We take a look at Day One of the 2025 Cheltenham Festival
The 2025 Cheltenham Festival kicked off with its characteristic blend of high drama, unexpected twists, and the occasional heartwarming moment that reminds us why we love this sport. Day One offered a rollercoaster of emotions, from tear-jerking tributes to jaw-dropping upsets. Let’s saddle up and trot through the day’s events, race by race.
Cheltenham Festival 2025: Day One Review
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1. Michael O’Sullivan Supreme Novices’ Hurdle (1:20 PM)
The festival’s curtain-raiser was steeped in emotion, honouring the late jockey Michael O’Sullivan. The race saw Kopek Des Bordes, trained by Charlie McCarthy and ridden by Paul Townend, justify his 4-6 favourite status with a commanding performance. Despite a slight stumble after the last hurdle, he recovered gracefully, leaving William Munny (8-1) and Romeo Coolio (9-2) to settle for second and third, respectively. McCarthy’s heartfelt gesture of donating the prize money to O’Sullivan’s family added a poignant touch to the proceedings.
- 1st 5. Kopek Des Bordes 4/6F
- 2nd 11. William Funny 8/1
- 3rd 6. Romeo Coolio 9/2
2. My Pension Expert Arkle Challenge Trophy Novices’ Chase (2:00 PM)
The second race witnessed a thrilling contest where Jango Baie emerged victorious, showcasing exceptional jumping skills and speed. The pre-race favourite, Majborough, faced stiff competition and ultimately finished in the placings, highlighting the unpredictable nature of the festival.
- 1st 1. Jango Baie 5/1
- 2nd 5. Only By Night 25/1
- 3rd 3. Majborough 1/2F
3. Ultima Handicap Chase (2:40 PM)
Handicap chases are notorious for their unpredictability, and this year’s Ultima was no exception. Myretown (13/2F) showcased stamina and determination, clinching victory in a tightly contested race. Close behind were The Changing Man (7/1) and Malia Girl (14/1), both delivering commendable performances that kept spectators on the edge of their seats.
- 1st 23. Myretown 13/2F
- 2nd 13. The Changing Man 7/1
- 3rd 12. Malia Girl 14/1
- 4th 14. Happygolucky 28/1
4. Close Brothers Mares’ Hurdle (3:20 PM)
The Mares’ Hurdle provided a masterclass in hurdling as Lossiemouth secured her third festival victory, cementing her status as a festival legend. With odds of 4-6, she lived up to expectations, leaving Jade De Grugy (5-1) and Take No Chances (22-1) to follow her home. Lossiemouth’s consistency and class were on full display, much to the delight of her supporters.
- 1st 9. Lossiemouth 4/6F
- 2nd 4. Jade De Grugy 5/1
- 3rd 11. Take No Chances 22/1
5. Unibet Champion Hurdle Challenge Trophy (4:00 PM)
The day’s marquee event turned into a punter’s nightmare and a bookmaker’s dream. The heavily backed favourite, Constitution Hill (8-13), and last year’s winner, State Man (10-1), both failed to complete the race, leaving the field wide open. In a stunning turn of events, Golden Ace, a 25-1 outsider, seized the opportunity to claim the prestigious title.Burdett Road, an even more improbable 66-1 shot, finished second, turning the betting world on its head.
- 1st 7. Golden Ace 25/1
- 2nd 1. Burnett Road 66/1
- 3rd 5. Winter Fog 150/1
6. Hallgarten And Novum Wines Juvenile Handicap Hurdle (4:40 PM)
The penultimate race saw Puturhandstogether, ridden by Mark Walsh, deliver a dominant performance, winning by a significant margin. This victory highlighted the horse’s potential and the jockey’s tactical acumen, setting the stage for future successes.
- 1st 6. Puturhandstogether 17/2
- 2nd 8. Robbies Rock 50/1
- 3rd 13. Liam Swagger 12/1
- 4th 21. Hot Fuss 17/2
7. Princess Royal National Hunt Challenge Cup Novices’ Handicap Chase (5:20 PM)
The day’s finale featured a competitive field of chasers. Haiti Couleurs (7-2J) showcased remarkable staying power, clinching victory and affirming the pre-race predictions. Close contenders included Rock My Way (16-1) and Will Do (12-1), both delivering commendable performances that promise exciting prospects for future races.
- 1st 6. Haiti Couleurs 7/2J
- 2nd 12. Rock My Way 16/1
- 3rd 11. Will Do 12/1
- 4th 2. Resplendent 10/1
Reflections on the Day
Day One of the 2025 Cheltenham Festival reminded us why this event holds a special place in the racing calendar. From heartfelt tributes and emotional victories to shocking upsets and underdog triumphs, the day’s races encapsulated the essence of National Hunt racing. As always, Cheltenham delivered stories that will be recounted for years to come, setting a high bar for the days ahead.
In the spirit of Cheltenham’s unpredictability, one can’t help but chuckle at the bookmakers’ sighs of relief as some favourites faltered, and long shots galloped to glory. It’s a timely reminder that in horse racing, as in life, the only certainty is uncertainty.
As the sun sets on Day One, attendees and punters alike will undoubtedly be buzzing with anticipation, ready to embrace whatever twists and turns the rest of the festival has in store. As usual, you can claim some enticing offers such as price boosts, free bets and enhanced places on Day Two of the 2025 Cheltenham Festival, courtesy of the leading bookmakers such as William Hill.
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