Cheltenham Festival - LIVE!
Day one of the ‘Greatest Show on Turf’ is finally upon us as the 2021 Cheltenham Festival gets underway.
Owing to the Covid-19 pandemic, this year’s National Hunt showpiece at Prestbury Park will have a different feel to usual, with no spectators in attendance as the event moves behind closed doors for the first time.
That should not detract from the usual thrilling action and racing drama, however, with plenty to look out for on opening day.
The Nicky Henderson-trained superstar Shishkin triumphed in the Arkle Challenge Trophy this afternoon.
The Supreme Novices’ Hurdle kicked things off with short-priced favourite Appreciate It romping home for Willie Mullins, while Rachael Blackmore made history aboard Honeysuckle in the headline race of the day - the Champion Hurdle.
There was also a fairytale win for 28-1-priced 11-year-old Vintage Clouds in the Ultima Handicap Chase, while Black Tears won the Close Brothers Mares’ Hurdle and 80-1 shot Jeff Kidder won the Boodles Juvenile Handicap Hurdle.
Galvin (7-2) overcame a five-month absence to land the Sam Vestey National Hunt Challenge Cup Novices’ Chase and complete a double for Kennedy after the victory of Black Tears.
