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12th Mar 2013

Cheltenham Festival Day 1: As It Happened

Day 1 of the Cheltenham Festival was exceptional, especially for the dynamic duo of Willie Mullins and Ruby Walsh. Here's how the day played out.

JOE

1728:

Okay folks, we hope you had as good a day as we did. Ireland has had a great start, we’ll see if we can keep up the strike rate tomorrow wen we will be talking you through the Neptune Novices, the RSA, the Queen Mother and the Ryanair. Big day, but it surely can’t be better than today, can it?

Thanks for staying with us, see you tomorrow.

1726:

Here’s the result of the last

1st     1 Rajdhani Express     16/1
2nd     5 Ackertac (IRE)     66/1
3rd     13 Ohio Gold (IRE)     16/1
4th     8 Shangani (USA)     6/1

Winning TrainerN J Henderson
Winning JockeyM Waley-Cohen
Runners 20 ran
Unpl. FavColour Squadron (IRE) 9/2 F
Distancesnk, 9
SF £844.26
Tricast £15827.19

1725:

So it ends 3-3 in the battle of Ireland and Britain. A second win for Henderson in the last but the winner of the day is WIllie Mullins and Ruby Walsh. Three wins, two Grade 1 and a Grade 2, and the return of Hurricane Fly to the pinnacle of two-mile hurdling was magic. Quevega winning five Mares’ Hurdles ina  row is not bad either…

1723:

Not a classic this. Carlito Brigante was hampered and was pulled up. Kruzhlinn pulled up too. Shangani and Colour Squadron tried but never really challenged for the win.

Rajdhani Express and Ackertac battled fiercely down the line but the former won, a success for Sam Waley-Cohen and the Hendersons.

1716:

Just before the final race, they have announced there will be a precautionary inspection tomorrow morning but it should be grand they say.

False start in the last. Just sorting themselves out again.

1710:

Donegal’s Michael Murphy is a fully paid member of the Ruby Walsh fan club.

1708:

We also like Shangani, Venetia Williams’ runner. Off the back of two wins, it could be worth a few quid at 5.1 with Tote.

1707:

There’s no MUllins runner, well no Willie Mullins runner, but Thomas has Klepht. Ruby has the race off too. Favourite at the mo is Phillip Hobbs Colour Squadron. A JP McManus runner, it will have AP aboard. He’sdue a win.

1704:

If we do, it will probably be thanks to Gordon Elliott and Carlito Brigante. One of Michael O’Leary’s horses, at 6.7 on the Tote, it looks a decent punt.

1702:

Right, last race of the day. We couldn’t ask for another Irish winner could we? It’s another tricky Handicap, and it’s off at 5.15pm

1658:

Nice one…

1656:

More praise for the wonder that is Quevega

1654:

Willie MUllins’ post-race comments…

“That was heartstopping to say the least. Ruby had faith in the mare and didn’t panic – again. I’m really happy she has joined Golden Miller as only the second horse to win five straight at Cheltenham. She’s a precious mare. Today will probably never be repeated for me – it’s been a hell of a day.”

It’s been a hell of a day for us too…

1652:

If your bookie paid out for fourth, it was Shadow Eile at 66-1. Nice.

1651:

Only one horse, the legendary Golden Miller, who won five Gold Cups in the 1930s, has won five on the trot at the Festival. That’s the level of achievement by Quevega and Mullins.

1648:

Here’s your Mares’ Hurdle result…

1st     4 Quevega (FR)     8/11 f
2nd     7 Sirene D’ainay (FR)     33/1
3rd     18 Swincombe Flame     40/1

Winning TrainerW P Mullins
Winning JockeyR Walsh
Runners 19 ran
Distances1 ½, 2
SF £36.61
Tricast £597.03

1647:

That was a nervy one too. Eighth going around the bend she slowly moved up and even two out she looked like she had a lot to do. But Ruby timed hjis charge perfectly and in the final run up the hill she did it. Magic day for Mullins, Walsh and Ireland.

1646:

She does it! Quevega wins her fifth Mares Hurdle. A treble for Walsh and Mullins. A third win for Ireland. What a start to the Festival.

1641:

We’re off in Ruby’s bid for a hat-trick

1636:

While we wait for the Mares Hurdle to get off, here’s more of Mullins post-Champion Hurdle.

“It wasn’t a surprise. He won the best trials. His trials were the ones that counted. We’ve been saying all along that if we could get him here in the form he was in at home, that would be good enough. I think the team are in much better form than they were last year. Hopefully it will last for another three or four days!”

1634:

Support for Quevega appears to be softening. Now at 1.8 on Tote…

1632:

Rock On Ruby’s trainer Harry Fry said: “We served it up to him but we were just beaten by a true champion.” Garcious in defeat. Can’t wait for next year already.

1630:

By the way, Hurricane Fly is 7-2 to win a third Champion Hurdle next year.

1625:

Quevega is odds on, 1.4 with Tote, but to look for a bit of value there are options. Swing Bowler was tipped up by Pricewise and sits at 7.4, while Une Artiste, at 6.3, is a Henderson runner.

1619:

Right, just 20 minutes for everyone to catch their breath and then you have Walsh and Mullins team up as they try to guide Quevega to a fifth succesive Mares’ Hurdle. A win there and Ireland, and Mullins, will be 3-2 up.

1617:

Ruby just called Hurricane Fly a true champion on TV. He certainly is.

1613:

Great scenes as Hurricane Fly returns to the winners enclosure. Chants of ‘Ruby’ go up everywhere. We’ll bring you pics as soon as we can…

1612:

Here’s Mullins after the race…

“We thought he was in good form and he did what we came over here to do. Ruby gave him a fantastic ride in what was a fast-paced race.”

1610:

We hoped, with heart and wallet, that Fly would show what he could do. He did. Magic stuff!

1610:

Here the full result…

1st     6 Hurricane Fly (IRE)     13/8 f
2nd     8 Rock On Ruby (IRE)     11/2
3rd     4 Countrywide Flame     16/1

Winning TrainerW P Mullins
Winning JockeyR Walsh
Runners 9 ran
Distances2 ½, 1 ¾
SF £10.80
Tricast £101.05

1608:

Rock On Ruby second, Countrywide Flame was third. What a race that was. Fly gave us some frights, lots of frights, but he managed to do it. Once Grandouet fell with about four out, Fly woke up and then he glided home, past Rock On Ruby and jumped well once he hit the front… What a win for Ireland and Mullins.

1606:

Fly does it.

1558:

Clive McCormack pretty much sums up how most of Ireland feels right now. Fingers crossed folks.

1555:

Bit of money for Grandouet, now 7.5, but Fly continues to attract the majority of the support.

1552:

A few stats for you while we wait. It is 38 years since a horse regained the Champions Hurdle, when Comedy of Errors did it in 1975. Binocular and Hurricane Fly are trying to end that run.

1548:

If you like a longer punt then go for Countrywide Flame (18.2) and Cinders and Ashes (19.4). We don’t expect either to win but as EW shots they might be worth a Euro or two…

1545:

Fly has had four runs on home soil since last year’s Champions Hurdle and won all four. OIn contrast, Rock On Ruby has had a copuple of disappointing runs. Grandouet is a mystery after just one run in the last 16 months while BInocular is just not consistent any more.

The Fly is the class act of the field. Now is his time to show it.

1542:

We say flop but he did finish third and the money is now pouring in for Hurricane Fly. At 2.4 on Tote, he’s miles ahead of nearest challenger Zarkandar (4.4)

1540:

Right it’s time for the big one, the Champion Hurdle. Hatton’s Grace, Sea Pigeon, Dawn Run, Istabraq, Brave Inca, Hardy Eustace; the past winners of this are a bit classy. And today’s renewal sees three past winners return. Binocular from 2010, Hurricane Fly from 2011 and Rock On Ruby from 2012. The market favours the Fly but many punters are still scarred, and scared, after last year’s flop by Mullins’ star.

1537:

The winning jockey of the last race, Brendan Powell, enjoyed the win…

“It’s amazing. I have to pinch myself – I don’t think I’m awake. He won by a long way, but he always had the class to do it.”

1535:

Here’s Barry Geraghty enjoying his Arkle win with Simonsig earlier. G’wan Meath!

1531:

And here’s your full result…

1st     24 Golden Chieftain (IRE)     28/1
2nd     7 Our Mick     13/2 f
3rd     22 White Star Line (IRE)     12/1
4th     21 Tullamore Dew (IRE)     33/1

Winning TrainerC L Tizzard
Winning JockeyB Powell
Runners 24 ran
Distances10, 2
SF £180.30
Tricast £2359.61

1530:

That was a great race, not high in quality but exciting and a worthy winner. The only faller we saw was Knockara Beau.

1529:

That was a real three-mile slog. But a great win for Golden Chieftan, under a great ride by Brendan Powell.

1527:

Golden Chieftan takes it, Our Mick second, White Star Line third, Tullamore Dew fourth.

1518:

Okay, nearly off here. Anything could happen so best of luck!

1516:

A name you may recognise is Quantitativeeasing. A McManus horse, it has placed second at the Festival, in 2011, and won here in November of that year but since then his form has been awful. Perhaps best avoided.

Another well-known name is Knockara Beau. Appearing at a sixth Festival, he has yet to win…

1509:

Finally, Tracy Piggott is plumping for White Star Line, one of Dessie Hughes’s runners. Nicely handicapped, and with a good record of placing, at 14.9 he looks an ideal EW punt. Thanks Tracy!

1507:

And any Chelsea fans out there might like Loch Ba. Trained by former footballer Mick Channon, the form line is not bad and at 9.1 the price is decent.

1506:

Looking for a bit of each-way value, and a few funny names? Th Fruity O’Rooney (9.0) and Munkerty Tunkerty (10.5) might be the ones for you.

1504:

Right, let’s try and narrow this one down for you. The favourite is Our Mick but Merry King, tipped by Pricewise in the Racing Post, is almost joint favourite now. Our Mick is 6.20, Merry King is  now 6.6 with Tote.

1501:

Right, back in the saddle. Before we get on to the next one here’s the winning jockey and trainer.

Barry Geraghty on BBC Radio 5 live: “He made a mistake at the first and went close to the last but he rallied really well.”

Nicky Henderson: “He’s very speedy as you can see. That’s why we said whatever he was doing this this week it would be two miles. He’s a real two-miler.”

1454:

The first of the head scratching handicaps, the JLT Speciality Handicap Chase is up next. With 24 runners, I’m off for a cuppa before tackling this one… back soon

1450:

Just to tidy up the Arkle, third was His Excellency, Overturn was fourth and Arvika Ligeonniere was pulled up.

1448:

Here’s the full result…

1st     6 Simonsig     8/15 f
2nd     2 Baily Green (IRE)     33/1

Winning TrainerN J Henderson
Winning JockeyB Geraghty
Runners 7 ran
Distances2 ¼
SF £19.84

1448:

The Grey Aeroplane found an awful lot of turbulence. He clattered a fence on the back straight and survived. Overturn then hit one hard three from home which put him in front. But rather than pull away Simonsig saw long odds shot Baily Green loom up. Barry Geraghty got to work and got the win. Oh that was a tough watch if you had a big punt on Simonsig.

1446:

Simonsig does it. It wasn’t pretty but the favourite did it. Baily Green in second for Mouse Morris. Overturn fourth.

1441:

They’re lining up. Not long now until the Arkle is off. This will be super fast so we’ll be back with the result at the end…

1437:

Four minutes until the Arkle, a bit of money for Overturn, and Tap Night (with AP in the saddle) as an outsider, but this is Simonsig’s to lose.

1434:

This is what riding the winner of the opener at Cheltenham looks like. Class picture.

1430:

If you have faith in Simonsig, he’s 1.4 with Tote right now. Overturn is 4.4.

1429:

Okay, let’s get into the Arkle then. Seven runners, two miles, this should be a fantastic spectacle. It pits ‘The Grey Areoplane’ Simonsig against the horse good enough to win on the Flat, Overturn. The other five are probably also rans, bar Arvika Ligeonniere.

1421:

Quotes from the winners on the Beeb…

Ruby Walsh on BBC Radio 5 live: “It is high pressure riding a high profile horse, but to win the first makes things easier for the week ahead.”

Willie Mullins: “They all ran well, but Ruby rode a very tactical race in front and rode a fantastic race.”

Perfect start lads, perfect start…

1419:

By the way, just before the Supreme went off, it was confirmed that the Cross Country is off until Thursday. Shame as we liked the looked of Arabella Boy. It’ll have to wait.

1417:

A massive roar as the horse returns to the winners enclosure. By the way, Mullins and Walsh’s horse in the next race is a horse called Arvika Ligeonniere. The price is already tumbling…

1415:

Here’s the SP. What a race that was.

1st     2 Champagne Fever (IRE)     5/1
2nd     7 My Tent Or Yours (IRE)     15/8 f
3rd     6 Jezki (IRE)     5/1

Winning TrainerW P Mullins
Winning JockeyR Walsh
Runners 12 ran
Distances½, 2 ¼

1st 2 Champagne Fever (IRE) 5/1
2nd 7 My Tent Or Yours (IRE) 15/8 f
3rd 6 Jezki (IRE) 5/1
  • Winning TrainerW P Mullins
  • Winning JockeyR Walsh
  • Runners 12 ran
  • Distances½, 2 ¼
1412:

Ireland wins the first. Good start for the Irish challenge

1411:

Champagne Fever wins it, led all the way. What a run and punt for many. Held off My Tent Or Yours into second, Jezki third. Great race, and a great start to the Festival.

1408:

Champagne Fever leads, setting a strong pace…

1406:

Okay, here we go… good luck whoever you have your money on.

1406:

Just confirmed, Cross Country delayed until Thursday…

1405:

Bit of late money for Ryanair boss Michael O’Leary’s runner Un Atout. Feel free to get your extra baggage, late arrival jokes in now

1403:

Okay they are heading to post. Last chance to get your bet on and we are only moments away from that famous roar. If you’re in the office, don’t join in…

1401:

Bad news for those looking forward to the Cross Country, from the BBC’s Dererk Thompson.

“I have a feeling that this might postpone the Cross-Country until the Thursday, just looking at the faces of the guys who have come back in from walking the course. It is a bit soggy in some places and a lot harder in others. We await official confirmation following the official inspection at 1415 GMT.”

1358:

The money continues to pour in for Champagne Fever. The only other horse moving in is Cheltenian, whose 22.2 on Tote. We expect the name has a part to play.

1356:

There’s Jayo at Cheltenham…

No word on who he is backing but we have to assume Jezki like every other sportsperson on the planet

1351:

Despite half the sporting world, and my good self, backing Jezki, Champagne Fever is now second favourite. My Tent Or Yours is still top dog/horse but if Champagne Fever wins, there will be some very happy punters out there, especially those who got him at a much bigger price.

1348:

By the way, before the off, the Tote Jackpot and Placepots are now massive. The Jackpot is north of £65,000 and the Placepot is past £750,000 already. Check out theTote.com to try and get your hands on some of that.

1346:

More sporting tips, this time by a man who knows a bit about horses, Michael Owen.

1342:

The Irish rugby team hard at it in camp (viaJamieHeaslip). The team are going for Jezki by the way.

1333:

Looking for more celebrity tips? Well our own Jerry Flannery is punting on My Tent Or Yours.

1327:

Okay, the first big move of the day in the Supreme Novices’. The long-time market leaders, My Tent Or Yours and Jezki are on the drift. All the money is coming for Paul Nicholls/Ruby Walsh team and Champagne Fever. Some of it is name recognition, some of it is the ground and some of it is the price. On the Tote, he’s now 4.9.

1324:

And don’t forget to check out our good friends at theTote.com. Here’s why they are your best bet this Cheltenham.

1319:

Still a bit to go before the off so while you’re waiting, here’s our full preview of Day 1

1315:

… here’s the new running order

1405: Supreme Novices’ Hurdle

1440: Arkle Chase

1520: Handicap Chase

1600: Champion Hurdle

1640: Mares’ Hurdle

1715: Novices’ Handicap Chase

1745 Handicap Cross-Country Chase

1313:

Ever wanted to bet just like Irish legend Kevin Kilbane? No, okay well here’s Zinedine’s picks anyway, off the Twitter machine. Kev’s tweet was sent before the running order was rejiggled. Speaking of which…

1312:

Okay, we have our first bit of news. The going is now officially ‘Soft, Good to Soft in places’. This is good for Simonsig backers, of which we expect loads of you are…

1306:

Of course, we are already a little behind schedule today. As the main pic above shows, the freezing conditions that’s swept across these islands last night hit Prestbury Park hard. Despite 65 acres of covers being on the track, some parts froze and the races have been shuffled back by 35 minutes to allow a bit of extra thaw.

The cross-country track was not covered so today’s Glenfarclas over that course has been put back to 5.45 if it passes an inspection after 2pm.

1303:

Hi all and welcome to JOE’s Cheltenham live blog. For the next four days, in association with theTote.com, we’ll be bringing you all the latest from the most famous racing Festival in the world. We’ll have winners, losers and hundreds of stories develop over the next few days, and you’ll hear about them all here.

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