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: 11

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 British challenge was originally two fold, but a last minute withdrawal of the Fergal O'Brien-trained Tripoli Flyer left just one horse to fly the flag for the home team. 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

The Ultima is often an impossible race to start on time with twenty four excited handicap chasers lining up in front of the packed enclosures with a small holding pen. A false start would be called by the starter, but those who galloped away didn't get too far away. Once all the runners were lined up again, but for a second time the starter wasn't satisfied. At the third and final attempt, a standing start was needed. Some anticipated it better for others, but the race would get underway.

The first fence would claim a victim as the talented hurdler Guard Your Dreams making a bad mistake and leaving jockey 

Kielan Woods with an early bath. The lightly weighted Myretown would get a flyer at the start and was sent into the early lead under Paddy Wadge. He would be joined up front by Frero Banbou's big white face and the pair would put in an exhibition of jumping in the early stages. The pack would be tightly bunched behind the leaders as the field turned away from the stands for the first time. At the fourth fence, another classy hurdler in Zanahiyr would exit the race after an error which made a mess of the fence. The well fancied contender The Changing Man would race prominently throughout with Richmond Lake and the grey King Turgeon. Passing the stands once again, there would few changes in the order as Myretown looked to enjoy himself up front and started to gain control of the race. Leading fancies Katate Dori and Broadway Boy would make a series of errors throughout and both would be pulled up once their chance had gone. As the race reached the boiling point, Myretown travelled strongly as one by one his rivals faded away. Rounding the bend, The Changing Man made it two novices in contention at the second last and Malina Girl had crept into contention. Happygolucky was another to make forward progress in a race he has gone well in before and there would be a great finish in store. Another fine leap at the second last saw Myretown go clear approaching the final fence. Punters and connections would hold their breath approaching the last, but the leader produced another inch perfect leap which produced spectacular images. Landing full of running, the eight year old bounded away up the run in to win by eleven lengths. A yawning gap would go back to The Changing Man who did the best he could for second, ahead of the Irish challenger Malina Girl keeping on into third. Happygolucky would return to his best form in this race with another placing. 

It would be an amazing third win in the space of three years for Grand National winning trainer Lucinda Russell. The last gasp exploits of 2022 and 2023's winner Corach Rambler would be reversed by Myretown's free running jumping exhibition. The eight year old is still a novice and snuck into the race with a very low weight. His record hasn't been flawless, but his jumping ability is clearly a strong suit. Winning over fences at the second time of asking on Boxing Day at Wetherby, he would take an uncharacteristic fall at Warwick when reaching for a fence. He would make amends on his latest start with a similar all the way display. This wide margin success would move the aggregate of his chase wins to forty lengths. The stable have been carried at major festivals by Ahoy Senor in recent seasons, but this up and coming chaser looks tailor made to replace his stablemate in the big races. 

Race Four: The Close Brothers Mares' Hurdle - Grade One - Two Miles, Four Furlongs - Runners: 10

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 Dysart Enos, trained in the Cotswolds by popular trainer Fergal O'Brien. 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

The sun would make a welcome appearance just in time for the race to warm up the pre Champion Hurdle atmosphere. Tactics in this race would be interesting, but once the tapes were released for this two and a half mile contest, Jade De Grugy would kick on into a clear lead under Danny Mullins. She would round the first bend into the home straight with a four length advantage over the two greys Lossiemouth and Joyeuse. Jetara would sit just behind the leaders with July Flower and Kala Conti as Take No Chances was held up at the rear on this return to a longer trip.

Having been sent into a big lead early on to inject some early pace, Jade De Grugy would come back to the chasing pack. Lossiemouth began to race keenly at the mid stage part of the race. Free wheeling down the hill and approaching the second last hurdle, Lossiemouth began to enjoy herself and picked up the bridle once again. The brilliant grey round the bend and cruised onto the shoulder of Jade de Grugy as they eyed up the final climb. Paul Townend would press the accelerator and his mare responded instantly, jumping the final hurdle like a fresh horse, Lossiemouth breezed up the hill and towards a third Festival success. The race would be called a long way from home as Jade De Grugy held on for a well earned second. Take No Chances finished well into third, vindicating the Skelton's decision to run here. Back in fourth would be the strong stayer Jetara.

The big talking point would be the eleventh hour switch to this race for Lossiemouth, who swerved the Champion Hurdle for this contest. It would be a justified decision as the hugely likeable grey mare made it three Cheltenham Festival wins in a row. Back in 2023, she burst onto the scene by beating the boys in the Triumph Hurdle before returning twelve months later to land this race in similarly easy style. Lossiemouth defeated the champion stayer Teahupoo on seasonal comeback in the Hatton's Grace Hurdle in November before setting up an epic duel with Constitution Hill in the Christmas Hurdle at Kempton. She would be outpaced from the word go, but kept on into second that day. Last time out, she would take on another Champion Hurdler in the form of State Man, but an uncharacteristic mistake saw her crash out of the race at the halfway stage. Trainer Willie Mullins and owner Rich Ricci decided on coming here as they felt the mare wasn't in the same form at home. She would show her brilliance in the glistening sunshine. The seven year old would be winning her tenth race from thirteen starts, a very impressive record.

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

The parade ring would become a hive of activity and space would be at a premium as racegoers crammed around the ring to catch a glimpse of these superstar equine athletes. The quiet hush would soon start to buzz as the horses took to the walkway onto the course as many took to their phones to get a photo of Constitution Hill. However, no one would predict what would happen in the next five minutes of racing action. 

The runners got away to a clean start, accompanied by the Cheltenham roar and as expected, King Of Kingsfield went straight into the lead, setting the gallop for stablemate Brighterdaysahead, who raced in a clear second. Constitution Hill would race in third alongside the second mare Golden Ace, just ahead of Burdett Road and State Man. The second Mullins runner Winter Fog would bring up the rear as the horses went out into the countryside. Nicky Henderson's champion raced a shade keenly, but was never far away around the outside as the pack reached the top of the hill. At the fourth last hurdle, Brighterdaysahead brushed through the top of the hurdle and as the hurdle rebounded back, it would clip the ankle of Constitution Hill. In a shocking few seconds which felt like slow motion, the king was toppled and Constitution Hill crashed out of the race, hitting the ground and sending a shockwave around the racing world. Luckily though, both he and Nico de Boinville would get back to their feet and escape injury.

With a stunned silence filling the air, the race continued to heat up. The pacesetter King Of Kingsfield quickly faded out of contention and it was left for the mare Brighterdaysahead to lead the field in. Last year's winner State Man was cruising and skipped around the home bend, setting sail for home. He left the mare standing and soon opened up a five length lead approaching the final hurdle. it looked set for a repeat of last year. With the race in his hands, State Man brushed the top of the hurdle and was sent crumbling into the turf. Paul Townend went from hero to zero in the space of seconds and caused chaos in the process. Golden Ace had stayed on into second before the last, but inherited the lead. The seas would part for the mare and Lorcan Williams could hardly believe his luck. Golden Ace rocketed up the hill to land an famous and unlikely victory. Burdett Road was badly hampered as Brighterdaysahead swerved in avoidance at the last hurdle, but was another shock runner up. In one of the unlikeliest trifectas in history, Winter Fog picked up the pieces to take third at the expense of Brighterdaysahead.

The showpiece event of day one would be a vivid depiction of how exciting and unpredictable live sport can be. The headlines that had been prepared before the race were quickly deleted and replaced by this fairytale story. Jeremy Scott is a trainer of just thirty five horses in the heartlands of Dorset and his top class mare Golden Ace has propelled his name into the spotlight. A divide of opinions between trainer and owner regarding which race to go for, but the owner Ian Gosden won the argument which led to this moment. Lining up in a red hot renewal of the Champion Hurdle, the seven year old mare arrived in peak form after a gritty success in Wicanton's Elite Hurdle, which has produced winners of this race in the past. She would suffer a slight injury scare after that run, but made it to the festival. Last year's Mares Novice Hurdle had been criticised earlier in the season following a pair of below par races, but she returned to her absolute best. She may have been the beneficiary of good fortune, but the old adage of "You have to be in to win it" rang true here. In a race with many outcomes predicted, no one will have expected what happened in this year's running. It would one for the smaller stable and the parade ring was turned into a football stadium-like atmosphere, singing Jeremy Scott's name with glee.

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

As the dust began to settle from the Champion Hurdle fallout, the runners were in the parade ring for the stars of years to come in the Fred Winter Handicap. 

As expected, this contest would be run at a rapid pace with plenty of flat bred runners jumping at speed, but it would be the French-trained Stencil who set out into the lead. He then took over the outright lead from Holy See at the second hurdle, jumping it fluently ahead of the likes of Sony Bill, Slurricane and Murcia to name a few. Despite a large field of twenty two, there would be only a few issues in the jumping department. The first horse to exit the race would be Kool One, who lasted until the second last hurdle when weakening out of contention. Approaching the home bend, there would be a whole host of chances. Hot Fuss moved into a narrow lead as Static would run a mighty race on stable debut, rounding the bend and nosing into a narrow lead. Hot Fuss would regain the lead on the run into the last hurdle, but Robbies Rock and Slurricane were two new contenders. The second string for JP McManus would be a large eye-catcher as Puturhandstogether tanked his way into the lead under Mark Walsh and the strong handicap was turned into a rout. Jumping the last hurdle with ease, Puturhandstogether stormed up the run in like a six furlong sprinter to win by an impressive style. Robbies Rock gave the winner a good slipstream and held on for second as Hot Fuss ran a bold race into third. The placings would be completed by Slurricane in a finish dominated by flat-bred runners.

It would be a second successive victory in the race for trainer Joseph O'Brien and fourth win for owner JP McManus, who clearly loves targeting this race. The progressive gelding isn't naturally bred for hurdles as a half brother to a winning miler for the stable, Good Heavens. The son of brilliant sprinter Caravaggio ran seven times on the flat, even over six furlongs at one stage before winning once on the level. Switching to hurdles, Puturhandstogether has showed a liking for hurdling. Winning at the second attempt in December, he would run well in the face of heavy ground a month ago in a minor event at Fairyhouse. He ran well in spite of the ground, but showed his true ability on this much quicker ground. Handicaps are rarely won this easily, but those who acheive that feat go on to be very good horses in the future. 

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

The finale of day one would provide a competitive yet challenging contest to unravel as the biggest field for this race would take place in years; a benefit of the recent alterations. 

The youngest runner in the field Jupiter Allen would lead the way in the opening stages, but raced a shade keenly; something that would be critical in a race like this. Another outsider would join him up front as Klarc Kent helped to set an average gallop for this stamina test. Racing just behind the leaders would come the likes of strongly fancied Haiti Couleurs, Kyntara and the grey Duffle Coat. The second grey in the race Resplendent Grey started towards the front, but soon found himself racing further back than ideal. 

The group completed the first of three circuits of Prestbury Park and there was little change in the order as the runners passed the stands for the first time. Jumping errors would start to creep in from these novices and the first to exit the race would be the Willie Mullins-trained Captain Cody, who gave his rider no chance of staying onboard. Up at the front, Haiti Couleurs had joined the leader Jupiter Allen and as they turned away from the stands for the final time, they would race line astern. Further along the course, Ben Jones asked for more of his mount and would get an instant response. Moving into the outright lead approaching the home bend, Haiti Couleurs kept up the gallop, pulling away from his rivals. Now Is The Hour had been given a typically quiet ride by Keith Donoghue and would creep into contention. At the second last when staying on, he would fall and in turn brought down Duffle Coat, another who wasn't finished with yet. The JP McManus owned horse Hasthing emerged from nowhere to take second, but he would also take a heavy fall at the final fence. Thankfully, all horses and riders would emerge unscathed. As the rivals dropped away one by one, Haiti Couleurs still had a healthy advantage on the run in. Rock My Way still had plenty of ground to make up and had the staying on Will Do chasing his tail, but they were never going to get close to the winner. Haiti Couleurs crossed the line with a joyous Ben Jones stood upright and celebrating with the crowd. 

In horse racing, plans rarely go to plan, but this one from trainer Rebecca Curtis has paid off down to a T. The son of Dragon Dancer has been brought along quietly, covering the Wales racing scene with regular trips to Chepstow, Bangor and the North West of England. Switching to fences this season, he would build on the promise of second on chasing debut by winning at Aintree that has been won in the past by the likes of Corach Rambler and Giovinco. Arriving at Cheltenham on trials day, Haiti Couleurs would take in a competitive novice handicap over three miles and he impressed many on lookers with his gritty determination and will to win. This race would be nominated as a long term target, but in between, he would revert to hurdles at Newbury where he returned in a solid third. The eight year old has the profile of an old fashioned staying chaser who gallops forever, so National-type races will surely be on the cards in the future. The Curtis stable won this race in 2012 with Teaforthree, who went on to finish third in a Grand National. Everyone at the yard will be excited to see whether he can go two placings better in the coming years.