Cheltenham Festival day one - in pictures

The runners and riders in the first race form a tight pack as they gallop in front of the packed grandstands Photograph: Tom Jenkins for The Guardian

Spectators watch from inside and outside the posh boxes at Cheltenham. Plenty of tweed on display here, and a couple of natty hats too Photograph: Tom Jenkins for The Guardian

In the cross-country race, the runners leap the first fence of a challenging three-mile, seven-furlong course Photograph: Tom Jenkins for The Guardian

JT McNamara falls off Dancing Tornado and hits the deck Photograph: Tom Jenkins for The Guardian

McNamarra is lucky as the horse gallops right above him ... Photograph: Tom Jenkins for The Guardian

Very lucky, in fact, as the horse plants his hoof inches from his unprotected face Photograph: Tom Jenkins for The Guardian

Balthazar King (in red colours) with Richard Johnson on board leads the charge and goes on to win the race Photograph: Tom Jenkins for The Guardian

Sprinter Sacre is as good as his name, racing clear up the hill from the last fence to win the Arkle Chase Photograph: Tom Jenkins for The Guardian

Ruby Walsh gets a big kiss from Quevaga in the unsaddling enclosure after they won the Stayers Hurdle for mares for the fourth consecutive time Photograph: Tom Jenkins for The Guardian

Zara Phillips gazes around the parade ring. Wonder if she'll be backing Hurricane Fly in the main event, the Champion Hurdle? Photograph: Tom Jenkins for The Guardian

Last year's winner, Hurricane Fly is struggling to impose himself in the race - instead the 11-1 bet Rock on Ruby (far left) leads the contenders over the final hurdle Photograph: Tom Jenkins for The Guardian

Noel Fehily's ride romps home to victory. Hurricane Fly could only manage third, with Overturn beating him to second Photograph: Tom Jenkins for The Guardian

Ruby Walsh hangs his head as he passes the post aboard Hurricane Fly. His charge never really threatened today and though he kept pace with the leaders, he had nothing to offer in the final furlong Photograph: Tom Jenkins for The Guardian

In the final race of the day, Hunt Ball's victory gives his owner Anthony Knott cause for celebration Photograph: Tom Jenkins for The Guardian