The opening day of the Cheltenham Festival saw Lossiemouth dazzle in the Champion Hurdle. Willie Mullins‘ mare remained unbeaten at Cheltenham after the bookmakers took a beating in the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle.
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Cheltenham Festival: Lossiemouth stars on opening day
The indisputable star on the opening day of the Cheltenham Festival was Lossiemouth. The grey extended her unbeaten run at Cheltenham Festival to four, and five in all at the track, with a devastating display in the Champion Hurdle. She was hailed as the “Queen of Cheltenham” by BBC commentator John Hunt at the event. Willie Mullins, Paul Townend and Rich Ricci all also paid tribute to the mare. Brighterdaysahead and The New Lion filled the places at a respectable distance. (BBC)
Lossiemouth was one of three favourites to make it a challenging day for bookmakers. The bookies were especially bemoaning the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle result as Old Park Star overcame his rivals to score for Nicky Henderson and Nico De Boinville. In a rough race, the favourite overcame fellow British-trained runners Sober Glory and Mydaddypaddy. A spokesperson for William Hill suggested the industry had been “hit for six” figures by the result. (Mirror)
However, one result which did claw back some winnings for the bookies occurred in the Arkle. Billed as a clash between the big two of Kopek Des Bordes and Lulamba, it was “the field” which came home victorious. Kargese, the third favourite and stablemate of Kopek Des Bordes, was given a superb front-running ride by Danny Mullins. The mare proved that jumping was the name of the game, as both protagonists made crucial errors. (RTE)
There was a win for a Bowen in the saddle on day one too. However, it was not Champion Jockey Sean, who is still awaiting his first, but brother James. He guided Holloway Queen to success in the final race on the card. The National Hunt Chase is run over 3m6f, but his mount made light work of the stamina-sapping contest to win comfortably. (BBC)
Cheltenham ground dries ahead of second day
A going report for day two of the Cheltenham Festival suggests the ground has quickened compared to Tuesday. The going for day one was good-to-soft throughout the course. However, that has improved overnight to good to soft, good in places. The track received less rain than the forecast 2-3mm and as such will ride on the sharper side for horses on the second day. (Racing Post)