Live Cheltenham Festival - Day One Blog

Tuesday's results and replays
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1810 Day one highlights

Gordon Elliott the undoubted star of Champion Day at Cheltenham and no doubt he'll be celebrating in style this evening.

Buveur D'Air winning the Champion Hurdle itself a personal highlight but Elliott to beat Melon and River Wylde in the Sky Bet Supreme with the previously rogueish Labaik will go down in history as one of the great training performances.

Remarkably, over an hour after pulling up injured on the run-in in the National Hunt Chase, Edwulf is seemingly still being treated by course vets behind the screens in front of the stands. 

1800 Ireland in front

Ireland take a 4-3 lead over Great Britain into day two in the Betbright Cup (Prestbury Cup) and remarkably  Willie Mullins hasn't contributed a single winner.

Tully East for Alan Fleming adds to Gordon Elliott's brilliant treble earlier in the day to nudge Ireland ahead it's nicely poised after day one.

1750 A game of cat and mouse

What a fascinating race tactically, none of the jockeys wishing to commit for home too early and several flashing home from near the back of the field to be never nearer than at the line.

They include the second and third, but Tully East was delivered to absolute perfection in typical Denis O'Regan fashion. 

It was also a race with no shortage of drama and it's hoped Willie Twiston-Davies is okay after taking a crashing fall from Foxtail Hill at the fence soon after they pass the stands.

During the race, officials were also still treating Edwulf, who had been moved from the chase course behind a screen.

5.30 Cheltenham result

1st Tully East (8/1)
2nd Gold Present
3rd Two Taffs
4thPowersbomb

Click here for full result & free video replay

TULLY EAST wins the Close Brothers Novices' Handicap Chase!

1738 Change of luck for Twister?

Things haven't gone too well for Nigel Twiston-Davies so far, starting when his "best chance of the week" Ballyandy didn't come up to scratch in the opening Sky Bet Supreme.

He's responsible for favourite Foxtail Hill here after his impressive win over the course on Trials Day, for which he was raised 7lb which leaves him on exactly 140 which is the ratings ceiling for this particular contest.

1730 Delay to the last

We're running 10 minutes late ahead of the last, which is now due off at 5.40 rather than the 5.30 as advertised.

Sadly, the delay revolves around Edwulf being treated having broken down and been pulled up quite sharply on the run-in in the National Hunt Chase.

1728 All's well that ends Well?

We're rushing towards the lucky last on day one (go steady, there are three more days don't forget) and Burtons Well is developing into one of the gambles of the day. He was around 25/1 last night but is now no bigger than 11/1. 

Dan Skelton's Two Taffs, Alan Fleming's Tully East and the Tom George-trained Bun Doran are others proving strong in the market. Sizing Tennesse is a bit of an eye-catcher at even bigger prices and I fully expect him to relish the conditions on fourth start over fences.

1720 Jumping is the name of the game

Some of the big names going into the four-miler failed to finish, with Champers On Ice clobbering just about every fence on the way to pulling up, while Martello Tower seemingly struggled to cope on the ground and was pulled up.

Edwulf looked like potentially laying a strong challenge down under Derek O'Connor but he too was ultimately pulled up after completely losing his action in the closing stages. Fingers crossed for Joseph O'Brien's charge but that didn't look too pleasant.

1710 O'Neill 'a star'

Elliott can hardly believe the results he's achieved this afternoon and paid tribute to Tiger Roll's rider Lisa O'Neill, who he says is an integral part of the team at Cullentra House Stables.

He said: "It's some day, we knew if the ground dried out a bit this horse would go well.

"Lisa gave him a great ride, I'm delighted for her and she's a star.

"I honestly can't believe it. I thought if I had one this year I'd be delighted. It's a credit to the staff I have at home and the owners and the horses. It's brilliant."

1708 Elliott on a roll

It's that man again as Gordon Elliott sends out former Triumph Hurdle winner Tiger Roll to take top spot in the four-miler under Lisa O'Neill and bring up a day one hat-trick for the trainer.

He's come a heck of a long way in a short space of time since he first started sending out winners at Perth and Cartmel and those who went to visit his impeccable stables at the pre-Festival press visit were left with no doubt that this year's Cheltenham team was going to make a serious impact.

4.50 Cheltenham result

1st Tiger Roll (16/1)
2nd Missed Approach
3rd Haymount
Click here for full result & free video replay

TIGER ROLL wins the JT McNamara National Hunt Chase!

1640 Touch of class

John Thomas McNamara, who died last summer at the age of just 41 following an accident here on Galaxy Rock in the 2013 Kim Muir, is remembered today with this upcoming races named in his honour.

It's a classy touch from Cheltenham to keep commemorating our absent friends in this great race and it's an event in which quality usually comes to the fore too.

Last year Minella Rocco beat Native River and they're both in line for Friday's Timico Cheltenham Gold Cup, so who has the requisite class in today's field?

Martello Tower has a Grade One win to his name having landed the Albert Bartlett earlier in his career but that came on very deep ground and Champers On Ice may be better suited by conditions this afternoon. He was third to Unowhatimeanharry in last year's Albert Bartlett and this looks to have been his big chasing target for a while.

David Pipe reaches for the cheekpieces and a tongue tie in a bid to get him back up to speed. Champers will do for me at 7/1.

1638 Henderson hat-trick

Nicky Henderson has two on the board already and bids for a hat-trick on day one with the well-regarded and upwardly mobile Beware The Bear under Sam Waley-Cohen in the next race - the JT McNamara National Hunt Chase due off at 4.50.

The horse is seeking a hat-trick of his own after two impressive handicap victories but faces a strong Irish challenge headed by A Genie In Abottle and Edwulf, both also ridden by top amateurs.

Paul Nicholls' Arpege D'Alene (Will Biddick) and David Pipe's Champers On Ice (Roger Quinlan) are the others near the top of the betting for the home team.

1630 How do you like them Apple's?

I'm sure you recall Bryan Cooper speaking incredibly highly of Tony Martin a couple of years ago after riding Benefficient to victory here when he first burst onto the scene and he has just hailed Gordon Elliott a "genius" after Apple's Jade's victory.

The Gigginstown number one rider said: "Gordon's a genius and I'm very lucky to ride for him.

"She's all heart this horse. We were confident coming here."

1622 A Ricci sandwich

What a game performance from Apple's Jade, who has toughed it out between the Willie Mullins pair of Vroum Vroum Mag and Limini to strike for Gordon Elliott, Bryan Cooper and Gigginstown House Stud.

The winner, prominent throughout the two and a half mile contest while her principal rivals were buried away before being delivered much later, looked a sitting duck at the second last but responded to every call and was begin to go away again as they reached the line.

Ruby did get it wrong, fractionally to be fair to him, and it could be that Limini's wicked turn of foot she showed in the mares' novice event 12 months ago was nullified over this longer trip, for all she beat Apple's Jade by two lengths over the same distance at Punchestown last month.

Maybe that race left a mark on the favourite - one thing is for sure and that's that Gordon Elliott has been working back from this day with the winner all season. 

A brilliant result for the Irish, with the best of the home team Indian Stream a further three and three-quarter lengths back in fourth. 

4.10 Cheltenham result

1st Apple’s Jade (7/2)
2nd Vroum Vroum Mag
3rd Limini
Click here for full result & free video replay

APPLE'S JADE wins the OLBG Mares' Hurdle!

1612 More Champion reaction

Henderson said of Buveur D'Air, who was third in the Supreme Novices' Hurdle 12 months ago: "He won his two novice chases, but I just knew there was more there over hurdles. It was before Faugheen came out of the race that I said we'd go back (over hurdles).

"He's not very flashy at home but you had to feel that there was unfinished business. It was a very open race, but I just knew he was a very talented horse."

Sky Bet Price Boost

Fancy Limini and Walsh to do the business? She's the subject of Sky Bet's latest Price Boost offer in the OLBG Mares' Hurdle - was 13/8, NOW 7/4.

Click here to bet on the 4.10 at Cheltenham

1600 Ruby doesn't get it wrong, does he?

Rich Ricci, owner of many a star including Limini and Vroum Vroum Mag who clash in the next race, reckons Ruby Walsh may have picked the wrong one in selecting Limini, who isn't as strong at the top of the betting as I was expecting.

Ricci also sounded a bit scared of Gordon Elliott's Apple's Jade, suggesting he expects her to improve for the fitting of a first-time tongue tie. "Gordon is a master with head-gear and such like," he said.

1550 Speed is of the essence

So much to digest watching the replay back but Moon Racer was pulled up around the third last, Brain Power moved like the best horse in the race before not getting up the hill and My Tent Or Yours has run another screamer at the Festival. He's been second in a Supreme and has now filled the runner-up spot in the Champion for the third year in succession. Incredible.

The New One was seemingly not quick enough and the same could be said of disappointing favourite Yanworth, who was considered more of a Stayers' Hurdle horse at the start of the season and has come up well short of pace on the day.

Buveur D'Air's victory is a 50th win for owner JP McManus.

1547 Chasing on the back-burner

Henderson and owner JP McManus raised a few eye-brows at the start of the season when sending last year's Supreme third Buveur D'Air over fences, but he didn't let them down with a couple of wins at a low level. 

It was only really when Faugheen, Annie Power and a couple of others looked like missing out that the decision was taken for Buveur D'Air to switch back to hurdling and it's paid off handsomely. 

Fehily has always held this horse in extremely high regard and after a unanimous four and a half length success it's not hard to see why.

1542 Henderson walking on D'Air

It was a sub-standard Champion Hurdle for many but Buveur D'Air runs out a hugely impressive winner and in doing so lands another blow for last year's Supreme Novices' Hurdle form, which continues to work out sensationally well. What price Tombstone for the Coral Cup now...

It's a second winner of the day for Nicky Henderson after Altior's Arkle triumph and a second Champion Hurdle win for jockey Noel Fehily, who rode Paul Nicholls' Rock On Ruby to victory in 2012.

3.30 Cheltenham result

1st Buveur D’Air (5/1)
2nd My Tent Or Yours (16/1)
3rd Petit Mouchoir (6/1)
Click here for full result & free video replay

BUVEUR D'AIR wins the Stan James Champion Hurdle!

1525 Stand by for the feature

We're hurtling through the day at a rate of knots and next up it's only the bloomin' Champion Hurdle. Yanworth is very solid at the top of the market and is trading at 9/4, with Buveur D'Air 5/1 and Petit Mouchoir the one that's been backed in the last hour or so. Henry De Bromhead's grey is 7/1 third in. The New One is now into single figures at 9/1, with Footpad another backed each-way under Ruby Walsh (14s).

1515 Another extra place

The high-class action and Sky Bet's offers continue to come thick and fast and the bookmakers are paying FOUR places instead of three in the upcoming Stan James Champion Hurdle (3.30).

Bet now on the Champion Hurdle (3.30) right here

1510 Same old Buywise

What an amazing horse Buywise is. He's picked up so much place prize-money along the way but a big victory continues to elude the mercurial talent. Noble Endeavour, winner of the big handicap chase at Leopardstown over Christmas, has given Davy Russell a brilliant spin under a big weight, while the front-running Go Conquer has performed admirably for anyone who supported Ben Linfoot's Value Bet selection each-way, as he recommended at 33s.

1507 Dream repeat for Pipe ace

David Pipe has reflected on the repeat win of Un Temps Pour Tout, saying: "It was a great performance, he was 7lb higher in the weights than last year and it looked a very competitive race, maybe even more so than last year.

"Tom has given him a brilliant ride, the horse is not over-big but he's economical.

"We fancied him in the Hennessy but he didn't run his race. I thought he was in good form at home but today you knew early on that he was on a going day. He's won at two Festivals now and a French Champion Hurdle. He's some horse."

Heskin was said to be "delighted with the run but a bit gutted to be beaten so narrowly" on Tom George's gallant runner-up Singlefarmpayment.

1503 Epic battle to the line

Well, plenty of attention was on the 2015 winner Holywell but it's last year's Ultima hero Un Temps Pour Tout who repeats the dose, getting the better of favourite Singlefarmpayment in a thrilling duel up the hill under Tom Scudamore. He shortened into 9/1 at the off and the gamble has been landed.

Adrian Heskin did all he could on the heavily-supported Singlefarmpayment, hanging on until taking the lead at the last, but the proven high-class performer just had too many guns.

2.50 Cheltenham result

1st Un Temps Pour Tout (9/1)
2nd Singlefarmpayment
3rd Noble Endeavour
4th Buywise
5th Go Conquer
6th The Young Master
Click here for full result & free video replay

UN TEMPS POUR TOUT wins the Ultima Handicap Chase!

PHOTO

1450 Spring has officially sprung

Just hearing Holywell was awarded best turned out... Good luck all.

1448 Six of the best from Sky Bet

Enhance your punting pleasure on the upcoming race by taking advantage of Sky Bet's industry-best offer of SIX places on the Ultima Handicap Chase. 

Bet now on the 2.50 Cheltenham right here

1445 Value Bet territory...

A couple of selections here for our very own Ben Linfoot in his Value Bet column and he tends to be the man to follow in these huge field handicaps. He's not packing any punches either and has selected bottom weight Vic De Touzaine and the Jonjo O'Neill-trained Go Conquor at huge prices. Both have attracted support through the day and the former is generally 28/1 having been tipped at 40/1. Full preview here. 

1440 Morgan spice

On the way to post for the Ultima Handicap Chase and it's Henri Parry Morgan for me. Singlefarmpayment and former winner The Druids Nephew dominate the betting and their chances are clear, especially if the ground is indeed drying out still. But it's Peter Bowen's charge who catches the eye on the pick of his novice form last term and for one reason or another he's not quite been able to show his best this year. Here's hoping today's the day.

1428 Easier for the chasers

Altior's rider Nico De Boinville has been speaking after the race and suggested the ground may be "a little bit softer on the chase course."

"Once Altior gets up through the gears he takes off, it's just getting up up there," said the exceptionally eloquent rider.

1424 Henderson ticks onto 56

Nicky Henderson adds another Festival winner to his amazing career tally, Altior taking him onto 56, and he's already looking to the future with the seven-year-old son of High Chaparral.

Henderson said: "That was the one that had to win really so it's great to get that over with. A winner on the first day takes the pressure off for the rest of the week.

"He jumped very well, I feel for Kim's horse (Charbel) because he's run a great race but Altior's done it well.

"His life's still in front of him really. Hopefully Douvan will come and do his job tomorrow and maybe we can come and do it all over next year."

1420 Not the stroll many expected

I couldn't see Nicky Henderson during the Racing Post Arkle but I'd imagine Altior's trainer was puffing his cheeks out a few times during that as while he's got the job done at long odds-on, Altior perhaps wasn't quite at his very best and could have been given more to do by Charbel if that one hadn't fallen at the second-last fence. Thankfully Kim Bailey's horse has got to his feet and looks fine.

Altior never quite seemed to be making up much ground in his jumping but his class has got him through. Last year's Supreme winner has a huge stride on him and he was never going to be caught once left in front, though Cloudy Dream has run a blinder in second for Malcoln Jefferson.

Charbel was going "really well" according to Bailey and jockey David Bass is said to be inconsolable.

2.10 Cheltenham result

1st Altior (1/4 fav)
2nd Cloudy Dream
3rd Ordinary World
Click here for full result & free video replay

ALTIOR wins the Racing Post Arkle!

1410 Champion in the making?

Both the Supreme winner Labaik and runner-up Melon are 16/1 for next year's Champion Hurdle with Sky Bet.

1406 Best of the rest?

Nicky Henderson's Altior is now 1/4 favourite for the Arkle and it's Willie Mullins' Royal Caviar who is proving most popular against him. That's pretty unsurprising considering his connections and jockey - he's now 6/1 from 7s, with Charbel out to 9/1 and Malcolm Jefferson's Cloudy Too 12/1. 

1400 Breathless stuff

They're already on the way to the start for the Racing Post Arkle and Ben Pauling has been speaking about his big hope A Hare Breath.

"They've changed the going to good to soft, good in places and I've always thought he wanted good ground. Realistically we may be playing for second as Altior looks the next absolutely superstar but we likes our horse and we know he handles the track."

1352 The horse that Jack built 

Jack Kennedy has been telling Racing UK's Lydia Hislop how he's used past experiences on Labaik to put it all together and come up with the goods when it matters most.

He said: "It's absolutely brilliant, words can't describe what it feels like. Huge thanks to Gordon and the owners for putting me back up and keeping faith in this horse.

"He half had a think about things walking onto the track but everything was straightward after I gave him a kick in the belly. I've used the past performances to do things a bit different today and it's all worked out on the day.

"He pricked his ears at the last and I feared I'd gone a fraction too soon but to be fair to him he dug in, he's a fair horse."

1345 Where did your money go?

Ballyandy the obvious name missing from the 1-2-3 and he just didn't look quick enough. Unlike the Betfair Hurdle, they possibly didn't go flat out the whole way and Ballyandy was caught a bit flat-fotted before staying on for fourth. He almost caught River Wylde for third, the latter looking to come to the end of his tether up the hill. No excuses whatsoever for Melon, who looks to have done exactly what the Mullins team were hoping, only to find on too good on the day. Incredible start for Elliott and it could spell the turning of the tide in his favour. 

1340 Gordon bennett

An incredible start to proceedings as the Gordon Elliott-trained Labaik causes an upset by beating Melon to win the Sky Bet Supreme. Teenage sensation Jack Kennedy (just 17) is taking the adulation of the crowds, but you get the sense not too many were on... The big question with this horse was whether or not he'd actually start the race, the son of Montmatre having refused to race in two of his last three starts and finishing sixth last time. No issues at the start today and certainly no issues throughout the race as, after being held up early on, the 25/1 shot travelled like a demon in behind and arrived to challenge Melon at the last basically on the bridle. This horse beat Mick Jazz in a novice event earlier in the season and that's a timely boost for that one who Kennedy is expected to ride in Friday's County Hurdle.

1.30 Cheltenham result

1st Labaik (25/1)
2nd Melon (3/1 joint-fav)
3rd  River Wylde (8/1)
Click here for full result & free video replay

LABAIK wins the Sky Bet Supreme!

1325 Joint-favourites

Ballyandy the one they've come for here on the track and he's now sharing favouritism with Melon at 11/4. 

1320 Paddock inspection

The general consensus from the paddock watchers is that Ballyandy looks extremely fit, as you might expect, and looks better than he did before being beaten here earlier in the season. Pingshou also took the eye of one or two judges and he's definitely one of the each-way movers as we approach the start of the Festival. Best of luck to everybody.

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Click here to bet on the Sky Bet Supreme Novices’ Hurdle (1.30)  

1310 Ready to roar?

Only 20 minutes to the off in the Supreme and there's definitely a bit of opposition to the Willie Mullins-trained Melon. Betfair Hurdle winner Ballyandy was all the rage this morning but now there's support for Melon's stablemate Cilaos Emery, Colin Tizzard's Pingshou, Elgin and Labaik. If you've not seen Labaik 'run' before, be warned. He's as quirky as they come and enjoys planting himself at the start. I wonder how he'll take the atmosphere... Capital Force, mentioned by Falbrav who kindly emailed earlier, has also been cut and is generally 50/1 having been available at three figures early doors. 

1305 'Not the biggest' Melon

Horses in the pre-parade ring for the Sky Bet Supreme and Cheltenham Radio's Niall Hannity didn't sound all that impressed by favourite Melon, who "looks fit but isn't the biggest type."

1300 Singles all round

The Sky Bet traders have been in touch again and report the Tom George-trained Singlefarmpayment to be one of the best backed horses of the day. He's now into 11/2 for the Ultima and was certainly the subject of some positive reports from jockey Adrian Heskin at the preview evening in Doncaster last Thursday. "Very well treated" was the standout line from an excited Heskin. Yanworth, now into 9/4 for the Champion, is another the layers are hoping get beaten.

12.50 Simon Adams writes... Cheltenham week again! The excitement is palpable. Looking for Melon and Petit Mouchoir today to do me proud. Altior the possible star turn hopefully he stamps himself in the arkle. With Beware The Bear and Foxtail Hill rounding out the day. In the office pining for Cheltenham roar! Good luck to all today and I hope every horse and jockey comes back safe. 

MB: Altior absolutely the star turn and hopefully he brings his best to win the Arkle in style. There aren't many chinks in his armour and the most amazing thing about him is that he's really blossomed as a potential superstar in the season that Nicky Henderson had to retire Sprinter Sacre. They're not too dissimilar in appearance and we're in for a treat if he can do a similar job at dismantling an Arkle field as super Sprinter did. Best of luck Simon, hear hear!

1245 Walsh on top of Canyon

The jockeys have been provisionally confirmed for Thursday's Grade Ones and worth noting Ruby Walsh rides Nichols Canyon over Shaneshill, who was regarded as the Willie Mullins number one in the build-up. Also interesting to see Yanworth and The New One have been declared for Thursday's race too, just in case anything were to go wrong in the Champion today, presumably.

1240 When the going gets tough...

Plenty of the handicap races this week could be described as punting minefields but does it get harder than the Close Brothers Novices' Handicap Chase that brings today's card to a close at 5.30? With a ratings ceiling of 140, the field is understandably packed tightly and there's only 5lb between the top and the bottom of the weights. It's always best to focus on a bit of Graded form in this race and Sizing Tennesse could be the one. He's yet to win a race over fences but that's not been essential in recent years and, with blinkers fitted for the first time, could be ready to peak after catching the eye behind O O Seven and Whisper here earlier in the campaign. 

1220 Rub me the right way?

A word or two from crack amateur rider Jamie Codd, who won the Kim Muir on Causes Of Causes last year and rides Genie In Abottle in today's four-miler at 4.50.

He said: "He's fairly unexposed to be fair, he won a bumper and a few over hurdles but has really come to the fore over fences. He ran a great ride behind Anibale Fly over a trip shorter than ideal the last day.

"I'm hopeful of a good spin, stamina is an unknown for most of them but he looks like he'll definitely say. It's a novice race and it's his first time running here at Cheltenham but I'm looking forward to him.

"The ground is beautiful out there, we'd possibly call it yielding to soft in Ireland, it's not drying out too much - it's perfect."

1215 Power to the people

I promised some late whispers in the teaser for today's blog and while there aren't too many  rumours going around in the press room there's no denying Brain Power is the name on most people's lips ahead of the Champion Hurdle. You get the sense this horse works the house down at Seven Barrows and he could just be on the up still, with some of his main rivals obviously open the far less improvement than himself. It's a different game altogether winning handicaps from marks in the 140's to the heat of a Champion Hurdle battle but Nicky Henderson expects the drying ground to suit this horse a little better than JP McManus' Buveur D'Air. 

1210 The Ultima warrior

The enigmatic Holywell is already proving very popular ahead of the Ultima Handicap Chase at 2.50, having won the race two years ago and rediscovered the old sparkle when second behind Un Temps Pour Tout last year. He's looked rank out of a form again throughout the winter but he loves a bit of spring ground and Richie McLernon gets on very well with him. Has he gone at the game, or can Jonjo O'Neill work his magic with this well-treated warrior once more? I'm not sure I'm willing to take 10/1 to find out, but it's another intriguing one. 

1200 'Champ' immortalised

Sir Anthony McCoy has unveiled his statue at the course this morning. The 'Champ' ended his outrageous career with 31 Festival winners and who could forget his last on Alan King's Uxizandre in the Ryanair Chase? I'm not entirely concinved he'll be delighted with the rather sullen expression on his face, but he was hardly in it for the japes was he? It's just amazing to see him in one piece after his bruising career in the saddle and he even has a bit of meat on the bones these days, as well as exceedingly white teeth. Give us a smile, AP.

1155 Losing my marbles?

It's hard to escape the idea that the drying ground is going to have a significant impact on results this afternoon. There's plenty of soft-ground form through the winter that is looking more questionable by the minute and similarly there are one or two that could spring to life now racing on a decent surface. One of the latter could be Elgin, who may not have the typical Supreme profile but has had a few battles this season and hasn't disgraced himself at all.

He's been second to Neon Wolf and the reopposing River Wydle the last twice and there's no shame there, while he looked good at Kempton on good ground on Boxing Day prior to that. Having endured a torrid week 12 months ago, Alan King has reason to be hopeful this time around and a big run from Elgin would obviously be a nice boost to Yanworth (and Sceau Royal) backers in the Champion. 

King also sends out Label Des Obeaux (Ultima) and Kerrow (NH Chase) with decent chances too. There aren't many nicer blokes in this great game than King - genuinely one of the good guys. Fingers crossed for him today.

1145 Non-runner update

One horse who won't be winning the Champion Hurdle is Ch'Tibello, who is the latest non-runner on today's card. Unfortunately being told he's a self-certificate with an infected foot. Tough to take for connections I'm sure.

1144 Mark writes... Hi Matt, nice greetings from Austria. Maybe you can explain why Petit Mouchoir is drifting all the time? I can feel the front runner  could go very, very close. For many Yanworth is a banker, but for me he is too slow between the hurdles... What think an expert?

MB: Thanks for getting in touch Mark, I can only assume the drying ground (the sun has disappeared for the time being but it's nice and dry with a decent breeze) is putting people off. Tactics are going to be massive for Irish Champion Hurdle winner Petit Mouchoir, but is he going to get things his own way? I can see The New One pestering him near the lead and maybe Wicklow Brave too but I fear they'll set things up for a speedy closer.

1140 Andy writes... Morning Matt. I have to confess at being a little disappointed in Will Hayler's absence this morning. It's nothing personal you see, it's just that I had come up with a great 'walk on' song for him and I now have to wait another two days to share it with him. (It's Inhaler by Miles Kane if you're wondering. Can't see me coming up with something similar for Matt Brocklebank but will let you know if I do.) Anyway, horse racing, yeah? I'm having Melon beat today by Ballyandy and have taken advantage of Sky Bet's generous offer on the off chance Ballyandy fails. He won't. You want a big price winner...25/1 for Pilgrims Bay in the Ultima is about the best I can give you. Good luck to all who have the same selections as me.

MB: That's the spirit Andy. Pilgrims Bay has definitely been overlooked but do you think James Best can repeat the creepy-creepy tactics he executed so well at Kempton last time? That's not going to be easy here.

1122 John writes... Morning, a nice little Lucky 15 to get the week off to a great start: 1:30 Ballyandy, 3:30 Yanworth (Banker of the week), 4:10 Limini (should be odds on), 4:50 Beware The Bear. Best of luck all.

MB: Best wishes to you John, if all four go in then the ticket for Friday is all yours (providing you are free to come/can arrange your own travel)...

1119 James Gilbert writes... Good morning Matt. I have no doubt that this will raise an eyebrow or two, however, Moonracer at 10/1 in the Champion Hurdle is too big a price for me. A lot of people are talking up Ballyandy’s chances in the Supreme and if he does go on to win, surely that boosts the prospects of Moonracer later on in the card? He also beat Yanworth last year at the festival. It is a big step up but this horse looks progressive to me, we have to remember that he has only run six times despite his age. What are your thoughts?

MB: Thanks James, I'm a big fan of Moon Racer having suggested him non-runner no bet at 33/1 antepost and you can certainly see why the Pipes have been willing to roll the dice given what's Yanworth's done this year, like you say.

He's not the only high-class horse to have emerged from Moon Racer's Champion Bumper from 2015 and course experience as we know can count for so much on this stage. I'd be slightly mindful of Moon Racer's jumping and he might get a bit of a culture-shock if they genuine Champion pace but the engine is there if he's close enough to lay down a challenge at the last.

I just wonder if Buveur D'Air's raw speed and slicker hurdling might do for them and now he's drifted right out to 11/2 it's Noel Fehily's mount I'd rather have on side.

1108 Gigginstown's Ryanair Empire 

No major surprises after the final fields were finalised for Thursday's Grade One features either - the Ryanair Chase and Sunbets Stayers' Hurdle. The main line there is that Empire Of Dirt's Ryanair/Gold Cup hokey-cokey has ended with him IN the Ryanair and presumably OUT of the Gold Cup. Cooper rides, with David Mullins on Sub Lieutenant for the same owners.

1100 Wednesday declarations

The final declarations for tomorrow's card are filtering through and I can't see any massive surprises yet... The Betway Queen Mother field was a 48-hour job so we knew Douvan faces nine in that. Neon Wolf is one of 15 along with Bacardys, Messire Des Obeaux, Consul De Thaix and Shattered Love in the Neptune, while Might Bite and stablemate Whisper take on Bellshill, Alpha Des Obeaux and  Acapella Bourgeois in the RSA Chase (12 go to post).

Paul Nicholls' Volpone Jelois has missed out on a spot in the Fred Winter by one and Bryan Cooper rides favourite Tombstone as expected in the Coral Cup, for which Modus tops the weights. He'll be ridden by Stan Sheppard claiming 5lb, while Donagh Meyler (3lb) takes the ride on Noel Meade's Monksland.

1051 Nick writes... Cheers Matt, as your Swedish representative, I regret to say that my invitation for the Cheltenham Festival seem to have gone missing, again. I blame the mailman. Anywho, I think that Jer’s Girl could be interesting in the 16.10, been facing the boys and now back in calmer waters. At 12/1 she looks quite bet-worthy. Also, what is your take on the ground for Edwulf in the 16.50? Fastest surface he has encountered for a long time. Have a smashing week, I don’t envy you one bit...

MB: I don't believe anyone living in Sweden can be envious over my spot in the corner of the press room, but it's all relative I suppose. Good questions regarding these two Irish raiders. Firstly to Edwulf, who would win the JT McNamara National Hunt Chase quite comfortably if you believe the official handicapper, who has given him a mark of 159. That's higher than More Of That, who is about 14/1 for Friday's Gold Cup. It's high for a reason, mind, but winning handicaps often leaves horses looking a shade over-rated and that could be the case here. He's got one of the very best amateurs around in Derek O'Connor but you're right regarding the ground were it to dry out appreciably. On the first day of the Festival there shouldn't be many excuses over the going and you'd imagine four miles would place enough emphasis on stamina, but there's no doubt all his form is on deep ground. Jer’s Girl looks the obvious one away from the Mullins duo in the Mares and providing Vroum Vroum Mag stands her ground then Limini to beat Jer's Girl could be an attractive forecast. I'm struggling to get away from the favourite there, though.

1025 Melon for starters?

One Leopardstown racegoer was so excited about seeing Melon on his first start for Willie Mullins that they rocked up to the track with an actual watermelon. 

Following a dazzling 10-length success there, the fruity hurdler has certainly caught the imagination of Sky Bet Supreme punters, though his price this morning  (3/1) doesn't appear to be coming under much pressure and he could soon be joined by Ballyandy.

As a body of evidence, Melon's Leopardstown maiden triumph, together with his one win from four starts on the Flat in France, simply isn't enough to make a compelling case beyond reasonable doubt.

Willie Mullins has dominated this race and is closing in on Nicky Henderson in terms of most successful trainers at the Festival (NJH leads 55-48 going into today), while master jockey (with 52 winners to his name himself) very rarely gets this wrong when it comes to choosing which horse to ride. He could have got the leg-up on Grade One second Bunk Off Early, or Grade Two second Crack Mome. 

Instead he rides maiden scorer Melon, who was "bought to be a Champion Hurdle horse" but has grown so much physically over the past few months that Mullins is already considering going chasing with him last year. The signs are ominous.

If you're worried that he can't be all that as if he were then he'd be running in the pink silks of Rich Ricci, think again. Melon's owner is said to be "probably the richest in the yard" according to Patrick Mullins...

1008 Falbrav writes... Morning Matt, I was literally praying that there would be a live blog as I’m stuck in the office in Zurich, so thanks in advance for your efforts. I’m a mite concerned that the going is appreciably better on the new course as I fear the spectre of watering might loom before the end of the week. Can you please say to everybody who will listen that there is nowt wrong with good ground?!! You mentioned big outsiders, so how about Capital Force in the first at around 100/1? He had a confidence booster last time and his form reads as though he will benefit from a searching gallop and a stiff finish. All the best for a great week!

MB: Good morning, it's a pleasure helping you to feel part of the action whereever you are. The going is definitely a bit better than some of us were expecting three or four days ago when there were some serious-looking showers in the forecast and there's talk that 'good to soft' could swiftly become 'good to soft, good in places' but I doubt that change would be made before the first race. Capital Force has been improving gradually for Henry De Bromhead and his form with leading Neptune hope Bacardys is pretty strong. I wonder if he'll quite see it out up the hill if they go a typical Supreme gallop, but I could see Davy Russell swinging on the bit in behind a wall of horses coming down the hill. Back to lay in-running has to be an option with this horse but I can't see him winning so won't pull the trigger myself.

0956 Mark Duncan writes... Hi Matt, great to have you blogging your way at Cheltenham this week. The big question on my lips is will Thursday be renamed St. Jezki day?  And will Friday be renamed St Charli Parcs day?  One hopes so come Friday afternoon. Huge fan of Yanworth today.  Think today is his day to shine and show his true 'worth' in a race that has cut-up a fair bit in the last few weeks. Mark Walsh is a great jockey to have on board, the youthful and fearless Walsh can only benefit him in my eyes! Best of luck to yourself and the team!

MB: Good morning Mark and many thanks for the contribution. It's warming up nicely here, the sun really breaking through the gloom in the last hour or so. I think we've enough to get through to leave Thursday and Friday to Will Hayler, who will be providing the live coverage then, but I wish you luck with Yanworth. The Alan King team were crestfallen when he was beaten in the Neptune by Yorkhill last year but what sweet compensation today would be were he to prevail. Does he jump well enough to win a Champion? I'm yet to be convinced but the competition has gradually fallen by the way side through the season and he's rightly found himself at the sharp end of the betting. Now 5/2, I'm more of a layer than a player in truth. 

0945 Some essential reading

It’s a massive day for punters, that goes without saying, but before you part with your cash I suggest you head to the Racing Tips section of the site, where you can find selections from some of the best in the business including Value Bet expert Ben Linfoot and top commentator Simon Holt, who quietly nailed a double from his two selections at the weekend.

Ben Linfoot Value Bet
Simon Holt selections
Oli Bell preview
Ian Oggs stats guide
Catching Pigeons column
Donn McClean Irish Angle
Nick Robson selections
Man On The Spot race-by-race tips
Stan James Champion Hurdle A-Z

0936 Take two out

Here is the place to keep track of all the non-runners and going changes throughout the day but for now there are two to scratch from your Cheltenham racecard and they are Anthony in the Ultima Handicap Chase at 2.50 and Colin's Sister at 4.10.

0931 Market Movers, Boost and Trader's Tip

Those kind traders in the Sky Bet office have been in touch with the latest details...

Movers

1.30 – Ballyandy 3/1 from 7/2

2.50 – Caid Du Berlais 16/1 from 22/1

4.10 – Apples Jade 4/1 from 9/2

5.30 – Tully East 12/1 from 20/1

Price Boost

16.10 Cheltenham: Mares' Hurdle - Limini 

Trader Tip

14.50 Cheltenham – The Druid’s Nephew is back down to his winning mark of two years ago in this race and looks to have been laid out for it by Neil Mulholland. With Noel Fehily booked he gets the vote at around 9/1.

0927 Sky Bet's First Race Special

Sky Bet will be running their First Race Special throughout all four days of this week’s Festival. Simply have any wager you like on the opening race each day and if your horse suffers defeat, you will get your stake back as a free bet – no gimmicks, it’s as simple as that.

Click here to bet on the Sky Bet Supreme Novices’ Hurdle (1.30)  

0918 An annual pilgrimage like no other

There are so many elements to day one at Cheltenham that really set the pulse racing but the atmosphere is right up there and it’s already beginning to bubble away here on course.

This venue been described as jumps racing’s Mecca on many occasions in the past and returning today it's hard to escape that idea. A place where fellow-minded people of all ages and walks of life flock religiously in celebration of what they hold to be good in the world.

It’s a magical place, it really is (and less said about those people who did shameful acts on the balcony last year the better). 

0910 How could I forget?

Got plenty on your mind, but not totally sure whether you’re going to bother getting in touch today? Consider this: there’s a Club Enclosure ticket for Friday’s meeting (here of course, we wouldn’t send you to Fakenham) up for grabs to the best contributor today.

‘The best!?’ I hear you cry. Yes, I’m choosing so make it a good question. If you’re punchy in your delivery, pique my interest with an outrageous 66/1 selection in the four-miler, or simply cause a smile, you could be onto a winner. And you could be here later this week.

0900 The wait is over… let the Festival begin

A very warm welcome from a cloudy yet pleasantly mild Cheltenham, where the going this morning is officially described as ‘good to soft’ for the first day of the 2017 Festival.

It’s a long old haul waiting for what they now call ‘Champion Day’ to come around again, but hopefully none of you have literally just been sitting there refreshing this very page for the past 12 months.

Whether you’re a die-hard Sporting Life blog fanatic complete with Will Hayler merchandise (Breeders’ Cup, Belmont Park ’05 - I woz there mug), a true Festival aficionado, or just clicking away for the very first time, all are welcome. I’m Matt Brocklebank and this is the only place you need to be for all the latest breaking Festival news, what's hot and what's not in the betting markets, late whispers from the track and hopefully one or two winners.

Before all the racing around out there on the green stuff (it looks phenomenal for those desperately wishing for me to stir their senses through the media of blog), I’ll be answering the pick of your questions for the next couple of hours, all between finding some breakfast and feeding you the key news snippets as we go.

So email me, right here in the belly of the Cotswolds and quite frankly the centre of the universe this week (for those of a horsey persuasion, at least) at racingfeedback@sportinglife.com. I will do my best to respond as quickly as possible to your questions and thoughts but apologies if I do not get time to answer them all in full.