Cheltenham Festival LIVE: Results and winners from Day 1

The Cheltenham Festival is back for 2023 with a thrilling week of racing lined up in the Cotswolds for what is known as ‘The Greatest Show on Turf’, as racegoers descend on the iconic course.

The Champion Hurdle and the Gold Cup bookend the four-day meeting as perhaps the two highest-profile Grade 1 races, with the Champions Hurdle contested on the opening day on Tuesday and superstar horse Constitution Hill a heavy favourite to triumph.

Meanwhile, Rachael Blackmore returns to Cheltenham looking to create more history after an astounding win to retain the Gold Cup in 2022 –a victory that helped the Irish trainers triumph handily over their British counterparts to easily land the prestigious Prestbury Cup, with a mighty 18 wins compared to just 10 for the home horses.

The festival provides a massive £274m boost to the local economy, a study from the University of Gloucestershire has found, and while organisers will be hoping the rain holds off, it promises to be an exciting week of racing regardless.

Follow all the Day 1 action from Cheltenham below:

Cheltenham Festival 2023 Day 1 updates

• The Cheltenham Festival 2023 gets underway

• The Champion Hurdle highlights the opening day, starting at 3.30pm GMT - with Constitution Hill a big favourite

• Corach Rambler wins Ultima Handicap Chase for the second year in a row

• El Fabiolo triumphs in the Arkle Challenge Trophy as Dysart Dynamo falls

• Marine National wins the first race of the week - the Supreme Novices Hurdle

• Day 1 tips from the experts: 13 horses to watch

• Cheltenham Festival 2023: Full race card and results

Best free bets for Cheltenham: Which bookies have best offers?

15:16 , Michael Jones

Cheltenham Festival returns with punters ready to again assess the runners and riders in pursuit of betting success.

With millions wagered each year on events like the Gold Cup, it is a lucrative week for the bookmakers, with forecast wind and rain perhaps making 2023’s races even more unpredictable than usual.

A number of the United Kingdom’s biggest bookies are offering free bets to celebrate Cheltenham week. Here are the best offers if you’re looking to have a flutter:

Best free bets for Cheltenham: Which bookies have best offers?

Lucinda Russell speaking to BBC Radio 5 Live

15:13 , Michael Jones

Winning trainer Lucinda Russell said: “That was amazing. What a horse he is. He is absolutely brilliant. I was so nervous beforehand because the horse means so much but Derek is so cool.

“He has got a brilliant mind - the horse has got a quite interesting mind. I am so proud and pleased.”

Back-to-back wins for Corach Rambler

15:10 , Michael Jones

Here’s the moment Corach Rambler clinched consecutive victories in the Cheltenham Ultima Handicap Chase.

Derek Fox reacts to Corach Rambler’s victory

15:06 , Michael Jones

Winning jockey, Derek Fox, said: “He’s a tremendous horse and he rode even better than last season even.

“I was told by Peter Scudamore to ride him with plenty of confidence and don’t change anything from last year. He’s a nerveless horse, he’s the horse of a lifetime really.

“It needed a lot of things to go right when you commit to dropping back early. It suits his run style. I am over the moon.”

Ultima Handicap Chase result

15:02 , Michael Jones

1 Corach Rambler - 6/1

2 Fastorslow - 7/1

3 Monbeg Genius - 6/1

4 The Goffer - 7/1

5 Oscar Elite - 8/1

CORACH RAMBLER WINS THE ULTIMA HANDICAP CHASE

14:59 , Michael Jones

Corach Rambler wins in consecutive years at the Ultima!

He pips Fastorslow to the line but a head or slow with Monbeg Genius finishing third.

Ultima Handicap Chase

14:57 , Michael Jones

Harpers Brook is holding onto his slight lead but behind him the field is bunching up for the final push. Three fences to go, Harpers Brook and Fantastikas come together as they leap over.

The rest of the field catches up with the leaders, it’s anyone’s race with two to jump.

Ultima Handicap Chase

14:58 , Michael Jones

Fastorslow leaps over the final jump as the field spreads out Corach Rambler is on his heels, this is going to be a sprint to the finish.

Ultima Handicap Chase

14:56 , Michael Jones

Happygolucky is up to fourth behind Top Ville Ben and Fantastikas. Harpers Brook jumps over the water fence and there’s just six fences to go.

Ultima Handicap Chase

14:55 , Michael Jones

Harpers Brook is reigned in by Fantastikas and Top Ville Ben. Corach Rambler is in midfield close to The Wolf and the whole field leaps over the fence that signals the halfway stage of the race.

Ultima Handicap Chase

14:54 , Michael Jones

Fantastikas and Top Ville Ben leap over the first of the open ditch fences as Harpers Brook heads onto the outside and opens up a lead of a couple of lengths.

12 fences to go.

Ultima Handicap Chase

14:52 , Michael Jones

Cloudy Glen leads the pack over the first fence before Fantastikas pushes past and sticks to the rail.

Ultima Handicap Chase

14:51 , Michael Jones

And they’re off! There’s a whole heap of contenders in this handicap chase. There are 23 riders involved over this three mile course so it’ll come down to the tactics of the jockeys.

Ultima Handicap Chase

14:48 , Michael Jones

Defending champion Corach Rambler heads out to the post with the favourite tag at 5/1. Trainer Lucinda Russell has her sights set on the Grand National this year and a consecutive victory in the Ultima Handicap will put Corach Rambler in good stead.

Mullins reacts to El Fabiolo win

14:43 , Michael Jones

Trainer Willie Mullins spoke to 5 Sports Extra saying: “To get on the board early is always fantastic. We have a lot of fancied horses today. You have to temper your expectations because we know at least half won’t win.

“I didn’t get to enjoy the win because I was looking at Dysart Dynamo. I stopped looking at the winner because I knew he would win. But thankfully both horse and jockey have got up.”

Willie Mullins gets first winner of 2023 Cheltenham festival

14:40 , Michael Jones

Willie Mullins is up and running at the 2023 Cheltenham Festival thanks to El Fabiolo’s victory in the Arkle Challenge Trophy.

That is Mullins’ fifth Arkle win in the last nine years.

Ultima Handicap Chase latest odds

14:36 , Michael Jones

Here are the odds for the 2.50pm Ultima Handicap Chase from Betway:

Corach Rambler 13/2

Monbeg Genius 7/1

Fastorslow 8/1

Nassalam 17/2

Into Overdrive 10/1

Oscar Elite 10/1

The Goffer 11/1

Fantastikas 12/1

Happygolucky 14/1

The Big Breakaway 14/1

Threeunderthrufive 16/1

Cloudy Glen 22/1

Remastered 22/1

Fanon D’Estruval 25/1

The Wolf 25/1

Good Boy Bobby 28/1

Top Ville Ben 28/1

Harpers Brook 33/1

Laskalin 33/1

Tea Clipper 33/1

Glamorgan Duke 50/1

Iceo Madrik 50/1

Karl Philippe 50/1

El Fabiolo wins the Arkle Challenge trophy

14:32 , Michael Jones

Take a look at how El Fabiolo won the Arkle Challenge trophy.

Ultima Handicap Chase

14:28 , Michael Jones

Next up is the three mile Ultima Handicap Chase before the big one, the Champion Hurdle Challenge Trophy at 3.30pm.

Corach Rambler took the spoils for Lucinda Russell’s stable last year, and he is back with just a 6lb higher mark.

He is vying with Jonjo O’Neill’s Monbeg Genius, a novice who looks to be on a very fair mark despite having won his last three starts in handicaps.

Nassalam and Into Overdrive are seasoned over fences and should be in the mix too.

Dysart Dynamo is okay

14:23 , Michael Jones

Dysart Dynamo led the Arkle Challenge Trophy until the final jump where he went down under tired legs after hitting the fence.

The horse is fine and has been walked back to the paddock after his fall.

Winning jockey Paul Townend praises El Fabiolo

14:21 , Michael Jones

Winning jockey Paul Townend, who finished second in the first race, praised El Fabiolo saying: “ He came alive at the right time. The engine’s always been there.

“As he matures and gets stronger he can go out in trip but if he keeps winning two-milers that’s OK.”

Arkle Challenge trophy results

14:19 , Michael Jones

1 El Fabiolo - 11/10

2 Jonbon - 2/1

3 Saint Roi - 11/1

4 Straw Fan Jack - 50/1

EL FABIOLO WINS THE ARKLE CHALLENGE TROPHY NOVICES’ CHASE

14:17 , Michael Jones

El Fabiolo kicks on after the last and storms ahead of Jonbon, he sprints over the finish line and earns the win for Willie Mullins and Paul Townend!

Arkle Challenge Trophy Novices’ Chase

14:15 , Michael Jones

El Fabiolo takes the last jump in first place ahead of Jonbon.

Dysart Dynamo falls!

Arkle Challenge Trophy Novices’ Chase

14:14 , Michael Jones

Three fences to go and Jonbon is closing on Dysart Dynamo with El Fabiolo asked to kick on. The leading three bunch up to each other a Saint Roi makes a move up from the middle of the field.

Arkle Challenge Trophy Novices’ Chase

14:13 , Michael Jones

Effernock Fizz at 150/1 is pushing up nicely and sits comfortably in fourth behind the leaders with eight fences to go. Dysart Dynamo has established a lead of two or three lengths over Jonbon.

Arkle Challenge Trophy Novices’ Chase

14:11 , Michael Jones

And they’re off! Dysart Dynamo sets off at a canter as expected and heads out to the front of the field with Jonbon and El Fabiolo close behind.

Arkle Challenge Trophy Novices’ Chase

14:03 , Michael Jones

The First Grade One race of the week is up next and the odds seem to be suggesting a clash between El Fabiolo - from the Willie Mullins yard - and Jonbon.

El Fabiolo impressively won at Leopardstown last time out while Jonbon has had a couple of wins at Warwick this season.

Last season they met over fences at the Aintree Grand National meeting with Jonbon winning by a neck, can he repeat that result this afternoon?

Expert tips for Arkle Challenge Trophy

13:59 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Ruby Walsh tip: El Fabiolo to win, but the value each-way is Saint Roi

“El Fabiolo has shown us he can clout one and knows exactly how to save himself, so you’d have to be with that. El Fabiolo will win the race, but as regards to having a bet I’d prefer Saint Roi each-way at 8/1 with the nine runners. With Dysart Dynamo in there, the three of these are going to go hard and there’s no way the three of them are going to keep going and I think Saint Roi will come and pick up the pieces.”

Ed Chamberlin tip: Jonbon

“[On Jonbon] The best jumper in the field and El Fabiolo had a hard race in his prep.”

Oli Bell tip: Jonbon

“[On Jonbon] Despite his Warwick win not blowing people away I think he will improve off the back of it and be hard to beat.”

Alex Hammond tip: El Faibolo

“[On El Fabiolo] Jonbon didn’t impress at Warwick and this lad did at the Dublin Racing Festival. He’ll do for me.”

Cheltenham Festival 2023: Full Schedule

13:56 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Need a reminder of the full schedule for Cheltenham week?

The Independent has you covered:

Cheltenham Festival 2023 race card, runners and full schedule

Arkle Challenge Trophy odds

13:49 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Courtesy of MyBettingSites, here are the latest odds for the second race of the opening day at Cheltenham.

El Fabiolo 5/4

Jonbon 7/4

Dysart Dynamo 5/1

Saint Roi 15/2

Hollow Games 33/1

Ha D’Or 66/1

Straw Fan Jack 66/1

Effernock Fizz 125/1

Ballybreeze 150/1

Next up at the Cheltenham Festival

13:48 , Harry Latham-Coyle

The action comes thick and fast throughout four days of top-class National Hunt racing - there is little time to re-charge before the Arkle Challenge Trophy, which is about 20 minutes away.

Marine Nationale wins the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle

13:45 , Harry Latham-Coyle

The first winner of the 2023 Cheltenham Festival takes the roar of the crowd as it enters the Winners’ Circle, looking a little spooked by the volume as the packed stands salute their first winn

“I put my neck above the parapet about six months ago when I said this horse was a weapon,” trainer Barry Connell says. “Everything worked out according to plan. We are coming back here for a double tomorrow. Michael O’Sullivan is unreal. He’s a future star.”

Supreme Novices' Hurdle results

13:39 , Harry Latham-Coyle

1 Marine Nationale (M J M O’Sullivan) 9-2

2 Facile Vega (P Townend) 9-4 Fav

3 Diverge (Mr P W Mullins) 25-1

Winning jockey Michael O’Sullivan hails Marine Nationale

13:38 , Harry Latham-Coyle

“Unbelievable,” O’Sullivan says to ITV. “A massive relief. I’m so, so lucky to get on this horse. We’re having an amazing season. The horse is just incredible. I turned in there and I wasn’t sure what I was holding on to but, by god, he won easily.

“Days like these are what I’ve been dreaming of since I was riding ponies. All my family have been so supportive of me.”

MARINE NATIONALE WINS THE SUPREME NOVICES HURDLE

13:34 , Harry Latham-Coyle

A storming finish from Michael O’Sullivan and Marine Nationale, holding back to make certain of the clearance of the final fence and then simply charging home.

Facile Vega had looked well placed but just couldn’t quite kick on up the final straight. The first eight finishers are all Irish - ominous signs for the British trainers.

Supreme Novices’ Hurdle

13:34 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Over the penultimate bend and Facile Vega has roared ahead!

Supreme Novices’ Hurdle

13:34 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Three to take in the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle. Facile Vega is starting to come through.

Supreme Novices’ Hurdle

13:33 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Up the hill with four hurdles to go. High Definition and Rare Edition continue to set the pace, each jockey clad in rather fetching purple with white accents.

Supreme Novices’ Hurdle

13:33 , Harry Latham-Coyle

A little split begins to open between the front five horses and those behind, though no horse is yet out of it. Strong Leader looks well placed in fourth, biding its time.

Supreme Novices’ Hurdle

13:32 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Rare Edition and High Definition both still leading the pack, all over the second fence clearly and bending neatly around the corner as the crowd cheer.

Supreme Novices’ Hurdle

13:31 , Harry Latham-Coyle

High Definition has also started well, looking powerful as they cover the first furlong in less than 15 seconds.

Supreme Novices’ Hurdle

13:31 , Harry Latham-Coyle

And they’re off. Up goes the flag and up go the crowd, roaring their approval. Rare Edition takes an early lead on the inside up to the first fence.

Supreme Novices’ Hurdle

13:29 , Harry Latham-Coyle

The horses are out on the course, the crowd are ready to roar. The first race of the 2023 Cheltenham Festival is about to get underway.

Cheltenham Festival 2023: Line-up for the Supreme Novices Hurdle

13:27 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Facile Vega 2/1

Marine Nationale 10/3

Impaire Et Pase 5/1

Il Etait Temps 6/1

Gaelic Warrior, Luccia 8/1

Tahmuras 10/1

High Definition 11/1

Diverge, Hunters Yarn 14/1

Chasing Fire 16/1

Inthepocket 20/1

Dark Raven, Doctor Bravo, Rare Edition 25/1

Colonel Harry, In Excess, Nemean Lion, Strong Leader 33/1

BAR 40/1

Cheltenham Festival 2023: Willie Mullins on the Supreme Novices Hurdle

13:23 , Harry Latham-Coyle

“I am happy he is in good form, doing everything right coming here,” the trainer says of Facile Vega. “We have to put that race behind us. He used himself up. He comes here in good form so I think there will be a true gallop here.

“The whole winter, Facile Vega has been the best [of my entrants]. Hopefully one or two of them will be up there.”

Cheltenham Festival 2023

13:18 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Facile Vega looks rather uncomfortable as he prowls the paddock, restless energy as he is dragged around in front of the throng.

Cheltenham Festival 2023: Action nears

13:16 , Harry Latham-Coyle

The anticipation is building, and Cheltenham appears ready to roar. Constitution Hill’s potential charge to victory later has really gripped the Festival, but it could be a fascinating opener. Facile Vega remains the favourite but Marine Nationale’s career is off to an excellent start, and Barry Connell’s horse could challenge.

Cheltenham Festival 2023: AP McCoy hopes it’s a ‘knockout’ for Constitution Hill

13:09 , Harry Latham-Coyle

“Sport is all about ‘I was there’ moments’,” AP McCoy says to ITV about the big attraction on the opening day of the Cheltenham Festival.

“You’re hoping for a Mike Tyson job - a knockout.”

Cheltenham Festival 2023

12:59 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Yes, the action is nearing in the Cotswolds, with little more than half an hour until the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle. Might those soft conditions play a role? Facile Vega is in need of a bounce back performance.

Cheltenham Festival 2023: Expert tips for opening race

12:53 , Harry Latham-Coyle

13.30 - Sky Bet Supreme Novices’ Hurdle

Ruby Walsh tip: Facile Vega

“I’ve said it a few times now and I’m not going to change my mind – the best horse in the race is Facile Vega. He has that shocker to overcome at Leopardstown at the Dublin Racing Festival when he was beaten 20 lengths by Il Etait Temps, but the real Facile Vega ran at Christmas when he beat the same horse by four lengths. Facile Vega is the most likely winner, there’s no way I’m going against him currently.”

Oli Bell tip: Marine National

“Marine National has looked impressive this season and the race is cutting up.”

Alex Hammond tip: Facile Vega

“Facile Vega bombed out at the Dublin Racing Festival but that has just made him more appealing on price. Willie [Mullins] will get him back!”

Cheltenham Festival 2023: Conditions set to be ‘testing ground’ today

12:46 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Jon Pullin, clerk of the course at Cheltenham, has been speaking to ITV this morning, reflecting on a challenging spell of weather.

“It’s been a tricky period,” Pullin said. “We had to start watering back in mid-Feb - we had very little rain through January, nothing through February and the long-range forecast at that stage was suggesting nothing up until this week.

“This drizzle should blow through, it is nothing too measurable. The forecast is to remain dry for the rest of today. Temperatures will drop this evening.

“The current conditions are soft ground. It will be testing for today.”

Cheltenham Festival: Day One racecard

12:40 , Harry Latham-Coyle

• Supreme Novices’ Hurdle - 1.30pm

• Arkle Challenge Trophy - 2.10pm

• Handicap Steeple Chase - 2.50pm

• Champion Hurdle Challenge Trophy - 3.30pm

• Mares’ Hurdle - 4.10pm

• Juvenile Handicap Hurdle - 4.50pm

• National Hunt Steeple Chase Challenge Cup - 5.30pm

All times GMT.

When does Cheltenham Festival start today?

Cheltenham Festival 2023: Constitution Hill is out and about

12:35 , Harry Latham-Coyle

One of the most anticipated events at this year’s Cheltenham will be the performance of Constitution Hill, as yet unbeaten his five previous runs under jockey Nico de Boinville.

Last year’s winner of the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle goes for trainer Nicky Henderson in this afternoon’s Champion Hurdle.

Henderson, seeking a record-extending ninth win in the Hurdle, tempered expectations for the horse slightly this week, though there is no doubt the six-year-old looks a real talent.

“Constitution Hill is doing freakish things, but he’s only had five runs in his life and you have to remember it is very early days in his career,” Henderson warned.

Cheltenham Festival 2023: Can Ireland retain the Prestbury Cup?

12:28 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Irish trainers secured a dominant Pretbury Cup victory in 2022, with their horses taking 18 of the week’s 28 races on a tough four days for British-reared competitors.

Cheltenham Festival 2023: Supreme Novices Hurdle odds

12:24 , Harry Latham-Coyle

And also thanks to Betfair, here are the latest odds for the opening go over the fences, with six-year-old Irish horse Facile Vega the favourite.

Odds for Supreme Novices Hurdle:

Facile Vega 15/8

Marine Nationale 4/1

II Etait Temps 9/2

Inthepocket 8/1

Tahmuras 11/1

Diverge 16/1

High Definition 20/1

Doctor Bravo 22/1

Chasing Fire 28/1

Rare Edition 28/1

Dark Raven 33/1

Strong Leader 40/1

Fennor Cross 70/1

Palace Boy 200/1

Cheltenham 2023: Rachael Blackmore hopeful of good start to festival

12:20 , Harry Latham-Coyle

And the so-called Queen of Cheltenham has a runner in the Festival’s very first race, with Inthepocket among the contenders for the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle.

“The rain and the changing ground means that Inthepocket now goes for the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle,” Rachael Blackmore said of her first starter, courtesy of Betfair.

“He is a very nice horse, he kept on well to win a Grade 2 novice hurdle at Naas just before Christmas, when he probably wasn’t helped by the omission of the last two flights of hurdles, and he ran a solid race in the Grade 1 Tattersalls Ireland Novice Hurdle at the Dublin Racing Festival last time to finish second behind Il Etait Temps.

“He is a horse who has a big future, and hopefully he can run well here and get the week off to a good start.”

Cheltenham Festival: A look back at 2022

12:15 , Luke Baker

Rachael Blackmore etched herself further into racing folklore as she added the Cheltenham Gold Cup to 2021’s Grand National in guiding A Plus Tard to a runaway success in chasing’s blue riband event last year.

Not everything had gone right for A Plus Tard in last year’s Gold Cup when finishing runner-up to Henry de Bromhead-trained stablemate Minella Indo and the queen of jump jockeys felt she had unfinished business, having picked the wrong horse.

So it proved, as the 3-1 favourite left the previous winner in his wake following a ride timed to perfection.

Rachael Blackmore makes Cheltenham Gold Cup history on A Plus Tard

Cheltenham spectators set to sink over 200,000 pints of Guinness

12:10 , Luke Baker

Spectators at the Cheltenham Festival this year are expected to drink more than 200,000 pints of Guinness across four days of racing.

The Dublin stout is a popular beverage at the prestigious spring event, with the Diageo brand a prominent partner of the Festival.

For the first time, fans will be able to buy alcohol-free Guinness, including from the first self-serve bar at a racecourse in the United Kingdom.

The 274,000 spectators will be able to purchase pints of the alcoholic version at £7.50, according to The Sun.

St Patrick’s Day this year falls on Gold Cup day, with Friday set to be the most lucrative afternoon for beer-sellers.

Cheltenham spectators set to sink over 200,000 pints of Guinness

Cheltenham Festival 2023: One in five Brits admit they are ‘fair weather’ horse racing fans

12:02 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Researchers polled 2,000 adults and found half became “equestrian experts” when a big horse racing event took place– although many say this fleeting interest could lead to a year-round love for the sport.

As many as 90 per cent of followers of the big three racing events – Cheltenham, Grand National, and Ascot – will have a flutter, typically placing a stake on six races.

While 26 per cent take their interest to another level by purchasing a copy of the Racing Post in a bid to find an “absolute cert”.

And 31 per cent have arranged social get-togethers so they can enjoy all the highs and lows of race day with family and friends.

‘Equestrian experts’ at Grand National admit they don’t normally follow the sport

How many horses have died at the Cheltenham Festival this century?

11:58 , Luke Baker

Sadly, Cheltenham is also intertwined with tragedy, with the death of horses an all-too-regular occurence over the last 23 years. We hope that all our runners and riders get around safely at this year’s Festival.

How many horses have died at the Cheltenham Festival?

Cheltenham weather: What is the going for Day 1 of the 2023 Festival?

11:53 , Luke Baker

A dry and, at times, cold winter has caused plenty of problems during the last couple of months on both sides of the Irish Sea, and there could be more inclement conditions for competitors and spectators alike over the next four days. Wind and rain are forecast to hit Cheltenham, but today’s going could be the best of the week.

Cheltenham weather: What is the going report for Day 1 of the 2023 Festival?

Cheltenham Festival tips: Experts on best bets and 13 horses to watch

11:46 , Luke Baker

We’ve still got a little while before the action gets up and running at Cheltenham, which means there is still plenty of time for a wager or two on the day’s early races.

The Independent has consulted the experts and come up with our top tips for the Festival.

Cheltenham Festival tips from the experts: Race card, bets and latest odds for day 1

Cheltenham Festival 2023

11:44 , Luke Baker

The eyes of the racing world turn again to that fertile patch of Gloucetershire countryside, with nearly 300,000 fans ready to pack in to Cheltenham over four days of high-quality National Hunt racing.

The Independent will have you covered right through this year’s Festival with full race coverage, some top tips, and those all-important weather updates.

Here’s the full itinerary:

Cheltenham Festival 2023 race card, runners and full schedule

Cheltenham Festival 2023

11:21 , Luke Baker

Welcome to The Independent’s coverage of the 2023 Cheltenham Festival, which gets underway this afternoon.

There is an intriguing four days in store as the UK’s biggest racing festival returns, with the Champion Hurdle the highlight of day 1 in the Cotswolds.

Stick with us for full live coverage.