The opening day of the 2014 Cheltenham Festival - in pictures

Former Gold Cup winner and a racing great, Kauto Star in the parade ring at Cheltenham Photograph: Tom Jenkins for the Guardian

Boning up on the latest news before the day's racing Photograph: Tom Jenkins for the Guardian

The packed grandstand watches the runners in the first race, the Novices' Hurdle Photograph: Tom Jenkins for the Guardian

Vautour with Ruby Walsh on board lead Photograph: Tom Jenkins for the Guardian

The field crash through a hurdle in the first race, Ruby Walsh on Vautour went on to win Photograph: Tom Jenkins for the Guardian

The runners in the Arkle Chase head out into the country Photograph: Tom Jenkins for the Guardian

Champagne Fever leads the runners in Photograph: Tom Jenkins for the Guardian

But Champagne Fever lost out on the run-in to Western Warhorse Photograph: Tom Jenkins for the Guardian

Tom Scudamore on Western Warhorse is congratulated after his victory in the Arkle Photograph: Tom Jenkins for the Guardian

Runners in the Handicap Steeple Chase start to descend the hill at the top of the course. The race was won Richie McLernon riding Holywell Photograph: Tom Jenkins for the Guardian

There was a thrilling finish to the big race of the day, the Champion Hurdle. Jezki (No4) just beats My Tent or Yours as they cross the line Photograph: Tom Jenkins for the Guardian

A beaming Barry Geraghty celebrates victory Photograph: Tom Jenkins for the Guardian

Which was in stark contrast starkly with the dejected look on the face of Ruby Walsh who finished fourth on 11-4 favourite Hurricane Fly Photograph: Tom Jenkins for the Guardian

The daffs are out at Cheltenham, as are some natty titfers Photograph: Tom Jenkins for the Guardian

Ruby Walsh on Quevega passes the winning post to win the Mares Hurdle for a record sixth consecutive time Photograph: Tom Jenkins for the Guardian

Ruby Walsh and Quevega are applauded after the race Photograph: Tom Jenkins for the Guardian

Jockey and horse are enormously pleased with their day's work Photograph: Tom Jenkins for the Guardian