his mount.
He tells ITV: “She tries so hard that you know very early in the race whether she’s going or not.”
“It’s easy when she has as much ability as she does. She’s been very good to me.”
Lossiemouth wins Champion Hurdle
16:08 , Jack TannerWas there any doubt? Lossiemouth times her run well, pulling away clear of Brighterdaysahead. In the end Brighterdaysahead fights The New Lion to the line, taking second over the more-fancied horse.
4.00 Champion Hurdle
16:07 , Jack TannerFinal hurdle and it’s a shootout between Lossiemouth and Brighterdaysahead. Lossiemouth pulls ahead right before the final jump.
4.00 Champion Hurdle
16:06 , Jack TannerThree jumps remaining, Lossiemouth pushing Brigherdaysahead.
4.00 Champion Hurdle
16:05 , Jack TannerLossiemouth has closed up to leader Brighterdaysahead with four hurdles remaining.
4.00 Champion Hurdle
16:04 , Jack TannerAnzadam joins Tutti Quanti at the back after a mistake jumping over the second hurdle.
4.00 Champion Hurdle
16:04 , Jack TannerWe’re finally underway. Tutti Quanti trails at the back after becoming unsettled. Brighterdaysahead leads the field after the first jump.
4.00 Champion Hurdle
16:03 , Jack TannerTutti Quanti not pleased by the false start, with jockey Harry Cobden trying to gee up his horse to go again. Golden Ace has kicked out.
4.00 Champion Hurdle
16:02 , Jack TannerA no-go called early, so the eight runners will reset and go again.
Lossiemouth one of the 'best backed' horses of the day
15:53 , Jack TannerTime for the main event of day one at 4pm - the Champion Hurdle.
Lossiemouth has generated a lot of hype - with BOYLE Sports stating that the seven-year-old mare is ‘one of the best backed horses of the day’.
Lawrence Lyons, spokesperson for BOYLE Sports, said: “Birthday boy JP McManus has already been in the winners' enclosure twice today, but punters have been keen to take on The New Lion in the Champion Hurdle. Lossiemouth has been all the rage in the betting and is one of the best backed horses of the day."
Champion Hurdle odds from BOYLE Sports
13/8 Lossiemouth
3/1 The New Lion
9/2 Brighterdaysahead
11/1 Golden Ace
14/1 Alexei
14/1 Poniros
20/1 Tutti Quanti
22/1 Anzadam
80/1 Workahea
WATCH: Johnnywho upsets favourite Jagwar
15:41 , Jack TannerWhat a finish! 💥
— ITV Racing (@itvracing) March 10, 2026
Johnnywho gets the better of them to take the Trustmarque Ultima Handicap Chase! 🥇#ITVRacing | @richiemclernon | @oneill_racing pic.twitter.com/Tg23Rpy6Wb
3.20 - Handicap Chase results
15:39 , Jack Tanner1. Johnnywho - 18/1
2. Jagwar - 3/1
3. Quebecois 10-1
4. Blow Your Wad 14-1
5. Leave of Absence 20-1
6. Hyland 11-1
7. Blaze The Way 14-1
8. Imperial Saint 20-1
Winning jockey Richie McLernon 'thrilled' with Johnnywho
15:33 , Jack TannerRichie McLernon is speaking to ITV: “I thought the ground was a little quick. Everything just unfolded for me. Jumped when I need him to, he answered every call. Absolutely thrilled.”
JohnnyWho wins Handicap Chase
15:28 , Jack TannerJagwar making ground on Quebecois over the final hurdle, but it is Johnnywho that takes the Handicap Chase! Quebecois gave it all but clearly did not have the outright pace on the final run-in.
3.20 - Handicap Chase
15:27 , Jack TannerQuebecois has opened up a gap again ahead of the final three jumps. Margaret’s Legacy makes a mistake on the third-last jump, costing the challenger.
3.20 - Handicap Chase
15:26 , Jack TannerThe final open ditch is navigated well by the entire field. Three hurdles to go, with Quebecois still first.
3.20 - Handicap Chase
15:25 , Jack TannerEight fences to go, and Quebecois does not want to relinquish a lead held all race. Jagwar is edging towards the front, but the favourite has work to do.
3.20 - Handicap Chase
15:24 , Jack TannerStill Quebecois in the lead, opening up a bigger gap over Margaret’s Legacy. Knight of Allen almost buckles but recovers well, at the cost of falling way off the group.
3.20 - Handicap Chase
15:23 , Jack TannerJagwar remains a way off the leaders with 12 fences to go. We still have a full field.
3.20 - Handicap Chase
15:23 , Jack Tanner14 fences to go, and Quebecois is battling with Margaret’s Legacy for the lead. Resplendent Grey also in contention.
3.20 - Handicap Chase
15:22 , Jack TannerDespite a less than ideal start, Margaret’s Legacy is in third after three hurdles. Quebecois leads.
3.20 - Handicap Chase
15:21 , Jack TannerJagwar bounced between 11/4 and 3/1 odds in the final moments before the Handicap Chase. We have 22 runners in the fourth race of the day, with Margaret’s Legacy standing out by refusing to line up with the others. We’re underway.
3.20 - Handicap Chase
15:16 , Jack TannerMark Walsh already has one race win under his belt thanks to steering Saratoga in green and gold over the line first in the Juvenile Handicap. According to the bookies he is favourite to win again in the very next race - the jockey rides Jagwar in the Handicap Chase at 3:20pm.
Old Park Star gets Nicky Henderson off to perfect start at Cheltenham Festival
15:12 , Jack TannerTuning into the festival midway through day one? Nick Robson has the recap from the opening race, which saw Nicky Henderson take first blood through Old Park Star.
Old Park Star gets Nicky Henderson off to perfect start at Cheltenham Festival
3.20 - Handicap Chase latest odds
15:08 , Jack TannerWe’re flying through the action at Cheltenham. Ahead of race number four of day one, here are the latest odds.
Jagwar 3/1
Iroko 7/1
Quebecois 17/2
Handstands 12/1
Hyland 12/1
Knight of Allen 12/1
Myretown 12/1
Blaze The Way 16/1
Blow Your Wad 16/1
Imperial Saint 20/1
Johnnywho 22/1
Konfusion 25/1
Leave Of Absence 25/1
Patter Merchant 25/1
Resplendent Grey 28/1
The Short Go 28/1
The Doyen Chief 33/1
Filanderer 50/1
Search For Glory 50/1
Eyed 66/1
Stolen Silver 150/1
WATCH: Saratoga jockey Mark Walsh speaks after victory
15:01 , Jack TannerMark Walsh attributes his victory to a strong start to the Juvenile Handicap Hurdle. He tells ITV: "I got a brilliant run. I got a great start."
"I got a brilliant run. I got a great start" ⚡️
— ITV Racing (@itvracing) March 10, 2026
Mark Walsh delivers JP McManus his birthday winner with Saratoga 🥳 pic.twitter.com/QJUIQETyUO
Saratoga marks JP McManus' birthday with victory
14:55 , Jack TannerSaratoga takes the Juvenile Handicap Hurdle, providing owner JP McManus with his 85th Cheltenham winner. McManus celebrates his 74th birthday today.
2.40 Juvenile Handicap Hurdle results
14:48 , Jack Tanner1. Saratoga 10/1
2. Winston Junior 5/1
3. Klycot 40/1
4. Pourquoi Pas Papa 16/1
Saratoga takes the Juvenile Handicap Hurdle
14:47 , Jack TannerA classic late push for Saratoga is more than enough for the grey gelding to win the Juvenile Handicap Hurdle. Paddockwood and nearest challenger Klycot faded, with Winston Junior taking second.
2.40 Juvenile Handicap Hurdle
14:45 , Jack TannerTowards the final hurdle and the field is still tight. Paddockwood has faded. Saratoga has appeared at the front.
2.40 Juvenile Handicap Hurdle
14:44 , Jack TannerKlycot makes a move but can’t make it stick. Right on the shoulder of leader Paddockwood with three hurdles to go.
2.40 Juvenile Handicap Hurdle
14:43 , Jack TannerPaddockwood still leads with six hurdles to go, with Klycot his closest challenger. Over the next jump and Paddockwood has extended his lead.
2.40 Juvenile Handicap Hurdle
14:42 , Jack TannerAnd we’re underway in the third race of the afternoon. It’s a healthy lead for Paddockwood to start.
Ready for the Champion Hurdle
14:33 , Jonathan DoidgeA look at the Champion Hurdle finale. Who will win the champion race on Tuesday?
Lossiemouth and The New Lion are among the contenders amid a stacked field.
Hansard dies after suffering fatal injury in Arkle Novices' Chase
14:33 , Jack TannerSome sad news to bring to you after the latest running.
It has been confirmed that the eight-year-old bay gelding has been put down after a fatal injury on the flat in the Arkle, won by Kargese.
Jack Rathborn has the latest.
Cheltenham Festival horse Hansard dies after suffering fatal injury during Arkle race
Old Park Star costs bookmaker for over £1m
14:30 , Jack TannerSupreme winner Old Park Star has cost UK bookmakers William Hill seven figures in the Festival opener.
Spokesperson for William Hill, Lee Phelps, said: “Old Park Star was roared home by Cheltenham punters. He was a very well-backed favourite, and with our Epic Boost paying evens for any favourite to win on Day One of the Festival, this has been a shocking result.
“In total, Old Park Star’s win has cost us north of £1 million, and we’re already well on the back foot this week.”
Kopek Des Bordes rider Paul Townend praises Danny Mullins
14:25 , Jack TannerKopek Des Bordes might have been favoured to win over stablemate Kargesse, but jockey Paul Townend was full of praise for his fellow rider.
He tells ITV: “Danny (Mullins) and me are good plans, and he does a lot of hard work in the yard, and he deserves it.”
Speaking on a disappointing start for Kopek, Townend shared: “After the first couple, he started to listen to me.”
Kargesse owner Kenny Alexander surprised by filly's performance
14:16 , Jack TannerEven Kargesse’s owner Kenny Alexander is shocked by the mare’s victory in the Arcle.
He tells ITV: “Tremendous performance - she got the job done. She’s obviously an even better mare than I had thought. A great ride by Danny. She’s a proper one.”
WATCH: Kargesse pulls off upset against heavily-fancied Lulamba and Kopek Des Bordes
14:13 , Jack TannerKargesse jockey Danny Mullins praises 'relationship' with fiery filly
14:10 , Jack TannerVictorious jockey Danny Mullins tells ITV: “It was good you know. A lot was made about this filly being hot-headed and all that, but I’ve always had a good relationship with her.”
Arkle Novices' Chase Hurdle result
14:09 , Jack Tanner1. Kargesse - 5/1
2. Kopek Des Bordes - 6/4
3. Lulamba - 11/10
4. Jax Junior - 28/1
Kargesse wins the Arkle Novices' Chase
14:07 , Jack TannerKargesse pretty much led that race from start to finish. Heavy pressure from Lulamba faded at the final two hurdles, whilst fellow W.P Mullins-owned horse Kopek Des Bordes follows behind in second.
2.00 Arkle Novices' Chase
14:05 , Jack TannerKargesse and Kopek Des Bordes are the superior jumpers over the last two hurdles, and it appears that we might have an upset! Lulamba trails behind on the final push to the line.
2.00 Arkle Novices' Chase
14:04 , Jack TannerLulamba looks to have pace in reserve as we approach the final three. Kargesse certainly not slowing as Kopek Des Bordes waits in the wings.
2.00 Arkle Novices' Chase
14:03 , Jack TannerLulamba almost strides into the lead for the first time with six fences to go. Kopek Des Bordes has recovered well, gaining ground at the next hurdle.
2.00 Arkle Novices' Chase
14:03 , Jack TannerW.P Mullins’ Kargesse leads Nicky Henderson’s Lulamba with eight hurdles to go.
2.00 Arkle Novices' Chase
14:02 , Jack TannerKopek Des Bordes struggles over the latest hurdle, Lulamba just ahead in third with 11 fences to go.
2.00 Arkle Novices' Chase
14:01 , Jack TannerWe’re underway in the second race of the festival! It’s a strong start for favourites Lulamba and Kopek Des Bordes outside.
Lulamba vs Kopek Des Bordes in the Arkle Novices' Chase
13:57 , Luke BakerThis one should be a shootout between Lulamba and Kopek Des Bordes. And it should be a cracker! What racing is all about
Lulamba vs Kopek Des Bordes up next 👀
— ITV Racing (@itvracing) March 10, 2026
Who are you on? pic.twitter.com/UXUsK0OP6M
2.00pm Arkle Novices' Chase latest odds
13:52 , Luke BakerHere’s how the Arkle Novices’ Chase betting is shaping up.
- Lulamba - 11/10
- Kopek Des Bordes - 6/4
- Kargesse - 5/1
- Steel Ally - 14/1
- Jax Junior - 28/1
- Hansard - 125/1
2.00 Arkle Novices' Chase experts tips
13:43 , Luke BakerAttention now turns to the Arkle Novices' Chase from 2pm. Here’s who the experts fancy in this one.
Paddy Power ambassador Ruby Walsh’s tip: Kopek Des Bordes
“Kopek Des Bordes surprised me with how nimble he was over fences at Navan, and he looked very impressive when I saw him schooling at Fairyhouse. They even let me sit on him one day, and I got off with a big smile on my face. He’s a proper racehorse and my best bet on day one.”
Jonathan Doidge’s tip: Lulamba
“He’s barely put a foot wrong and he’s officially 5lb superior to the favourite Kopek Des Bordes, and I am still happy to be with Lulamba in the Arkle. He impressed with his jumping at both Exeter and when winning the Henry VIII Novices’ Chase at Sandown.”
Nico de Boinville and Nicky Henderson react to Old Park Star victory
13:39 , Luke BakerBoth jockey Nico de Boinville and trainer Nicky Henderson have spoken to ITV about that opening victory. Both delighted, of course.
De Boinville said: “Incredibly gutsy. Bit of a bump to Mydaddypaddy but he’s a class horse. I always thought he’d go well and eat up the hill and that’s what he did. Delighted - even messed up the last and he still managed to win.
“It’s great. We’ve always wanted a Supreme winners, so that's fantastic.”
Henderson said: “We’ve got a supreme horse. I'm very lucky. It got tough out there, didn’t it? Turning in, he had to quicken off a good solid pace.
“He made a bit of a mess of the last but you’ve got to be brave to come up the hill like that and there were plenty there.
“The first race is the best to win, there's no better one to get in the bag. Everybody knows that, we've always said it, just to get one on the scoreboard. England's even in front now!”
WATCH: Old Park Star wins the opener
13:31 , Luke BakerA cracking start to the Cheltenham Festival. Here’s how Old Park Star got the win for Nicky Henderson and Nico de Boinville.
Supreme Novice’s Hurdle result
13:29 , Luke BakerThere’s no word of a steward’s enquiry yet and it looked like Sober Glory did the most barging anyway, so shouldn’t be an issue for Old Park Star.
Here’s the result from that opener:
- 1st - Old Park Star 15/8 F
- 2nd - Sober Glory 9/2
- 3rd - Mydaddypaddy 6/1
Old Park Star wins the Supreme Novice’s Hurdle
13:28 , Luke BakerCould there be a bit of a nervy wait for Nico de Boinville and Nicky Henderson? The stewards will look at that bumping and barging over the last.
Old Park Star wins the Supreme Novice’s Hurdle
13:26 , Luke BakerAnd Old Park Star shows his class, pulling away down the straight and crosses the line in first! The favourite does it!
It’s close between Sober Glory and Mydaddypaddy for second
1.20 Supreme Novice’s Hurdle
13:25 , Luke BakerSober Glory bungles over the last and Old Park Star and Mydaddypaddy are there.
A barging match between the three up the home straight! But there goes Old Park Star!
1.20 Supreme Novice’s Hurdle
13:24 , Luke BakerSober Glory over the second last cleanly with Old Park Star close behind. Sober Glory tries to kick away...
1.20 Supreme Novice’s Hurdle
13:23 , Luke BakerTalk The Talk rattles the fourth-last hurdle but stays on his feet. Sober Glory still in front as they go over the third last.
The pace is starting to pick up. Old Park Star and Mighty Park in close order to the leader
1.20 Supreme Novice’s Hurdle
13:22 , Luke BakerSober Glory still making the running as we approach four fences to go. The horses at the front of the market are towards the front here.
They’re reasonably bunched though, not too stretched out.
1.20 Supreme Novice’s Hurdle
13:21 , Luke BakerSober Glory heads to the front early on from favourite Old Park Star and the very keen Eachtotheirown.
All horses over the first few hurdles cleanly.
1.20 Supreme Novice’s Hurdle
13:21 , Luke BakerAND WE’RE OFF! The 2026 Cheltenham Festival is underway. There’s the Cheltenham Roar!
Leader D'Allier a non-runner
13:18 , Luke BakerThere’s one non-runner in this opening race, the quite-fancied Leader D'Allier, who pulled up lame this morning and was withdrawn.
It means Paul Townend has switched horses and will ride Too Bossy For Us for Willie Mullins instead. More of an outside shot but Mullins and Townend have plenty of success under their belt
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