Live blog from day one of the 2018 Cheltenham Festival featuring the Unibet Champion Hurdle

FREE video replays

FREE Cheltenham Festival tips

Cheltenham Festival Blog: Day One Recap

All times GMT

1800: What a magnificent day to get the 2018 Cheltenham Festival under way. Tuesday at Cheltenham simply never fails to disappoint and it looks like there's a huge amount of punters going home with their pockets full after today's sport.

The heavy ground hasn't stopped Willie Mullins dominating proceedings after he banged in a treble, topped by Footpad in the Racing Post Arkle, while we could have seen the emerge of a real star hurdler too in the shape of Summerville Boy, who took the Sky Bet Supreme from an uncompromising position.

And what of Buveur D'Air? The first horse since 2005 to win back-to-back Champion Hurdles and a real nail-biter as well.

If it's not been quite so rosy for you, then we are just a quarter of the way through this epic week so sit tight and focus on tomorrow.

I'll be back to guide the ship through the latter part of the morning and into the live action but until then, you can get stuck into the incredible preview package we've got in store for Wednesday.

1740: Another stirring finish up the Cheltenham hill and Brian Hughes registers his second career Festival victory on the Mick Channon-trained Mister Whitaker, who didn't look like making the cut for the race a couple of weeks ago.

But it's cut up nicely for him and so has the ground, leaving it something like the conditions in which he won here on Trials Day.

Another massively popular winner for on course punters, it seems, and popular for Henrietta Knight's involvement in the horse's development.

RESULT: 5.30 Cheltenham – Close Brothers Novices' Handicap Chase

1st MISTER WHITAKER (13/2)
2nd Rather Be
3rd Rocklander
4th Barney Dwan

Click here for full result and FREE video replay

1715: Just had a quick scan of the betting to see where the late money's going in the Close Brothers Novices' Handicap Chase - are final race of the day due off at 5.30 - and guess who?

Yes, it's Willie Mullins and Ruby Walsh the ones attracting support with the lightly-weighted Ricci runner Livelovelaugh.... I'll stick with Any Second Now, whose Graded form reads exceptionally well here, especially in light of Footpad's Arkle win, but is Ruby worth a saver at 10/1? A more silly question has never been asked, rhetorical or otherwise.

1708: Value Bet is now published. The 5pm gong goes off in the minds of punters up and down the land and you can now get stuck into Ben Linfoot's thoughts on some juicy prices for tomorrow.

Click here for Wednesday's Value Bet preview

1705: Ms Parfois so game in defeat under Will Biddick, but Mullins picked him off on the run-in. Sizing Tennessee helped cut out the runner so has to be given a huge amount of credit, though his stamina did appear to give way. Jury Duty made too many jumping mistakes along the way and was a spent force coming down the hill after briefly moving up to withing six lengths of the leaders five out.

1700: More. Mullins. Magic.

He's a tired horse after the line, but Rathvinden was as game as you like under Patrick Mullins to give his father a second National Hunt Chase victory (as a trainer, won is as a jockey in 1982 on Hazy Dawn), and a third winner on day one of the 2018 Festival.

RESULT: 4.50 Cheltenham – National Hunt Challenge Cup

1st RATHVINDEN (9/2)
2nd Ms Parfois
3rd Sizing Tennessee

Click here for full result and FREE video replay

1644: Rich Ricci on his Mares' heroine Benie DD: "She's very tough. We've had a hard time getting her to run consistently and we've given her a lot of time between races, so we thought we'd put her back to hurdles and it's paid off today.

"It's so great to have Ruby back. He is different gravy. You saw that there, he's sensational."

1640: Haven't really had much chance to step out and soak up the sounds and sights so far today but I have just caught a glimpse of Jury Duty going around the parade ring and he looks absolutely terrific. He and Any Second Now in the last are two of my stronger fancies of the day and he's now just rejoined Rathvinden at the top of the market at 9/2.

1630: Here we go, the Mullins bangwagon is rolling now. Rathvinden, ridden by Willie's son Patrick, has been punted into favouritism for the upcoming National Hunt Chase at 4.50.

Click on the image below to see Sky Bet's latest odds on the four-miler...

1622: The giant Benie Des Dieux has absolutely revelled in the ground and toughed it out well for Walsh.

I've been banging the drum for her in the build-up and that now makes Willie Mullins 11-13 in mares-only races at the Cheltenham Festival (nine Mares' Hurdles and two Mares' Novices' Hurdles). Fantastic stuff.

1620: It would be easy to suggest that result is a direct reflection of the ground, especially with the second showing up so well at 33/1, but I just wonder about the tactics on Apple's Jade. She got going pretty early in that battle with market rival La Bague Au Roi and paid the price.

Who was there to pick up the pieces? Ruby, of course.

RESULT: 4.10 Cheltenham – OLBG Mares' Hurdle

1st BENIE DES DIEUX (9/2)
2nd Midnight Tour
3rd Apple's Jade

Click here for full result and FREE video replay

1604: Nicky Henderson on his dual Champion Hurdle winner, Buveur D'Air: "He was tough and what a great race. They've gone a gallop there you wouldn't believe they would keep up in that ground and they have quickened again all the way up the hill.

"Two very brave horses and two great jockeys - I'm sure we got headed at the last and he was brave to come back.

"He had a battle on his hands today and in a funny way that's the first race he's had this year. It's just been in the back of my mind and has always worried me. That was the first time he's had to put his head down and fight."

1600: La Bague Au Roi and Jer's Girl both proving quite popular against Apple's Jade in the upcoming OLBG Mares' Hurdle at 4.10 but they'll have to take a significant step up on what we know they're capable of, whereas Benie Des Dieux is still an unknown quantity for the much part.

I'd just favour the Mullins mare if I was forced into a bet in the race.

Make your own mind up and place your bets with Sky Bet here...

1554: Buveur D'Air becomes the first back-to-back Champion Hurdle hero since Hardy Eustace in 2004/05 and the seventh Champion winner for trainer Nicky Henderson.

It's not a vintage crop of two-mile hurdlers but this horse has heart and a super-slick action which just makes him so hard to beat.

1548: It's turning into a bit of a bloodbath for bookmakers with three favourites following on from the well-backed Summerville Boy in the Sky Bet Supreme. And there's still Apple's Jade to come in the next. Marvellous.

Before you start feeling too sorry for them, it's only day one and there's a long way to go yet.

1540: Faugheen clearly no longer has the legs to go with these younger guns but as his light wanes Willie Mullins sees the emergence of Melon.

What a difference 38 days make. Melon was friendless in the betting before the Irish Champion Hurdle and rain like a drain but the return to Cheltenham has perked him up big-time and Paul Townend looked genuinely gutted not to have run after they passed the line.

Full credit to the winner, who hasn't had to dig deep like that for a long, long time. I wouldn't be surprised to hear he takes a bit of a blow after this.

It should tee him up beautifully for Aintree, put it that way.

1538: I'm starting to love this heavy ground Festival - what a race for the Champion Hurdle!

"That was a proper race," says breathless winning jockey Barry Geraghty, who missed out on the ride on Buveur D'Air last year when opting for favourite Yanworth.

And a proper race it was. Melon the one to emerge from the pack and he's made the jolly pull out all the stops in a thriller!

RESULT: 3.30 Cheltenham – Unibet Champion Hurdle

1st BUVEUR D'AIR (4/6 favourite)
2nd Melon
3rd Mick Jazz

Click here for full result and FREE video replay

1524: Fancy a bet 'without the favourite'? Sky Bet make Faugheen their 2/1 jolly in that market, with Elgin and Wicklow Brave 5/1 the pair.

Click on the image below to place your bets in the race without Buveur D'Air...

1523: 'What is Charlie Parcs doing here, I backed him for the County!' I hear your cry.

There's a strong suspicion he's in here to help set the pace for Buveur D'Air, who basically has everything in his favour as he looks to double up. The one caveat when we caught up with Nicky Henderson was the prospect of quick ground...

1520: Got a lot of time for Elgin. Vaguely recall backing him at 50s for last year's Sky Bet Supreme. He's really developed into a top performer now and his Cheltenham record is good, winning the Greatwood here at the November meeting. Last month's Kingwell victory prompted connections to supplement him and I suspect connections will be quite hopeful of getting a bit of that 20k back.

1518: Next up? It's only the Unibet Champion Hurdle, featuring last year's brilliant winner Buveur D'Air against 2015 hero Faugheen. What a race in store. And it's no all about the 'big two' either.

1512: Great shot this one as they cross the line, a neck the winning margin.

Beware The Bear in the background there - he's some stayer isn't he? Would love to see him run in a soft ground National one day. Although it's most likely to be the Welsh National.

1508: Thanks for Jim Noble for his wise contribution...

"It is a joke running these horses in this going, all it is helping is the sloggers who can go on heavy going. Who wants to watch championship racing where horses are coming home in a procession? This meeting should have been called off, but no it is all about money for the establishment, it stinks. Jim Noble."

Chin up Jim, chin up.

1500: In a season that's seen the real emergence of Bryony Frost as a quality female riding talent, that must feel particularly sweet for Kelly, who missed out on a Williams winner when 'picking the wrong one' from the yard in the Fred Winter 12 months ago.

What a fantastic target trainer Williams has become and he must have thanked his lucky stars when the rain was battering down over the weekend.

Coo Star Sivola was third in the Fred Winter himself a couple of years ago, before finishing fourth in last season's Martin Pipe. So it's third time lucky for him at the Festival.

1500: No respite for the bookies at all... Coo Star Sivola delivers in determined fashion under Lizzie Kelly for her stepfather Nick Williams. Never too far off the pace set by Vintage Clouds, who stayed on dourly to take third after being headed, the winner just repelled the fast-finishing Shantou Flyer.

RESULT: 2.50 Cheltenham – Ultima Handicap Chase

1st COO STAR SIVOLA (5/1 favourite)
2nd Shantou Flyer
3rd Vintage Clouds
4th Beware The Bear
5th Singlefarmpayment

Click here for full result and FREE video replay

1448: If it were good ground I'd be mad keen on Gold Present, but it's not, so I ain't.

I'll be sticking with Vintage Clouds, who is also the selection of leading commentator Simon Holt, with whom I was discussing this very race earlier today.

"I was struggling for a selection," he said *confidently*.

Well I like the horse, anyway. He's a second-season novice and has some rock solid staying form to his name. It's likely to be the Scottish National again for him this spring, but I hope he can go well here first.

1440: So, a great start for punters with Summerville Boy and Footpad widely well-backed, but barring a massive plunge the likes of which are rarely seen these days the handicaps do offer a spot of respite for the layers.

Favourite for the Ultima, due off at 2.50, is Coo Star Sivola. He's dead unexposed as a three mile chaser and looked seriously well treated when winning last time at Exeter. He's ridden by Lizzie Kelly who is still seeking her first Festival success.

1434: There's nothing quite like the noise of the Cheltenham crowd roaring home a Ruby Walsh favourite. What a phenomenal reception for horse and rider.

1430: Next up is the Ultima Handicap Chase and Sky Bet are paying FIVE places on all each-way bets.

Click on the image of our next fancy, Vintage Clouds, to take advantage of the offer...

1426: Another look at the Arkle replay well worth it, not just for Footpad's brilliant but also just how quickly the front two went through the first half of the race. I felt Petit Mouchoir's jumping warmed up quite quickly but he just couldn't maintain the gallop on this ground. Saint Calvados was outjumped and eventually outclassed, but he performed with credit for Harry Whittington.

1424: Hold on, we're doing alright here aren't 'we'??

1420: "It's been a long old winter," says Walsh, who has been out nursing a broken leg in November until last week. What a remarkable jockey and what a horse Footpad has developed into over fences.

Altior v Footpad in the 2019 Champion Chase? Yes please.

1418: Mullins and Walsh off the mark for 2018! And a brilliant ride from the master, who had to overcome a bad mistake down the back as Petit Mouchoir and Saint Calvados cut out a seriously strong pace. Footpad picked them up coming to two out and stormed away up the hill, with Brain Power picking up the pieces in second.

RESULT: 2.10 Cheltenham – Racing Post Arkle

1st FOOTPAD (5/6 favourite)
2nd Brain Power

Click here for full result and FREE video replay

1409: Brain Power surprisingly calm on the way to post, unlike Petit Mouchoir who is pretty lit up and continues to slide in the market. Footpad rock-solid favourite with Saint Calvados clearly well supported too. The complete outsider, Robinshill, has a mountain to climb on form and is 66/1.

1405: This is a very warm Arkle, despite the small field, and should be a quality spectacle. My own advice would be to take the inflated prices about Petit Mouchoir, but I'm far less confident than I would have been on good spring ground.

And what of Brain Power? I had my say on his wind operation and jumping issues here.

But here's Nicky Henderson on the talented if slightly frustrating performer...

1358: A blow for Mullins and Walsh with the front-running Getabird ultimately unplaced in the Sky Bet Supreme - so what price they hit straight back in the Racing Post Arkle? Well, Footpad is currently trading at 10/11 with Sky Bet.

The Grade One is due off at 2.10 and you can place your bets right here.

1351: Fehily on ITV: "He's a wonderful horse and what a training performance by Tom George. This horse was absolutely cherry ripe today. I thought I was gone at the second-last, I must have lost five, six lengths, but he was brave and fought back well.

"He was my best chance of the day, but you need a lot of luck. I thought if he didn't fire today I might be struggling, but what a horse. I'm delighted, it's a great start to the week."

1350: Luke Harvey on ITV showing just how deep the horses' hooves are digging out there on the track. Significantly deep. It's going to be pretty chewed up by the end of the day.

1348: It was some effort too from Kalashnikov, especially on the back of that gruelling race he had when winning the Betfair Hurdle at Newbury, with the winner kept fresh for this assignment instead.

1346: Fantastic start too for Oli Bell followers, of which there are many, I can assure you.

1340: Tom George playing down the occasion somewhat in his post-race interview but that must have felt good, especially after it looked like he might have ruined his chance with a poor jump two out.

It's a second Cheltenham Festival winner from 71 attempts for the trainer and a brilliant start for jockey Noel Fehily.

1335: Who says soft ground would ruin anything? What a stunning start to the 2018 Cheltenham Festival and an almighty roar from the packed stands as Tolworth winner Summerville Boy just overhauls the brave Kalashnikov close home.

It's all about the Sandown form, with Gordon Elliott's Mengli Khan and Paloma Blue - third to Samcro in the Deloitte - finishing fourth after racing quite prominently.

RESULT: 1.30 Cheltenham – Sky Bet Supreme Novices’ Hurdle

1st SUMMERVILLE BOY (9/1)
2nd Kalashnikov
3rd Mengli Khan
4th Paloma Blue

Click here for full result and FREE video replay

1322: The prices at the top of the market in the Sky Bet Supreme are suddenly looking quite generous. But they want your lovely money, don't they?

Paloma Blue for me at a price but it's a desperately tricky looking Supreme and I'm not willing to get heavily involved. Good luck to all concerned.

1318: Mark writes: "Hi Matt, I wish us all a successful week. My best bet today: La Bague Au Roi without the favourite in the Mares Hurdle. I think she is a really nice filly and can give the big favourite a nice fight. She is 3/1 without Apple`s Jade and this look a way too big for me. Whats your`best bet of the day? Greetings, Mark."

Thanks Mark - good luck to you too. I'm a Jury Duty fan but my best winner on day one would be Any Second Now in the last race. He's one well-handicapped novice.

1317: There's money around for Simply The Betts and our very own Value Bet selection Debuchet at big prices ahead of the Sky Bet Supreme, due off at 1.30.

1310: And a nice video clip of Harry Whittington. He strikes me as a lovely chap and the momentum building behind his big Racing Post Arkle hope Saint Calvados shouldn't be underestimates.

1305: Here's a nice graphic for your consumption. Not all my selections, I must admit.

1300: Thanks Jen. The 'esteemed editor' would not have gotten away with the brown brogues of years gone by. My own pair are already ruined from a surprisingly big night out last Friday, but I digress.

Jer's Girl - yes, I'm hearing good things about her. I slightly prefer Mullins' Benie Des Dieux but mainly due to her trainer's unbelievable record with mares at this meeting.

Mullins has won eight of the 10 OLBG Mares' Hurdles ever run, plus both of the Mares' Novices' Hurdles to be staged. So at 5/1 I want Willie and Ruby on side against Apple's Jade.

1250: A warm welcome to regular contributor Jen, who writes:

"I hope you will not have the same fashion issues that the esteemed editor encountered on several occasions.

"As to the racing, the decidedly prolonged period of winter ground does make things look rather tricky. Whilst being a big fan of Buveur D’air I shall be watching only. I have left the championship races alone with the exception of Jer’s Girl in the Mares Race. She is over-priced and the favourite may have had enough racing this year to give the rest a chance.

"I have also included Minella Daddy, No Comment and Barney Dwan in a dreaded multiple just to have an interest. I shall wait to see how bad the ground really is before getting heavily involved. All the best,

Jen from BSE"

1248: Penny for AP's thoughts on a day like today. I bet he'd like to have a sit on Any Second Now in the Close Brothers Novices' Handicap Chase, wouldn't he?

This strikes me as a proper JP Festival plot horse and after being placed over fences behind Monalee, Invitation Only and Footpad it's impossible to escape the notion that he might just be absolutely thrown in from a mark of 145 today.

He and Jury Duty are the two shortish prices I'm happy to take today. Getabird, Buveur D'Air and Apple's Jade I'm all willing to oppose in some form or other.

1240: Cheers for the email Nick and I must admit I've with you in opposing Getabird. Not sure I'd read too much into the left-handed business and there's none better than Ruby Walsh around these famous bends. But does his overall form justify a price of 13/8? Not quite, for me anyway, and I'm with Paloma Blue. He looks like he'll get the strong pace he requires and when this horse eventually settles as a hurdler, he could just be a bit special.

1239: Nick has been in touch and he's keen to take on the jolly in the first. And given Sky Bet's money back offer if you back a loser, there's surely more reason to take a flyer on something at a price.

"Hi Matt, I may have found a chink in Getabir'ds armour in the 1.30. Far-fetched maybe, but here goes: Every win he has is going right-handed, only time going left, he ran out! Sure, it was his first run but still. That being said, I am going with just Kalashnikov and Summerville Boy in my Placepot. Buveur D’Air and Apple’s Jade will surely make the frame, bar mishaps. So to get a result, something has to happen in the 2.50 and 4.50. Any longshots I should not miss in those two races? Cheers, Nick."

1236: I'm not saying I prefer tales of woe, but they make better stories don't they, in a punting context.

1236: Nobody likes a smart Alec now, 'Housey'.

"Morning Matt. I have a nice 6 leg accumulator on the go:

Man City won last night, Real Betis won last night, Werder Bremen won last night, Buveur D’Air, Apples jade, Laurina.

Best wishes, Housey

1235: We all need a bluffers' guide in our lives, occasionally don't we?

1332: The email machine is cracking up a notch.

Simon Adams: "Here we go Matty!!! Massively excited and hopefully plenty of winners this week. Like the big 4 today but getabird is an awful price if you think douvan, altior et al all started 11/4 or higher. He is priced with more the fear of doubles/trebles etc aspect for me. But free bets if he loses makes him worth a go. In the handicaps I have been all over gold present, Jury Duty and Barney dawn so I cant leave them now. The 4 of real note for me though are first flow, Ramses in the Ultima, testify in the lucky last and Ms Parfois in the 4 miler have all been very promising on real winter ground so off the radar with the “probably wont run” bracket on them all winter. Then the heavens opened and now they run and I think all run stormers! Best of luck to all! Hopefully no injuries on or off the track and lets have a great fez!"

Thank you, Simon.

1232: So Summerville Boy is proving popular, and he's not alone in attracting significant cash this morning.

For the pick of the Sky Bet movers and all the firm's Price Boost and Extra Place offers, follow this link here.

1225: Drying ground? Sorry, not a laughing matter is it. It'll be very testing as we all know and there's no surprise to see a significant market move for Summerville Boy in the opening Sky Bet Supreme - which kicks us off in a little over an hour's time.

He's beaten Kalashnikov already in the Sandown mud and he beat him well.

You can watch that replay back right here.

Free replays?? Oh yeah, we've got all UK and Irish racecourses covered, with no charge. So no excuses.

1210: What on earth is that bright thing up there in't sky?

1156: And for the more discerning among you, let's take a trip down memory lane with some of our finest racing experts...

1154: If you've missed any of our Festival build-up here on Sporting Life, the vast majority of it is packed into this extensive guide, where you can find tips, features and so much more.

Meanwhile, here's a link to the Cheltenham Preview Podcast...

1152: Best wishes John, some lovely looking selections there. Only one I'd personally be against is No Comment, whose price looks a complete mystery to me. But there you go.

1150: Let's start today's correspondence with John Hope, as let's face it if there's no room for hope on day one of the Festival...

He's kindly emailed to say: "Morning Matt, best week of the year finally here. Hoping the below Lucky 15 gets me off to a flier.

1.30 Kalashnikov

2.50 Vintage Clouds

4.10 No Comment

5.30 Barney Dwan (NAP)

Good luck all on the opening day. Regards, John Hope

1134: I don't mean to be all Mullins-centric so early on today but what do we make of Douvan declaring for the Ryanair Chase as well as tomorrow's Queen Mother Champion Chase? It just wouldn't be Cheltenham without it, would it? And to be fairness, we all knew the rules.

(Douvan obviously an intended runner tomorrow, with Walsh jocked up on Un De Sceaux in the Ryanair).

For those of you who still brave the dangerous world of antepost punting and are wondering whether or not you've still got a runner, done your cash, or looking forward to some NRNB returns, follow this link for all the latest Cheltenham decs news on Thursday.

1130: An early whisper from the packed press room here. I've overheard a big word for Bacardys. He doesn't run today but he does run for Willie Mullins and is definitely one to keep an eye on for the Sun Bets Stayers' Hurdle on Thursday. It would appear he is to be ridden by Ruby Walsh.

1128: So who are likely to be the headline-grabbers on day one?

Well, it's fair to say the heavy artillery are out in force this afternoon, with Willie Mullins saddling 13 runners on the day, Nicky Henderson 11 (following the withdrawal and My Tent Or Yours and Verdana Blue) and last year's leading trainer (on countback) Gordon Elliott responsible for seven.

That's 31 runners for the big three across today's seven-race programme and each have some big bullets to fire.

Buveur D'Air is team captain for Henderson and Apple's Jade - another returning champion from 2017 - is odds-on favourite for the OLBG Mares' Hurdle.

But today could be all about Mullins, who don't forget drew a blank on the first couple of days at last year's meeting before his string really caught fire later in the week.

Mullins, Walsh, and owner Rich Ricci in particular, have made the Festival their playground over the past decade and there looks a chance for normal service to be resumed today with Getabird, Footpad and a whole bunch taking on Buveur D'Air, including poster-boy Faugheen.

1118: So the snow has gone but we're definitely dealing with desperate ground out there. I've spoken to two people since taking my seat here in the Cheltenham Press Room, one of which had walked the course this morning, and neither was very upbeat about the going, or the weather.

But we are due a dry day today, and possibly evening tomorrow too, before the rain comes again for the final two days of the meeting.

And, frankly, there's nothing we can do about it is there?

1110: If you're wondering, 'where the heck have you been? It's nearly lunchtime, man!' - I've been taking part in Sky Bet's Cheltenham Festival Breakfast preview on Facebook live, alongside Daryl Jacob and Sky Bet's very own Michael Shinners.

Daryl not particularly hopeful over today's couple of rides...

1100: Morning everyone and a warm-ish, relatively speaking, welcome to our live coverage of the 2018 Cheltenham Festival. It's a pleasure to be here and bringing you all the latest updates as the action unfolds on the sodden hills at Prestbury Park.

I'm Matt Brocklebank and you can tweet me @MattBrocklebank or you can also email matthew.brocklebank@sportinglife.com and I'll attempt to bring you into the coverage when possible.

Give me your thoughts on all things Festival.

Related links

• Sky Bet - non-runner, no bet on all 28 races
• Sky Bet - Money Back on first-race losers
• Free horse racing betting tips
• Latest racecards and video form
• Today's fast results
• Today's full results
• Non-runners
• Going updates
• Latest Naps Table
• ABC Guide