Cheltenham Festival – Day One Review

Sky Bet Supreme Novices Hurdle

The winner of the first race of the festival was 4-1 shot Altior, which was ridden by Nico de Boinville. The Irish horse finished seven lengths clear of the Ruby Walsh ridden Min. Min was the 15/8 favourite going into the race but never looked like catching Altior. Third went place went to Buveur D’air, which was ridden by jockey Noel Fehily.

Racing Post Arkle Challenge Trophy Chase

After his disappointment in the first race, Ruby Walsh secured his first win of the festival on board Douvan. The 1-4 favourite is trained by Willie Mullins and never looked like losing. Second place went to Sizing John, while 33-1 shot Fox Norton finished third.

Ultima Handicap Chase

Twenty three runners made up the field in the third race of the festival, but it was Tom accusatory who secured an impressive victory on board Un Temps Pour Tout. The horse was priced at 11-1 going to the race, but finished ahead of Holywell in second and The Young Master in third. The favourite, Out Sam, failed to make an real impression on the race and finished back in seventh.

Stan James Champion Hurdle Challenge Trophy

Annie Power was heavily fancied going into the race, and the Willie Mullins trained horse didn’t disappoint, as jockey Ruby Walsh picked up his second victory of the day. It maintained the lead throughout the majority of the race, living up to its rage of favourite. My Tent Or Yours finished second, while third place went to Nicholas Canyon, another Mullins trained horse.

OLBG Mares’ Hurdle

The fifth race of the day went to 4/6 favourite Vroum Vroum Mag, as the Walsh and Mullins partnership continued to reap rewards. Rock On The Moor finished second, despite being priced at 66-1 before the race. 40-1 shot Legacy Gold finished in third place.

146th Year Of The National Hunt Chase Challenge Cup

Jonjo O’Neil trained Minella Rocco won the race after bursting clear after the final fence. The horse won by over a length, and held off a late rally from second placed Native River. Measureofmydreams finished in third, holding off the pre-race favourite Southfield Royale which finished fourth.

Close Brothers Novices’ Handicap Chase

The final race of the day was won by Ballyalton, a 12-1 shot ridden by Brian Hughes. Second place went to the Paul Nicholls trained 14-1 priced Bouvreuil, which was ridden by Sam Twiston-Davies. Third place went to Double Shuffle, which was ridden by Paddy Brennan.