Ian Gosden, the owner of surprise Champion Hurdle winner at Cheltenham Festival on Tuesday, has revealed he had not even put a bet on Golden Ace, who he bought for just £12,000.
“I never even backed her because I thought, ‘well, she’s never gonna come second,” said the Taunton businessman amid delirious scenes in the parade ring.
Golden Ace was a shock 25-1 winner after previous victors Constitution Hill and State Man both fell in scenes that left racegoers gasping.
Gosden had written off his own horse as the 2023 champion Constitution Hill was odds-on favourite before coming down early. Last year’s winner State Man looked set to claim victory before a dramatic fall at the last hurdle.
Golden Ace, ridden by Lorcan Williams for trainer Jeremy Scott, eventually won by nine lengths from 66-1 outsider Burdett Road. “I’m lost for words. This is the best day of my life by far.” said Williams who shrugged his shoulder after a first top-level Grade One win. “You dream of these moments as a kid. I hope the others are OK – Constitution Hill and State Man are iconic horses.”
Analysis: How Champions Hurdle descended into chaos
It was one of the most dramatic Champions Hurdles in living memory, with the odds-on favourite falling, before and a long shot then romping home. Racing Correspondent Marcus Armytage guides us through the dramatic denouement.
Fall one, fifth hurdle
If Constitution Hill, the 1-2 unbeaten favourite, was ever going to get beaten in this race, it was by doing this. When winning the Champion Hurdle in 2022, he was very long at the last hurdle but got away with it.
This time, showing a bit of complacency and lack of respect for the obstacle, he came up a stride too soon and was on his way down by the time he reached the obstacle. Before the race, Nicky Henderson pointed out that horses like him who are ‘timber topping’ need to be inch perfect. Here he was about six inches too low.
Fall two, final hurdle
State Man comes to the last with the race won bar a fall. But with the Champion Hurdle at his mercy and meeting it on a long stride, jockey Paul Townend asks the horse for a long one. The horse obliges him but clips the top and comes down to land broadside in front of Brighterdaysahead and brings her almost to a standstill. But 25-1 shot Golden Ace deftly sidesteps State Man as he gets to his feet and gallops on to an unlikely victory – even if his owner revealed he had not put a bet on the horse he bought for just £12,000.
05:37 PM GMT
That’s all for now folks
Thank you for joining me today for a truly dramatic day of racing at Cheltenham. The Champion Hurdle, won in the unlikeliest of styles by Golden Ace, will live long in the memory.
Looking ahead to day two, we have Jonbon in the Queen Mother Champion Chase, The New Lion in the Turners’ Novices’ Chase and Ballyburn in the Brown Advisory. What a day to savour.
To get ready for that, click here for our full guide to day two at Cheltenham Festival.
05:33 PM GMT
National Hunt Chase – full results
-
Haiti Couleurs 7/2JF
-
Rock My Way 16/1
-
Will Do 12/1
-
Resplendent Grey 10/1
05:30 PM GMT
Roll on tomorrow
05:29 PM GMT
Haiti Coleurs wins!
Jump out handy and never looked like losing in truth. Superb ride from Ben Jones and a great training performance from Rebecca Curtis, with a horse who has been fancied for this for a long time.
05:23 PM GMT
Haiti Coleurs...
...is well up with pace, and in fact now leads. Favourite Transmission is dead last, by design you would imagine.
05:21 PM GMT
AND THEY’RE OFF IN THE NATIONAL HUNT CHASE
Gericault Rouge leads them over the first.
05:15 PM GMT
Nearly time for our final race of the day...
...the National Hunt Chase. Transmission has been all the rage in the market for this. Patrick Mullins takes the ride for Neil Mulholland.
05:09 PM GMT
Cheltenham free bets
An all-action Tuesday draws to a close with the National Hunt Novices’ Chase. Back your selection with one of our selected Cheltenham free bets.
05:05 PM GMT
Telegraph Sport tips
Marcus Armytage: Hasthing stayed on nicely last time out over three miles, has a nice profile for this race which is now long distance novice handicap chase.
Charlie Brooks: In d’Or Stayed on really well at Sandown over shorter trip.
Marlborough: Hasthing is a sizeable horse who looks ready for this longer trip and should go close at nice odds if his jumping holds up.
05:04 PM GMT
National Hunt Chase – betting market
-
Transmission 3/1
-
Haiti Coleurs 4/1
-
Now Is The Hour 7/1
-
Resplendent Grey 8/1
-
Gericault Rouge 10/1
-
Captain Cody 14/1
-
Hasthing 14/1
-
Will Do 14/1
-
Rock My Way 20/1
-
22/1 Bar
04:58 PM GMT
Free bet offers
04:47 PM GMT
Fred Winter – full result
-
Puturhandstogether 15/2
-
Robbies Rock 50/1
-
Liam Swagger 12/1
-
Hot Fuss 17/2
04:46 PM GMT
Puturhandstogether wins the Fred Winter!
Easy as you like. He’s won that in facile style. Really very easy.
04:40 PM GMT
THEY’RE OFF IN THE FRED WINTER
Hot Fuss and Sony Bill lead the way.
04:33 PM GMT
After all the drama...
...it’s time for another race. The Fred Winter Juvenile Handicap Hurdle is fast approaching.
04:29 PM GMT
Sky Bet’s...
...Michael Shinners estimates the result of that last race will have made the betting industry somewhere in the region on £10 million.
04:28 PM GMT
Nicky Henderson...
...is speaking to ITV. He is, put simply, gutted. It’s clear to see.
04:27 PM GMT
Telegraph Sport tips
Marcus Armytage: Stencil ran a good second to the favourite for Friday’s Triumph last time, this is his race.
Charlie Brooks: A mistake at the last cost Total Look in the Triumph Hurdle trial at Cheltenham. Stayed on really well at Fairyhouse.
Marlborough: Total Look was progressive on the flat and caught the eye over hurdles, particularly last time.
04:26 PM GMT
Fred Winter Handicap Hurdle – betting market
-
Stencil 3/1F
-
Sony Bill 7/1
-
Beyond Your Dreams 15/2
-
Puturhandstogether 15/2
-
Hot Fuss 9/1
-
Liam Swagger 12/1
-
Total Look 12/1
-
Murcia 16/1
-
Quantok Hills 16/1
-
25/1 Bar
04:23 PM GMT
Free bets
Free bets come in handy for handicap puzzles such as the Fred Winter Juvenile Handicap Hurdle. Take a look at our list here.
04:19 PM GMT
Quite remarkable scenes...
...in the winner’s enclosure. Trainer Jeremy Scott simply can’t believe it. This horse was destined for the mares’ hurdle until her owner decided he wanted to have a go at the big one. Chapeau to connections. They rolled the dice and boy has it come up in their favour.
Neither can winner rider Lorcan Williams...
04:15 PM GMT
Fancy a bet?
04:10 PM GMT
Story of the race....
All seemed to be going to plan for Constitution Hill until he stepped at the hurdle at the top of the hill and came down. That then appeared to hand the initiative to Brighterdaysahead, who quickened into the lead as her pacemaker King Of Kingsfield weakened away.
However, she was soon paddling coming around the turn and suddenly, it was State Man who looked the nailed-on winner. Then, in a final twist, State Man fell dramatically in front of the stands at the last, handing the race on a plate to Golden Ace.
What drama at Cheltenham.
04:07 PM GMT
Champion Hurdle – full result
-
Golden Ace (Jeremy Scott) 25/1
-
Burdett Road (James Owen) 66/1
-
Winter Fog (Willie Mullins) 150/1
04:06 PM GMT
Both fallen horses are up...
...and seemingly all fine.
04:05 PM GMT
We’ll need some time...
...to pick that race apart. You have to jump around clear to win and Golden Ace did just that. Incredible stuff.
04:04 PM GMT
GOLDEN ACE WINS THE CHAMPION HURDLE
What stunning drama at Cheltenham.
04:04 PM GMT
AND STATE MAN IS DOWN!
Wow, wow, wow, wow.
04:04 PM GMT
Here comes State Man...
...he’s travelling superbly and quickens clear!
04:03 PM GMT
CONSTITUTION HILL FALLS!
What drama. He’s up fine but Brighterdaysahead surely has this at her mercy now.
04:02 PM GMT
All over the second...
...safely. Brighterdaysahead right on the tail of King Of Kingsfield but Constitution Hill is travelling well. With State Man just behind.
04:00 PM GMT
THYE’RE OFF IN THE CHAMPION HURDLE
King Of Kingsfield as expected springs into the lead. Brighterdaysahead and Constitution Hill follow in second and third.
03:59 PM GMT
Constitution Hill...
...now backed into 1/2 favourite. Brighterdaysahead is easy to back at 5/2.
03:56 PM GMT
The runners are parading...
...in front of the grandstand. Five minutes to the off in the Champion Hurdle.
03:54 PM GMT
Out of respect...
...it is important to note the presence of last year’s winner State Man in this field. He’s been below his best this season and does have plenty to find with Constitution Hill on the form book but the vibes from the Willie Mullins camp are strong.
03:48 PM GMT
Constitution Hill is...
...just about to stroll into the parade ring. There is a hush over Cheltenham all of a sudden as attendees struggle get a view of Constitution Hill and his main market rival Brighterdaysahead.
03:45 PM GMT
Cheltenham betting offers
Backing Constitution Hill to romp home in the Champion Hurdle? These Cheltenham betting offers are a must for Tuesday’s feature race.
03:40 PM GMT
Telegraph Sport tips
Marcus Armytage: The best hurdler in a generation, Constitution Hill only has to stay upright.
Charlie Brooks: Brighterdaysahead was incredible at Leopardstown at Christmas and will be piling on the pressure if the odds on favourite misses a beat.
Marlborough: After an outstanding performance last time, Brighterdaysahead comes here at the peak of her powers, unlike some of her opponents.
It’s Constitution Hill for me but not comfortably. This is his chance to prove he is still the horse he was two seasons ago. The form of his win at Christmas over Lossiemouth just got a timely boost but Brighterdaysahead is a serious rival.
03:35 PM GMT
Champion Hurdle – betting market
-
Constitution Hill 4/6F
-
Brighterdaysahead 2/1
-
State Man 10/1
-
Golden Ace 50/1
-
Burdett Road 100/1
-
King Of Kingsfield 200/1
-
Winter Fog 250/1
03:33 PM GMT
It’s Champion Hurdle time
03:33 PM GMT
Tough to know what to make of that
Lossiemouth was superb there. Really and truly superb but you can’t help but feel she should be mixing it with better horses. That was about as straightforward as it gets in truth.
03:28 PM GMT
Mares’ Hurdle - full result
-
Lossiemouth (Wilie Mullins) 4/6F
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Jade De Grugy (Willie Mullins) 5/1
-
Take No Chances (Dan Skelton) 22/1
03:26 PM GMT
LOSSIEMOUTH WINS THE MARES’ HURDLE
Too good. Far, far, far too good. Should she have been running in the Champion Hurdle?
That’s a third festival win for Lossiemouth.
03:25 PM GMT
Lossiemouth travelling well in second...
...she’s cantering round the final bend.
03:24 PM GMT
The pace quickens down the back...
...still in the same order though. Jade De Grugy leads by three lengths.
03:22 PM GMT
No notable moves early on...
...Lossiemouth jumping and travelling well within herself at present.
03:21 PM GMT
THEY’RE OFF IN THE MARES’ HURDLE
Jade De Grugy into an early lead and what is a sedate early gallop. Lossiemouth is second ahead of Jetara.
03:19 PM GMT
They’re gathering at the start...
...I doubt we’ll see similar issues at the start as we did in the last race. Lossiemouth still all the rage in the market.
03:15 PM GMT
Basking in the glow of a winner?
03:14 PM GMT
Market confidence
All the money is coming for the favourite here and you can see why. Lossiemouth has a superb record at the meeting and is the best mare in this field on all known form. She’s now in to 8/11 from 4/5. Little money coming for any of her rivals.
03:08 PM GMT
Telegraph Sport tips
Marcus Armytage: Joyeuse won the Betfair Hurdle off a low weight but rapidly improving and the favourite Lossiemouth had the mother and father of falls last time.
Charlie Brooks: Fancied Lossiemouth for the Champion hurdle, and this is much easier. Kempton at Christmas was too sharp for her, and her fall last time was a one off blip.
Marlborough: She cleaned up on the mares’ circuit last year and Lossiemouth should be hard to beat returned to that sphere.
This is a tough one. On the pick of the form Lossiemouth should win. End of. But the fact she is not running in the Champions Hurdle and that the last time she did run Paul Townend picked State Man over her does give me pause. At the prices, I’ll chance Kala Conti for Gordon Elliott.
03:08 PM GMT
Cheltenham Festival free bets
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03:07 PM GMT
What a moment for Patrick Wadge...
...who has just ridden his first Cheltenham Festival winner aboard Myretown.
03:06 PM GMT
Close Brothers Mares’ Hurdle – betting market
-
Lossiemouth 4/5F
-
Jade De Grugy 9/2
-
July Flower 8/1
-
Joyeuse 11/1
-
Kala Conti 16/1
-
Take No Chances 25/1
-
Dysart Enos 28/1
-
Jetara 33/1
-
Queens Gamble 66/1
-
Gala Marceau 80/1
03:00 PM GMT
Coming up next..
02:57 PM GMT
I hope you backed it too...
02:55 PM GMT
Ultima Handicap Chase – result
-
Myretown (Lucinda Russell) 13/2F
-
The Changing Man (Joe Tizzard) 7/1
-
Malina Girl (Gavin Cromwell) 14/1
-
Happygolucky (Mel Rowley) 28/1
-
The Short Go (Henry de Bromhead)
02:52 PM GMT
Reminds me of...
...a certain Corach Rambler, who came from this stable to win this race twice before winning the Grand National. This is certainly a horse to watch moving forward.
02:50 PM GMT
MYRETOWN WINS SUPERBLY!
What a performance! From pillar to post the novice led and has eventually pulled miles clear of his rivals. The Changing man was second.
02:47 PM GMT
Myretown leads them out...
...on their final circuit. Frero Banbou is still second. Farouk d’Alene is pulled up.
02:45 PM GMT
Myretown leads early on...
....Frero Banbou also handy. Zanahiyr is down at the second.
02:44 PM GMT
They’re off!
Messy, messy, messy start. Some pointed the wrong way before Guard Your Dreams falls at the first.
02:42 PM GMT
Another false start...
...this a bit of mess in truth. The starter will now get them to line up for a standing start.
02:41 PM GMT
They’re off in the Ultima!
....or not. False start. We’ll take a turn and try again.
02:37 PM GMT
They’re down at the start for the Ultima...
Myretown has been very well supported here for Lucinda Russell. He’s been backed into 7/1 favourite for this. Plenty of market confidence behind a horse who won well at Kelso last month.
02:32 PM GMT
A bullet dodged for the bookies
Spokesperson for William Hill, Lee Phelps, said: “Jango Baie coming from the clouds to deny Majborough has saved us millions. Kopek Des Bordes got the incredibly popular Cheltenham Day One four-fold off to a flyer, but we’re wiping the sweat from our brows now that the second leg is sunk.
“It remains to be seen if our luck will continue with Lossiemouth and Constitution Hill two seriously warm orders to come. The trebles will land if those two go in, which will still result in a hefty payout, but we’ve dodged the major bullet and won’t be complaining.”
02:32 PM GMT
Important one on the board...
...for Nicky Henderson there with Constitution Hill still to come at 4.00.
02:26 PM GMT
Cheltenham free bets
Having a crack at the Ultima Handicap Chase? These Cheltenham free bets could come in very useful.
02:23 PM GMT
Telegraph Sport tips
Marcus Armytage: A runaway winner at Kempton last time, Katate Dori is fast improving and jockey’s 3lb claim comes in handy.
Charlie Brooks: I like horses that come through the Kempton meeting before the Festival. Some people thinks its too close to Cheltenham, but I don’t. Katate Dori has gone up 12lbs but he’s got a nice racing weight.
Marlborough: The Short Go is a strong traveller who should enjoy this sort of test and lurks on a nice handicap mark.
This is seriously competitive but I have sneaking suspicion that Henry’s Friend will run a big race for Ben Pauling. He won very well at Newbury in December and there looks to be plenty more to come off this mark.
02:19 PM GMT
Ultima Handicap Chase – betting market
-
The Changing Man 15/2F
-
Crebilly 8/1
-
Katate Dori 9/1
-
Myretown 9/1
-
Broadway Boy 10/1
-
Whistle Stop Tour 11/1
-
Henry’s Friend 12/1
-
The Short Go 12/1
-
Malina Girl 16/1
-
Sequestered 16/1
-
20/1 Bar
02:10 PM GMT
Best betting offers
02:09 PM GMT
Bookies off the hook
Well there we go. Five minutes ago the bookies were three steps away from one of the biggest payouts in racing history. No they’re well and truly off the hook. All the play for now.
02:07 PM GMT
My Pension Expert Arkle – full result
-
Jango Baie (Nicky Henderson) 5/1
-
Only By Night (Gavi Cromwell) 25/1
-
Majborough (Willie Mullins) 1/2F
02:06 PM GMT
Incredible
Majborough made a terrible mistake two out, putting paid to his efforts. L’Eau de Sud then lead over the last but in the end Jango Baie has come from the clouds to win on the line.
02:04 PM GMT
JANGO BAIE WINS THE ARKLE
...my word. What a remarkable race.
02:04 PM GMT
L’Eau de Sud travels well...
...as they turn for home. And Majborough makes a terrible error!
02:03 PM GMT
Mistake from Majborough...
...at the top of the hill. He still leads heading to three out.
02:02 PM GMT
L’Eau de Sud...
...moves into third but still six lengths behind the favourite, who is jumping with enormous scope.
02:02 PM GMT
Well bunched...
...as they race away from the stands. Majborough striding on and takes up the running.
02:01 PM GMT
They’re off!
Jango Baie and Touch Me Not setting a decent gallop early on. Majborough is sat comfortably in third.
01:59 PM GMT
They’re lining up
Majborough is such a beast. He towers over his rivals at the start line.
01:57 PM GMT
Moments from the next
Majborough looking regal in the parade ring but so is his market rival L’Eau de Sud, in fact he might well be the pick in the preliminaries.
The favourite is now a 1/2 shot. The money is coming and coming and coming for him.
01:50 PM GMT
Paddy Power on the situation at Paddy Power
“Kopek Des Bordes has got the four-fold of day one favourites up and running and the trading boys are getting a bit nervous,” says Paddy Power – a spokesperson with the same name as the bookmaker (I’m not kidding).
“We’ve more than 120,000 punters on it and given it hit 7-1 at one point, it’ll clearly cost us an absolute fortune.
“A win for Majborough in the second could send Power Tower into meltdown.”
01:48 PM GMT
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01:46 PM GMT
Telegraph Sport tips
Marcus Armytage: Again the favourite Majborough looks like his jumping might be flawed and L’Eau du Sud can kick off a good week for Dan Skelton.
Charlie Brooks: I loved the way L’Eau de Sud quickened up at Cheltenham in November and was really clever when wrong at the last.
Marlborough: L’Eau Du Sud gained good experience this year compared to his rivals, whilst form of his last win has been franked.
All our lads have sided with L’Eau du Sud against Majborough in the Arkle. That might well be the value play if you’re not keen to get involved at odds-on but I can’t see past the favourite myself.
01:41 PM GMT
My Pension Expert Arkle – betting market
-
Majborough 1/2F
-
L’Eau du Sud 11/2
-
Jango Baie 13/2
-
Touch Me Not 18/1
-
Only By Night 22/1
01:35 PM GMT
Fancy a bet?
01:33 PM GMT
Punters off to a flier
Well, that’s one from four down. Kopek Des Bordes returns at 4/6 meaning wins for Majborough, Lossiemouth and Constitution Hill will have the bookies on the their knees.
Emotional scenes at Cheltenham after the last as the crowd comes together once again to remember Michael O’Sullivan.
01:31 PM GMT
Michael O’Sullivan Supreme Novices’ Hurdle – full result
-
Kopek Des Bordes (Willie Mullins) 4/6F
-
William Munny (Barry Connell) 8/1
-
Romeo Coolio (Gordon Elliott) 9/2
01:27 PM GMT
Owner tears
A memorable win for owner Charlie McCarthy. Who is just two weeks removed from surgery to remove a cancerous kidney. He’s giving an emotional interview to ITV as we speak.
“To be honest about it, it’s a wonderful day for me,” said the owner. “Michael O’Sullivan, who the race is named after, grew up 20 kilometres from me and I donate this to the O’Sullivan family. He was a wonderful jockey.
“We’ll enjoy it, we’re from County Cork the O’Sullivans and myself, it’s an all-around occasion and it’s wonderful to be alive today and celebrate the way we’re going to celebrate.”
He added: “I’d have swam across the Irish sea to be here!”
01:25 PM GMT
Kopek Des Bordes is cruising...
...William Munny chases but he won’t get there! Kopek Des Bordes wins for Willie Mullins. William Munny is second with Romeo Coolio in third.
The bookies will be sweating...
01:24 PM GMT
Workahead losing ground quickly...
...Romeo Coolio leads Kopek Des Bordes at the second last.
01:22 PM GMT
Workahead is setting a decent pace here...
....Rachael Blackmore is looking to make this a real test of stamina if he can. The favourite sits comfortably in third.
01:22 PM GMT
No fallers over the first couple of flight...
...as the crowd cheers the runners off as they run away from the stands.
01:21 PM GMT
Workahead leads...
...Romeo Coolio in second. Kopek Des Bordes is keen in third.
01:20 PM GMT
Here comes ‘The Roar’
Has become mythologised a touch in recent years but is still such an iconic start to a sporting event. AND THEY’RE OFF!
01:18 PM GMT
Three minutes to go
Kopek Des Bordes a little buzzier down at the start. He’s 5/6 favourite for this and is being heavily supported on the exchanges.
01:12 PM GMT
You can feel the buzz...
As a normal attendee at the first day of the meeting I can quite honestly there’s few moments of anticipation quite like the moments before Supreme Novices’ Hurdle.
We are 10 minutes from the off and the horses are being paraded. Kopek Des Bordes is looking fairly relaxed, which will be a huge relief to many of his backers.
Big paddock plus for the favourite.
01:08 PM GMT
Free bets
Ready to roar home your Supreme Novices’ Hurdle fancy? Check out our list of free bets as we kick-start the 2025 Festival.
01:03 PM GMT
‘Poignant scenes’
Ahead of Cheltenham’s raucous opening day roar, there were poignant scenes as tens of thousands or racegoers applauded Michael O’Sullivan who died last month.
Two years ago, O’Sullivan had steered Marine Nationale to a decisive victory in the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle.
Last month, however, he died due to head injuries sustained in a fall at Thurles ten days prior. Relatives were in attendance as jockeys and racegoers paid tribute to him ahead of the renamed Michael O’Sullivan Supreme Novices’ Hurdle.
When it was announced last month that the race would be named in his memory, the O’Sullivan family said: “We are deeply proud of Michael’s incredible talent and the legacy he left in the world of racing.
O’Sullivan’s brother rides at Cheltenham later this week.
01:00 PM GMT
Telegraph Sport tips
Charlie Brooks: Willie Mullins says Kopek des Bordes may be one of the best he has. He looks like a champion.
Marlborough: Kopek des Bordes is Exciting prospect whose improved jumping last time stands him in good stead here.
For your blogger, Workahead looks a shade overpriced for me. He was very impressive in beating William Munny at Leopardstown over Christmas and I think he’s been overlooked in the market for this one. There should be plenty more to come.
12:58 PM GMT
Michael O’Sullivan Supreme Novices’ Hurdle – betting market
-
Kopek Des Bordes 10/11 F
-
Romeo Coolio 6/1
-
William Munny 8/1
-
Workahead 8/1
-
Irancy 16/1
-
Salvator Mundi 16/1
-
Karbau 40/1
-
Karniquet 40/1
-
Sky Lord 66/1
-
Funiculi Funicula 80/1
-
Tutti Quanti 125/1
12:54 PM GMT
Ground latest
The festival will start on ground described as good to soft, albeit slightly softer than earlier in the week after 3.5mm of rain on Monday.
12:53 PM GMT
Fancy a bet?
12:48 PM GMT
A reminder of today’s race programme
1.20: Michael O’Sullivan Supreme Novices’ Hurdle (Grade 1 )
Race conditions: £150,000 | 2m½f| 8 hurdles | Old Course
2.00: My Pension Expert Arkle Novices’ Chase (Grade 1)
Race conditions: £200,000 | 2m | 13 fences | Old Course
2.40: Ultima Handicap Chase (Grade 3)
Race conditions: £150,000 | 3m1f | 20 fences | Old Course
3.20: Close Brothers Mares’ Hurdle (Grade 1)
Race conditions: £120,000 | 2m4f | 10 hurdles | Old Course
4.00: Unibet Champion Hurdle (Grade 1)
Race conditions: £450,000 | 2m½f | 8 hurdles | Old Course
4.40: Boodles Fred Winter Handicap Hurdle (Grade 3)
Race conditions: £80,000 | 2m½f | 8 hurdles | Old Course
5.20: National Hunt Chase
Race conditions: £200,000 | 2m | 13 fences | Old Course
12:45 PM GMT
A surprise...
Maura Higgins introducing the coverage on ITV alongside Ruby Walsh. Must have got long odds on that one...
12:40 PM GMT
Michael O’Sullivan
We are under an hour away from the first race of the day, the Michael O’Sullivan Supreme Novices’ Hurdle. This race is sponsored by Sky Bet but has be renamed this year in honour of the late Michael O’Sullivan, the Irish jockey who dies last month as a result injuries suffered in a fall at Thurles.
O’Sullivan won the 2023 Supreme aboard Marine Nationale for trainer Barry Connell, who this year saddles the third-favourite William Munny in the same race.
12:28 PM GMT
‘One of our darkest days at Cheltenham’
You might have thought all the talk about the impending fourfold of doom might have put off punters a touch as prices continues to plummet but seemingly not, according to Lee Phelps of William Hill.
“The money has continued to pour in for this opening day acca. It feels as if there’s an element of ‘FOMO’, just like this day 10 years ago when Annie Power saved our bacon, and we really need to get at least one of them beat.
“This four-fold is just as popular as the Douvan, Un De Sceaux, Faugheen and Annie Power bet that had us trembling on the Tuesday in 2015, and if it comes off it will be one of our darkest days at Cheltenham on record.”
12:19 PM GMT
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12:12 PM GMT
A couple of Manchester United stalwarts...
...are in attendance this afternoon. Once still playing, one very much not. I give you John O’Shea and Jonny Evans...
12:07 PM GMT
‘Racecourse filling steadily’
Despite warnings of a potential year-on-year dip in attendance, the racecourse grounds have been filling steadily, with a brass band welcoming arrivals for day one of the festival. Guy Lavender, chief executive of Cheltenham Racecourse, had said in an open letter ahead of the event: “I think that it’s important to mention up front that we are expecting fewer racegoers to be joining us in person this week than in recent years.
The decline is not catastrophic but nor are we seeing growing attendances. I am sure that this will result in some commentary, both in the media and on social media platforms.” However, the racecourse has since ruled out speculation organisers could consider reducing the event to three days rather than four to bump up daily football. A spokesperson for Cheltenham Racecourse told Telegraph Sport: “We ran a thorough consultation process in 2022 and decided then that 28 races over four days is the right format for this event at this time.”
12:01 PM GMT
‘The horses know Cheltenham is here’
Nicky Henderson is very much the man of the moment at Cheltenham this afternoon. After enduring a truly terrible festival 12 months ago, the Lambourn trainer is back this year with a formidable squad – headlined by Constitution Hill in the Champion Hurdle this afternoon.
Henderson is targeting his 10th win in the opening day show-piece, some 40 years since See You Then first opened his Champion Hurdle account.
Click here to read Marcus Armytage’s full interview with the great man at the beginning of hugely important week.
11:54 AM GMT
Morning market movers
1:20: Kopek Des Bordes (4/5 from 5/6)
2:00: Majborough (4/11 from 4/9)
3:20: Lossiemouth (8/11 from 8/13), Joyeuse (17/2 from 10)
4:40: Hot Fuss (8/1 from 10/1), Holy See (12/1 from 16/1), Quantock Hills (16/1 from 20/1),
5:20: Resplendent Grey (7/1 from 9/1), Kyntara (12/1 from 18/1)
The jump racing at the Cheltenham Festival is the most competitive in the world – and the competition among bookies is just as fierce. Claim a range of free bets for the Festival with these Cheltenham betting offers.
11:43 AM GMT
Cheltenham day 1 tips
Our three Telegraph Sport racing experts have run the rule over today’s card, giving their selections for each of the seven races.
Click here for our full tipping guide for day one.
11:41 AM GMT
‘Running Cheltenham is like a military operation’
Ahead of his first festival as Cheltenham’s new CEO, Guy Lavender sat down with Marcus Armytage to his seven years in charge at MCC, a lifelong love of racing and his vision for Cheltenham moving forward.
11:28 AM GMT
A helping hand...
...from an England rugby great. Mike Tindall has been on hand at Paddington this morning, handing out copies of the Sporting Life to punters making the journey out to Cheltenham.
11:25 AM GMT
Champion Hurdle tips
The big race of the day and what a clash we have on our hands. Britain vs Ireland. Male vs female. Constitution Hill vs Brighterdaysahead. You might still be mulling over your choice but Telegraph Sport is on hand to help. Here, our tipsters give you their thoughts.
Marcus Armytage: The best hurdler in a generation, Constitution Hill only has to stay upright.
Charlie Brooks: Brighterdaysahead was incredible at Leopardstown at Christmas and will be piling on the pressure if the odds on favourite misses a beat.
Marlborough: After an outstanding performance last time, Brighterdaysahead comes here at the peak of her powers, unlike some of her opponents.
11:23 AM GMT
Cheltenham betting offers
11:17 AM GMT
Thousands are arriving at Prestbury Park
11:12 AM GMT
Today’s full race schedule
1.20: Michael O’Sullivan Supreme Novices’ Hurdle (Grade 1 )
Race conditions: £150,000 | 2m½f| 8 hurdles | Old Course
2.00: My Pension Expert Arkle Novices’ Chase (Grade 1)
Race conditions: £200,000 | 2m | 13 fences | Old Course
2.40: Ultima Handicap Chase (Grade 3)
Race conditions: £150,000 | 3m1f | 20 fences | Old Course
3.20: Close Brothers Mares’ Hurdle (Grade 1)
Race conditions: £120,000 | 2m4f | 10 hurdles | Old Course
4.00: Unibet Champion Hurdle (Grade 1)
Race conditions: £450,000 | 2m½f | 8 hurdles | Old Course
4.40: Boodles Fred Winter Handicap Hurdle (Grade 3)
Race conditions: £80,000 | 2m½f | 8 hurdles | Old Course
5.20: National Hunt Chase
Race conditions: £200,000 | 2m | 13 fences | Old Course
11:09 AM GMT
Bookies running from fourfold
More on this potentially disastrous situation for bookmakers. Betfair’s Barry Orr says the multiple including Kopek De Bordes, Majborough, Lossiemouth and Constitution Hill has become a “weapon of mass destruction”.
“Those four going in would be the worst-case scenario. That’s what does the most damage now, not singles,” Orr said this morning.
Elsewhere, Holy See is one of the best backed horses of the morning in the Fred Winter (4.40). “He’s been really well supported, Orr added. “He’s 25s into 10s. He would be a bad loser.”
11:01 AM GMT
Cheltenham betting offers
The jump racing at the Cheltenham Festival is the most competitive in the world – and the competition among bookies is just as fierce. Claim a range of free bets for the Festival with these Cheltenham betting offers.
10:45 AM GMT
‘The best way to start the day’
The best way to start the day is by riding out at the course. Irish trainers are always happy to accommodate an old amateur and, beginning on Sunday with two lots of Gavin Cromwell (Only by Night and The King of Prs), he rode out the grey cross-country horse Coko Beach for Gordon Elliott on Monday and The Goffer for the same trainer on Tuesday morning. He was one of 30 horses the County Meath trainer had out at 7.15. Having ridden out The Goffer 12 months ago, he reckons that the horse, a 20-1 shot in tomorrow’s cross-country, feels in better shape this year.
10:42 AM GMT
And so it begins...
Good morning and welcome to Telegraph Sport’s live coverage of the opening day of the Cheltenham Festival. As far as jump racing goes, this is very much the holy grail, where legends are made, hopes are dashed and punters lock horns with the bookies over four of the finest days of racing anywhere in the world.
There are storylines everywhere you look but perhaps the most pressing, for the bookmakers at least, is the multi-million pound payout oddsmakers are facing should today’s four short-priced favourites do the business for punters.
If Kopek Des Bordes (1.20), Majborough (2.000, Lossiemouth (3.20) and Constitution Hill (3.20) all win, industry liabilities could run as high as £80 million in, says Unibet’s Ed Nicholson.
Ten years ago, Annie Power’s fall in mares’ hurdle saved the industry an equally painful body blow and there is certainly a similar atmosphere of tension for bookmakers today.
“I have a sense of deja vu,” Nicholson said yesterday, adding that the appetite for accumulators on the first day of the Festival has grown appreciably since 2015. “For those of us here 10 years ago we might need a strong ‘constitution’ at 4pm.”
And what of Constitution Hill? The horse many a punter will be hoping will be lining their pockets later this afternoon. The eight-year-old is currently a best-priced 8/11 to regain the crown he won in 2023 but there is unquestioned support for his nearest rival, Brighterdaysahead – now a 2/1 shot to spoil the party.
Stay with Telegraph Sport throughout the day for the best tips and reaction on day one of the Cheltenham Festival.
