Cheltenham Festival: All the action as it happened on our tips and best bits blog

Rachel Blackmore wins The Gold Cup on the mighty A Plus Tard!

By / Cheltenham Festival, Horse Racing News / 2 years ago

*All prices are bang up to date with our snazzy widgets, while odds in copy are accurate at time of publishing but subject to change

And that’s a wrap

Thank you, Cheltenham Festival 2022. It’s been emotional. The bookies took a pasting, there were some shocks and some big favourites delivered as well.

We had some unexpected wet weather and we said goodbye to a true legend in the small but perfectly-formed shape of Tiger Roll.

We might also have met a couple of new stars in Love Envoi and Facile Vega who are two to definitely keep an eye on over the next 12 months. The curtains come down, the lights go out but the countdown to Cheltenham 2023 starts now! Bring it on!

Banbridge wins the National Hunt Chase

It was carnage at the start of the National Hunt Chase with the well-backed fav Langer Dan one of those falling early doors. The Irish made it 7 from 7 as Banbridge romped home in the final race of Cheltenham Festival 2022! Cobblers Dream ran well for 2nd, Hollow Games was 3rd in front of Freedom To Dream.

National Hunt Chase

The National Hunt Chase is wide open with a full six horses getting a shout one last time over on the cheat sheet. Mick’s on Langer Dan as well as Freedom to Dream each way.

Ruby likes Grand Jury at a price and Gina’s on Hollow Games. Frank’s going for Decimation, which is quite appropriate for a trader after this week! Finally, last but certainly not least, Matt’s on Five O’Clock to round out the week.

Elimay win the Mrs Paddy Power Mares Chase!

Elimay went one better in the Mrs Paddy Power Mares Chase this time around after hitting the woodwork last year. It was a thrilling climax with four crossing the final obstacle in a row. Head down, go for the line. Elimay got it by half a length. Pink Legend and Scarlet And Dove followed her home.

Mrs Paddy Power Mares Chase betting

Mount Ida and Elimay look like the two to choose from in the Mrs Paddy Power Mares Chase. However, it’s a 4-1 thrashing in Elimay’s favour over on the Cheat Sheet.

Billaway wins the Hunter Chase!

More pull ups than your local gym in this one but Winged Leader built up a big lead and looked to have it. Billaway had other ideas and launched a last-gasp attack to just pip him on the line. Some run that from the fav and a very popular winner! Slightly less so on Paddy’s trading floor…! Mighty Stowaway was 3rd. 

Cheltenham Hunter Chase betting

Wow! Try and keep it all together here… up next is the Hunter Chase. Billaway is your favourite ahead of Winged Leader in the betting. Matt and Mick are on the fav but there’s two shouts for Premier Magic at an each-way price from Frank and Ruby.

A PLUS PARTNERSHIP!

What a jockey! What a horse!

A Plus Tard Gold Cup 2022 Rachel Blackmore

A Plus Tard wins the Gold Cup!

Rachel Blackmore and A Plus Tard have won the Gold Cup! The defending champ Minella Indo was right there over the last but the winner just bolted away from the rest and won by a handsome distance!

Rachel makes history once again as the first female rider to win the Gold Cup. Different class from the horse and the rider. Ruby, Gina and Matt all picked the winner – well done, guys. Minella Indo was 2nd ahead of Protektorat.

Gold Cup Betting

Just minutes to go until the Cheltenham Gold Cup! A Plus Tard is the market leader but Galvin is also hotly fancied. Mick and Matt are going for Galvin while Gina and Ruby like A Plus Tard.

There’s also a couple of each-way plays to mull over with Mick and Frank liking the look of Tornado Flyer while Matt’s backing Al Boum Photo to be placed again.

Well worth pointing out here that Paddy’s paying four places instead of three in today’s feature race. Maybe those each-way plays just got even more appealing?

Paddy’s Pundits’ picks

It’s almost time for the big one. If you missed it earlier here’s Paddy’s panel’s verdict on the Gold Cup which sets off at 15:30.

The Nice Guy wins the Albert Bartlett!

This didn’t go to plan for punters as Hillcrest was pulled up around half way before Ginto took a misstep and followed suit on the run down to the last. In the end it was The Nice Guy who finished first for once! Minella Cocooner was 2nd ahead of Bardenstown Lad.

Albert Bartlett Betting

The Albert Bartlett looks to be a two-way tussle between Hillcrest and Ginto. They top the market in that order with Minella Cocooner 3rd. It’s 3-2 to Hillcrest from Paddy’s pundits with Gina and Mick going for Ginto.

Man of the moment

Paul Townend and State Man cruise home in the County Hurdle.

State Man wins the County Hurdle!

Another favourite flies in on Gold Cup day! It’s two from two now!

State Man showed plenty of ability to cruise through on the inside after being held up, just as Ruby predicted on the telly. Nice and clean all the way round.

Mick’s each-way play First Street was 2nd with Colonel Mustard 3rd and West Cork 4th. Well played Ruby and Mick! Don’t know if Paddy will ask you back next year, mind!

County Hurdle Betting

It’s the County Hurdle up next and State Man is the best-backed in this one. West Cork gets the nod from Gina and Matt while the red-hot Mick’s putting First Street up as an each-way play.

Vauban wins the Triumph Hurdle!

Good start for the punters! It wasn’t a faultless display but Vauban showed his electric speed and acceleration after making a bit of the mess of the last after hitting the front. Too good for this lot, though and Fil Dor just had enough to pip Pied Piper into 2nd. Another cracking race for Cheat Sheet followers!

Triumph Hurdle Betting

First up today is a not-so small matter of the Triumph Hurdle. Vauban is heavily fancied and will go off a the favourite. Willie Mullins’ horse gets two votes on the cheat sheet and there’s also two shouts for Fil Dor. Pied Piper currently splits the two at the top of the market.

GOLD CUP VERDICTS ARE IN

A little more from our pundits on their Gold Cup tips if you’d rather use your ears than your eyes this afternoon…

Gold Cup Betting

Three hours to go until the Blue Riband chasing event, the Cheltenham Gold Cup! A Plus Tard is the market leader but Galvin is also hotly fancied. Mick and Matt are going for Galvin while Gina and Ruby like A Plus Tard. I told you it was tight!

There’s also a couple of each-way plays to mull over with Mick and Frank liking the look of Tornado Flyer while Matt’s backing Al Boum Photo to be placed again.

Well worth pointing out here that Paddy’s paying four places instead of three in today’s feature race. Maybe those each-way plays just got even more appealing?

First things first

It’s probably part of your routine by now but in case you’ve been having a lie in, loading up on bacon or looking for that old packet of pain killers for the headache – it’s Cheat Sheet time.

We’ve had loads of winners across the week and hopefully Friday’s no different. Ruby Walsh, Mick Fitzgerald, Gina Bryce, Frank Hickey and Matt Chapman’s views on every race are well worth a look right here.

We go again

Hello and welcome to the final day of the 2022 Cheltenham Festival! How’s your head?

There’s still plenty of world-class racing to come here today, no less so than the Gold Cup at 15:30. It’s looking like a tight race and should be another absolute belter. The sun’s out, the weekend is calling. Let’s enjoy it.

And that’s your lot

Another cracking day in the bag. Enjoy tonight but don’t go too mad as we’ve got a little something called the Cheltenham Gold Cup to get stuck into tomorrow! We’ll be back from midday… just get some sleep in before then, ok?

Chambard wins the Kim Muir Challenge Cup!

A really, really strong showing from Chambard was enough to take the Kim Muir Challenge Cup and round off day 3 of the Cheltenham Festival at an SP of 40/1. Gina’s play Mister Coffeey hung on for 2nd just fending off Didero Vallis and Fakir D’alene in that order.

Kim Muir Challenge Cup

The completion of the Kim Muir Challenge Cup means we’re 75% of the way through the 2022 Cheltenham Festival! And it should be a cracker with loads having a chance. Ruby and Mick like the look of the fav School Boy Hours while Matt’s found Come On Teddy at a bit of a price. Frontal Assault is second in the market.

Love Envoi wins the Dawn Run Novices’ Hurdle!

The highly-fancied Dinoblue looked nicely placed but simply vanished as the race got hot. It was left to Love Envoi to put in an eye-catching performance to take the Dawn Run Novices’ Hurdle from Ahorsewithnoname and Grangee.

Dawn Run Novices’ Hurdle Betting

It’s the Dawn Run Novices’ Hurdle up next and it’s the perfect opportunity to remind you once more that you can watch this and the last completely free on PP.com. Dinoblue is well fancied in this one and got some serious support from Lydia Hislop on Paddy’s Cheltenham Preview show. Matt and Gina are on her on the Cheat Sheet as well. Grangee gets two each-way shouts which should be of interest.

Porter Floors ’em

Flooring Porter Paddy Power Stayers' Hurdle

Coole Cody wins the Plate Handicap Hurdle!

Coole Cody really gutsed it out at a healthy price to power home in the Plate Handicap Hurdle. It looked like his race was run but no – he powered round the outside up the hill to absolutely coast home! Some comeback, that. Imperial Alcazar just held off Matt’s Spiritofthegames who would have reversed the positions if the post was two yards further.

The winning moment…

Plate Handicap Hurdle Betting

There’s a lot of love for The Glancing Queen on the cheat sheet with Mick, Ruby and Gina going for Tom Cannon’s mount. Frank’s having Grand Paradis and Matt’s gone for Spiritofthegames each way.

Flooring Porter wins the Paddy Power Stayers’ Hurdle!

Flooring Porter made absolutely every inch in a superb, mature, performance from the mad lad! A wonderful race with most of the big names lurking at the last but the winner was just a step above today and, in the end, never looked in doubt. What a race, what a ride Danny Mullins! He’s back-to-back champion and the syndicate are going absolutely postal. Thyme Hill just pipped Paisley Park for 2nd.

Allaho in full flow!

Allaho Paul Townend Ryanair Chase 2022

Paddy Power Stayers’ Hurdle Betting

Time for the big one – the Paddy Power Stayers’ Hurdle! Wide open, this. Klassical Dream, Flooring Porter and Thyme Hill have been ebbing and flowing at the top of the market but it’s still really tight.

Thyme Hill gets four votes on the Cheat Sheet and Ruby’s the odd one out – he’s thrown his weight behind Champ.

Allaho wins the Ryanair Chase!

Allaho’s all class! Paul Townend gets over the final obstacle this time as the huge favourite wins in some style. Back-to back-Ryanair’s for this wonderful horse. Janidil was next best but some way back.

Big naughty schoolboy in detention vibes from the Steward’s room

Matt’s reveling in the glory…

Ryanair Chase Betting

It’s the Allaho show on the cheat sheet with the perfect 5/5 review and everyone in agreement for once in the Ryanair Chase! Conflated is next in the market with Shan Blue following.

Third Wind wins the Pertemps Final!

Honest Vic went for it but was soon going backwards and it was left to Ruby’s tip Alaphilippe and Matt’s each-way play Third Wind to battle it out for the win. It was the 25/1 punt Third Wind who just pipped it with Mill Green in 3rd and Winter Fog in 4th. Great pick, Matt Chapman! Yeeehaaa!

*Result stands after Steward’s Enquiry*

The St Patrick’s Day party is well underway…

Pertemps Final Betting

Another tight one next in the Pertemps Final where Winter Fog tops the market ahead of Alaphilippe. Not a lot of love for the fav on the cheat sheet. Two at a price are Frank’s Folcano and Matt’s Third Wind.

Bob Olinger wins the Turners Novices’ Chase!

Well, this one went exactly as expected with the top two going for it from the off, headed by the free-wheeling Galopin Des Champs. The leader looked to have it in the bag but with Bob Olinger beaten but Galopin Des Champs was too keen and fell at the final hurdle to hand it to Rachel Blackmore on Bob who has back-to-back Festival wins!

Turners Novices’ Chase Betting

Not long to go until we’re underway on day 3! Up first it’s the Turners Novices’ Chase. It’s 3-2 to slight fav Galopin Des Champs on the Cheat Sheet with Gina and Mick going for Bob Olinger. As there’s only four runners might as well give a shout to the outsiders El Barra and Busselton. Thanks for coming, lads.

Can’t split ’em

There’s some really close races from a betting perspective today. Galopin Des Champs and Bob Olinger are split by barely a fag paper in the Turners Novices’ Chase at 13:30.

The Paddy Power Stayer’s Hurdle at 15:30 is a three-way tussle at the time of writing with Flooring Porter, Klassical Dream and Thyme Hill all tied at the top of the market. Woof.

FREEBIES!

A gentle nudge in the direction your your completely FREE £/€5 bet today. It’s good for any race at the Festival on St Patrick’s Day so go get stuck in.

There’s also the chance to win a £/€50 worth of free bets in our Cheltenham Knockout game here as well. You’ve got until 1.30pm to have a go at today’s competition so don’t dawdle.

All eyes on Allaho

Punters took a hit on Shishkin and Tiger Roll yesterday and you’ve piled in on Allaho in the Ryanair Chase at 14:50 today. He gets five thumbs up on the Cheat Sheet as well…

THEY’VE GOT TO COME TO CHELTENHAM AND THEY’VE GOT TO GET SOMETHING

If racing personalities behaved like football managers…

Should be another cracker!

Happy St Patrick’s Day! Happy Paddy Power Stayers’ Hurdle day! Happy Cheltenham Festival day 3… day!

After a wet and wild Wednesday it should be rather plainer sailing for all involved on Thursday. It’s another busy day so why not get up to speed with the all-conquering Cheat Sheet?

OHHHHHHHH we’re half-way there

And that’s the end of day two at the Festival. There was double disappointment for punters with Tiger Roll pipped into 2nd in his final race and Shishkin getting pulled up in the wet and wild Champion Chase. We did see a pair of brilliant champions in Delta Work and Energumene, though.

The main event tomorrow is the Paddy Power Stayers’ Hurdle on St Patrick’s day. A match absolutely made in heaven. So, join us once again as we take on day three of the Cheltenham Festival 2022 from midday on Thursday.

Facile Vega wins the Champion Bumper!

Well, it was wet, delayed and dark but Facile Vega looked the business in the Champion Bumper. This one’s a real good thing and absolutely cantered home, looking completely at ease and very straightforward. American Mike was 2nd ahead of Matt’s each-way pick James’s Gate and Seabank Bistro.

Champion Bumper delayed

Slight hold up here while the groundsmen wrestle with some rogue barriers. Looks like we’re getting some tinkering to the course with some jumps being bypassed. They’re going to post now so we’re not far away.

Champion Bumper betting

Should be an interesting one to round off day two where the much-fancied and well-hyped Facile Vega goes in the Champion Bumper. He’s another who’s seen his price drift with the rising water. American Mike could well go off as favourite as a result. Facile gets three votes on the cheat sheet and Matt’s gone for one at a price, James’s Gate.

Politologue bows out

It’s not just Tiger Roll who’s riding off into the sunset today, 2020 Champion Chase winner Politologue also said goodbye to the Cheltenham crowd after finishing 4th in this year’s edition.

Politologue Harry Skelton Queen Mother Champion Chase Cheltenham March 11, 2020

Global Citizen wins the Grand Annual!

Global Citizen outran his odds to take the Grand Annual to near silence at Prestbury Park. He’s upset some much more fancied horses including the fav Andy Dufresne who made second ahead of Frero Banbou.

Grand Annual betting

It’s the Grand Annual next and the perfect opportunity to remind you that you can watch this and the last on PP.com. Andy Dufresne looks set to go off as fav but Sky Pirate gets two votes on the Cheat Sheet. Ruby likes the big-priced Poseidon.

The meme that just keep on giving

Delta Work wins the Cross Country Chase!

I’m not crying, you are. It wasn’t quite to be the perfect ending for Tiger Roll as stablemate Delta Work just took him at the end to tongue-in-cheek boos from The Cheltenham crowd! The Tiger hit the front at the 25th and led over the last but just couldn’t fend off the charge from the winner.

Nicky Henderson on Shishkin

He just didn’t like the ground. You could tell going to the first fence, Nico knew. He appears to be perfectly okay. It’s purely ground related. Full stop.

The ground is officially heavy now.

Cross Country Chase Betting

Next up it’s the last dance for Tiger Roll and the Cross Country Chase. The Grand National hero has been drifting in the market following the rain at Prestbury Park today. Delta Work might now go off as favourite and Mick Fitz likes his chances. Gina’s put up the old boy Potters Corner as an each-way play.

Energumene and Paul Townend power home in the Champion Chase

Energumene Paul Townend Champion Chase

Energumene wins the Champion Chase!

There was disappointment as Shishkin was pulled up around half way and Chacun Pour Soi went down shortly after. It meant we were left with five and with two of the big guns now missing Energumene was the clear victor, piling forward from the second last to win by a healthy distance. Shishkin never looked right but it was a perfect ride from Paul Townend to give Willie his first Champion Chase win! Funambule Sivola was second.

Champion Chase Betting

We take things up a notch now with today’s big race, the Champion Chase. The mighty Shishkin has been heavily backed and will go off as clear fav. Our pundits on the cheat sheet back him four to one with Frank sticking his neck out for Energumene. Nube Negra has just dropped out and is a Non Runner so we go with seven.

Here’s what Paddy’s panel had to say about today’s feature race.

Best turned out 2022

Lots of talk about the fashion at the Festival. The Peaky Blinders, the flat caps, the tweed and the waistcoats. Only one contender in the best-dressed stakes for me today, Mr Luke Harvey. Iconic.

“I love my job, I’m not even going to send an invoice for today,” He shouts through the pouring rain.

Commander Of Fleet wins the Coral Cup!

They’re absolutely caked in mud out there – it pays in more than one way to be near front here and it was one of the cleaner jockey/horse combos that took the win. Commander Of Fleet beat Fastorslow in a photo at 50/1. Ashdale Bob, Camprond and Maze Runner came home next. A rare win for the bookies as Gordon Elliott gets his first win of the 2022 Festival.

Coral Cup

All 24 go in this Grade 3 handicap at 14:50. Saint Felicien tops the market ahead of Drop The Anchor. Ruby and Gina are on the former while Frank thinks Indigo Breeze has an each-way chance. Paddy’s paying SEVEN places in this one!

How’s the going?

It’s still raining and it’s starting to cut up a little down in the Cotswolds. The mud’s flying and the jockeys are getting covered. Proper racing but not a day for those wanting firmer ground, for sure.

L’Homme Presse wins the Brown Advisory!

L’Homme Presse took advantage of Bravemansgame’s withdrawal to keep on in the mud in the Brown Advisory, looking really impressive in the process. Definitely got the distance and looked very smooth over the obstacles. Future Gold Cup contender? Ahoy Senor was 2nd with Gaillard Du Mensil 3rd.

Bravemansgame OUT of the Brown Advisory

Too wet for Bravemansgame, apparently. A late withdrawal and a real shame, that.

Brown Advisory

It’s the Festival Novices’ Chase next up with Bravemansgame and L’Homme Presse battling it out at the top of the market. Ruby and Gina like the latter while Matt’s on Bravemansgame. Frank’s tipping up Farour D’Alene at a bit of a price over on the cheat sheet.

Sir Gerhard wins the Ballymore!

Sir Gerhard looked all class to kick off day 2 for punters in style. He stalked Journey With Me all the way before striking over the last. There were questions about his jumping before today but no more. Three Stripe Life was next ahead of Whatdeawant. “We love the rain” says Paul Townend – That’s Willie’s 80th Festival winner!

Ballymore Novices’ Hurdle

Sir Gerhard has been well backed to win the Ballymore Novices’ Hurdle and open day 2 in style for punters. Ruby, Gina, Frank and Matt like his chances. Mick’s gone for Journey With Me.

Anyone got an umbrella?

It’s absolutely hosing it down at Prestbury Park right now and it’s really misty and gloomy. How’s that going to effect today’s racing? Could the vastly-changed conditions from yesterday deliver an upset or two? The weather’s set to get worse throughout the afternoon as well.

FREE BETS! GET YOUR FREE BETS!

It wouldn’t be Cheltenham without Paddy giving away some fab freebies. You can claim your £/€5 free bet to use on any race at The Festival today here.

There’s still time to enter today’s It’s A Cheltenham Knockout game here. You’ve got until 1.30pm to get involved in Wednesday’s action and there’s a £/€50 free bet up for grabs so get a shift on, aright?

Paddy’s pundits are sweet on Shishkin

Shishkin the superstar goes in the Queen Mother Champion Chase at 15:30 today and gets four out of four votes from Matt, Ruby, Mick and Gina. It’s a full house! Hear their verdict below ⇓

Farewell, Tiger Roll

It’s the end of an era today as the mighty Tiger Roll (probably) runs for the last time. He goes in the Cross Country Chase at 16:10 and will set off as favourite.

I’m not sure I’m going to be able to cope to be honest.

As a parting gift, Paddy’s erected a huge 10x14ft happy retirement card at Prestbury Park today. If you’re at The Festival you can pop down and write your own message for the little legend.

Check out the cheat sheet

The Cheat Sheet is absolutely essential reading for Wednesday’s action at the Festival. Mighty Mick Fitzgerald was on fire yesterday, collecting in five of the seven races.

What if racing fans acted like football fans?

A little something to get you fired up for today…

Ding, ding! Round two!

Goooood afternoon. Ready for more?

It’s almost time for day 2 of the Cheltenham Festival 2022 and it’s  going to be emotional one with Tiger Roll set to strut his stuff one last time.

Before that, Shishkin will do battle with Energumene in today’s big race, the Queen Mother Champion Chase.

Should be a cracker.

That’s all folks

One day down, three more to go! We’ll be back in the morning with more tips, results as well as all the flavour from the track.

For a bit of light reading overnight, check out this set of tips for all of Wednesday’s action. See you in the morning!

WEDNESDAY CHELTENHAM TIPS

17:30 National Hunt Chase Result: Winner – Stattler

Stattler is the final winner of the day – edging out Run Wild Fred.

Kudos to Mick Fitzgerald and Matt Chapman who backed the Willie Mullins-trained victor.

17:30 National Hunt Chase Result

1: 6. Stattler (2/1)
2: 5. Run Wild Fred (15/8)
3: 7. Vanillier (11/4)
4. 1. Beatthebullet (100/1)

17:30 National Hunt Chase

Last but not least it’s the National Hunt Challenge Cup rounding off the action on day on of the Cheltenham Festival 2022. Just six go here with Run Wild Fred battling it out with Stattler for favouritism. Super Frank Hickey’s gone for the outsider Braeside for a bit of value and you can watch this one completely free over on PP.com.

16:50 Cheltenham Boodles Juvenile Handicap Hurdle Result: Winner – Brazil

Gaelic Warrior looked to make a statement from the off and took up position at the head of the field. Brazil was in hot pursuit and Hms Seahorse wasn’t far behind. Gaelic Warrior, who kept jumping right, then went for it two from home but Brazil just got up and pipped him on the line, taking advantage of some greenness. Bell Ex One ran well for 3rd ahead of Hms Seahorse and Too Friendly in 5th.

16:50 Cheltenham Boodles Juvenile Handicap Hurdle Result

1: 3. Brazil 10/1
2: 8. Gaelic Warrior 13/8F
3: 7. Bell Ex One 28/1
4. 10. Hms Seahorse 8/1
5: 19. Too Friendly 16/1

16:50 Boodles Juvenile Handicap Hurdle

A big chance for Ireland to made up some ground on the British here with the top six in the market for the Boodles Juvenile Handicap Hurdle hailing from the Emerald Isle. It’s 4-1 to Team GB at the moment and they need just one more win to pull level with last year’s effort.

Who cares about the Prestbury Cup anyway? It’s Boodles Juvenile Handicap Hurdle time and Gaelic Warrior is your favourite. The Tide Turns is next up, followed by Brazil who gets the nod from Mick on the Cheat Sheet. Oh, and as the racing’s gone off the telly another reminder than you can watch this and the last race completely free on PP.com.

16:10 Cheltenham Mares’ Hurdle Result: Winner – Marie’s Rock

Western Victory set the pace in more considered style than we’ve seen on occasion and Heaven Help Us went level with her at around half way. At that stage it was far from the frantic blowout some had expected with all still in the hunt with three to go.

Things went up a gear from then, though, as Indefatigable fell, bringing Rachel Blackmore on Telmesomethinggirl crashing back down to earth in a heavy fall, but all horses and riders looked ok.

Queens Brook then took the lead heading into the last but Marie’s Rock powered around the outside when four looked to have a live chance with perfect timing. Queens Brook was next ahead of Mrs Milner and Stormy Ireland in 4th.

16:10 Cheltenham Mares’ Hurdle Result

1: 5. Marie’s Rock 18/1
2: 9. Queens Brook 4/1
3: 7. Mrs Milner 14/1
4: 10. Stormy Ireland 7/2F

16:10 Mares’ Hurdle

It’s pretty tight at the top of the market for the Mares’ Hurdle. Stormy Ireland is the favourite and she gets the nod from Mick – who’s had two winners and two placed to far – and Ruby. Next up is Telmesomethinggirl followed by Queens Brook.

Your Champion Hurdle winners in full flight over the last

15:30 Cheltenham Champion Hurdle Result: Winner – Honeysuckle

Appreciate It took up the running from the off as Honeysuckle and Rachel Blackmore lucked with intent in their favoured position on the outside as the race settled into the a steady pace. Paul Townend’s mount continued to head the field over the 3rd last but Honeysuckle pounced with two to go and went over the last clear in front. Epatante tried but was no match for the Blackmore/Honeysuckle combination who made it back-to-back Champion Hurdles and absolutely batter Paddy!

Blackmore said: “It’s incredible walking out here in front of the fans, all the people. It’s such an incredible place and I’m so lucky to be here on this mare. She’s just incredible.” Winners don’t get much more popular than this, “They deserve that reception, they’re both superstars,” Ruby gushes.

15:30 Champion Hurdle Result

1: 10. Honeysuckle 8/11F
2: 9. Epatante 16/1
3: 8. Zanahiyr 28/1

15:30 Champion Hurdle

It’s all eyes on Honeysuckle and Rachel Blackmore next in the Champion Hurdle. The deadly duo are odd-on favs for this one. They’re also Paddy Power’s punter’s best-backed pair this Festival. That rumbling you can hear is not coming from Prestbury Park, it’s Paddy’s traders running for cover. Appreciate It is next in the betting but Mick, who’s had two winners and a place so far, likes Epatante each way.

14:50 Cheltenham Ultima Handicap Chase Result: Winner – Corach Rambler

When The Ultima finally got going it was headed by Kiltealy Briggs and Gericault Roque in the opening stages and they kept on past the half-way mark in a steadily-run race. It meant we had a well-bunched group heading into the final six fences.

Gericault Roque and Oscar Elite went toe-to-toe over the final two but Corach Rambler burst through the middle of them both to power home in thrilling style. Gericault Roque and Oscar Elite were 2nd and 3rd with Tea Clipper and Our Power following them in.

14:50 Cheltenham Ultima Handicap Chase Result

1: 18. Corach Rambler 10/1
2: 24. Gericault Roque 9/1
3: 23. Oscar Elite 22/1
4: 9. Tea Clipper 12/1
5: 20. Our Power 11/1

14:50 Ultima Handicap Chase

Not long to go until the Ultima Handicap Chase after our delayed Arkle. It was well worth the wait, though. A wide open, big-field handicap awaits next with Gordon Elliot’s Floueur set to go off as favourite. Corach Rambler is next in the betting ahead of Frodon. If you fancy one at an even bigger price, Gina’s tipped up Lostintranslation over on the Cheat Sheet.

14:10 Cheltenham Arkle Chase Result: Winner – Edwardstone

Magic Daze made the early running before Brave Seasca fell and brought Saint Sam down in the process with nine to go. Fav Edwardstone did very well to avoid that stramash and was happy to hold off in the middle of the pack as they reeled in leader Magic Daze with three to go.

Riviere Detel took up the lead with two left but Edwardstone honed ominously into the rear-view mirror. The fav hit the front with two to go and stretched his legs to extend his lead make it 2-0 for Britain.

Two races to make fav-backers happy! Gabynako was the best of the rest ahead of the fancied Blue Lord and the big-priced War Lord who was tipped up to place at a big price by Matt Chapman while Mick made it 2 from 2 with Edwardstone!

14:10 Cheltenham Arkle Chase Result

1: 4. Edwardstone 5/2
2: 5. Gabynako 25/1
3: 1. Blue Lord (FR) 4/1
4: 9. War Lord 50/1

Arkle Chase temporarily delayed

Ruby, in the analysis cupboard, talks up Edwardstone’s chances and how big an opportunity this is for jockey Tom Cannon. We’ve got a bit of a delay to proceedings at the moment as the vets continue to tend to Shallwehaveonemore who fell in the first.

Here’s the latest at the top of the market for the Arkle.

Would you look at that?

Fewer finer sights in the world than the first race of the Festival in running.

14:10 Arkle Challenge Trophy Novices’ Chase

That felt good, didn’t it? Next up it’s the Arkle Challenge Trophy Novices’ Chase and Alan King’s Edwardstone is the market leader. The Irish challenge is headed by Riviere D’Etel and Blue Lord. Can Britain take a 2-0 lead in the Prestbury Cup?

13:30 Supreme Novice’s Chase Result: Winner – Constitution Hill

Dysart Dynamo hurtled off with Jonbon and Constitution Hill in hot pursuit, making up the top three early doors. The pace was too much for the rest as the top three in the market began to leave them in their wake but the likely Dystart Dynamo went down with three to go leaving the two Nicky Henderson horses in contention.

Constitution Hill went clear two from home and extended the gap all the way up to the final which he negotiated with ease to win by an impressive gap. Jonbon, in the end, held off Kilcruit for 2nd. It’s 3 from 3 over hurdles in impressive fashion for Constitution Hill.

“Great way to start the week,” says winning Nico De Bonville as we hear Dysart Dynamo is up and about after his fall. Mick, Gina and Matt all l picked the winner!

13:30 Cheltenham Supreme Novice’s Chase Result

1: 2. Constitution Hill 9/4F
2: 4. Jonbon 5/1
3: 6. Kilcruit 6/1
4: 1. Bring On the Night 28/1

ANDDD THEY’RE OFF

Cheltenham Festival 2022 is finally underway following a false start but we kick off with what should be an absolutely cracking race. Some roar, that. COME ON!

A gentle reminder…

Can’t get to a TV? You can watch every race at Cheltenham through PP.com or the app. Just head to the race page such as here for the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle and click ‘Watch Live‘. You’re welcome.

5 minutes to go!

Here’s a reminder of the top of the market for the Supreme Novice’s Hurdle which is just minutes away now. Constitution Hill has just nipped into favoritism ahead of Dysart Dynamo, Jonbon’s shortened a little. Bring on the roar! 

By order of Jamie Redknapp

Jamie investigates the alarming rise in fancy dress at the racing.

Watchalong is LIVE!

You can check it out on the embedded stream below…

It’s a Cheltenham Knockout

Don’t miss your chance to pocket a cool £/€ 50 free bet today in our Cheltenham Knockout game. Have a looksee here.

Also there’s some freebies going over on Paddy’s Twitter if you can pick the winner in the opener. Good luck!

Supreme Novices’ Hurdle… 30 minutes to go!

This is the strongest renewal of the Supreme Novice’s Hurdle in years. It’s tight at the top of the market with Constitution Hill and Dystart Dynamo just leading Jonbon.

Paddy’s Cheltenham watchalong

Get involved with this on Paddy’s Twitter, Facebook and YouTube pages from 1pm. We’ve got the biggest and best names in horse racing involved such as *checks notes* Chris Kamara, Helen Chamberlain, Tony Pulis, and Ian Holloway. Well, everyone else was at the Festival… Should be a good laugh, though.

Anyone for a pint?

And it looks like the atmosphere’s building in the Guinness Village with an hour to go until the first race.

Fancy a free bet?

The ever-generous Paddy’s got all over-excited for the start of the Festival again and he’s giving every single punter a completely FREE £/€ 5 Bet on any race and any horse today at the Festival. Just head here to claim yours now. You’d be mad not to, really.

Here’s a full list of all the ways Paddy’s helping to make this year’s Cheltenham Festival the best ever for punters!

The Running order

Just incase you’ve been living under a rock here’s the order of play on day one…

13:30 Supreme Novices’ Hurdle (Grade 1), 9 Runners, 2m 87y.
14:10 Arkle Challenge Trophy Novices’ Chase (Grade 1), 11 Runners, 1m 7f 199y.
14:50 Ultima Handicap Chase (Grade 3), 24 Runners, 3m 1f
15:30 Champion Hurdle Challenge Trophy (Grade 1), 10 Runners, 2m 87y.
16:10 Mares’ Hurdle (Grade 1), 12 Runners, 2m 3f 200y
16:50 Boodles Juvenile Handicap Hurdle (Grade 3), 21 Runners, 2m 87y.
17:30 National Hunt Challenge Cup (Grade 2), 6 Runners, 3m 5f 201y.

HERE TO HELP

While we count down the seconds until the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle, why not take the chance to get clued up on Tuesday’s action?

GOOD MORNING

Hello world, what a morning it is. Just an hour and a half to go until the Cheltenham roar returns and punters are back at Prestbury Park for the Festival for the first time in two years.

It’s going to be a good day.

THE PADDY POWER GUIDE TO SAFER GAMBLING – EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW

What do you think?