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The Cheltenham Festival is back for 2023 with a thrilling week of racing lined up in the Cotswolds for what is known as ‘The Greatest Show on Turf’, as racegoers descend on the iconic course.
The Champion Hurdle and the Gold Cup bookend the four-day meeting as perhaps the two highest-profile Grade 1 races, with the Champions Hurdle contested on the opening day on Tuesday and superstar horse Constitution Hill a heavy favourite to triumph.
Meanwhile, Rachael Blackmore returns to Cheltenham looking to create more history after an astounding win to retain the Gold Cup in 2022 –a victory that helped the Irish trainers triumph handily over their British counterparts to easily land the prestigious Prestbury Cup, with a mighty 18 wins compared to just 10 for the home horses.
The festival provides a massive £274m boost to the local economy, a study from the University of Gloucestershire has found, and while organisers will be hoping the rain holds off, it promises to be an exciting week of racing regardless.
Follow all the Day 1 action from Cheltenham below:
Winning jockey Michael O’Sullivan hails Marine Nationale
“Unbelievable,” O’Sullivan says to ITV. “A massive relief. I’m so, so lucky to get on this horse. We’re having an amazing season. The horse is just incredible. I turned in there and I wasn’t sure what I was holding on to but, by god, he won easily.
“Days like these are what I’ve been dreaming of since I was riding ponies. All my family have been so supportive of me.”
Harry Latham-Coyle14 March 2023 13:38
MARINE NATIONALE WINS THE SUPREME NOVICES HURDLE
A storming finish from Michael O’Sullivan and Marine Nationale, holding back to make certain of the clearance of the final fence and then simply charging home.
Facile Vega had looked well placed but just couldn’t quite kick on up the final straight. The first eight finishers are all Irish – ominous signs for the British trainers.
Harry Latham-Coyle14 March 2023 13:34
Supreme Novices’ Hurdle
Over the penultimate bend and Facile Vega has roared ahead!
Harry Latham-Coyle14 March 2023 13:34
Supreme Novices’ Hurdle
Three to take in the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle. Facile Vega is starting to come through.
Harry Latham-Coyle14 March 2023 13:34
Supreme Novices’ Hurdle
Up the hill with four hurdles to go. High Definition and Rare Edition continue to set the pace, each jockey clad in rather fetching purple with white accents.
Harry Latham-Coyle14 March 2023 13:33
Supreme Novices’ Hurdle
A little split begins to open between the front five horses and those behind, though no horse is yet out of it. Strong Leader looks well placed in fourth, biding its time.
Harry Latham-Coyle14 March 2023 13:33
Supreme Novices’ Hurdle
Rare Edition and High Definition both still leading the pack, all over the second fence clearly and bending neatly around the corner as the crowd cheer.
Harry Latham-Coyle14 March 2023 13:32
Supreme Novices’ Hurdle
High Definition has also started well, looking powerful as they cover the first furlong in less than 15 seconds.
Harry Latham-Coyle14 March 2023 13:31
Supreme Novices’ Hurdle
And they’re off. Up goes the flag and up go the crowd, roaring their approval. Rare Edition takes an early lead on the inside up to the first fence.
Harry Latham-Coyle14 March 2023 13:31
Supreme Novices’ Hurdle
The horses are out on the course, the crowd are ready to roar. The first race of the 2023 Cheltenham Festival is about to get underway.
Harry Latham-Coyle14 March 2023 13:29
