Cheltenham Festival 2025 - LIVE!
It was a hugely dramatic opening day at Prestbury Park as the Cheltenham Festival gets underway. The Champion Hurdle is the feature race of the day and the script was torn up, as Constitution Hill, the winner of the race in 2023, fell to leave punters disappointed.
That appeared to leave the coast clear for Brighterdaysahead, but it was State Man who moved five lengths clear approaching the last, only to produce a terrible jump and go down. Golden Ace was there to take full advantage and cruise away to the finish line unchallenged, in what was a huge shock.
The Festival kicked off with the Michael O’Sullivan Supreme Novices’s Hurdle, renamed in honour of the jockey who won the race two years ago but died following a fall last month, and Kopek Des Bordes delivered for Paul Townend and Willie Mullins. Majborough was a big favourite in the Arkle Chase but it was Jango Baie who stole victory, before Lossiemouth did deliver in the Mares’ Hurdle. Follow all the action with Standard Sport’s LIVE blog below!
Cheltenham Festival - Day 1 latest
- Golden Ace wins incredible Champion Hurdle
- Lossiemouth cruises to Mares' Hurdle victory
- Myretown bolts up in Ultima
- Janho Baie snatches thrilling Arkle
- Kopek Des Bordes wins opening race
Full result
17:321 Haiti Couleurs 7/2
2 Rock My Way 16/1
3 Will Do 12/1
4 Resplendent Grey 10/1
👏 Classy performance - Haiti Couleurs wins the National Hunt Chase pic.twitter.com/9sauNlytFc
— Racing TV (@RacingTV) March 11, 2025
Haiti Couleurs wins the National Hunt Novices' Chase!
17:28 , Matt VerriNow Is The Hour starting to move up, but it’s Haiti Couleurs who has now moved to the front as they prepare to turn for home.
Two to jump, Now Is The Hour just behind... but falls at the second last and brings down Duffle Coat!
Haiti Couleurs jumps the last and has a five length lead, stays strong on the run to the line and it’s a comfortable win!
Transmission at the back of the field, not looking to make any sort of move yet.
Jupiter Allen at the front, just in front of Haiti Couleurs.
It’s all fairly bunched from front to back.
They're off!
17:20 , Matt VerriAway in the final race of the day!
Just the 23 fences...
One more race...
17:17 , Matt VerriIt’s the National Hunt Novices' Chase to bring an end to the opening day of the Festival!
Transmission the favourite, but Haiti Couleurs and Now Is The Hour have both been well-supported as well.
Some bookmakers paying up to five places in this one.
More reaction to the Champion Hurdle...
17:09 , Matt VerriHere’s Nicky Henderson providing an update on Constitution Hill.
🗣️ "You've gotta jump them."
— Racing TV (@RacingTV) March 11, 2025
Nicky Henderson & Michael Buckley on Constitution Hill's fall in the Champion Hurdle 👇🏻 pic.twitter.com/VMzY0SttSG
Final race of the day...
16:58The Princess Royal National Hunt Challenge Cup Novices' Handicap Chase (5.20), a new race, could go to Now Is The Hour, though the ground is a concern.
His trainer, Gavin Cromwell, has quite a Cheltenham team this week.
Full result
16:471 Puturhandstogether 17/2
2 Robbies Rock 50/1
3 Liam Swagger 12/1
4 Hot Fuss 17/2
5 Slurricane 33/1
A ride worthy of an applause 👏
— ITV Racing (@itvracing) March 11, 2025
Puturhandstogether wins Hallgarten And Novum Wines Juvenile Handicap Hurdle 🥇#ITVRacing | #CheltenhamFestival | @CheltenhamRaces pic.twitter.com/dV8YybSN3M
Puturhandstogether wins the Fred Winter!
16:44 , Matt VerriHot Fuss leads as they approach the last, but here comes Puturhandstogether.
And it’s going to be a comfortable win in the end, Puturhandstogether jumps it well and then strides away from the field.
Bunched up for the places.
Solar Drive setting the early prace, Stencil just behind.
Hot Fuss joins the front three - about five lengths to the rest of the field.
They're off!
16:40 , Matt VerriUnderway in the Fred Winter!
Latest odds: Fred Winter Juvenile Handicap Hurdle
16:32 , Matt VerriThe fun continues at Cheltenham.
Next up, it’s the Fred Winter. Here are some odds for you:
Stencil 100/30
Beyond Your Dreams 13/2
Putyourhandstogether 15/2
Sony Bill 8/1
Hot Fuss 17/2
Total Look 9/1
Liam Swagger 11/1
Murcia 14/1
Quantock Hills 14/1
Bar 20/1
Nicky Henderson confirms that Constitution Hill is “very bright and breezy”, while Willie Mullins says State Man is also okay.
That’s the main thing after those two heavy falls.
Winning moment!
16:17 , Matt VerriConstitution Hill fell, State Man fell, Brighterdaysahead couldn’t stay with the pace...
Golden Ace took full advantage!
Incredible scenes for connections of Golden Ace 🖤💛#CheltenhamFestival | #ITVRacing pic.twitter.com/pXqd4PXiyZ
— ITV Racing (@itvracing) March 11, 2025
Full results: Champion Hurdle
16:08 , Matt Verri1 Golden Ace 25/1
2 Burdett Road 66/1
3 Winter Fog 150/1
Just as we all expected...
Wow... Golden Ace wins a drama-fuelled Champion Hurdle 👀 pic.twitter.com/gfcVXlk6hz
— Racing TV (@RacingTV) March 11, 2025
Golden Ace wins the Champion Hurdle!
16:05 , Matt VerriSTATE MAN GOES DOWN!
Five lengths clear at the last... and falls!
Absolute chaos, and it allows Golden Ace to take full advantage and take victory with no real challenge.
Madness.
Groans from around the stands after that huge shock.
And now Brighterdaysahead strolls up into the lead, here comes State Man in second. King of Kingsfield has dropped away.
Golden Ace in third, but it looks to be a straight race between Brighterdaysahead and State Man.
State Man has cruised to the front, pulling away as they approach the last.
Three to jump, the Gordon Elliott are still the two at the front.
Constitution Hill travelling well in third, State Man yet to make a move.
CONSTITUTION HILL GOES DOWN AT THE FOURTH LAST!
King Of Kingsfield as expected setting the pace, ahead of Brighterdaysahead.
Burdett Road with a really poor jump, has dropped a couple of lengths behind at the back.
They're off!
16:00 , Matt VerriAway in the Champion Hurdle!
Money keeps coming in for Constitution Hill.
Would be fair to say Nicky Henderson is looking extremely nervous in the stands...
Paddock done, parade done... we’re very nearly ready for the Champion Hurdle.
Brighterdaysahead expected to be the main challenger to Constitution Hill, but Willie Mullins was in very confident mood when discussing State Man a bit earlier.
This could be very, very special.
Preview: Constitution Hill difficult to oppose
15:50 , Matt VerriThe Champion Hurdle has fewer than eight runners for the third year straight but it is still a corker. Constitution Hill has never been beaten under Rules; given the progress made by Brighterdaysahead, this might just be his biggest test.
Gordon Elliott's confidence in the mare on the preview-night circuit has been remarkable. She has King Of Kingsfield to set up the race for her.
Still, if the former champion is as good as ever, which is not certain, he remains really difficult to oppose.
Latest odds: (16:00) Champion Hurdle
15:42 , Matt VerriTime for the big one!
Feature race of the day is the Champion Hurdle and it’s coming up next. Will Constitution Hill deliver on the expectation?
Constitution Hill - 4/6
Brighterdaysahead - 7/4
State Man - 10/1
Golden Ace - 40/1
Burdett Road - 50/1
King of Kingsfield - 150/1
Winter Fog - 150/1
Lossiemouth decision pays off?
15:37 , Matt VerriSuch a comfortable win for Lossiemouth - does that mean she should have run in the Champion Hurdle?
Willie Mullins says no...
"First time I've ever been early in my life"
— ITV Racing (@itvracing) March 11, 2025
Willie Mullins reflects on the decision not to run Lossiemouth in the Champion Hurdle 🩷💚#ITVRacing | #CheltenhamFestival | @WillieMullinsNH | @MCYeeehaaa pic.twitter.com/ySh8tloJv9
Full result: Mares' Hurdle
15:27 , Matt Verri1 - Lossiemouth 4/6
2 - Jade De Grugy 5/1
3 - Take No Chances 22/1
Simply too good. Lossiemouth was gliding 💨
— ITV Racing (@itvracing) March 11, 2025
Another favourite winner, this time in the Close Brothers Mares' Hurdle#ITVRacing | #CheltenhamFestival | @PTownend | @WillieMullinsNH pic.twitter.com/iOXKXiR2Eo
Lossiemouth wins the Mares' Hurdle!
15:26 , Matt VerriGala Marceau falls, as the pace quickens at the front.
Lossiemouth has moved right up on Jade De Grugy, the favourite moves to the outside and cruises alongside on the approach to the last.
A couple of lengths clear now, jumps it well and that will be that!
Lossiemouth cruises away from them to win with something to spare. Easy as you like.
Three to jump and it’s pretty much as you were.
Jade De Grugy setting the pace, nobody moving up to challenge yet. Lossiemouth travelling well in second, as Jetara moves alongside.
Jade De Grugy straight to the front, few lengths clear of the pack, who are led around by Lossiemouth.
Fairly comfortable pace set at the moment.
They're off!
15:21 , Matt VerriUnderway in the Mares’ Hurdle!
Preview: Lossiemouth can be taken on
15:14 , Matt VerriLossiemouth skipped a clash last year with stablemate State Man thanks to the existence of the Close Brothers Mares' Hurdle (3.20) and it is no surprise racing fans have reacted negatively to her doing the same now, given connections have long stated she was bound for the big one.
Susannah Ricci's charge won readily in this 12 months ago and likely will follow up but at much bigger odds consider an each-way bet on Dysart Enos, who is brittle but has more than enough class to at least reach the frame if she is anywhere near her best.
Latest odds - (15:20) Mares' Hurdle
15:07 , Matt VerriLossiemouth very much the one to beat in the Mares’ Hurdle.
We’ve had one big favourite lose already today - that’s ended plenty of accas already today.
Lossiemouth - 8/11
Jade De Grugy - 5/1
July Flower - 7/1
Joyeuse - 10/1
Kala Conti - 10/1
Dysart Enos - 25/1
Take No Chances - 25/1
Jetara - 33/1
Queens Gamble - 40/1
Gala Marceau - 50/1
Special race for Wadge!
14:59 , Matt VerriPatrick Wadge with a moment he’ll never forget.
Couldn’t have dreamed of it being as comfortable as it was...
"It's a dream come true" 💭
— ITV Racing (@itvracing) March 11, 2025
A first #CheltenhamFestival winner for Patrick Wadge, and what a way to do it 🏆#ITVRacing |@olibellracing | @PatrickWadge pic.twitter.com/RmFyo2AcJ2
Full result: Ultima Handicap Chase
14:541. Myretown 13/2
2. The Changing Man 7/1
3. Malina Girl 14/1
4. Happygolucky 28/1
Lucinda Russell does it again!
— ITV Racing (@itvracing) March 11, 2025
Myretown runs away with the Ultima Handicap Chase in convincing fashion 👏#ITVRacing | #CheltenhamFestival | @PatrickWadge | @lucindavrussell pic.twitter.com/ckmjxzrNmx
Myretown wins the Ultima!
14:50 , Matt VerriThey approach the last, Myretown in front of The Changing Man.
Nobody is going to catch Myretown - absolutely bolts up and wins by a mile. Serious run!
Broadway Boy has been pulled up.
Myretown still looking comfortable at the front, a couple of lengths clear.
The Changing Man still looks good just behind.
They skip one of the fences, so seven to jump as they start to really bunch up.
It’s as you were at the front - nobody making a move yet. Whistle Stop Tour struggling towards the back.
Myretown leading them around in the early stages, ahead of Frero Banbou.
The Changing Man and Katate Dori travelling well.
Guard Your Dreams falls at the first.
Was all very messy at the start, looked like only half were actually ready to start.
Trelawne is a fair way back, and Zanahiyr the latest to fall.
They're off!
14:44 , Matt VerriAt long last, up and running in the Ultima!
And it’s a second false start.
We’re going to try a standing start to finally get this race up and running.
All got to the start a bit early, so a lot of waiting around and shuffling for position.
They’re approaching the line, starter hasn’t raised the flag... and it’s a false start.
This could take a while...
Not long now...
14:36 , Matt VerriField making their way to the start line ahead of the Ultima.
Changing Town and Myretown the two at the top of the market, but there’s plenty with chances in this.
Tip: Katate Dori to deliver for Thomas
14:29 , Matt VerriBookmakers will fight for your custom with at least one offering seven places in the Ultima Handicap Chase.
Katate Dori could bring this prize to Wales and promising young trainer Sam Thomas, who rode Denman to Gold Cup success in 2008.
Latest odds: 14:40 - Ultima Handicap Chase
14:20 , Matt VerriOn we go!
We’ve had two races with two clear favourites so far, but the Ultima looks to be anyone’s race.
The Changing Man - 7/1
Katate Dori - 7/1
Myretown - 8/1
Crebilly - 9/1
The Short Go - 10/1
Whistle Stop Tour - 11/1
Broadway boy - 11/1
Henry’s Friend - 12/1
Sequestered - 14/1
Bar 16/1
Odds via Grosvenor Sport.
Do Boinville up and running!
14:16Nico de Boinville has his first winner of the week, after that remarkable finish from Jango Baie.
Could be a very special day for the jockey - he rides Constitution Hill in the Champion Hurdle.
“They went hard and I couldn’t go with it and I thought I was riding for a place,” De Boinville says of Jango Baie’s win.
“But at the last I thought we could be in with a squeak. He pinged the last but we knew we had a chance. He saw it out well."
Full result
14:09 , Matt VerriWhat. A. Race.
Majborough threw that away with a disastrous jump, still nearly found a way to win it.
But Jango Baie came from MILES away to storm through them all.
1 Jango Baie 5/1
2 Only By Night 25/1
3 Majborough 1/2
Majborough is beaten!
— ITV Racing (@itvracing) March 11, 2025
Jango Baie comes from nowhere to win the My Pension Expert Arkle Challenge Trophy Novices' Chase 😳#ITVRacing | #CheltenhamFestival | @NdeBoinville | @sevenbarrows pic.twitter.com/GabuyShUlC
Jango Baie wins the Arkle Chase!
14:06 , Matt VerriL’eau Du Sud stries up into second, closing in on Majborough.
Touch Me Not’s race is run, Only By Night is trying to stick with them.
TERRIBLE JUMP AT THE SECOND LAST FROM MAJBOROUGH! L’eau Du Sud to the front.
Majborough has serious ground to make up after that jump on the run up the hill... and here comes Jango Baie from nowhere!
Only By Night just in front of L’eau Du Sud, Majborough is still somehow closing back in.
Four of them in a row as they approach the line... Jango Baie has stolen it! Incredible
Majborough and Touch Me Not are a few lengths clear of the field.
Four from the finish, Majborough with a poor jump and that’s slowed the momentum. Allows the field to bunch up.
Jango Baie has dropped off but the other four are right there.
All safely over the first few jumps.
Touch Me Not the latest to move to the front, Majborough alongside Jango Baie.
Saying that, Majborough has strolled into the lead with eight fences to go.
They're off!
14:00 , Matt VerriUnderway in the Arkle Chase!
Majborough is making the other four horses look absolutely tiny.
So impressive to look at - time to see if he can deliver on being a short-price favourite.
Skelton: L'eau Du Sud has massive chance
13:54 , Matt VerriL’eau Du Sud’s trainer Dan Skelton has been speaking ahead of the race and he’s in pretty bullish mood.
“I think he’s got a massive chance - delighted with his preparations,” Shelton says.
“He hasn’t put a foot wrong in four runs.
“Yeah we’ve got to take on Majborough and he’s got pretty fancy form, but I’m quietly confident we can make it look shorter than the prices.”
Preview: Majborough expected to deliver
13:50 , Matt VerriMajborough should win the Arkle Chase.
Five runners is alarming, with Sir Gino suffering a setback last month, and last year's Triumph hero is really hard to oppose.
He has a rare ability to find another gear. He can be spectacular at fences and likely will have a little too much raw ability for L'Eau du Sud.
Latest odds: 14:00 - Arkle Challenge Trophy Novices' Chase
13:40 , Matt VerriCan anyone stop Majborough?
It would be a big, big shock if Paul Townend and Willie Mullins don’t have their second winner very shortly.
Majborough 4/9
L’eau Du Sud 5/1
Jango Baie 7/1
Only By Night 14/1
Touch Me Not 16/1
Reaction from Townend
13:34 , Matt VerriPaul Townend unsurprisingly very emotional as he’s asked about Michael O’Sullivan.
Perfect start to the Festival for Townend and Willie Mullins, but their thoughts are obviously with O’Sullivan’s family.
"He's just a very very good horse"
— ITV Racing (@itvracing) March 11, 2025
Paul Townend reacts to a brilliant victory on Kopek Des Bordes in the Michael O'Sullivan Supreme Novices' Hurdle 👏 #ITVRacing | #CheltenhamFestival | @olibellracing | @PTownend pic.twitter.com/V0ljDSWAJt
Result: Michael O'Sullivan Supreme Novices' Hurdle
13:29 , Matt Verri1 - Kopek Des Bordes 4-6
2 - William Munny 8-1
3 - Romeo Coolio 9-2
Favourite gets the job done!
13:27 , Matt VerriWilliam Munny had a great run, was right there as they took the last.
Kopek Des Bordes had enough on the run to home though - first leg in for those who have backed the four big favourites today!
It was meant to be! 🩷
— ITV Racing (@itvracing) March 11, 2025
Kopek Des Bordes wins the Michael O'Sullivan Supreme Novices' Hurdle 🥇#ITVRacing | #CheltenhamFestival pic.twitter.com/wuk28X3Adq
Kopek Des Bordes wins the Supreme Novices' Hurdle!
13:25William Munny in third behind the two in front, winner will surely come from these three.
One to jump, Kopek Des Bordes has absolutely cruised to the front.
Romeo Coolio’s race is run, can William Munny stick with Kopek Des Bordes?
Favourite takes the last in front, not a great jump as he lands on all fours. A length in front on the run up the hill... and Kopek Des Bordes delivers!
Three to jump, Romeo Coolio has moved to the front and is moving really nicely.
Kopek Des Bordes right there in second, Workahead has completely fallen away.
Workahead straight to the front, leads by about a length from Romeo Coolio.
About three lengths back to Kopek Des Bordes, starting to be stretched out behind him as the pace stretches.
They're off!
13:21 , Matt VerriThere’s the Cheltenham Roar!
Up and running at the 2025 Festival.
The runners are down to the start line.
Salvator Mundi isn’t with them at the moment - not sure what’s happened there.
At long last, here he comes. Arriving at the last possible second.
Here we go!
13:13 , Matt VerriRunners in the opening race are in the paddock.
Kopek Des Bordes the first of the four favourites that punters will be relying on for a successful opening day of the Festival.
It rarely goes to plan, does it...
Minute's applause at Cheltenham
13:09Tributes have been paid to Michael O’Sullivan, as we build towards the first race which has been renamed in his honour.
The jockeys have been out to take part in a minute’s applause.
❤️ Remembering Michael O'Sullivan pic.twitter.com/mjzLOhwtBJ
— Racing TV (@RacingTV) March 11, 2025
Latest odds: Michael O'Sullivan Supreme Novices' Hurdle
13:01 , Matt VerriHere are some odds for you ahead of the opening race of the Festival.
Kopek Des Bordes expected to get Willie Mullins off to the perfect start, with Romeo Coolio the chief threat for Gordon Elliott.
Kopek Des Bordes 10/11
Romeo Coolio 5/1
Workahead 7/1
William Munny 15/2
Salvator Mundi 12/1
Irancy 16/1
Karbau 33/1
Karniquet 40/1
Odds via Cheltenham Festival Betting.
Preview: Michael O'Sullivan Supreme Novices' Hurdle
12:50 , Matt VerriWilliam Munny, for the connections of Marine National – ridden by Michael O'Sullivan to victory in this two years ago – looks worth an each-way wager.
Hooded now, his form went to a new level at Punchestown.
He has to reverse Leopardstown form with Workahead, while Romeo Coolio and Salvador Mundi are major contenders.
And all have to beat Kopek Des Bordes, who also sports a hood. Not always fluent over hurdles so far, but his engine has been quite incredible.
Our best bets for the Cheltenham Festival
12:38 , Matt VerriNow Is The Hour (National Hunt Chase, Tuesday): 9/2
Kalypsochance (Champion Bumper, Wednesday): 6/1
Walking On Air (Kim Muir, Thursday): 8/1
Hello Neighbour (Triumph, Thursday): 5/1
McLaurey (County or Martin Pipe, Friday): 8/1
(Odds subject to change)
Read more on why Johnny Ward has picked those five horses here!
Remembering Michael O'Sullian
12:27 , Matt VerriThere will be a poignant start to the meeting this afternoon.
The traditional Festival opener this year renamed as the Michael O’Sullivan Supreme Novices’s Hurdle in memory of the young jockey who won the race two years ago but tragically died following a fall at Thurles last month.
"We are deeply proud of Michael's incredible talent and the legacy he left in the world of racing," said O'Sullivan's family.
"Renaming the race that marked the pinnacle of his career is a fitting tribute to his skill, dedication, and passion for the sport.
"As a family, we have always admired Michael's achievements both on and off the track, and it means so much to us to see his talent recognised in this way.”
Remembering Michael O'Sullivan, today and always 💛💙pic.twitter.com/Z9rY1gbmDt
— Sporting Life Racing: Cheltenham Festival 2025! (@SportingLife) March 11, 2025
Power: Constitution Hill needs to prove longevity
12:16 , Matt VerriFormer Grand National and Gold Cup winning jockey Robbie Power believes Constitution Hill must win the Champion Hurdle this afternoon if he is to go down as a truly great horse.
"Constitution Hill, for me, has to go to Cheltenham and do it again. I think he needs to prove himself again,” Power sad, via Cheltenham odds today.
“He won at Kempton and it was a great training performance from Nicky to get him back after so long but Lossiemouth didn't show up despite finishing second and Burdett Road would have finished second if it wasn't for a bad mistake and he's only rated 144.
"The international hurdle at Cheltenham on trials day was only a schooling race for him, so I think he needs to go and prove it on the big stage. He's fragile and has to prove himself.
“To be a great horse you have to have longevity and more than just one or two great performances.”
Interview: Nicky Henderson and Nico de Boinville
12:05The Guinness Village is, to Cheltenham racegoers, something of a field of dreams. It sits on the side of the track, at the foot of Prestbury Park’s infamous hill, the topography urging punters toward its concrete embrace, like snooker balls destined for a wonky table’s corner pocket.
As a folk band plays, winners and losers are as one, those waving the white hanky of another losing slip wearing the same smiles as those charged to victory by the magic of that dark liquid luck. It was here — perhaps seeking a bit of the latter — that Nico De Boinville found himself on the Friday afternoon of last year’s Festival.
As colleagues rode out the final races of the meeting, the No1 jockey to Nicky Henderson, the most successful British trainer in Cheltenham history, had been made a redundant force, pint instead of rein in hand at the end of a week that had been, by his own reckoning, a “no-show” from the start.
“We let a few horses run on the first day and it was pointless,” says Henderson, who had gone to Cheltenham knowing his runners were underperforming badly and praying, rather than expecting, that they would suddenly come right. “You just lose confidence and heart.”
In most cases, there was no specific physical issue or ailment, but rather some hidden, underlying factor that meant hardly any of the yard’s horses were showing their true form.
Of six to run on the opening day, five were pulled up before the finish. De Boinville attempts to explain: “It’s like driving along the motorway at 70mph and suddenly the car just goes, ‘Zzzzzzzz’. Then you’re crawling along at 50mph. Then, eventually, it just stops — and you’re in the lay-by.”
Best each-way bets for the Festival
11:54 , Matt VerriBookmakers still fight hard for your custom at Cheltenham and one of the best incentives for a wager is enhanced each-way betting, which will be a feature throughout the four days.
You will be able to avail of seven places in some races and each-way bettors through the years are aware of one basic truth: your horse is far more likely to place than win.
Puturhandstogether (Fred Winter, Tuesday): 10/1
I Started A Joke (Champion Bumper, Wednesday): 33/1
James's Gate (Turners Novice Hurdle, Wednesday): 10/1
Mystical Power (Stayers' Hurdle, Thursday): 16/1
Inothewayurthinkin (Gold Cup, Friday): 7/1
(Odds subject to change.)
Going update
11:45 , Matt VerriGood to soft at Cheltenham, with no further rain expected.
Cheltenham Festival - Champion Day 🏆
— CheltenhamRacecourse (@CheltenhamRaces) March 11, 2025
Going update from Jon Pullin, Clerk of the Course pic.twitter.com/9meDAaonfO
Weather forecast
11:32Tuesday
On the first day of races, there will be sunny intervals changing to overcast by lunchtime, according to the Met Office.
“A rather cloudy start, with early rain in the south soon clearing. Some bright or sunny spells developing through the day and staying mostly dry,” the forecast read.
There will be highs of 9°C.
Wednesday
The forecast from Wednesday onwards is a little more hazy, but the Met Office has suggested there will also be highs of 9°C.
“Staying on the cold side, with sunny spells and scattered showers,” a statement read.
Thursday
The early forecast for Thursday suggests it will be 9°C and sunny with some clouds.
Friday
And at this stage of the week, the Met Office has forecast an almost identical outlook for Friday – which is again peaking at 9°C.
Trainer battle
11:21 , Matt VerriWill it be the Willie Mullins show again?
He brought up a century of Festival winners last year, and last failed to finish the week as top trainer in 2018.
Fair old gap between him and the rest...
Via GG.co.uk
Cheltenham Festival tips
11:08 , Matt VerriSelections for day one:
1:20 William Munney
2:00 Marjborough
2:40 Katate Dori
3:20 Dysart Enos
4:00 Constitution Hill
4:40 Puturhandstogether
5:20 Now Is The Hour
Best accumulator bet:
Marjborough (2:00) and Constitution Hill (4:00) double
Best of the rest on Day One
10:58 , Matt VerriRacing fans were robbed of another standout clash between the best of the British and the Irish when Sir Gino was ruled out of Arkle contention through injury earlier this year.
His absence leaves Majborough, last year’s Triumph Hurdle winner for Willie Mullins, as many people’s idea of the banker of the opening day, though British champion trainer-elect Dan Skelton remains bullish about the chance of L’eau Du Sud springing a surprise.
Before that, the hugely talented Kopek Des Bordes will look to give Mullins an eighth win in the Supreme, but plenty of punters will be willing to take on a horse whose jumping and pre-race antics are potential flaws. Stablemate Salvator Mundi, who has divided opinion this season, and Elliott’s Romeo Coolio are leading rivals in a race where Irish success appears almost inevitable, while there has been market support for Workahead, who is looking to give Rachael Blackmore and Henry De Bromhead back-to-back wins in the race.
Elsewhere, the defection of Lossiemouth to the Mares Hurdle has seen her installed as a short-priced favourite, while the National Hunt Chase ought to make strong betting appeal having this year been converted into a handicap.
Big race preview: Champion Hurdle
10:46 , Matt VerriTwo years ago, Nicky Henderson’s superstar Constitution Hill dominated this contest to confirm his ascendancy to the top of the hurdling ranks but after missing the 2024 renewal is now seeking to become the first horse in more than a decade to regain the crown.
After a turbulent year in which physical issues and illness kept British racing’s most high-profile horse off the track, he made a triumphant return to action when beating Lossiemouth at Kempton on Boxing Day and warmed up for the Festival with a Trials Day victory that was little more than a gentle workout at the end of January.
And so, while fears during that long absence that he might never race again have proven unfounded, the question remains as to whether the unbeaten eight-year-old is still the same untouchable force of old.
He may well have to be to take care of a small but high-class field, which includes last year’s winner State Man as only the third-favourite on account of a confusing campaign.
Instead it is Gordon Elliott’s Brighterdaysahead who bookmakers expect to pose the biggest threat, after her 30-length rout in the Irish equivalent of this race last month. Seemingly destined for the Mares’s Hurdle on the same card, Elliott and owners Gigginstown last week confirmed they would roll the dice in seeking to deliver a first Champion Hurdle for the trainer.
Lossiemouth, though, has been re-routed in the opposite direction, much to the dismay of racing fans hoping to see a quartet of headliners in action. Golden Ace, winner of the Mares Novices’s Hurdle at Cheltenham last year, and Burdett Road, are among the outsiders.
How to watch Cheltenham Festival
10:37 , Matt VerriTV channel: ITV1 will broadcast the first six races for FREE, with coverage beginning at 12.45pm every day and running until 5pm.
Preview show 'The Opening Show' will be broadcast on ITV4 from 9am to 10am every morning of the meet.
The only place to watch the Festival in its entirety is on Racing TV, which will broadcast all seven races on each day of the meeting. Racing TV is a subscription-based channel available through Sky and Virgin Media and online via its website and app. Build-up coverage starts at 12.45pm GMT every day and coverage concludes after the final race.
Live stream: Racing TV subscribers can stream the action live via the website or app, or cast to their TV, while ITV viewers can do likewise via the ITVX website and app for FREE.
Live coverage: You can also follow all the action right here with us!
Day One card
10:29 , Matt Verri13.20: Supreme Novices’ Hurdle
14.00: Arkle Novices’ Chase
14.40: Handicap Steeple Chase
15.20: Mares’ Hurdle
16.00: Champion Hurdle
16.40: Juvenile Handicap Hurdle
17.20: National Hunt Novices' Chase
Good morning!
10:21 , Matt VerriRoll up, roll up!
Hello and welcome to Standard Sport’s LIVE coverage of the opening day of the 2025 Cheltenham Festival.
Four days of brilliant action ahead and the Festival kicks off in the style at Prestbury Park today.
The Champion Hurdle headlines this afternoon’s card, as Constitution Hill looks to regain his crown. Brighterdaysahead and State Man among those standing in his way.
We’ll have all the build-up this morning as well as plenty of tips and previews, before full coverage of every race. Stick with us!
