Cheltenham day one has been and gone. If you missed it, or just want to relive some of the magic moments as they happened, you are in the right place.
We started out with watchalong, powered by Thommo, Champagne Charlie and Le Tiss…
CHELTENHAM WATCHALONG! Ft. Charlie Nicholas, Matt Le Tissier & Phil Thompson. Join the lads as they sit down to watch the Cheltenham Festival on ITV. It’ll be just like being in the pub with your mates. Sort of… https://t.co/xZ2MgmQhJS
— Paddy Power (@paddypower) March 16, 2021
And it only got better from there for our punters who saw quite a few favourites romp home early on to have the bookies sweating.
- Odds-on fav Appreciate It romps home in the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle for Willie Mullins
- Shishkin justifies his 4/9 SP in the Arkle to remain unbeaten
- Ultima Handicap claimed by Vintage Clouds at 28/1 at the fifth attempt
- Honeysuckle wins Champion Hurdle with history-making Rachael Blackmore on-board
- Roksana nips ahead of the Consertista at the last in the Mares’ Hurdle
- 80/1 Jeff Kidder wins the Boodle for Noel Meade
- Galvin takes the closing race of the day from Next Destination
A couple of late upsets – including a monumental stunner in the Boodle at 80/1 – took a bit of the sting out of the day for the traders, while Irish trainers built an early lead in the friendly rivalry with UK counterparts, taking five of the day’s seven contests.
And don’t worry if you feel like you’ve missed out because there are three more days to go, and we’ve got all the previews and tips you need:
READ MORE ON CHELTENHAM 2021
- Cheltenham tips: Day 2’s cheat sheet from our top pundits
- Cheltenham tips: Mick Fitzgerald’s best bets for day 2 of the Festival
- Cheltenham tips: Gina Bryce’s best bets for day 2 of the Festival
- Cheltenham Day 2 tips: Frank Hickey’s best bets for the 2021 Festival
- Cheltenham tips: Matt Chapman’s best bets for day two of the Festival
- Cheltenham tips: Ruby Walsh’s Cheat Sheet for all 4 days of the Festival
- Ruby Walsh’s NAP for each day of the 2021 Cheltenham Festival
- Cheltenham tips: Our Championship races cheat sheet for the Festival
- Cheltenham tips: 4 Festival favourites who should deliver
You could choke a rhino on all those tips!
And just in case you feel like you need to know absolutely everything that happened, here’s how day one unfolded – live-blog style!
Oh yeah!
Tuesday 4:56pm | Galvin takes it at the last
Next Destination comes in second, with Escaria Ten and Snow Leopardess taking up the four paying places in last race of day one.
Tuesday 4:56pm | Chugging along
Remastered leading the way so far with other challengers well-placed, and we’re about halfway through…
Going anywhere nice on your holidays this y… oh, yeah. Nevermind.
Tuesday 4:49pm | Last call
Ladies and gents, please…. And they’re off in the epic 3m6f closer.
Tuesday 4:36pm | And if you’re looking for a steer for it…
Matt’s here with his preference:
“Finally a Grade 2 in the National Hunt Chase for novices over 3m6f. NEXT DESTINATION was a decent hurdler who promises to stay this track over fences. The Paul Nicholls challenge did well to defeat Fiddlerontheroof at Warwick last time and his jumping should stand this test. With a rating of 153 he should have every chance. I’ll have a few quid on eachway.”
Get the latest odds on PP.com
Tuesday 4:33pm | Final race of the day…
The National Hunt Chase is the final race of the day and will be off at 4:50. don’t be too upset though, because we’re paying 4 places – and there’s still three more days of glorious Cheltenham to come!
Tuesday 4:27pm | You’ve got to be kidding? 80/1?!
Noel Meade’s win in the Boodles makes it 4-2 to Ireland on day one with the final race still to come.
Just sayin’, like.
Tuesday 4:21pm | Cabot Cliffs leads halfway around…
But falls away as 80/1 Jeff Kidder overcomes an early mistakes to slice through the field in the final straight and beat several more fancied runners.
Tuesday 4:16pm | Or not
Burgundy Man living up to his name, unseats his rider having delayed the start… but they’re finally off.
Tuesday 4:13pm | They’re lining up now
Like herding cats, but it looks like they’re ready….
Tuesday 4:00pm | Frank Hickey assesses the oodles of Boodles…
There are 22 runners in this so you might feel spoilt for choice.
Would be nice to have a trading insight into the race, wouldn’t it? Here’s Frank:
“Paul Nicholls certainly knows how to lay one out for this race, saddling the 1-2 in 2016, as well as winners in 2010 and 2015 and it looks like he may have laid HOUX GRIS out for this year’s renewal. A winner of a bumper and a hurdle in France, he was pitched straight into Grade 1 company for his stable debut at Chepstow at Christmas.
He travelled really well that day, looking a big player jumping three out, but a mistake two out seemed to knock the wind out of his sails and it is likely the run was needed a fraction. He got a rating of 128 after that run and Nicholls has put him away since thinking that his mark might be enough to get a run.
He gets in here off a lovely weight and he caught the eye at Wincanton where Nicholls worked his Cheltenham Festival string a couple of weeks ago. He is way ahead of the handicapper and I would rate him as my most confident selection on day one.”
Check out the latest from our top trader here
Tuesday 3:54pm | I don’t want to upset you, but…
There are just two races left today – it all goes by so fast…
First, it’s the Boodles Juvenile Handicap Hurdle at 4:15.
Get the latest odds right here
Tuesday 3:52pm | Mares’ hurdle result confirmed after squeaky-bum finish
Tuesday 3:46pm | Oooooohhhh, that’s a tight finish!
Black Tears battles up the hill to edge out the favourite Concertista and save the bookies’ shirts…
Tuesday 3:35pm | Mick Fitz says Roksana can upset the odds-on Concertista
“ROKSANA won this two years ago when she was lucky as leader Benie Des Dieux falling at the last. She is a much better horse now and sets a good standard. Concertista won the Mares’ Novices’ Hurdle here last year over 2m 1f but this is a different test over a 2m 4f trip. Roksana is the one for me.
Dame De Compagnie could be the surprise package as she was a very easy winner of the Coral Cup last season and seems to save her best for this track.”
Read more from Mick here, including his tips for day 2,
Tuesday 3:30pm | Phil Thompson’s a beast on the baize…
Turns out Tommo's alright at Snooker! Tune in to the watchalong on here, Facebook or YouTube: https://t.co/pQLvGAme8W pic.twitter.com/FhHFg8NDwh
— Paddy Power (@paddypower) March 16, 2021
Tuesday 3:24pm | It’s the Mares’ Hurdle next
Concertista and Roksana the clear front-runners in the betting….
Tuesday 3:12pm | Honeysuckle pulls away for another favourite victory
Rachael Blackmore makes history on the 11/10 fav to become the first woman to win the Champion Hurdle
More admirable still, she puts up with Matt’s questions right after. Fair play.
Tuesday 3:06pm | Golly Goshen
Jamie Moore battling with Goshen to keep him on track as they come around toward the closing fences…
Tuesday 3:04pm | They’re lining up now…
And will be off in moments….
Tuesday 2:54pm | Gina Bryce on the Champion Hurdle
Gina Bryce gives us her take on the big race of the day, where she’s opposing the favourite: “GOSHEN was running away with the Triumph Hurdle last season before falling at the last. If he repeats that he could do something extraordinary.”
Read more from Gina for today in our Cheat Sheet.
Tuesday 2:38pm | All eyes turn to the Champion Hurdle
A bit of relief for the traders with a 28/1 winner, but next up is Honeysuckle – can anyone stop a third fav from four in the day’s feature race?
And if you’re ahving any trouble making your mind up, why not answer a few questions on footballand we’ll tell you who you should be backing?
Questions
Tuesday 2:38pm | Vintage Clouds breaks away to win by four lengths
In his fifth effort at the Ultima Handicap, Vintage Clouds pulls away to take it and join the ranks of the Great Greys Hall of Fame.
We’re paying out on the top five there. Woof.
Jockey Ryan Mania letting down Team Nominative Determinism by remaining very calm and collected in his post-race interview.
Tuesday 2:35pm | Alnadam at the front with four to go…
Vintage Clouds challenging as a group of four breaks away
Tuesday 2:31pm | They’re off in the first handicap of the week
Movement today for Alnadam from 12/1 to 11/2 as Happygolucky starts favourite…
Tuesday 2:20pm | Ruby Walsh’s pick for the next race
“HAPPYGOLUCKY looks the one now that a lot of the leading Irish challengers have opted for other races.”
Read Ruby’s picks for the rest of the day in his Cheat Sheet.
Tuesday 2:10pm| Ultima Handicap latest betting
And we are paying FIVE PLACES in this bad boy
Check the very latest odds – have a punt if you like – right here.
Tuesday 2:01pm | Shishkin shreds them in final straight
Nico de Boinville leads him home for a win at 4/9, another big result for bettors. Matt tries to get the jockey to say he’d have handled Energumene as easily.
Full result from the Arkle #CheltenhamFestival pic.twitter.com/HcxKaH5HYF
— Paddy Power (@paddypower) March 16, 2021
The best thing? I’ve managed to avoid any shish kebab puns. Everyone wins!
Tuesday 1:58pm | Three at the front
Shishkin, Captain Guinness and Allmankind grouped together with 3 to go….
Tuesday 1:54pm | Nearly all set in the second
A small field but could be a cracker…
Tuesday 1:47pm | Matt Chapman’s take on the Arkle
“Now it’s the Grade 1 Arkle Challenge Trophy over 2m. SHISHKIN was my banker for Cheltenham 2021 long before Energumene was ruled out through injury and I expect the hot favourite to hack up here for Nicky Henderson and Nico de Boinville. The Supreme victor has looked a natural over fences in three spins so far over the larger obstacles and he’s super classy.”
Read the rest of Matt’s picks for today here.
Tuesday 1:40pm | Piers Morgan sighting
Anyone know if he’s been up to much recently? Haven’t heard from him in at least 12 hours…
Just in case you forgot there’s a pandemic on, nice little reminder.
Tuesday 1:29pm | Arkle Chase up next at 1:55pm
With Numitor declared out, there’s just five in the next race, where there’s another heavily-fancied favourite in the undefeated Shishkin…
Tuesday 1:24pm | Appreciate It romps home in the first
The favourite leaves the rest in his wake for Willie Mullins under Paul Townend. A great start for Ireland… and punters.
Full Result from the Supreme Novice Hurdle #Cheltenham pic.twitter.com/3VNidO9Lp3
— Paddy Power (@paddypower) March 16, 2021
Tuesday 1:22pm | For Pleasure makes the running
Followed by Appreciate It two lengths back. Ballyadam in a bit of trouble…
Tuesday 1:21pm | And they’re off!
Shout out to the virtual crowd cheer as they get under way.
Tuesday 1:17pm | Any minute now…
Appreciate it remains odds on at 5/6 as the masked jockeys move down to towards the start line…
Tuesday 12:44pm | Frank Hickey previews the first race of the day
Not long to go now and first up it’s the Supreme Novices Chase at 1:20, which features one of Frank Hickey’s top tips of the festival…
“I believe this is the smallest field ever to line up for the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle and surprisingly the key to the race could be how the outsider For Pleasure goes. He looks likely to set the pace to the race and in such a small field, it might be dangerous for the rest to let him loose on the front – like he was in the trial here back in November where he never saw another rival.
If he goes too hard and turns this into a proper test of stamina, it is very likely to play to the strengths of Appreciate It. He has been impressive this season, but I’m just not certain about him here on good ground. The one the race will suit is SOARING GLORY for Jonjo O’Neill.
He was very useful in bumpers last season winning two of his three starts, with his only defeat coming in a Listed Ascot bumper. He has plenty of experience and he is really suited by good ground. He beat Bravemansgame back on his hurdles debut at Chepstow and it looks like his season was all geared around getting well handicapped for the Betfair Hurdle. A mark of 133 really did underestimate him and he was value for winning by further, as he travelled much the best and was still a little green on the run in.
O’Neill won the Betfair Hurdle with Get Me Out Of Here off a mark of 135 back in 2010 and he only failed by a neck to follow up here, so he knows what improvement is required for Soaring Glory. He will wear cheekpieces here and that could be significant, considering how he was green in the closing stages at Newbury.
I always pay attention when Jonjo applies first time headgear at the Festival, as Holywell and Alfie Sherrin are two horses that won at the Cheltenham in first time headgear in recent years. The race should set up for Soaring Glory and he looks to have solid each-way claims, so he may be the one to take advantage if Appreciate It finds the test a little too sharp.”
Tuesday 12:06pm | Specials! Specials everywhere!
Our traders have tonnes of specials set up for Day 1 if you fancy something a bit different:
And one for the all the happy shamrock wavers out there…
It’ll be Ole, Ole, Ole and fuzzy green wigs in the living room this evening if that comes in…
Tuesday 11:37am | Counting down the seconds…
The Cheltenham festival 2021 is finally here! Almost.
For the next four days we are going to feast on the finest national hunt racing in the world – I hope you are ready to metaphorically gorge yourself 28 races worth of top-class sporting competition – with a side order of craic and just a shake of good-humoured mirth.
And they’re off in the 2021 Working From Home During Cheltenham Special.
With @jhracingcomm on commentary…#CheltenhamFestival pic.twitter.com/4PrOVbryUw
— Paddy Power (@paddypower) March 16, 2021
We’ll keep you up-to-date with the latest news and results from the track as they happen on day one right here.
Now, for reasons which everyone is frankly fed up of hearing about, there’ll be no wild scenes of joyous crowds and celebrating connections at Prestbury Park this year, but Paddy’s not going to let that minor inconvenience get in the way of a good time.
We’ll have watchalongs each day with some very special guests
CHELTENHAM WATCHALONG! Ft. Charlie Nicholas, Matt Le Tissier & Phil Thompson. Join the lads as they sit down to watch the Cheltenham Festival on ITV. It’ll be just like being in the pub with your mates. Sort of… https://t.co/xZ2MgmQhJS
— Paddy Power (@paddypower) March 16, 2021
And if you’re still undecided on who to back, there’s our range of pundits to guide you…
- Our Pundits’ Cheat Sheet for all of day 1’s Races
- Matt Chapman’s best bets for day 1 of Cheltenham
- Ruby Walsh’s Cheat Sheet for day 1
- And loads more tips as well…
And you can listen to our latest Cheltenham podcast to get the lowdown on what to expect as well…
Or if you’d rather use your football knowledge to select your bet of the day, there’s our rather fantastic quiz that’ll convert what you know about the beautiful game into wisdom about the sport of kings.
Know Nothing About Racing? Use Our Football Quiz to Pick Your Horse Today
Here are some of the headline stories as we look forward to the first race of the day
- Willie Mullins’ Appreciate It remains an odds-on favourite for the opening race at 1.20
- Shishkin looks to maintain unbeaten record in Arkle Chase today
- Epatante attempts to defend Champion Hurdle against fancied Honeysuckle at 3:05
We’ll be updating throughout the day and you can get the latest results as they come in:
- CHECK OUT OUR BRAND NEW SNAZZY RACECARDS FOR EVERY SINGLE RACE TODAY
- …THEN GET ALL THE WINNERS BEFORE ANYONE ELSE WITH OUR FAST RESULTS
So, feet up, telly on – tell the boss to do one if you like, maybe he’ll think it’s a joke?- and settle in on the sofa for cracking days racing with Paddy…
READ MORE ON CHELTENHAM 2021
- Cheltenham tips: Ruby Walsh’s Cheat Sheet for all 4 days of the Festival
- Ruby Walsh’s NAP for each day of the 2021 Cheltenham Festival
- Cheltenham tips: Mick Fitzgerald’s best bets for day one of the Festival
- Cheltenham tips: Frank Hickey’s NAP for each day of 2021 Festival
- Cheltenham tips: Our Championship races cheat sheet for the Festival
- Cheltenham tips: Mick Fitzgerald’s sizzling Lucky 15 for the Festival
- Cheltenham Festival: Timeform’s 6 highest-rated runners at Prestbury Park
- Cheltenham tips: 4 Festival favourites who should deliver
- Cheltenham tips: Timeform’s 3 handicap plays to make it pay at the Festival
THE PADDY POWER GUIDE TO RESPONSIBLE GAMBLING – EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW
