The 2025 Cheltenham Festival delivered a huge shock on the opening day as the showpiece Champion Hurdle was won by 25/1 shot Golden Ace, with horse racing superstar and heavy favourite Constitution Hill stunningly falling halfway through the race.
Constitution Hill was heavily backed at 8/13 regain the crown he won in 2023 but crashed out, while 2024 winner and third favourite State Man also fell at a later hurdle and highly-regarded second favourite Brighterdaysahead faded to allow Golden Ace to come from nowhere to triumph, with Burdett Road (66/1) taking second and 150/1 shot Winter Fog in third for an all-time Cheltenham shock.
The “greatest show on turf” will also include Friday’s Gold Cup, where Galopin Des Champs, who is the favourite on betting sites, hopes to land a famous hat-trick this. The full race card and Festival schedule is here, and we’ll be bringing you all the action as Day 1 unfolds.
Follow all the news, including previews, expert tips, free bet offers and the latest Cheltenham odds from Day 1 of the Cheltenham Festival with our live blog below:
Cheltenham Festival latest updates
- Cheltenham Festival 2025 Day 1 results: Full list of winners
- Golden Ace wins Champion Hurdle after Constitution Hill and State Man fall
- Willie Mullins off to a flyer as favourite Kopek Des Bordes wins emotional Michael O'Sullivan Supreme Novices’ Hurdle
- Jango Baie storms from back of the pack to win Arkle Novices' Chase
- Myretown wins Ultima Handicap Chase with commanding run
Champion Day - Full list of winners so far
16:10 , Jack Rathborn1.20: Michael O’Sullivan Supreme Novices’ Hurdle (Grade 1 )Race conditions: £150,000 | 2m½f| 8 hurdles | Old Course
Winner: Kopek Des Bordes (4/6F); 2) William Munny (8/1); 3) Romeo Coolio (9/2)
2.00: My Pension Expert Arkle Novices’ Chase (Grade 1)Race conditions: £200,000 | 2m | 13 fences | Old Course
Winner: Jango Baie (5/1); 2) Only By Night (25/1); 3) Majborough (1/2F)
2.40: Ultima Handicap Chase (Grade 3)Race conditions: £150,000 | 3m1f | 20 fences | Old Course
Winner: Myretown (13/2); 2) The Changing Man (7/1F); 3) Malina Girl (14/1)
3.20: Close Brothers Mares’ Hurdle (Grade 1)Race conditions: £120,000 | 2m4f | 10 hurdles | Old Course
Winner: Lossiemouth (4/6F); 2) Jade De Grugy (5/1); 3) Take No Chances (22/1)
4.00: Unibet Champion Hurdle (Grade 1)Race conditions: £450,000 | 2m½f | 8 hurdles | Old Course
Winner: Golden Ace (25/1); 2) Burdett Road (66/1); 3) Winter Fog (150/1)
4.40: Boodles Fred Winter Handicap Hurdle (Grade 3) Race conditions: £80,000 | 2m½f | 8 hurdles | Old Course
Winner: Puturhandstogether (17/2); 2) Robbies Rock 50/1; 3) Liam Swagger (12/1 )
5.20: National Hunt Chase Race conditions: £200,000 | 2m | 13 fences | Old Course
Winner: Haiti Couleurs (7/2F), Rock My Way (16/1), Will Do (12/1)
Haiti Couleurs trainer Rebecca Curtis on Racing TV:
17:37 , Mike Jones"It feels amazing - it was like looking in slow motion.
"He is such a tough horse. His jumping is quick and accurate and he gallops all day long."
Cheltenham Festival 2025 tips: Experts’ best bets and 12 horses to watch on day two
17:37 , Lawrence OstlereThe Cheltenham Festival is back and the 2025 edition has already got off to a barnstorming start, with Golden Ace a suprise winner of the Champion Hurdle after Constitution Hill fell among the storylines on a compelling first day.
A cool, dry day two – known as Style Wednesday – promises more thrills with the Coral Cup and the Queen Mother Champion Chase among the highlights of a packed schedule.
Cheltenham Festival 2025 tips, best bets and horses to watch on day two
5.20: National Hunt Chase
17:29 , Mike JonesHaiti Couleurs wins the National Hunt Chase and another favourite storms to victory!
That closes out the opening day with four favourites out of seven claiming victories.
5.20: National Hunt Chase
17:29 , Mike JonesDrama! A plethora of fallers including Jupiter Allen makes the final stretch interesting.
Haiti Couleurs has a clear lead....
5.20: National Hunt Chase
17:27 , Mike JonesCaptain Cody has unseated Danny Mullins as Gericault Roque takes up position in fourth.
The lead remains with Jupiter Allen who looks strong around the turn.
5.20: National Hunt Chase
17:25 , Mike JonesThis is a 23 fence race and at the front four are still out in front.
Jupiter Allen has the lead with Haiti Couleurs tucking in just behind.
5.20: National Hunt Chase
17:23 , Mike JonesRock My Way and Klarc Kent are up with the leaders as they cross the mile mark.
The rest of the field is bunched up behind with plenty of time left to make a move.
5.20: National Hunt Chase
17:22 , Mike JonesJupiter Allen and Haiti Couleurs jostle for the lead during the opening stages of the race.
5.20: National Hunt Chase
17:20 , Mike JonesAnd they’re off! The conclusion to the opening day of the Cheltenham Festival is underway.
5.20: National Hunt Chase
17:17 , Mike JonesOne race left to go today to cap off a thrilling day.
Latest odds from SkyBet:
Transmission – 11/4
Haiti Couleurs – 4/1
Now Is The Hour – 13/2
Resplendent Grey – 7/1
Gericault Roque – 9/1
Hasthing – 10/1
Will Do – 10/1
Captain Cody – 11/1
Rock My Way – 16/1
Herakles Westwood – 18/1
Kyntara – 18/1
Jupiter Allen – 22/1
In D’Or – 33/1
Duffle Coat – 40/1
Stuzzikini – 40/1
No Time To Wait – 40/1
Klarc Kent – 66/1
Caesar Rock – 100/1
Mark Walsh reacts to winning on Puturhandstogether
17:11 , Mike JonesHere are his post race thoughts:
"Suited this lad...settled perfectly today"
— ITV Racing (@itvracing) March 11, 2025
Mark Walsh reacts to a routine victory for Puturhandstogether 🟢🟡#ITVRacing | #CheltenhamFestival | @olibellracing pic.twitter.com/LzyH1UJoDq
Cheltenham festivalgoers undeterred by £7.80 Guinness pints give opening day lift off
17:01 , Alex Ross at Cheltenham FestivalFashions change, betting stakes increase and the weather in late winter fluctuates - but at Cheltenham Festival, many things remain largely unchanged.
Amid the sea of flat caps and tweed jackets in the Grand Stand, racing on Tuesday got off to the famous Cheltenham roar, sounding as exuberant and impassioned as ever.
More than 55,000 racegoers piled into the terraces that line the course to excitedly cheer as the favourite Kopek Des Bordes came first amid the heavy thud of hoofs on the soft turf.
£7.80 pints not enough to deter punters as Cheltenham Festival gets underway
Mullins leading trainer
16:59 , Mike JonesWillie Mullins is the only trainer so far with two winners so far today.
He’s also come close and had a second and third finish while State Man threw away a chance at victory in the Champion Hurdle.
Winning jockey Mark Walsh on ITV Racing:
16:56 , Mike Jones"They went a good gallop which suits him. He jumped and travelled brilliant. I didn’t want to get to the front too early.
"I thought he ran great the last day at Fairyhouse on heavy ground and this ground suited him."
BHA provides Constitution Hill update after scary fall at Cheltenham Festival
16:47 , Mike JonesConstitution Hill walked away from a scary fall in a shocking Champion Hurdle on day one at the 2025 Cheltenham Festival.
The previously unbeaten hurdler, who was the odds-on favourite for the race of the day, looked poised to win, only to suffer a hard fall under jockey Nico de Boinville.
The dramatic race then looked set for a repeat of 2024 when State Man claimed the win, but Paul Townend was unable to successfully negotiate the last hurdle and also crashed out, leaving Golden Ace to pick up the shock win.
BHA provides Constitution Hill update after scary fall at Cheltenham Festival
4.40pm: Fred Winter Juvenile Hurdle
16:45 , Mike JonesThe field spreads out over the final stretch with Mark Walsh and Puturhandstogether drifting out wide.
They fly down the right side of the straight and charge up the hill to win!
4.40pm: Fred Winter Juvenile Hurdle
16:43 , Mike JonesHot Fuss and Holy See sit third and fourth respectively as they look to keep the two leaders within touching distance.
Stencil is happy to let Solar Drive lead before a surge from Static moves him into the top four.
4.40pm: Fred Winter Juvenile Hurdle
16:41 , Mike JonesSolar Drive leads the way out front with Stencil safely on his shoulder handling the pace at the head of the chasing pack.
4.40pm: Fred Winter Juvenile Hurdle
16:40 , Mike JonesAnd they’re off!
Stencil is the favourite to triumph in this one but with a big field it’s any body’s race to win.
4.40pm: Fred Winter Juvenile Hurdle
16:37 , Mike JonesLatest odds from Oddschecker:
Stencil 10/3
Puturhandstogether 8/1
Beyond Your Dreams 8/1
Sony Bill 9/1
Hot Fuss 10/1
Total Look 11/1
Liam Swagger 12/1
Murcia 16/1
Quantock Hills 16/1
Holy See 25/1
BAR 25/1 – 22 Runners
Constitution Hill and State Man update
16:36 , Mike JonesThe two horses that fell in the Champion Hurdle, Constitution Hill and State Man, are both up.
The British Horseracing Authority (BHA) have told ITV Racing that the two horses are "absolutely fine".
Jeremy Scott 'couldn't even dream' of victory
16:30 , Mike JonesGolden Ace trainer Jeremy Scott told BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra: "I couldn't even dream. I just said to someone for god's sake thump me, I thought I was sleeping. It's marred by the two horses who came down, but I'm just delighted the gods favoured us.
"Our owner was very keen to have a runner here, it's extraordinary how things work out.
"That's her unbeaten here. It's interesting Willie doesn't normally run his mares until after Christmas, maybe next year we will hang fire for a bit.
"It's just amazing."
Mullins reacts to State Man's fall
16:22 , Mike JonesState Man trainer Willie Mullins spoke to BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra: "I don't. There we are. It's what happens. It is [the ups and downs of racing].
"At least we made the right decision.
"We don't need any chat. I'm just delighted he's [jockey Paul Townend] okay."
Winning jockey Lorcan Williams reacts
16:20 , Mike JonesWilliams told ITV racing: "I’m lost for words. This is the best day of my life by far. You dream of these moments as a kid. I hope the others are ok – Constitution Hill and State Man are iconic horses
"But she is fantastic. She always turns up and fair play to (owner) Ian Gosden for picking this race rather than the Mares' Hurdle. I am not complaining now
"I’m just a small part of the team and delighted to be on board
"All I was thinking was my agent said watch Constitution Hill. When he was out of the race I thought I would stay on for second. We were just there to pick up the pieces."
Ruby Walsh analyses what went wrong for Constitution Hill and State Man
16:15 , Jack Rathborn“He absolutely steps onto the hurdle with Nico [de Boinville], on the front of the hurdle, he steps clean into the middle of it, he can’t stand up when you do that,” Ruby Walsh tells ITV Racing.
“Paul Townend [aboard State Man], he commits to the land, I don’t think you’re always wrong, make a decision, commit to it, but over he goes, that’ll live with him forever, trust me!”
Lorcan Williams reacts to 'best day of my life' after winning Champion Hurdle
16:08 , Jack Rathborn“I was thinking, my agent said, ‘watch Constitution Hill,’ when he was out of the race I thought, ‘I’ll hold on to second,’ we were there to pick up the pieces,” Lorcan Williams adds.
Best day of your life, Lorcan? “By far!”
Golden Ace wins a stunning Champion Hurdle
16:07 , Jack RathbornGolden Ace rolled the dice and was in the perfect spot to capitalise just as State Man looked poised to defend.
Constitution Hill failed to live up to the expectations, going off at 1/2.
“I’m lost for words, you dream of these moments as a kid,” says jockey Lorcan Williams after riding to victory.
4pm: Champion Hurdle
16:05 , Jack RathbornINSANE! There goes State Man... After the last, it collapses, Golden Ace WINS!
Constitution Hill and State Man galloping in the background, we think they’re OK.
Drama at the end, can you believe it? Golden Ace wins the Champion Hurdle!
4pm: Champion Hurdle
16:03 , Jack RathbornConstitution Hill is GONE!
Gasps from the fans, a shocker, it’s there for Brighterdaysahead leads!
State Man is second, Golden Ace third...
4pm: Champion Hurdle
16:02 , Jack RathbornKing Of Kingsfield leads early, Brighterdaysahead tucked in behind in second...
Constitution Hill third, the roar from the grandstand comes.
Six hurdles to go and an even pace.
Some smart jumping here, but they’re all close together, a cagey race so far.
4pm: Champion Hurdle
16:02 , Jack RathbornKing Of Kingsfield leads early, Brighterdaysahead tucked in behind in second...
Constitution Hill third, the roar from the grandstand comes.
Six hurdles to go and an even pace.
4pm: Champion Hurdle
15:56 , Jack RathbornHere we go then, State Man a third favourite, bidding to be the 12th horse to win the Champion Hurdle twice.
Willie Mullins is confident, it’s a big ask to get up to Constitution Hill.
Constitution Hill would become the third horse to regain the Champion Hurdle.
We’re just a few minutes away...
-with-Jonny-Bairstow-on-day-one-of-the-2025-Cheltenham-Festival.jpeg)
4pm: Champion Hurdle
15:42 , Luke BakerWe’ve reached today’s main event, the Champion Hurdle, where superstar horse Constitution Hill will try to regain the title he won in 2023, with 2024 winner State Man among the challengers.
Here are the latest odds and fair to say it looks a three-horse race:
Constitution Hill 8/13
Brighterdaysahead 2/1
State Man 7/1
Golden Ace 40/1
Burdett Road 66/1
King of Kingsfield 150/1
Winter Fog 150/1
Willie Mullins defends running Lossiemouth in the Mares' Hurdle
15:41 , Luke BakerJust to put a final bow on the Mares’ Hurdle before we turn our attention to today’s main event, the Champion Hurdle, Willie Mullins gave a fascinating interview defending the decision to run Lossiemouth in the Mares’ rather than the Champion.
"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
Champion Day - Full list of winners so far
15:35 , Luke Baker1.20: Michael O’Sullivan Supreme Novices’ Hurdle (Grade 1 ) - Winner: Kopek Des Bordes (4/6); 2) William Munny (8/1); 3) Romeo Coolio (9/2)
2.00: My Pension Expert Arkle Novices’ Chase (Grade 1) - Winner: Jango Baie (5/1); 2) Only By Night (25/1); 3) Majborough (1/2)
2.40: Ultima Handicap Chase (Grade 3) - Winner: Myretown (13/2); 2) The Changing Man (7/1F); 3) Malina Girl (14/1)
3.20: Close Brothers Mares’ Hurdle (Grade 1) - Winner: Lossiemouth (4/6F); 2) Jade De Grugy (5/1); 3) Take No Chances (22/1)
3.20pm: Mares' Hurdle result
15:27 , Luke BakerWinner: Lossiemouth (4/6F); 2) Jade De Grugy (5/1); 3) Take No Chances (22/1)
3.20pm: Mares' Hurdle
15:20 , Luke BakerAnd we’re off in the Mares’ Hurdle. A cleaner start than we had for the Ultima Handicap Chase it’s fair to say...
Ten hurdles, 2 miles 4 furlongs, £120,000 on the line.
The betting markets are basically a one-horse show with Lossiemouth.
Could Joyeuse challenge Lossiemouth?
15:18 , Luke BakerIf you want a non-Lossiemouth horse to have a dabble at in this one, then Ed Chamberlin has a pick for you.
Ed Chamberlin’s tip: Joyeuse - 9/1 each way
“In the Mares Hurdle Lossiemouth should win, but I’m happy to take her on,” Chamberlin told Sky Bet. “I’m going to back Joyeuse each way I think she’s pretty good and on the up.”
Myretown wins the Arkle Novices' Chase
15:00 , Mike JonesHere’s how Myretown swept to victory. It’s another winner for Lucinda Russell:
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
Reaction from Patrick Wadge
14:56 , Mike JonesMyretown jockey, Patrick Wadge, spoke to ITV after the race. Here’s what he had to say:
"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
Champion Day - Full list of winners so far
14:54 , Mike Jones1.20: Michael O’Sullivan Supreme Novices’ Hurdle (Grade 1 ) Race conditions: £150,000 | 2m½f| 8 hurdles | Old Course
Winner: Kopek Des Bordes (4/6); 2) William Munny (8/1); 3) Romeo Coolio (9/2)
2.00: My Pension Expert Arkle Novices’ Chase (Grade 1) Race conditions: £200,000 | 2m | 13 fences | Old Course
Winner: Jango Baie (5/1); 2) Only By Night (25/1); 3) Majborough (1/2)
2.40: Ultima Handicap Chase (Grade 3) Race conditions: £150,000 | 3m1f | 20 fences | Old Course
Winner: Myretown (13/2); 2) The Changing Man (7/1F); 3) Malina Girl (14/1)
2.40pm: Ultima Handicap Chase results
14:53 , Mike JonesWinner: Myretown (13/2F); 2) The Changing Man (7/1); 3) Malina Girl (14/1)
2.40pm: Ultima Handicap Chase
14:51 , Mike JonesHappygolucky and Henry’s Friend are late stormers but they aren’t going to catch the leader.
Myretown is running a superb race. Down the final stretch his pace is too good, and his jumping ability is even better.
Having lead from the start of the race, he sweeps past the grandstand and wins in style!
2.40pm: Ultima Handicap Chase
14:49 , Mike JonesA heavy hit on a fence from Katate Dori penalises his previous work as Famous Bridge makes a move.
Myretown has opened a gap at the front and is looking to get clear but the rest aren’t having it.
Then Changing Man is holding steady and looks comfortable heading into the closing stages of this race.
2.40pm: Ultima Handicap Chase
14:47 , Mike JonesThey’re all jumping well with Katate Dori making a move through the field.
He’s up to third and challenging the leading pair with The Changing Man down to fourth.
2.40pm: Ultima Handicap Chase
14:46 , Mike JonesThe speed of the race is up to 29mph after the first six furlongs with no change to the order of the leaders.
Myretown is setting a sharp gallop but can’t distance the rest of the runners who are haning onto his outside.
2.40pm: Ultima Handicap Chase
14:44 , Mike JonesFaller! One horse unseats their rider at the first fence before Myretown and Frero Banbou take to the front of the field.
Just behind is The Changing Man, one of the favourites, who is well placed in these early stages.
2.40pm: Ultima Handicap Chase
14:43 , Mike JonesAnd they’re off!
After a false start with this 24-runner field coverging too quickly on the tape the three mile- one furlong Ultima Chase is away.
2.40pm: Ultima Handicap Chase
14:36 , Mike JonesLatest odds provided by Oddschecker:
The Changing Man 15/2
Katate Dori 8/1
Myretown 9/1
Crebilly 9/1
Broadway Boy 11/1
The Short Go 12/1
Whistle Stop Tour 12/1
Henry’s Friend 12/1
Sequestered 16/1
Malina Girl 16/1
BAR 20/1
2.40pm: Ultima Handicap Chase
14:34 , Mike JonesUp next is the first big field of this year’s Festival with 24 runners.
Katate Dori looks like one to keep an eye out for with the seven-year-old winning three times since the turn of the year.
The Changing Man, for Joe Tizzard - a Cheltenham-winning jockey turned trainer - and Broadway Boy are featuring strongly in the betting.
Jango Boie and Nico de Boinville win the Arkle Chase
14:32 , Mike Jones
'I had to accept defeat'
14:29 , Mike JonesHere’s Nico de Boinville speaking about Jango Baie’s late charge:
"I had to accept defeat"
— ITV Racing (@itvracing) March 11, 2025
Even Nico De Boinville wasn't expecting that late surge from Jango Baie 👀#ITVRacing | #CheltenhamFestival | @NdeBoinville | @olibellracing pic.twitter.com/lPLPo0YCjv
'Incredible'
14:24 , Mike JonesJango Baie's trainer Nicky Henderson told BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra: "Incredible, what a finisher, what a great horse.
"I'm lost for words at the moment. It's a big day, credit to Nico."
Nico de Boinville reacts to Jango Baie's win
14:20 , Mike JonesJango Baie's jockey Nico de Boinville spoke to ITV after his victory saying: “They went hard and I couldn’t go with it and I thought I was riding for a place.
“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."
Champion Day - Full list of winners so far
14:12 , Mike Jones1.20: Michael O’Sullivan Supreme Novices’ Hurdle (Grade 1 )Race conditions: £150,000 | 2m½f| 8 hurdles | Old Course
Winner: Kopek Des Bordes (4/6); 2) William Munny (8/1); 3) Romeo Coolio (9/2)
2.00: My Pension Expert Arkle Novices’ Chase (Grade 1)Race conditions: £200,000 | 2m | 13 fences | Old Course
Winner: Jango Baie (5/1); 2) Only By Night (25/1); 3) Majborough (1/2)
2.00: My Pension Expert Arkle Novices’ Chase result
14:11 , Mike JonesWinner: Jango Baie (5/1); 2) Only By Night (25/1); 3) Majborough (1/2)
Jango Baie wins the Arkle with incredible finish
14:09 , Mike JonesFeast your eyes on this:
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
2.00: My Pension Expert Arkle Novices’ Chase
14:08 , Mike JonesIt came from nowhere.
That was a great run from Jango Baie, probably handed to him by Majborough’s mistake on the penultimate fence but you can’t fault the final sprint.
The crowds were roaring him in but at 5-1 there wouldn’t have been many punters backing him here at the racecourse.
2.00: My Pension Expert Arkle Novices’ Chase
14:06 , Mike JonesJango Baie!
Where did this come from? L’Eau Du Sud takes the last shakily and looks to be getting caught by Majborough with Only By Night pushing on as well.
Up the final straight and, from way back, Jango Baie finds a new lease of life, he storms up the hill, threads a gap and nudges ahead to win by a head!
2.00: My Pension Expert Arkle Novices’ Chase
14:04 , Mike JonesMajborough loses the lead at the second last with L’Eau Du Sud going ahead.
It looks like a two-horse race for the finish but the rest of the field are close behind....
2.00: My Pension Expert Arkle Novices’ Chase
14:03 , Mike JonesTouch Me Not still holds onto a lead of a length or so at the halfway stage but Majborough is sat off his shoulder and looks poised to make his move.
He eases out in front and they came down the hill with L’Eau Du Sud and Harry Skelton pushing up further back.
2.00: My Pension Expert Arkle Novices’ Chase
14:02 , Mike JonesTouch Me Not has the early lead ahead of favourite Majborough with Jango Baie and L’Eau De Sud neck-and-neck in third and fourth.
2.00pm: My Pension Expert Arkle Novices’ Chase
14:01 , Mike JonesAnd they’re off!
Sir Alex Ferguson is a winner – can his horses follow suit at Cheltenham?
13:58 , Mike JonesSir Alex Ferguson spent a sporting career picking up trophies and it remains a trait he has maintained throughout his retirement.
The most decorated manager British football has ever seen has also enjoyed a successful link with horse racing stretching back decades, although unlike his management career, it hasn’t always been plain sailing.
A much-publicised 2003 dispute with Coolmore supremo John Magnier over unpaid stud fees regarding 2,000 Guineas winner Rock Of Gibraltar, ended in an ugly public row with matters complicated still further by Magnier and business partner JP McManus holding a near quarter share in Manchester United at the time.
Sir Alex Ferguson is a winner – but can his horses do the same at Cheltenham?
Champion Day - Full list of winners so far
13:56 , Mike Jones1.20: Michael O’Sullivan Supreme Novices’ Hurdle (Grade 1 )Race conditions: £150,000 | 2m½f| 8 hurdles | Old Course
Winner: Kopek Des Bordes (4/6); 2) William Munny (8/1); 3) Romeo Coolio (9/2)
2.00pm: Arkle Novices Steeple Chase
13:51 , Mike JonesLooking ahead to the next race this could be anyone’s game.
Majborough is the favourite for Mark Walsh and Willie Mullins but L’Eau Du Sud has the ability to challenge.
With only five runners it may be a two-horse race from the get-go.
'That's the perfect start'
13:46 , Mike JonesJockey Paul Townend is looking to regain his Champion Jockey title from 2024 at the Cheltenhan Festival this week and already has his first winner.
He told ITV Racing: "That's the perfect start to the week. I got in a lovely position but I was at the front sooner than I wanted to be.
"He had a look at the stands, despite the hood and missed the last but picked up. He is a very good horse. I think he can go to the top because he has had so little racing.
“Every day is a school day and he is growing up all the time. He isn't the finished article yet."
Kopek Des Bordes wins the opener
13:42 , Luke BakerA cracking start to the 2025 Cheltenham Festival, with Kopek Des Bordes winning the Michael O'Sullivan Supreme Novices’ Hurdle
Paul Townend emotional after victory
13:31 , Luke BakerPaul Townend clearly emotional after winning that opening race - Michael O'Sullivan Supreme Novices’ Hurdle
He tapped the red and white armband on his arm as he crossed the line and teared up in the post-race interview as he reflected on triumphing in a race dedicated to the late Michael O’Sullivan, who tragically died last month at the age of 24.
Paul Townend pays tribute to Michael O'Sullivan after his #CheltenhamFestival victory ❤️#ITVRacing | @PTownend pic.twitter.com/QzFXOpIxdj
— ITV Racing (@itvracing) March 11, 2025
Cheltenham Festival 2025 underway after Michael O'Sullivan Supreme Novices’ Hurdle
13:29 , Jack Rathborn
-with-girlfriend-and-brother-of-the-late-Michael-OSullivan-Charlotte-Giles-(left.jpeg)
Michael O'Sullivan Supreme Novices’ Hurdle result
13:28 , Luke BakerSupreme performance in the Supreme Novices’ from the favourite Kopek Des Bordes. Owner Charlie McCarthy is delighted, and slightly emotional at the victory.
Supreme Novices’ Hurdle result:
- Kopek Des Bordes 4/6 fav
- William Munny 8/1
- Romeo Coolio 9/2
- Karniquet 33/1
Kopek Des Bordes wins the Michael O'Sullivan Supreme Novices’ Hurdle
13:25 , Luke BakerAnd Kopek Des Bordes holds off everyone else to win the Michael O'Sullivan Supreme Novices’ Hurdle! William Munny pushed him hard but only second place.
Willie Mullins off to the perfect start at Cheltenham. Jockey Paul Townend found plenty down the final straight after a slight stumble at the last
1.20pm: Michael O'Sullivan Supreme Novices’ Hurdle
13:23 , Luke BakerThe pace lifts slightly but it’s still Workahead from Romeo Coolio and then Kopek Des Bordes in third. Those three have a slight gap on the rest of the field.
Tutti Quanti struggling badly - three hurdles to go
Cheltenham Festival 2025 tips: Experts on best bets and 12 horses to watch on day one
08:13 , Luke BakerThe 2025 Cheltenham Festival has arrived and the opening day could see Constitution Hill deliver for punters in the Champion Hurdle, though Brighterdaysahead is also fancied by many.
As ever, Willie Mullins has a number of live contenders in each race and has made the intriguing decision to run Lossiemouth in the Mares' Hurdle instead of the Champion Hurdle.
Here are tips and horses to watch from the experts ahead of day one:
Cheltenham Festival 2025 tips, best bets and horses to watch on day one
