Cheltenham Festival results live: Champion Day tips and updates before Lossiemouth in action after Kargese wins 2.00pm

The Cheltenham Festival begins in earnest today for the first of four days of spectacular horse racing action.

This year’s meeting looks set to be more unpredictable than ever with fewer clear favourites on offer and closely contested fields in the champion races providing an added layer of intrigue for spectators.

The meeting runs from Tuesday 10 to Friday 13 March and features fan-favourite runners such as Willie Mullins’ Lossiemouth and Fact To File. The Irish trainer has his sights on yet another champion trainer crown and long-time partner, Paul Townend, will be hoping to win another champion jockey title.

Lossiemouth headlines day one alongside Dan Skelton’s The New Lion as they go head-to-head in the Champion Hurdle (4.00pm) as part of a field that could spring a surprise winner in the first champion race of the Festival. Can Mullin’s mare make the step up and compete?

Follow all the news, including previews, expert tips, free bet offers and the latest Cheltenham odds from day one of the Cheltenham Festival with our live blog below:

Read More

Why the Cheltenham Festival is set to be more unpredictable than ever before

Cheltenham Festival 2026 race card, start times and full four-day schedule

Cheltenham Festival 2026 tips: Experts’ best bets and 16 horses to watch on day one

Cheltenham Festival day - live updates

• The 2026 Cheltenham Festival begins today, live on ITV1
• 2.00pm RESULT: Kargese beats favourites to win Arkle Trophy
• 1.20pm RESULT: Nico de Boinville wins opening Supreme Novice’s Hurdle on Old Park Star
• Why the Cheltenham Festival is set to be more unpredictable than ever before
• Cheltenham Festival race card, start times and full four-day schedule
• Experts’ best bets and 16 horses to watch on day one

Kopek Des Bordes rider Paul Townend praises Danny Mullins

14:25 , Jack Tanner

Kopek Des Bordes might have been favoured to win over stablemate Kargesse, but jockey Paul Townend was full of praise for his fellow rider.

He tells ITV: “Danny (Mullins) and me are good plans, and he does a lot of hard work in the yard, and he deserves it.”

Speaking on a disappointing start for Kopek, Townend shared: “After the first couple, he started to listen to me.”

Kargesse owner Kenny Alexander surprised by filly's performance

14:16 , Jack Tanner

Even Kargesse’s owner Kenny Alexander is shocked by the mare’s victory in the Arcle.

He tells ITV: “Tremendous performance - she got the job done. She’s obviously an even better mare than I had thought. A great ride by Danny. She’s a proper one.”

WATCH: Kargesse pulls off upset against heavily-fancied Lulamba and Kopek Des Bordes

14:13 , Jack Tanner

Kargesse jockey Danny Mullins praises 'relationship' with fiery filly

14:10 , Jack Tanner

Victorious jockey Danny Mullins tells ITV: “It was good you know. A lot was made about this filly being hot-headed and all that, but I’ve always had a good relationship with her.”

Arkle Novices' Chase Hurdle result

14:09 , Jack Tanner

1. Kargesse - 5/1

2. Kopek Des Bordes - 6/4

3. Lulamba - 11/10

4. Jax Junior - 28/1

Kargesse wins the Arkle Novices' Chase

14:07 , Jack Tanner

Kargesse pretty much led that race from start to finish. Heavy pressure from Lulamba faded at the final two hurdles, whilst fellow W.P Mullins-owned horse Kopek Des Bordes follows behind in second.

2.00 Arkle Novices' Chase

14:05 , Jack Tanner

Kargesse and Kopek Des Bordes are the superior jumpers over the last two hurdles, and it appears that we might have an upset! Lulamba trails behind on the final push to the line.

2.00 Arkle Novices' Chase

14:04 , Jack Tanner

Lulamba looks to have pace in reserve as we approach the final three. Kargesse certainly not slowing as Kopek Des Bordes waits in the wings.

2.00 Arkle Novices' Chase

14:03 , Jack Tanner

Lulamba almost strides into the lead for the first time with six fences to go. Kopek Des Bordes has recovered well, gaining ground at the next hurdle.

2.00 Arkle Novices' Chase

14:03 , Jack Tanner

W.P Mullins’ Kargesse leads Nicky Henderson’s Lulamba with eight hurdles to go.

2.00 Arkle Novices' Chase

14:02 , Jack Tanner

Kopek Des Bordes struggles over the latest hurdle, Lulamba just ahead in third with 11 fences to go.

2.00 Arkle Novices' Chase

14:01 , Jack Tanner

We’re underway in the second race of the festival! It’s a strong start for favourites Lulamba and Kopek Des Bordes outside.

Lulamba vs Kopek Des Bordes in the Arkle Novices' Chase

13:57 , Luke Baker

This one should be a shootout between Lulamba and Kopek Des Bordes. And it should be a cracker! What racing is all about

Lulamba vs Kopek Des Bordes up next 👀

Who are you on? pic.twitter.com/UXUsK0OP6M

— ITV Racing (@itvracing) March 10, 2026

2.00pm Arkle Novices' Chase latest odds

13:52 , Luke Baker

Here’s how the Arkle Novices’ Chase betting is shaping up.

• Lulamba - 11/10
• Kopek Des Bordes - 6/4
• Kargesse - 5/1
• Steel Ally - 14/1
• Jax Junior - 28/1
• Hansard - 125/1

Odds courtesy of Sky Bet

2.00 Arkle Novices' Chase experts tips

13:43 , Luke Baker

Attention now turns to the Arkle Novices' Chase from 2pm. Here’s who the experts fancy in this one.

Paddy Power ambassador Ruby Walsh’s tip: Kopek Des Bordes

“Kopek Des Bordes surprised me with how nimble he was over fences at Navan, and he looked very impressive when I saw him schooling at Fairyhouse. They even let me sit on him one day, and I got off with a big smile on my face. He’s a proper racehorse and my best bet on day one.”

Jonathan Doidge’s tip: Lulamba

“He’s barely put a foot wrong and he’s officially 5lb superior to the favourite Kopek Des Bordes, and I am still happy to be with Lulamba in the Arkle. He impressed with his jumping at both Exeter and when winning the Henry VIII Novices’ Chase at Sandown.”

Nico de Boinville and Nicky Henderson react to Old Park Star victory

13:39 , Luke Baker

Both jockey Nico de Boinville and trainer Nicky Henderson have spoken to ITV about that opening victory. Both delighted, of course.

De Boinville said: “Incredibly gutsy. Bit of a bump to Mydaddypaddy but he’s a class horse. I always thought he’d go well and eat up the hill and that’s what he did. Delighted - even messed up the last and he still managed to win.

“It’s great. We’ve always wanted a Supreme winners, so that's fantastic.”

Henderson said: “We’ve got a supreme horse. I'm very lucky. It got tough out there, didn’t it? Turning in, he had to quicken off a good solid pace.

“He made a bit of a mess of the last but you’ve got to be brave to come up the hill like that and there were plenty there.

“The first race is the best to win, there's no better one to get in the bag. Everybody knows that, we've always said it, just to get one on the scoreboard. England's even in front now!”

WATCH: Old Park Star wins the opener

13:31 , Luke Baker

A cracking start to the Cheltenham Festival. Here’s how Old Park Star got the win for Nicky Henderson and Nico de Boinville.

Supreme Novice’s Hurdle result

13:29 , Luke Baker

There’s no word of a steward’s enquiry yet and it looked like Sober Glory did the most barging anyway, so shouldn’t be an issue for Old Park Star.

Here’s the result from that opener:

• 1st - Old Park Star 15/8 F
• 2nd - Sober Glory 9/2
• 3rd - Mydaddypaddy 6/1

Old Park Star wins the Supreme Novice’s Hurdle

13:28 , Luke Baker

Could there be a bit of a nervy wait for Nico de Boinville and Nicky Henderson? The stewards will look at that bumping and barging over the last.

Old Park Star wins the Supreme Novice’s Hurdle

13:26 , Luke Baker

And Old Park Star shows his class, pulling away down the straight and crosses the line in first! The favourite does it!

It’s close between Sober Glory and Mydaddypaddy for second

1.20 Supreme Novice’s Hurdle

13:25 , Luke Baker

Sober Glory bungles over the last and Old Park Star and Mydaddypaddy are there.

A barging match between the three up the home straight! But there goes Old Park Star!

1.20 Supreme Novice’s Hurdle

13:24 , Luke Baker

Sober Glory over the second last cleanly with Old Park Star close behind. Sober Glory tries to kick away...

1.20 Supreme Novice’s Hurdle

13:23 , Luke Baker

Talk The Talk rattles the fourth-last hurdle but stays on his feet. Sober Glory still in front as they go over the third last.

The pace is starting to pick up. Old Park Star and Mighty Park in close order to the leader

1.20 Supreme Novice’s Hurdle

13:22 , Luke Baker

Sober Glory still making the running as we approach four fences to go. The horses at the front of the market are towards the front here.

They’re reasonably bunched though, not too stretched out.

1.20 Supreme Novice’s Hurdle

13:21 , Luke Baker

Sober Glory heads to the front early on from favourite Old Park Star and the very keen Eachtotheirown.

All horses over the first few hurdles cleanly.

1.20 Supreme Novice’s Hurdle

13:21 , Luke Baker

AND WE’RE OFF! The 2026 Cheltenham Festival is underway. There’s the Cheltenham Roar!

Leader D'Allier a non-runner

13:18 , Luke Baker

There’s one non-runner in this opening race, the quite-fancied Leader D'Allier, who pulled up lame this morning and was withdrawn.

It means Paul Townend has switched horses and will ride Too Bossy For Us for Willie Mullins instead. More of an outside shot but Mullins and Townend have plenty of success under their belt

Packed Prestbury Park ahead of first race

13:15 , Alex Ross at the Cheltenham Festival

It’s early days to start predicting the Cheltenham attendance, but it has to be said that the numbers appear high as we approach the opening Supreme Novices Hurdle.

Last year, the attendance fell from 60,200 in 2024 to 55,500 and it's going to be interesting to see if the changes such as the reduction in drink costs and redesign of bar areas take the figure up to the capped level 56,000.

It's beautiful day in here in the West Country, with excitement building ahead of a week of racing.

Anticipation building for first race

13:12 , Mike Jones

Racegoers are filling the grandstand and the concourse in anticipation of the opening race.

They’re getting prepared for the roar and the official beginning of the 2026 Cheltenham Festival.

Bring it on.

1.20pm - Supreme Novices' Hurdle latest odds

13:06 , Mike Jones

We’re almost ready for the opening race of the 2026 Cheltenham Festival so here’s a look at the latest odds for the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle.

Odds via Boyle Sports.Odds via Bet365Odds via Bet365.

Old Park Star - 7/4

Talk The Talk - 9/2

Mighty Park - 6/1

Sober Glory - 6/1

Mydaddypaddy - 15/2

El Cairos - 8/1

Eachtotheirown - 33/1

Too Bossy For Us - 33/1

Baron Noir - 40/1

Koktail Brut - 40/1

Sageborough - 150/1

Cheltenham Festival weather: Latest forecast for day one with cloud cover and light rain possible

13:00 , Chris Wilson

The Met Office has forecast cloudy conditions on day one of the Festival. Monday’s weather saw some mist and fog and a smattering of rain, meaning racing conditions are should remain as they are currently and disruptions are unlikely.

Early Tuesday morning in Cheltenham saw some fog in the air but the sun also peeking through.

Cheltenham Festival weather: Latest forecast for day one

Old Park Star being faniced in Supreme Novices'

12:53 , Mike Jones

BetVictor spokesperson Sam Boswell explained how the market has been moving this morning and touched on the opening race of the Festival, the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle.

He said: "Old Park Star is proving popular in the Supreme, with punters clearly all keen to be with Nicky Henderson horse who has been foot perfect so far this season and is now 9/4 from 11/4.”

Sky Bet Supreme Novices' Hurdle tip

12:47 , Jonathan Doidge

Jonathan Doidge’s tips: Old Park Star and Talk The Talk (both E/W)

“Nicky Henderson knows how to win this race and the type that it takes to do so. I’m not sure Old Park Star is as nippy as some he’s sent this way but he’s definitely not slow and I think he’ll get the strong pace he needs to enable him to do his best work up the hill.

“I’d also added in a second each-way play on Talk The Talk, in the belief that he’d eventually come here. I think he’d be 4-4 over hurdles but for that stumble after he’d jumped the last at Leopardstown in front and if anything beats Old Park Star, it could be him.”

Cheltenham Day One schedule

12:40 , Chris Wilson

A reminder of the full race schedule for today then:

1.20: Sky Bet Supreme Novices’ Hurdle (Grade 1) Race conditions: £150,000 | 2m½f| 8 hurdles | Old Course

2.00: Singer Arkle Challenge Trophy Steeple Chase (Grade 1)Race conditions: £200,000 | 2m | 13 fences | Old Course

2.40: McCoys Contractors Juvenile Handicap Hurdle Race (Registered as the Fred Winter) (Premier Handicap) Race conditions: £150,000 | 3m1f | 20 fences | Old Course

3.20: Trustmarque Ultima Handicap Chase (Premier Handicap)Race conditions: £120,000 | 2m4f | 10 hurdles | Old Course

4.00: Unibet Champion Hurdle (Grade 1) Race conditions: £450,000 | 2m½f | 8 hurdles | Old Course

4.40: Sun Racing Plate (A Handicap Steeple Chase) (Premier Handicap)Race conditions: £80,000 | 2m½f | 8 hurdles | Old Course

5.20: National Hunt Steeple Chase Challenge Cup (Novices’ Handicap Steeple Chase) (Class 2)Race conditions: £200,000 | 2m | 13 fences | Old Course

New cameras bring highest-quality images

12:36 , Mike Jones

Of the new camera technology, BHA Judge and team principal, David Hicks, said: “The introduction of Lynx photo finish cameras gives BHA judges access to the highest-quality images and supports us in calling the results of races to a much greater degree of certainty.

“The judging process itself doesn’t change, with our expert team still scrutinising the photo finish and exercising their judgement, but the new equipment provides us with a significantly enhanced picture from which we can make an informed assessment. This precision really matters, especially when horses may be split by a very small number of pixels.

“We always want to make use of the best, most advanced technology to help support decision-making on a raceday. While it won’t always be possible to split horses, with dead heats an inevitability at times, the new technology will provide much clearer evidence that can help improve the clarity with which decisions are reached.”

Cheltenham Festival to use improved camera tech for first time

12:31 , Mike Jones

British Horseracing Authority (BHA) judges will now have access to improved photo finish images following the introduction of ultra high-resolution camera technology.

Lynx photo finish cameras capture images at around 6,000 frames per second – much faster than the equipment used previously – and significantly improve the clarity of photos that help confirm the winner and finishing distances for each race. This new technology is available on British racecourses, including during this week’s Cheltenham Festival, where it will be the primary camera used for regulatory purposes alongside the existing backup and infield cameras to determine placings.

Huge queues at Cheltenham Spa

12:25 , Alex Ross at Cheltenham

Due to the delays after a trespass incident a little earlier, several rail services bringing racegoers into Cheltenham Spa have all come in quick succession.

It has resulted in huge queues of people for the ticket inspections.

Out in the car park there are a dozen double decker buses waiting to take many to the festival.

Others have chosen to walk, or get a quick drink and breakfast at Madison’s Cafe opposite the station, which each year looks to benefit from the festival. Inside, plastic pints of Guinness cost £6.

An hour to go

12:20 , Mike Jones

One hour left until the racing action begins on day one of the 2026 Cheltenham Festival.

Old Park Star is being heavily tipped to perform strongly in the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle but he faces competition from Mighty Park, Leader D’Allier, and Talk The Talk.

How will he fare?

Big names descend on the Festival

12:18 , Luke Baker

Plenty of celebrities (and ‘celebrities’, to be fair...) descend on the Festival each year and this time is no different.

Zara Tindall (daughter of Anne, Princess Royal) and her husband, former England rugby player Mike Tindall, have been pictured at the course, as have former reality TV star Georgia Toffolo and TV presenter Emma Louise Jones, among others

Constitution Hill to be paraded

12:14 , Mike Jones

Having given up jump racing following an impressive start to his Flat career, former Cheltenham Festival winner Constitution Hill will be paraded at the racecourse before the racing begins on day one.

The Nicky Henderson-trained British Thoroughbred won the Champion Hurdle in 2023 and had been earmarked to race in it again this year.

However, repeated jumping issues in his most recent outings caused the handlers and ownership group to reconsider their plans.

Constitution Hill’s previous success at the Festival earned him an invitation back this year to parade and allow racegoers the opportunity to bid farewell.

How can I watch every race once ITV coverage ends?

12:09 , Chris Wilson

The final two races of each day will not be shown on ITV but fans wanting to watch can do so via Racing TV. Subscriptions for the channel, which shows every race from the festival, are available through Sky and Virgin Media and online through its website and app.

Racing TV coverage begins at 12.30pm every day and ends after the final race. The Independent will also have a dedicated live blog covering the action which you can follow.

A number of betting sites or apps also show all the races, provided you have a funded account with them, or if you’ve placed a bet within the previous 24 hours.

New pavilion at Cheltenham

12:00 , Mike Jones at Cheltenham Festival

New for this year at Cheltenham is The Retreat.

It is a covered pavilion that can accommodate up to 2000 racegoers if the weather turns bad.

Currently it is quiet as the sun is shining and fans are preferring the tried-and-tested hospitality of the Guinness Village.

Unhappy passengers stuck on trains

11:56 , Luke Baker

There’s plenty of unhappy passengers stuck on those delayed trains at the moment, due to a trespasser incident.

They should still have time to make it to the track ahead of the first race at 1.20pm but it’s a frustrating start to the week.

Cheltenham train carnage - serious delays due to people on track at Gloucs

— Will Petit (@WilliamPetit1) March 10, 2026

Stuck on the train just outside Cheltenham Spa due to trespassers on the track, happily walk if it was possible
Hope my luck changes on course!

— Dan Madden (@mrdanmaddan) March 10, 2026

Why the Cheltenham Festival is set to be more unpredictable than ever before

11:45 , Chris Wilson

If there’s one thing horseracing fans hate, it’s unpredictability. Ignore the fact that the whole basis of the industry is built on not being able to choose the winning runner every time. Most punters do, as they believe that with the correct research, brushing up on recent results, tracking trainers, horses, and specific jockeys, they will be able to beat the odds and earn success in a sport stacked against them.

In recent years, that irrational logic has been truer during the Cheltenham Festival than perhaps any other meeting. The event is the climax of the National Hunt season; it draws in crowds of around 250,000 spectators over four days of thrilling horseracing goodness and generates an estimated £274m (based on 2022 figures) in economic impact. That figure is up from around £100m in 2016, and one of the many reasons for that is the seemingly predictable nature of the races themselves.

Why the Cheltenham Festival is set to be more unpredictable than ever before

Betting total could touch half a million

11:33 , Mike Jones

UK bookmakers are expecting an industry total of £450m to be staked on Cheltenham this week, according to William Hill.

Of the horses the bookies are fearing most, Bambino Fever – who runs in Thursday’s Mares’ Novices’ Hurdle – currently stands as one of their biggest liabilities.

Kateira, who’s been backed from 40/1 all the way down to 15/2, has the bookies sweating on Wednesday’s two-mile-five-furlong handicap hurdle.

Train carnage as Cheltenham racegoers held up by trespasser incident

11:26 , Luke Baker

Hundreds of racegoers using GWR train services from Bristol have been held up after a trespasser incident earlier.

British Transport Police has apprehended the trespasser, passengers were told on one service, but there are still delays for trains coming into Cheltenham Spa station.

The latest from National Rail is that disruption will last until 1pm.

“Following a trespass incident in the Gloucester area all lines have reopened. As service recovers, trains running through Gloucester may be cancelled, delayed by up to 60 minutes or revised,” National Rail said.

The first race at Cheltenham is the 1.20pm Supreme Novice Hurdle.

Cheltenham Festival hit by train delays on opening day

Race previews: National Hunt Challenge Cup Novices' Handicap Chase (17.20)

11:24 , Jonathan Doidge

The trip is usually the unknown for participants in this marathon contest but we’ve seen the winner of this go on to contest top staying chases down the years and that could be the case again with my selection, Iceberg Theory.

Trainer Paul Nolan doesn’t send his inmates to these shores if he doesn’t think they’ve a chance and I think he has too. He won at both Limerick and Cork to make it 2-3 over fences. He also looks well treated from a current mark of 133.

He saw out an extended 3m1f well when second on his chase debut and, since then, he won those two races over shorter. I think he’ll relish this step up to a significantly longer trip and the drying ground will also help him.

Race previews: Sun Racing Plate Handicap Chase (16.40)

11:17 , Jonathan Doidge

I wouldn’t say I’m mad about anything in this race, as there are plenty of holes to pick in plenty of form. However, a sporting selection at a double-figure price is the Henry De Bromhead-trained Zurich.

He’s got C&D winning form against his name, in what was presumably a reconnaissance mission for this race. He’s going into it 9lb higher than last November and he was beaten by Jordan’s Cross at Doncaster in his only subsequent start.

However, he showed a bit more improvement there and there’s no obvious reason why he can’t do so again in a true-run contest like the vast majority of Festival races provide. I also think he’ll be better for coming into this freshened up and he’s an each-way player.

Fans flocking in

11:13 , Mike Jones at Cheltenham Festival

The first race doesn’t start until 1.20pm but fans are flocking to Prestbury to soak in the atmosphere and, despite the forecast, the sunny weather.

Those entering at the main gates are being serenaded by the Super Tenants before swarming straight to the Guinness Village - as is to be expected.

Race previews: Unibet Champion Hurdle Challenge Trophy (16.00)

11:10 , Jonathan Doidge

If she can’t win the Champion Hurdle this year, it’s never going to happen. Fortunately for us, she doesn’t have to, after I advised to avail yourself of the 6/1 on offer for her each-way on betting apps, some time ago.

Lossiemouth is unbeaten at this venue and is just such a consistent and reliable mare. Detractors will say that, at her best, she wouldn’t be good enough to beat a top Champion Hurdle winner. That may still be the case shortly after four o’clock on Tuesday but I think she’s definitely good enough to finish in the first three, to return a profit and it will only take one or two others to not quite hit the heights on the day and she can win it.

If it comes to a scrap, that should suit and the race has, of course, got easier in the sense that there’s no Constitution Hill around. I’m in agreement with the market that The New Lion looks the biggest potential danger but last year’s winner Golden Ace and Poniros are two others who’d have me looking over my shoulder.

Race previews: Trustmarque Ultima Handicap Chase (15.20)

11:03 , Jonathan Doidge

Whichever way I look at this race, and there are a number who may well be well treated, I keep coming back to the favourite Jagwar. He loves it around here, those form figures of 1132 are clear evidence of that.

He was the comfortable winner of last year’s Plate (2m4½f) when he was one of the meeting’s worst kept secrets and although both those defeats this season were when he was favourite, they were also both improved efforts. So much so that, if he ran to the level of his head defeat by Donnacha on trials day, he’d still look at least half a stone ‘well in’ for this.

In addition to that, we can factor in some potential for improvement going up to this trip for the first time. I like his chance.

Race Previews: McCoy Contractors Juvenile Handicap Hurdle (14.40)

10:55 , Jonathan Doidge

I notice there’s been a further nibble at Manlaga on horse racing betting sites on Monday and I do think Nicky Henderson’s charge has claims in this juvenile handicap. However, as mentioned in a previous column, his stablemate Mustang Du Breuil is twice the price and they are rated only 1lb apart on their form to date. That looks like value.

Both are JP McManus-owned, with the latter having won at Auteuil before joining the Seven Barrows team and then adding further success at Doncaster. I wouldn’t be too discouraged about him being a beaten favourite in the Dovecote at Kempton last time, as I think it got a little bit messy and I’d be very surprised if he isn’t significantly better than that.

Singer Race previews: Arkle Challenge Trophy Novices' Chase (14.00)

10:47 , Chris Wilson

He’s barely put a foot wrong and he’s officially 5lb superior to the favourite Kopek Des Bordes, and I am still happy to be with Lulamba in the Arkle. He impressed with his jumping at both Exeter and when winning the Henry VIII Novices’ Chase at Sandown.

Despite being reported to have struck into himself, he was still far too good for them in the Game Spirit at Newbury and showed further improvement there. His only defeat came here by a neck to Poniros in last year’s Triumph and I think it will take a very good performance to beat him.

Race previews: Sky Bet Supreme Novices' Hurdle (13.20)

10:39 , Jonathan Doidge

Regular readers will know I advised Old Park Star prior to his Haydock win in January, mainly because I felt he’d win that day and, therefore, his price on betting sites would shorten. All of that has played out, so hopefully you’re holding an each-way voucher on him.

Nicky Henderson knows how to win this race and the type that it takes to do so. I’m not sure Old Park Star is as nippy as some he’s sent this way but he’s definitely not slow and I think he’ll get the strong pace he needs to enable him to do his best work up the hill. Hopefully that can prove decisive.

I’d also added in a second each-way play on Talk The Talk, in the belief that he’d eventually come here. I think he’d be 4-4 over hurdles but for that stumble after he’d jumped the last at Leopardstown in front and if anything beats Old Park Star, it could be him, for all the recent support for Mighty Park.

1.20: Sky Bet Supreme Novices’ Hurdle (Grade 1 )

10:29 , Chris Wilson

Ruby Walsh’s tip: Leader D’Allier

“A smaller field than expected, but this still looks a deep Supreme. I have a few concerns about some of the market principals, and I like the look of Leader d’Allier. He has the ideal profile, he’s a solid jumper and he should see this trip out strongly.”

We paid £100 for a double bed in a room - but it's all worth it

10:13 , Alex Ross, en route to Cheltenham

Irish cousins Caolan and Kody Pringle were up at 5am to catch an early morning Ryanair flight from Dublin to Bristol – now they are among the hundreds on the train making the 40-minute journey to Cheltenham for Champion Day.

Unlike last year, when they went to the festival on Gold Cup day, the pair want to experience the “magic” of the opening day, when Caolan says “people are still full of hopes and excitement about the week ahead.”

In particular, the pair are looking forward to the opening race, the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle at 1.20pm, and also the duel between Lossiemouth and The New Lion in the Champion Hurdle at 4pm.

They “got lucky” last week, finding a £100 room with a double bed near Cheltenham Spa for one night. “All we need is place to rest our heads, it's all worth it,” says Caolan.

Hotel and Airbnb prices during the Cheltenham Festival are notoriously high. This year, The Jockey Club has attempted to help racegoers find affordable accommodation through a third party operator, which it claims has been a success.

Can I still get a ticket and how much do they cost?

10:01 , Chris Wilson

You can secure access to the first three days of the festival through a daily Club Enclosure ticket from £103.50, while Friday is sold out.

Tattersalls tickets will cost from £73.80 on each of the first three days but again Gold Cup day has sold out.

The cheapest way to experience the festival is through the Best Mate enclosure with a day ticket for the first three days priced from £54.

All details can be found with tickets available to purchase through the Jockey Club here.

Thousands of racegoers make their way for Champion Day

09:51 , Alex Ross, en route to Cheltenham

Good morning from Bristol Temple Meads, where dozens of suited racegoers line platform 5 for the next Great Western Railway service to Cheltenham Spa.

With newspapers in arms and cans of spirit mixers in hands, there is a sense of excitement ahead of the opening day of Cheltenham Festival.

Like every year, Champion Day is one of the best attended days of the four-day festival and, of course, features the unmistakable 'Cheltenham roar' of the first race.

GWR have eight carriages on the service to Cheltenham, so although space is tight onboard, there are only a few having to stand between the seats.

Reminder that this year, a few changes have been made by the Jockey Club to encourage more people to come along. They include an extension of the outdoor drinking areas, a 30p drop in the price of a pint of Guinness and improved TV displays and PA systems.

More on that later....

Experts’ best bets and 16 horses to watch on day one

09:36 , Luke Baker

Champion Day kicks off the Festival as ever and there are plenty of previous winners and big name horses on display for the British and Irish trainers.

The Supreme Novices Hurdle kicks off proceedings with Nicky Henderson’s Old Star Park leading the way in the odds markets and with Nico de Boinville set to ride him, it could be an early victory for the English trainer.

In the Arkle, Willie Mullins’ Kopek Des Bordes (who won the Supreme Novices in 2025) is being backed to triumph again while Dan Skelton’s The New Lion, another former Cheltenham winner, is going for glory in the Champion Hurdle.

But, which horse do our experts fancy for this opening salvo at the Festival? Read on to find out:

Cheltenham Festival 2026 tips, best bets and horses to watch on day one

Cheltenham Festival race card, start times and full four-day schedule

09:28 , Luke Baker

So, how does the racing schedule look this week at Cheltenham?

You can find out exactly what races are happening right here:

Cheltenham Festival 2026 race card and full four-day schedule