Some of the most memorable moments and biggest shocks in Cheltenham Festival history have happened on the opening day of the four-day National Hunt horse racing extravaganza.
From dramatic falls by Annie Power, Benie Des Dieux, and Buveur D’Air to stars like Altior and Douvan delivering, the Tuesday of the Festival has it all.
A look at the running order for day one shows what great variety is on offer in terms of the type of horse racing events at Cheltenham.
While many bettors are used to scanning the football odds every weekend, the unpredictability of National Hunt racing offers a different kind of challenge.
Cheltenham’s undulating track, testing conditions, and large fields mean there’s always room for surprises.
Novice contests over hurdles and fences, plus competitive handicaps all over different distances, make the first day of the Festival arguably the most diverse.
It really is anyone’s game, so let’s take a look at the movers and shakers on day one of the festival.
The Curtain Raiser
So, what can we expect from Cheltenham day 1 based on former years? If the past is any indicator, then horse racing fans and punters are in for a real treat.
Like the three other days following it, there are seven races on the first day of this prestigious meeting. Opening the Festival is the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle over about two miles.
Of the last ten renewals, Willie Mullins and Nicky Henderson are tied with three wins apiece. Henry De Bromhead took the honours last year, with Gordon Elliott, Tom George, and Barry Connell all finding themselves in the winner’s enclosure since 2017.
This year sees Willie Mullins’ exciting prospect Kopek Des Bordes heading the market following an impressive victory in the Ireland Novice Hurdle at Leopardstown in early February.
But nothing is set in stone, and last year, Tullyhill was the surefire favourite, until his potential didn’t materialise. He ended up finishing in 8th place, 12 lengths behind the winner, Slade Steel.
The first three home were all 6/1 or less, so short-priced runners tend to do very well, even if the favourite doesn’t win.
Kopek Des Bordes is a better horse than Tullyhill and has earned his status as the one to beat. What makes him particularly impressive is his raw power and cruising speed, though this comes with its own challenges.
Jockey Paul Townend noted that the horse “ran away with him three times in the race” at Leopardstown yet still managed to produce a devastating performance. Undoubtedly, he’s the one to watch.
Who Will Sparkle in The Arkle?
It was supposed to be Sir Gino’s year, and Nicky Henderson had been prepping his unbeaten five-year-old to sparkle on the big stage at Cheltenham.
However, in a blow to the yard, Sir Gino’s season ended early after the young gelding was hospitalised with an infected wound that has left him in critical condition.
That, of course, has thrown the betting markets into flux, with Majborough from Willie Mullins now the odds-on favourite to take the Arkle spoils.
The 2024 Triumph Hurdle winner has made an impressive transition to fences, showcasing his talents with a commanding victory at Fairyhouse in December before enhancing his credentials with a Grade 1 success at the Dublin Racing Festival.
But it won’t be all plain sailing as Dan Skelton’s L’Eau Du Sud has strengthened his position as the main challenger.
The impressive novice chaser remains unbeaten over fences and boosted his claims with a workmanlike victory in the Kingmaker Novices’ Chase at Warwick.
His slick jumping and consistent progression make him a serious contender, though some suggest the flatter track at Aintree might ultimately suit him better than Cheltenham.
With Sir Gino out of contention, Skelton may well fancy his chances in the Arkle.
Is The Champion Hurdle A Done Deal?
It’s a genuine question because, right now, only ten potential runners are left in contention for the 2025 Champion Hurdle — and not all of them will run.
Eight ran in 2024, but they didn’t have Constitution Hill to contend with. Now that Nicky Henderson’s stable star is back to full fitness, the willingness of others to take him on is proving more difficult than anticipated.
The race, which carries prize money of £253,215, will see the runners face the starter over the traditional two-mile trip featuring eight hurdles on Cheltenham’s Old Course.
Constitution Hill’s main market rival is the emerging star Brighterdaysahead, who has been the revelation of the Irish season, though connections are still weighing up whether to take this route or opt for the Mares’ Hurdle instead.
Defending champion State Man heads Willie Mullins’ strong contingent, though his form this season has raised some questions.
While he recently claimed another Irish Champion Hurdle at Leopardstown, his victory came after his stablemate Lossiemouth fell, and he had previously suffered two defeats to Brighterdaysahead earlier in the campaign.
The Mullins team also includes the talented mare Lossiemouth, though she too may redirect to the Mares’ Hurdle.
The supporting cast includes some interesting contenders, including Burdett Road, the winner of the Greatwood Hurdle, who caught the eye when finishing third to Constitution Hill in the Christmas Hurdle.
The Best of The Mares
As mentioned above, two potential Champion Hurdle contenders also have options in the Mares Hurdle – Lossiemouth and Brighterdaysahead. Given that they don’t have to declare for either race until the day before, it has left punters and bookmakers scratching their heads.
Which way will Gordon Elliott and Willie Mullins go? Do they go for the Champion Hurdle with its significantly larger prize pot? Or do they go for the glory of the win in the Mares Hurdle?
On the basis that neither takes up their spot, the next in line in the betting markets is July Flower from Henry De Bromhead.
She’s no slouch and won the Irish Mares Hurdle at Leopardstown in December, boosting her credentials for Cheltenham.
Setting the Tone
As the 2025 Cheltenham Festival kicks off, all eyes will be on the big names, rising stars, and potential surprises that make this meeting so special.
With top-class racing, fierce competition, and an electric atmosphere, Day 1 promises to set the tone for an unforgettable week. Whether you’re backing favourites or searching for value, the first day at Cheltenham never disappoints.
Stay tuned for all the action, and let the Festival begin!
