Cheltenham Festival 2015: Day One Results

13:30 – Supreme Novices’ Hurdle
Douvan delivered as part of a Willie Mullins one-two in the Festival opener, after racing off as Coral’s 2/1 favourite with Ruby Walsh on board. Paul Townend steered Shaneshill (9/1) to second, with 25/1 outsider Sizing John claiming third.

Second-favourite (7/2) L’Ami Serge, meanwhile, disappointed for Barry Geraghty and Nicky Henderson finishing fourth. Seedling fell in this 12-horse contest.

14:05 – Arkle Challenge Trophy
Odds-on 4/6 favourite Un De Sceaux made all the running to breeze to a six length victory for Walsh and Mullins, but 33/1 betting odds Cheltenham outsider God’s Own under Peddy Brennan held off Josses Hill (12/1) to scoop second. Once again 11 ran.

14:40 – Ultima Handicap Chase
Geraghty got his first winner of this year’s Festival aboard 8/1 second-favourite The Druids Nephew. A competitive field saw Giant Jesture (25/1), Gallant Oscar (9/1), Indian Castle (16/1) and Pendra (9/1) completed the top five, with Ned Stark (13/2) failing to impress.

15:20 – Champion Hurdle
Walsh made it three from three rides with Fuagheen (4/5) made all the running to win in hugely convincing fashion. Outsider Arctic Fire (20/1) was runner-up ahead of Hurricane Fly (8/1), as Mullins’ horses dominated yet again, with The New One and Jezki struggling to hang with them.

16:00 – Mares’ Hurdle
Walsh looked as though he was going to romp home on strong odds-on (1/2) favourite Annie Power, leading comfortably, though fell at the last to allow Glens Melody at 7/1 to claim first, still handing trainer Mullins a win regardless. Polly Peachum (9/1) followed just a head behind in second, while Bitofapuzzle (16/1) in third a neck behind.

16:40 – Toby Balding National Hunt Chase
Cause of Causes (8/1) came in to win an open field followed by Broadway Buffolo (12/1) and Job Is Right (10/1) after Willie Mullins-trained Perfect Gentlemen (10/1) led a good portion of the race before tailing off to finish in fourth.