The roar of 60,000 fans at Cheltenham was the sweetest sound after last year’s Festival took place in front of empty stands, and the first day of racing produced some spectacular moments. Here is how the day unfolded.
1.30 Supreme Novices’ Hurdle
Nicky Henderson’s Cheltenham got off to the perfect start as he landed a famous one-two in a stacked Supreme Novices’ Hurdle. Constitution Hill had enough in the tank to hold off stablemate Jonbon and break the course record, as Dysart Dynamo fell when leading the race with three to go.
Cheltenham 1.30 Results
1st - Constitution Hill (2/1 fav)
2nd - Jonbon (5/1)
3rd - Kilcruit (8/1)
2.10 The Arkle
The punters were left cheering again after the second race after Edwardstone, the pre-race favourite ridden by Tom Cannon, came home strong to win the Arkle in emphatic fashion. Those with the two favourites in the opening two would have been delighted to see him leap over the final fence and stroll to victory after a tough challenge from Blue Lord and Gabynako. Another win for the Brits!
Cheltenham 2.10 Results
1st - Edwardstone (5/2 fav)
2nd - Gabynako (25/1)
3rd - Blue Lord (4/1)
4th - War Lord (50/1)
🏆 G1 Sporting Life Arkle Novices' Chase
🏆 G1 Henry VIII Novices' Chase
🏆 G2 Wayward Lad Novices' Chase
🏆 G2 Kingmaker Novices' Chase
#CheltenhamFestival
2.50 Ultima Handicap Chase
Corach Rambler battled his way through the pack to find himself in contention after a poor start and was then able to hunt down the leaders and pip them at the post. He finished so strongly as the Scottish contingent got a win to their name, with the first five in the race all trained in Britain!
Cheltenham 2.50 Results
1st - Corach Rambler (10/1)
2nd - Gericault Roque (9/1)
3rd - Oscar Elite (22/1)
4th - Tea Clipper (12-1)
5th - Our Power (11-1)
3.30 Unibet Champion Hurdle
Who else was going to win this race? Honeysuckle, ridden by Rachael Blackmore remained unbeaten with a storming performance that saw the famous duo win back-to-back Champion Hurdles, this time in front of an adoring crowd. What a horse. What a jockey.
Cheltenham 3.30 results
1st - Honeysuckle (8/11)
2nd - Epatante (16/1)
3rd - Zanahiyr (8/1)
4.10 Mares Hurdle
Marie’s Rock came through a competitive field to win the Mares Hurdle as Nico de Boinville grabbed himself another winner on a Nicky Henderson ride. Rachael Blackmore came back down to earth with a bang as she fell with two to go on Tellmesomethinggirl, but all horses and riders were okay.
Cheltenham 4.10 results
1st - Marie’s Rock (18/1)
2nd - Queens Brook (4/1)
3rd - Mrs Milner (14/1)
4th - Stormy Ireland (7/2 fav)
5th - Echoes In Rain (7/1)
A second of the day for @NdeBoinville
#Cheltenham2022 | #ITVRacing
4.50 Boodles Juvenile Handicap Hurdle
In a tough race where only two runners out of the 22 shared the lead, Gaelic Warrior, ridden by Paul Townend was aiming to hold off the onrushing chasers having led the whole way, but he was beaten in the final furlong by Brazil. Mark Walsh got his horse alongside the front runner and then kept his cool to nick the win in dramatic circumstances.
4.50 Cheltenham results
1st - Brazil (10/1)
2nd - Gaelic Warrior (13/8 fav)
3rd - Bell Ex One (28/1)
4th - HMS Seahorse (8/1)
5th - Too Friendly (16/1)
5.30 National Hunt Challenge Cup
Rank outsider Beatthebullet made a brave start and led the way for the opening lap but it was the favourite Run Wild Fred who took control of the race and looked all set for victory until the final three jumps. Stattler came up to challenge the fav from two out and then simply cruised past him with ease to take the win in the final race of the day.
Cheltenham 5.30 results
1st - Stattler (2/1)
2nd - Run Wild Fred (15/8 fav)
3rd - Vanillier (11/4)