Tuesday 11th March - Day One.

It would be a day to saviour for all fans of National Hunt racing. A day that kicks off a week of the sport's elite competitors descend on the hallowed ground of Cheltenham for the 2025 Festival. The biggest and glistening names of the game would all be present; in equine and human form. Four days of the biggest drama and four days of history makers. This is horse racing at its very best. 
The theatre of dreams would open its doors to in excess of 60,000 racegoers from around the country and even further afield. Competitive rivalries on the track and friendly banter between the English and Irish would create an atmosphere unlike no other in racing. Highlights of day one would include the much anticipated Supreme Novice Hurdle, the exciting Mares' Hurdle and the cherry on top of the cake, the showcase Champion Hurdle.

Race One: The Michael O'Sullivan Supreme Novices' Hurdle - Grade One - Two Miles - Runners: 12

The grand opening of the 2025 Festival would be brought in by the championship final for novice two mile hurdlers, the Supreme Novices' Hurdle. The first of four Grade One events of the afternoon has an unsurprisingly deep history of producing top notch horses, including those who weren't successful on the day. Champion Hurdle winners, Champion Chase winners and even Gold Cup winners have been sourced from this race over the decades, including the mercurial talents Altior, Sprinter Sacre, Kicking King, War Of Attrition, Best Mate, Brave Inca and Douvan since the turn of the millenium. Last year, the race lacked slightly in depth of quality with soft ground added into the equation. The Henry de Bromhead-trained Slade Steel would land the festival opener under Rachael Blackmore. The race would also be renamed to honour the late Michael O'Sullivan, a fantastic young jockey who tragically lost his life recently in a fall that rocked the world of horse racing. His breakthrough moment came in this very race when winning on Marine Nationale in 2023. A fitting touch for a young man who still remains firmly in the thoughts of those competing this week.

This year's renewal looked worthy of the prestigious status with plenty of future stars lining up at the tape for the opening contest. Willie Mullins has a stranglehold on the novice hurdling division and that would ring true here with the leading Irish trainer saddling half of the twelve runners going to post. The first five in the racecard would all belong to the Closutton stable and they would be led by Funiculi Funicula. The French recruit joined the yard at the end of last year before winning on Irish debut by a huge margin which stamped his ticket to the Festival. The JP McManus silks would be carried by Irancy, who has seen his career interrupted at various stages. He would remind punters of his talent with a strong travelling success towards the end of last year. The third Mullins horse would be the five year old Karbau. He would have to improve on pure form, but he was another very easy winner last time out and comes from the family of a top chaser. Gigginstown Stud would also have a runner with Willie Mullins in the form of Karniquet. The five year old was a wide margin winner on stable debut and has since run at this level the last two starts. He would be left behind by his stablemate Kopek Des Bordes, who looks to be the next big thing from Closutton. The five year old has looked top class in all three starts, most recently in a Grade One at Leopardstown and was the choice of Paul Townend. He would be all the rage ahead of the opener. The first non-Mullins trained runner would represent old rival Gordon Elliott, the six year old Romeo Coolio. He finished second in the Champion Bumper last season and has progressed to a high level over hurdles this season. He ranked as the biggest threat to the favourite Kopek Des Bordes. The sixth and final runner for Willie Mullins would be the one time antepost favourite Salvator Mundi. The chestnut competed at last year's festival and remains lightly raced. He would overcome plenty of issues to win a Grade Two last time out, finishing late and fast. Last year's winning trainer Henry de Bromhead would be doubly represented here. The longer priced runner would be Sky Lord, who overturned a Mullins hotpot for his first success, but was then overhauled in the final stages in a Grade Two last time. The British challenge would rely on just two runners in a disappointing turnout for the home team. The first would be the locally trained Tripoli Flyer, who has quietly developed into a smart novice. He would join the Supreme fold with an impressive Grade Two win at Kempton last time. Former champion trainer Paul Nicholls would saddle Tutti Quanti here at long odds. The five year old hasn't done much wrong, but his form is a long way short of the required level for this race. There would be a potentially poignant win for the Barry Connell-trained William Munny, who carried the Marine Nationale silks for this year's running. The seven year old was a high class bumper horse last season and took a while to get off the mark over hurdles, but did the job in very impressive style. The twelve strong field would be completed by the dark horse Workahead, representing last year's winning connections Rachael Blackmore and Henry de Bromhead. The seven year old travelled and jumped well when landing a maiden hurdle over Christmas and was pitched straight into this grade.

Winner: KOPEK DES BORDES (#5) (No Risk At All x Miss Berry) - P. Townend - W. Mullins

With bright, sunny skies above them, the packed Cheltenham grandstands came alive as the runners entered the course to take the start. They would produce the traditional roar as the tapes were released to officially open the Festival. The race started at the far corner of the track, but the first hurdle would come fairly quickly. The lightly raced Workahead would jump out into a narrow lead as Romeo Coolio and Karniquet came next in the order. The red hot favourite Kopek Des Bordes would sit handily on the shoulder of the leaders with Karbau, Irancy and Tutti Quanti amongst closely packed in midfied. Salvator Mundi would race keenly as his chances would be hindered early. The leader Workahead would also race keenly as he led the field away from the stands for the first time, accompanied with another cheer from the crowd. 

The pack would make the upward climb along the back straight and reaching the peak of the hill, Romeo Coolio joined Workahead in front as the first sharp bend came upon them. Kopek Des Bordes made a small error earlier in the straight, but travelled ominously well under Paul Townend. Workahead would quickly fold and was disposed with on the run downhill as the yellow and blue silks of William Munny would be next to move into contention. The trio of Romeo Coolio, Kopek Des Bordes and William Munny began to move clear of Karniquet back in fourth, who would be left in a race of his own. A look behind from Paul Townend would show how much confidence he felt at that moment and his mount cruised alongside Romeo Coolio around the home bend. Townend would release the brakes on Kopek Des Bordes and the pair shot into the outright lead. The crowd willed the favourite on, but the race was far from over. William Munny made his challenge at the same time and kept up the pressure on Kopek Des Bordes. At the final hurdle, a messy jump from the favourite saw him needing to regain balance, but the stamina came into play and Kopek Des Bordes was able to maintain his two length advantage all the way to the line. William Munny gave it his all to return in second while the early leader Romeo Coolio settled for a well held third, with another gap back to Karniquet in fourth.

It would be a dream start to the Festival as the punters' friends Willie Mullins and Paul Townend combined once again to justify short priced favouritism. It would be a seventh success in this contest for the stable and this year's winner looks set to join the very best of those former winners. The five year old son of No Risk At All first announced himself at last year's Fairyhouse festival by winning the highly valuable George Mernagh Bumper by a wide margin. This season, he wouldn't be sighted until the Christmas period at Leopardstown, where he emerged from the gloomy fog to win a maiden hurdle effortlessly. Given the high regard he was held in, the gelding was then promoted straight into Grade One company at the Dublin Racing Festival, where he showed his true talent. Cruising through the race and jumping with consumate ease, he looked out of the very top draw. Questions would be pitched about his temperament and the potential of boiling over in the red hot atmosphere of Cheltenham. There would be none of that however as the first time hood kept the horse relaxed. Such is the strength in depth of Willie Mullins' team, Kopek Des Bordes was allocated this race instead of the Turners Novice over half a mile further as there is another short priced favourite in that race. The last hurdle blunder did nothing to halt his progress and he stayed on strongly up the hill to remain unbeaten in four starts. A half brother to a winner over three miles, the future is golden for Kopek Des Bordes wherever he goes next season. 

Race Two: The My Pension Expert Arkle Challenge Novices' Chase - Grade One - Two Miles, One Furlong - Runners: 5
The quality continued with the first of the chasing events, the Arkle Novices' Chase. The Grade One contest is often a rollercoaster ride of speed and agility which separates the men from the boys. This race is often the natural stepping stone for the previous year's crop of novice hurdlers, a fact that is backed up by some of the previous winners. Altior, Shishkin and Douvan have all completed the Supreme and Arkle double in recent seasons, as other leading two milers have also contested this event such as Un De Sceaux, Azertyuiop and Moscow Flyer. This year, much of the pre-race talk was about Nicky Henderson's exceptional talent Sir Gino, but he would be an absentee this year following a life threatening illness. It would reduce much of the excitement of this year's race, but those who lined up were equally top class racehorses.

Just five horses would go to post, but the race looked very competitive with five different stables represented. Heading the field would be Jango Baie, who filled the shoes of Sir Gino for the Nicky Henderson stable. The six year old has yet to finish out of the first two in all starts and made a very smart chasing debut here in December. Last time out, he went down all guns blazing over two and a half miles at Sandown, narrowly denied at Grade One level. He dropped back to the minimal trip and jumps well. Leading the home charge would be Dan Skelton's flying grey L'Eau du Sud. The seven year old has done everything asked of him so far and won a Grade One at the end of last year. He is also a previous course and distance winner so had plenty of claims. Willie Mullins would be aiming for a rapid double with the JP McManus-owned Majborough. Despite being a five year old, he casts an imposing figure and is made for fences. He was nimble enough to win last year's Triumph Hurdle at the festival and this has been the season-long target. A second Irish challenger would be Gordon Elliott's Touch Me Not, who has run to a smart level this season. The six year old won over fences at the second attempt and has chased home both L'Eau Du Sud and Majborough in recent starts. The final runner of the quintet would be the mare Only By Night, representing the Gavin Cromwell stable. The in form seven year old received 7lbs from her rivals and jumped well when winning a listed race at Exeter last time out. 

Winner: JANGO BAIE (#1) (Tiger Groom x Tennessee) - N. De Boinville - N. Henderson

The thrilling spectacle of the Arkle Novice Chase would get underway at the first attempt from the starter. The guaranteed stayer Jango Baie was sent straight to the front by Nico De Boinville and was joined by Touch Me Not under Jack Kennedy. The pair would help to force the pace in the early stages and produced excellent leaps over the first few fences. The two market rivals L'Eau Du Sud and Majborough came next in the order as the mare Only By Night opted to sit quietly behind a good pace. Turning away from the stands and out into the country, Jango Baie started to struggle with the strong pace and gradually lost ground on his rivals. It would promote the strong travelling Majborough into second place, pressing Touch Me Not. L'Eau Du Sud was another to enjoy himself as Only By Night remained at the rear, but approaching the downhill descent, the early leader Jango Baie found himself at the rear of the group. 
The race had changed complexion all together as the race reached its boiling point. Rounding the home bend, Majborough took up the running as L'Eau Du Sud gave chase. The eye was drawn to the outside however as Only By Night had crept into contention and made it three in a line approaching the second last. The favourite Majborough rose first, but made a shuddering error by jumping through the base of the fence. Horse and rider did brilliantly to remain as one, but it blew the race wide open. It would leave L'Eau Du Sud in a narrow lead as Only By Night drew alongside at the final fence. Majborough was also far from finished and it produced a grandstand finish. Only By Night jumped into the lead under a well judged challenge but Majborough kept responding for pressure. L'Eau Du Sud began to struggle off the bridle, but from even further back, Jango Baie re-entered the fray with a barnstorming late surge. As the trio ahead battled hard, Jango Baie was lifted home by Nico de Boinville to steal the race on the line. It would be a finish that defied belief as four of the five runners would be seperated by just two lengths. Only By Night would finish an unlucky second, just in front of Majborough who surely would have gone closer without the error two fences out.

It would be an inspired "never give up" ride from Nico De Boinville on Jango Baie, who at one point was badly outpaced. Helping to set the rapid early gallop, he would be overtaken at halfway by speedier types, but as tiredness on the run in kicked in, Jango Baie's stamina came into effect. It would be an unlikely success, but a well earned one due to his consistency so far. A very smart hurdler last season, the seven year old made a seamless chasing debut at this venue earlier in the season. He was campaigned over further and was beaten by the smallest of margins in the Scilly Isles Novice at Sandown last month. Having been targeted at the three mile novice chase later in the week, Jango Baie was a last minute replacement for Sir Gino. By winning the Arkle here, he has shown plenty of tactical speed and versatility. He will be an exciting sort over middle distances next year for the Henderson camp.

Race Three: The Ultima Handicap Chase - Grade Three - Three Miles, One Furlong - Runners: 24

After the excitement of the two mile speedsters in the Supreme and Arkle, the pace would be reduced as the first handicap of the festival took place; the Ultima Chase. This has always been an ultra competitive handicap to decipher as many of the runners are warming up next month's Grand National. The link with Aintree has seen the likes of West Tip, Seagram and Corach Rambler all complete the double and this year's running could provide more clues for this year's National. Last year, the Kim Bailey-trained Chianti Classico continued his rise through the ranks with an impressive success under jockey David Bass.

The weights would be headed by Trelawne, who represented last year's winning stable of Kim Bailey and Mat Nicholls. THe seven year old was strongly fancied in this race last year but fell at the second fence, but this season he won on seasonal comeback and ran well in defeat on his next two starts. Ten year old Farouk d'Alene was a very smart chaser on his day for Gordon Elliott, winning a Grade Two and was last seen running in the Grand National. However this season, he has joined the much smaller stable of Gary Brown and made his first start in nearly eleven months in this tricky contest. Another seven year old, second season chaser in the lineup would be Broadway Boy for the Nigel Twiston-Davies stable. He has been a natural over fences in his short career, winning over course and distance in late 2023 and has since placed in the Ladbrokes Trophy at Newbury. His main aim is the Grand National next month. A former high class hurdler took his place in this race as Zanahiyr lined up for the Gordon Elliott stable. The eight year old finished third in a Champion Hurdle a few years ago but hasn't been as fluent over fences. Despite this, he has finished in the frame in competitive handicaps this season. Another former Grade One winner added quality to the line up. The Paul Nicholls-trained Stay Away Fay won the Albert Bartlett Novice Hurdle as recently as 2023, but his career has fallen apart over fences having once looked a great prospect. He has plenty to prove now following three non-completions. Trainer Venetia Williams is a dab hand with staying handicap chasers and has another highly progressive one in the form of Victtorino. The seven year old pulled up in this race last year but has been better than ever with two narrow victories in Ascot handicaps over the winter. The Gordon Elliott and Gigginstown Stud combination would be represented by Search For Glory, who has pieces of very good form in his book. The seven year old was narrowly denied in a Grade Three before finishing third at Grade One level over Christmas. His latest start saw him run well on first attempt at a handicap. Ben Pauling would saddle Henry's Friend in this contest and the eight year old was on an upward curve prior to last year's festival. The Grade Two winner pulled up in the National Hunt Chase, but has returned to form recently by winning the prestigious Mandarin Handicap Chase at Newbury over Christmas. The father-son team of jockey Jack and trainer Paul Gilligan often send runners across to Cheltenham and did so again here with Sequestered. The seven year old improved with each start over fences this season and was an impressive winner over three miles two starts ago. He then bettered that run when second in a valuable Leopardstown handicap chase. The iconic Trevor Hemmings silks were carried to victory in this race back in 2021 with Vintage Clouds and this season, the nine year old Famous Bridge wore them for trainer Nicky Richards. He would finish fourth in this race last year and responded to first time cheekpieces by winning the Grand National Trial at Haydock last month. A second runner in the yellow, green and white silks would be Richmond Lake for the Donald McCain yard. The nine year old hasn't won since late 2023, but he has posted excellent runs in defeat in races such as the Grand Sefton and Peter Marsh Chases. Gavin Cromwell would be send over the mare Malina Girl. The eight year old has won over longer distances in the past and just missed out on a spot in last year's Grand National. This season, she has run well in graded contests and chased home a much improved sort at Exeter. One of the leading contenders in the race would be the Joe Tizzard-trained The Changing Man, who broke a streak of second placings this season when winning the Reynoldstown Novice Chase at Ascot by a huge margin. Happygolucky finished second in this contest in 2021 before landing a similar prize at Aintree. Injury issues have kept him away from the track in recent seasons and he now makes his debut for the Mel Rowley stable having recently made his comeback. The seven year old King Turgeon has plenty of experience over fences from his time in France, but David Pipe's grey showed a liking for the Grand National fences by winning the Grand Sefton at Aintree in October. He then followed up in a similar contest in December to set up an assault at Festival glory. The Alan King stable would be saddle the nine year old Grandeur d'Ame. The French bred gelding won a useful prize on seasonal reappearance at Chepstow, but was caught on the line at this venue in January and this would be his first try over three miles. Gold Cup winning trainer Jonjo O'Neill would saddle another candidate in the form of Crebilly. The eight year old finished second in the Plate Handicap Chase at last year's festival and he would be a threat to all if a return to this venue revitalises him. Sam Thomas's Katate Dori has seen his career explode into life since switching to fences this season. The seven year old has won three times since New Year's Day, including in spectacular style at Kempton recently in a similar contest. Lucinda Russell won this race twice in succession with Corach Rambler and this year was represented by Whistle Stop Tour. The seven year old held alternative entries, but flew the flag for Scotland having won twice in novice company this season. Another with past Festival form would be the Venetia Williams-trained Frero Banbou, who lined up in his fourth Cheltenham Festival. The ten year old was very game to win the Rehearsal Chase at Newcastle in November and has placed twice at this festival. Guard Your Dreams has been a very smart hurdler in previous seasons for the Nigel Twiston-Davies stable but hasn't matched those achievements over fences so far. The nine year old has been well held despite finishing around the frame in handicap company this season. Lightly raced chasers from the Henry de Bromhead are often feared in British handicaps and this time he would be represented by The Short Go. The eight year old finished second here in October but fell at the halfway stage when fancied in the Troytown Chase when last seen.  A second runner for the Grand National winning trainer Lucinda Russell would be the novice Myretown. The eight year old has been brought along with patience by his trainer and this season has seen it paid back in style. He would produce a great jumping display when winning for the second time at Kelso last month. The hair stylist-cum-racehorse trainer Sheila Lewis saddled her star Straw Fan Jack in this contest. Now a ten year old, he has flown the flag for the stable and once finished fourth in an Arkle before finishing third in handicap company at last year's festival. 

Winner: MYRETOWN (#23) (Dylan Thomas x Mrs Platinum) - P. Wadge - L. Russell

Race Four: The Close Brothers Mares' Hurdle - Grade One - Two Miles, Four Furlongs - Runners: 11

The first leg of a top quality sixty minute period would begin with the second double header of Grade Ones. This time, it would be the mares whose turn it was to take to the stage. A relatively new race having been instated in 2008, the race has rapidly grown in stature and produced wonderful memories. From Quevega's six wins in this race to the recent domination of Willie Mullins-trained runners, the two and a half mile contest has also produced Champion Hurdle winners of subsequent years. Annie Power's final hurdle heartbreak was followed by Champion Hurdle winning brilliance twelve months later, while the exceptional Honeysuckle picked up this prize in 2020 before going on to become a dual Champion Hurdle victor. 2023 would also produce a highly emotional scene as Honeysuckle produced a win that could have been written in Hollywood on what would be her final race. The Irish have claimed this race as their own as all bar two of the renewals have been taken back across the Irish Sea. Last year, the hugely talented Lossiemouth cruised through to add another Grade One to her tally for Willie Mullins.

Much of the pre-race talk had been regarding the participation of three brilliant mares in this contest, defending champion Lossiemouth, the outstanding Brighterdaysahead and the up and comer Golden Ace. Just one of the three would opt for this contest, the strongly fancied Lossiemouth.

The card would be headed by the locally based Casa No Mento, trained by Nigel Twiston-Davies. The seven year old was progressive as a novice last season, winning at Punchestown, but she has finished in the minor placings this year and stepped up in trip here. Another Cotswold stable would be represented as Fergal O'Brien saddled Dysart Enos in this contest. The seven year old was one of the bankers of last season's festival, but was ruled out on the morning of the mares' novice hurdle. This year, she has run well in some strong handicaps and would be looking to make amends. The first of the Willie Mullins-trained mares would be Gala Marceau, a former Grade One winner as a juvenile. The six year old last won just under two years ago and only managed sixth in this race last year. She looked badly in need of the run when only third at Warwick in February. The second of the Willie Mullins runners would be the exciting young mare Jade De Grugy, who looked set for this level with a classy victory on seasonal return recently. The six year old lost her unbeaten tag at this meeting last year before winning a Grade One on next start. She looks to be the latest star mare from the Mullins conveyor belt. Jessie Harrington landed the Champion Hurdle with Jezki in 2014 and the family has continued at the highest level with the seven year old Jetara. She has plenty of experience to rely on and returned to winning ways over three miles at Doncaster last time out. Nicky Henderson has won Champion Hurdles in the past with mares, as well as this race in 2022, but this year he supplemented the grey Joyeuse into the field. The six year old lost her unbeaten tag this season but was emphatic in winning the Betfair Hurdle at Newbury last time out. Henry de Bromhead is another trainer with a talent for training mares and relied on the improving July Flower in this year's renewal. The six year old spent a spell in France where she was a very smart mare before making a winning return to Ireland last time out. She wouldn't be out of the question either. Gordon Elliott would fill the Brighterdaysahead-shaped hole in the race with Kala Conti, a five year old mare. She was a very smart juvenile last season with a Grade Two success, but has yet to prove herself at the very top so far. She started off this season with a good handicap win and has finished second twice since then. Last year's hero Lossiemouth put her title on the line as connections finally opted for this race over the Champion Hurdle. The brilliant grey is now a dual Festival winner and was sublime in the rain last year. She was put in her place by Constitution Hill at Kempton and took a heavy fall at Leopardstown, but her ability was still at full capacity.  The Harry Derham-trained Queens Gamble was a very smart bumper horse a few years ago and despite not reaching the heights expected over hurdles, she is still worthy of her place in this field. The listed race winner was last seen finishing sixth in a handicap hurdle in Ireland. Dan Skelton would be represented by Take No Chances here. She has improved plenty this season over two miles and picked up a second win of the season at Ascot, getting the better of Kargese in a driving finish. She would also be on the rise. 

Winner: LOSSIEMOUTH (#9) (Great Pretender x Mariner's Light) - P. Townend - W. Mullins

Race Five: The Unibet Champion Hurdle Challenge Trophy - Grade One - Two Miles - Runners: 7
The highlight of day one would see the 2025 running of the Champion Hurdle. The ultimate thrill of National Hunt racing, eight hurdles stand in the way of the competitors in a race that everyone wants to win. First run in 1927, some of the biggest names and greatest of all time have engraved their name on the famous trophy and this year's contest would determine who would follow in the hoof prints of Dawn Run, See You Then, Istabraq, Hatton's Grace, Sea Pigeon, Hurricane Fly and so many fantastic horses of bygone eras. 
In recent years, Cheltenham memories have been produced on track by the brilliance of the mare Honeysuckle in 2021 and 2022 as well as Constitution Hill's romp in 2023. Twelve months ago, the defending champion missed the festival but it was left for State Man to deservedly take this historic prize in a heavy ground slog.

The class of 2025 would see a small but select field, with a mouth-watering clash on the cards. Heading the racecard would be last season's top class juvenile Burdett Road, who has coped with the step into open company with aplomb. The star of James Owen's yard won the Greatwood Hurdle on seasonal return and has gone well in trial races since then. The mercurial talent Constitution Hill is one of the best hurdlers of any generation and has carried all before him so far. Nicky Henderson's eight year remains unbeaten and has produced jaw dropping performances in the past. He overcame health issues last year and showed he was back in business at Kempton over Christmas before warming up in January. He would be exceptionally hard to beat on all known form. Gordon Elliott held the key to the potential early gallop. The Cullentra handler added King Of Kingsfield to the field as a potential pace setter, tactics which were used to good effect in the Nevilles Hotel Hurdle over Christmas at Leopardstown, which was won by Brighterdaysahead. Last year's winner State Man has been an underrated type in recent seasons, but he has won eleven Grade Ones since 2022. Willie Mullins's ten year old has shown signs of age this season, but benefited from Lossiemouth's fall in the Irish Champion Hurdle last time to return to winning ways. His stablemate Winter Fog would be the eldest runner of the field at the age of eleven, but he has been in top form this season. He has returned in the podium places in Grade One company recently, but merely picking up the pieces. A pair of top class mares lined up in the race, both receiving a healthy 7lb allowance from their rivals. Brighterdaysahead has lived up to her trainer Gordon Elliott's expectations this season and has gotten the better of State Man on her last two starts. Most recently at Leopardstown, she thrashed last year's Champion Hurdler by thirty lengths to enter the conversation in this race. Next up would be the star of Jeremy Scott's stable, Golden Ace. The seven year old landed the Mares' Novice Hurdle at this meeting last year, but was initially disappointing this season. After being nursed back to full fitness, she was very tough to win the Kingwell Hurdle at Wincanton last time out. 

Winner: GOLDEN ACE (#7) - (Golden Horn x Deuce Again) - L. Williams - J. Scott

Race Six: The Fred Winter Juvenile Premier Handicap Hurdle - Class One - Two Miles - Runners: 22

The second of the fiendishly difficult handicap puzzles would see the turn of the juvenile hurdles with the Fred Winter Handicap Hurdle. The contest, open to four year olds, is often a cavalry charge of eager youngsters who perhaps didn't reach the expectations of the Triumph Hurdle level. Since the first running in 2005, a vast range of horses have won this contest - those with light weights sneaking to those defying hefty tasks to the well backed gambles and long priced shockers; this race is often unpredictable. Last year, a substantial gamble on the Joseph O'Brien-trained Lark In The Mornin was landed to leave punters in a joyous mood as the horse returned to the winner's enclosure. 

This year's top weight would belong to the Irish raider Wendrock, for the Gordon Elliott stable. The grey defeated a solid yardstick on second start over hurdles, but was quickly dispatched when taking in a Grade One last time out. The filly Murcia arrived at the Willie Mullins stable earlier in the season with plenty of interest around her, but she has been turned over on both starts in Ireland. The latest run was much more like it when going down by a neck at Fairyhouse. Another French recruit for Willie Mullins would be Sony Bill, who ran to a good level in his home country and has competed against stablemates in Graded contests so far this season. Despite losing home grown talent to Ireland, the French would have a leading contender in their own right in Stencil. The Noel George and Amanda Zetterholm-trained gelding was left behind by East India Dock on trials day here in January, but did enough to suggest he was capable of going well here. Gavin Cromwell has a strong team of juvenile hurdlers for Cheltenham and was represented by Total Look. The grey scored on debut in November before just missing out in a three-way photo over course and distance. His only start since was another good effort in defeat and he ranked as an interesting contender. A second runner for the green and gold silks of JP McManus would be the Joseph O'Brien-trained Puturhandstogether. The gelding defied his predominantly speedy pedigree to win at the second time of asking over hurdles and travelled smoothly last time out when finishing second at Fairyhouse in February. Another transfer from the flat sphere would be Slurricane for the Ross O'Sullivan stable. He is another to be bred for pace, but has adapted well into this new discipline. After four successive placings, he finally shed his maiden tag at Punchestown at the end of January. A second runner for the Gavin Cromwell stable would be Robbies Rock, a son of Epsom Derby winner Masar. The gelding would be kept busy throughout 2024 on both the flat and over hurdles, winning on his penultimate start at the fifth attempt over hurdles. One of the leading British hopes would be Warren Greatrex's Quantock Hills, who wouldn't be out of place in the Triumph Hurdle. The gelding has won twice for the yard since arriving from France, including when dead heating for first over course and distance back in December. He would share the honours that day with the reopposing Terriferma, trained by Jack Jones. Having started his career in Ireland, the four year old finished ahead of Quantock Hills on their latest run on trials day. The totally unexposed Irish challenger Holy See lined up for William Durkan after just three starts to date. He was sent off favourite in a useful contest but only managed fourth, but this new scenario could play to his strengths. One of the more experienced runners in the line up would be the Harry Derham-trained Turn And Finish. The gelding showed promise in Ireland before joining current connections at the turn of the year. He would get off the mark by a narrow margin on his seventh start. A strong contender for the up and coming trainer James Owen would be the classy and well bred Liam Swagger. He would win a listed race on second start over hurdles but suffered a shock reverse last time out. He has since warmed up in style with a smooth victory on the flat at Southwell. Yet another runner for the Irish would be the grey Solar Drive from the Paul Flynn stable. The gelding improved throughout the summer on the flat and continued his progress to hurdles where he finished second in the Scottish Triumph Hurdle at Musselburgh a month ago. Next up would be the Andrew Kinirons-trained Irish raider Luker's Tipple. The flat recruit has already surpassed his old achievements by finishing second on his first two starts in Ireland and was close up when falling at the last hurdle at Musselburgh last month. Conor Maxwell's Kool One showed a liking for stamina when winning for the first time on the flat at the eighth attempt, but he has performed with credit over hurdles. Finishing inside the first three on all three starts to date, his latest placing came in a Grade Three contest. Mister Cessna looked a future stayer when ploughing home on heavy ground to win in his native France before moving to the Cotswolds with Fergal O'Brien. After a low key British debut in the Finale Hurdle, he was much better on his latest start when giving the smart Viyanni a race at Ludlow. One of the many leading contenders in the race would line up for last year's winning trainer Joseph O'Brien, the JP McManus-trained Beyond Your Dreams. The filly improved with racing through last year and has since produced solid form lines over hurdles. Her latest start saw her win comfortably and she sneaked into the race with a low weight. The Anthony Charlton-trained Moutarde has already amassed twenty-two starts as a four year old, but clearly thrives on racing. Starting out in Ireland, he joined his current stable and won twice in Britain earlier in the season. He would be in the process of running well when falling at the last at Musselburgh. Another with plenty of past racing experience would be Static, who made his debut for new connections in this hot contest. The four year old has been passed around various stables in France and had a couple of unfortunate experiences in his home country. Since moving to Britain, he has raced solely in pattern company and placed twice, including here in November. He would be involved in the carnage at the final hurdle at Musselburgh in February. Yet another flat based trainer with a runner here would be Tom Dascombe with Hot Fuss. The sprint bred gelding was very smart on the flat and has run to a good level over hurdles so far. After winning on his second start, he then finished fourth in a Grade Two at Chepstow before warming up with a smooth success back on the flat at Southwell. Another talented flat recruit to the jumps scene would be James Owen's Lavender Hill Mob. The gelding comes from a very classy family and ran to a high standard on the flat, but has been a shade disappointing over hurdles. He would be well beaten when favourite last time at Haydock.

Winner: PUTURHANDSTOGETHER (#6) (Caravaggio x Round Of Applause) - M. Walsh - J. O'Brien

Race Seven: The National Hunt Challenge Cup Novices' Chase - Class Two - Three Miles, Six Furlongs - Runners: 18
The closing contest of a memorable first day of the festival was brought to an end with the longest race of the entire meeting, the National Hunt Chase for novices. The marathon test is also a race steeped in history, having been inaugurated in 1890; making it the oldest race of the Festival. Recent changes have been made to the race for horse welfare and this year sees the contest raced as a handicap; as well as being ran just shy of four miles. The race has been a source of stout stayers in the past such as Cross Country Chase runner up Galvin, Grand National third placed Gaillard du Mesnil and most famously, dual Grand National winner Tiger Roll.  Twelve months ago, the prize went to Ireland once again as Corbetts Cross appeared to join the race at the final race, such was the way he rocketed away up the run in. This year, his main aim is the Gold Cup.

Carrying top weight in this new look contest would be Duffle Coat, representing the Gordon Elliott stable who have won this race three times in the last ten years. The eight year old grey landed his only win over fences in the Mayo National in May before a career best effort when second in the Galway Plate. A second grey in the lineup would be Resplendent Grey for the Olly Murphy stable. The seven year old won on chasing debut before finishing second on his next two starts, including over an extended three miles here. On his latest start, he struggled to cope with a shorter trip. A second runner for the Gordon Elliott stable would be Stuzzikini, who has relished a staying trip this season by winning the Troytown Chase in November. Jumping errors would plague his latest start in the Thyestes Chase, but this trip would suit. Captain Cody would be a potentially poignant winner of this race and Willie Mullins's seven year old has solid festival form in the past. He has shaped with promise over marathon trips recently, including a third to Three Card Brag last time out. One of the biggest fancies in the race would be Gavin Cromwell's Now Is The Hour, who looked to be an ideal candidate for this race after a staying on fourth in his latest start. The former Grade Two winner looks a typical improver from the yard. Another improving sort in the field would be Haiti Couleurs, who was aiming to give Rebecca Curtis a first win in the race since 2013. The eight year old was strong at the finish over three miles here in December and wasn't disgraced in defeat at Newbury last time out. David Maxwell would own and ride the Venetia Williams-trained In d'Or. The French recruit won back to back handicap chases either side of New Year before getting caught close home at Sandown on heavy ground. The sole runner in the field for Jonjo and AJ O'Neill would be Hasthing, who also wore the JP McManus silks. The eight year old has always been held in good regard at the stable and won twice over fences this season. He wouldn't be disgraced when fourth in a strong Ascot handicap chase last time. Neil Mulholland's eight year old Transmission is progressing nicely and has raced exclusively at Cheltenham this season. After finishing second on chase debut in October, he went one better in an amateur riders' event. He then gave Haiti Couleurs a race back in December and his latest appearance came over hurdles in the Cleeve Hurdle. Another Irish runner would be No Time To Wait, for the John O'Connell stable. The seven year old has yet to win over fences in three attempts, but performed much better last time out at Musselburgh. Rock My Way won a Grade Two at this venue back in 2023 and it feels like the seven year old has been around for much longer. He would gain a belated first win over fences at Doncaster in November but was comfortably held at the same venue two months later. Gericault Roque is another to have form dating back as far as 2022, but the nine year old has been sporadically seen on the track. David Pipe's runner was second in the Ultima Handicap three years ago and has raced just three times since. He is still capable when on song. Another improving sort for the home team would be Herakles Westwood, trained by Warren Greatrex. The eight year old won on chasing debut before following up next time, but was outpaced over a flat three miles at Newbury last time out. This time last year, the Willie Mullins-trained Klarc Kent was in much better form and even finished in the frame of the Scottish National. This season though, the nine year old has been out of sorts and needed to bounce back to his best. Another nine year old in the field would be Kyntara, who produced his best effort of last season when third in the Pertemps Final Handicap at the festival. Mel Rowley's runner has finished just out of the placings on both starts over larger obstacles this season. Irish trainer Mouse Morris has won Grand Nationals in the past and his latest star staying chaser would be Caesar Rock. The nine year old has been running over fences since 2022, but incredibly has yet to win in nineteen starts. He would make a step up in distance for this contest though. The youngest horse in the race would complete the lineup, the six year old Jupiter Allen for the Jane Williams stable. The youngster has shown a great attitude in his two wins so far, both by narrow margins.

Winner: HAITI COULEURS (#6) - (Dragon Dancer x Inchala) - B. Jones - R. Curtis