The “greatest show on turf” has begun! Champion Day kicks off four days of non-stop horse racing as the best jockeys, trainers and horses descend on the 2025 Cheltenham Festival.
Today’s opener will be followed by Style Wednesday, St Patrick’s Thursday and finally the showpiece event, Gold Cup Day, which brings the Festival to its close on Friday. Fans can look forward to 28 races across the four days and a compelling battle between British and Irish trainers as they vie for Cheltenham supremacy.
Last year, Willie Mullins’ Galopin Des Champs took the Gold Cup honours and, with jockey Paul Townend, won the prestigious race for a second straight year. He’s the favourite on betting sites to claim a hat-trick this time around but, before then, Mullins has the chance to open his 2025 Festival account with Lossiemouth, who has made a last-minute switch from Tuesday’s Unibet Champion Hurdle to race the Close Brothers Mares’ Hurdle on the same day.
The full race card and Festival schedule is here, and we’ll be bringing you all the action as Day 1 unfolds.
Follow all the news, including previews, expert tips, free bet offers and the latest Cheltenham odds from Day 1 of the Cheltenham Festival with our live blog below:
Paul Townend reflects on Kopek Des Bordes win
Here’s Paul Townend’s interview after victory there. An emotional opening race at Cheltenham this year
Luke Baker11 March 2025 13:33
Paul Townend emotional after victory
Paul Townend clearly emotional after winning that opening race – Michael O’Sullivan Supreme Novices’ Hurdle
He tapped the red and white armband on his arm as he crossed the line and teared up in the post-race interview as he reflected on triumphing in a race dedicated to the late Michael O’Sullivan, who tragically died last month at the age of 24.
Luke Baker11 March 2025 13:31
Cheltenham Festival 2025 underway after Michael O’Sullivan Supreme Novices’ Hurdle
-with-girlfriend-and-brother-of-the-late-Michael-OSullivan-Charlotte-Giles-(left.jpeg)
Jack Rathborn11 March 2025 13:29
Michael O’Sullivan Supreme Novices’ Hurdle result
Supreme performance in the Supreme Novices’ from the favourite Kopek Des Bordes. Owner Charlie McCarthy is delighted, and slightly emotional at the victory.
Supreme Novices’ Hurdle result:
- Kopek Des Bordes 4/6 fav
- William Munny 8/1
- Romeo Coolio 9/2
- Karniquet 33/1
Luke Baker11 March 2025 13:28
Kopek Des Bordes wins the Michael O’Sullivan Supreme Novices’ Hurdle
And Kopek Des Bordes holds off everyone else to win the Michael O’Sullivan Supreme Novices’ Hurdle! William Munny pushed him hard but only second place.
Willie Mullins off to the perfect start at Cheltenham. Jockey Paul Townend found plenty down the final straight after a slight stumble at the last
Luke Baker11 March 2025 13:25
1.20pm: Michael O’Sullivan Supreme Novices’ Hurdle
Up to the last and Kopek Des Bordes takes the lead, William Munny on his tail but two lengths back.
Kopek Des Bordes stumbles slightly over the last – up the hill to the finish now
Luke Baker11 March 2025 13:24
1.20pm: Michael O’Sullivan Supreme Novices’ Hurdle
Workahead falls away as Romeo Coolio takes up the running. Kopek des Bordes on his tail. William Munny moves into contention with two to go
Luke Baker11 March 2025 13:24
1.20pm: Michael O’Sullivan Supreme Novices’ Hurdle
The pace lifts slightly but it’s still Workahead from Romeo Coolio and then Kopek Des Bordes in third. Those three have a slight gap on the rest of the field.
Tutti Quanti struggling badly – three hurdles to go
Luke Baker11 March 2025 13:23
1.20pm: Michael O’Sullivan Supreme Novices’ Hurdle
Workahead, the third favourite, makes the early running ahead of Romeo Coolio and then Kopek Des Bordes in third.
No problem for any of the field over the first two flights. A roar as they pass the grandstand for the first time.
Luke Baker11 March 2025 13:22
