🎉 1:20 PM - Michael O’Sullivan Supreme Novices Hurdle (Grade 1)

Winner: Kopek Des Bordes (Willie Mullins / Paul Townend)
Odds: 4/6 Fav

What Happened: The festival kicked off with emotion as the Cheltenham Roar greeted the runners. Kopek Des Bordes, the hot 4/6f, justified the hype with a commanding performance over 2m½f, soaring over the 8 hurdles to claim the money. Willie Mullins got his week off to a flyer, and the win was a poignant tribute to the late Michael O’Sullivan.

Race Highlight: Townends cool headed ride and the crowd applause for O’Sullivans memory.

Top Press Link: Sky: Kopek Des Bordes soars to Michael O'Sullivan Supreme Novices Hurdle Crown for Willie Mullins

🔥 2:00 PM - My Pension Expert Arkle Novices Chase (Grade 1)

Winner: Jango Baie (Nicky Henderson / Nico de Boinville)
Odds: 5/1

What Happened: A storming comeback tale.. Jango Baie 5/1 charged thru from the back over 2m and 13 fences, turning the Arkle into a jingo~jango of stamina and determination. Last years Triumph Hurdle star L’Eau du Sud faded, leaving Jango Baie to surge past for the win, with 1/2f Majborough a length back in 3rd. Only By Night(25/1) ran a blinder for 2nd.

Race Highlight: Jango Baie’s late burst does the job!

Top Press Link: Racing Post: My son's looking down on me - Jango Baie's winning owner celebrates emotional Arkle Chase success

💥 2:40 PM - Ultima Handicap Chase

Winner: Myretown (Lucinda Russell / Patrick Wadge)
Odds: 13/2

What Happened: The handicappers brought chaos! Plot horse Myretown (13/2 from 14's) delivered a commanding run over 3m1f and 20 fences, holding off a packed field to score by only 11 lengths. The Changing Man (7/1) was 2nd, with Malina girl (14's) in 3rd place.

Race Highlight: A bookie~bashing result that had the Russell stable collecting no doubt!

Top Press Link: St Albans Review: Lucinda Russell continues Ultima domination with Myretown

🌸 3:20 PM - Close Brothers Mares Hurdle (Grade 1)

Winner: Lossiemouth (Willie Mullins (wiki) / Paul Townend (wiki))
Odds: 4/6 Fav

What Happened: Class shone through as 4/6f Lossiemouth sprinted clear over 2m4½f, leaving Jade De Grugy (5/1) in her dust. Townend barely broke a sweat as the mare cruised to an easy win. Take No Chances did well in 3rd at 22's.

Race Highlight: Lossiemouth’s effortless glide ~ pink candy floss at the funfair.

Top Press Link: RTE: Cheltenham Festival: Lossiemouth oozes class to retain Mares Hurdle

🏅 4:00 PM - Unibet Champion Hurdle (Grade 1)

Winner: Golden Ace (Jeremy Scott / Lorcan Williams)
Odds: 25/1

What Happened: The shock of the festival! Constitution Hill (8/13) crashed out, and State Man fell at the last, leaving Golden Ace, a 25/1 outsider, to storm through with Burdett Road (66/1) and Winter Fog (150/1) in tow.

Race Highlight: A giant falls, and a Cinderella story.

Top Press Link: GeeGeez News: Golden Ace takes full advantage of scarcely believable Champion Hurdle

🍼 4:40 PM - Hallgarten And Novum Wines Juvenile Handicap Hurdle

Winner: Puturhandstogether (Joseph O’Brien / Mark Walsh (wiki))
Odds: 17/2

What Happened: The juveniles closed out with flair. Puturhandstogether (17/2) cruised home after Hot Fuss and Stencil led early, giving you Joseph O’Brien and jockey Mark Walsh a Cheltenham winner.

Race Highlight: A smooth finish on a rollercoaster type day.

Top Press Link: RacingTV: Puturhandstogether delivers for O'Brien & McManus in the Fred Winter ~ Full Race Replay Video

🌌 5:20 PM - National Hunt Novices Chase

Winner: Haiti Couleurs (Rebecca Curtis / Patrick Mullins)
Odds: 7/2jf

What Happened: The curtain fell with a bruising battle over 3m6f. Haiti Couleurs (7/2jf) emerged from a messy finish to take the win. Horses were falling left, right and centre near the end.

Race Highlight: A chaotic climax where Haiti Couleurs stood firm.

Top Press Link: Racing Post: 'It was a walk in the park really' - Haiti Couleurs breezes to National Hunt Chase victory for Ben Jones and Rebecca Curtis