Thousands gather for first day at Cheltenham festival
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 Champion Hurdle contested on the opening day on Tuesday and superstar horse Constitution Hill showed his class to win at a canter after starting as the overwhelming, heavily-backed favourite.
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:
Cheltenham results today: Every race winner at the 2023 Festival
Tuesday opens with Champion Day and all eyes are on Nicky Henderson’s unbeaten Constitution Hill, while last year’s winner Honeysuckle goes for glory in the Mares’ Hurdle for what may be her final race.
Wednesday is Ladies Day and St Patrick’s Day falls on Thursday, before the Festival’s big climax with the Gold Cup on Friday.
Michael Jones14 March 2023 16:36
Reaction from Rachael Blackmore
Michael Jones14 March 2023 16:30
‘She’s just phenomenal’
Honeysuckle’s trainer Henry de Bromhead, suffered the loss of his son Jack in September after a fall in a pony race so this victory will feel extra special.
Rachael Blackmore said: “We all wish a very special kid could be here today but he’s looking down on her. As a jockey I am so grateful, she’s just phenomenal and been so important for my career. She’s just a credit to anyone. A brilliant day.”
Henry de Bromhead added: “A fairytale ending, she’s just an incredible mare. It’s been an amazing few years, a lot of fun.”
Michael Jones14 March 2023 16:28
Nico de Boinville and Constitution Hill won the 2023 Champion Hurdle
(PA)
(PA)
Michael Jones14 March 2023 16:25
Honeysuckle signs off with victory
Michael Jones14 March 2023 16:22
Michael Jones14 March 2023 16:19
HONEYSUCKLE WINS THE MARES’ HURDLE!
It’s a fairytale ending for Honeysuckle! Rachael Blackmore kicked her on down the final straight and edged her just ahead of Love Envoi before getting over the line.
Michael Jones14 March 2023 16:17
Close Brothers Mares’ Hurdle
Honeysuckle is well placed with three left to jump but Marie’s Rock has closed the gap. Epatante is back in contention now too.
Love Envoi leaps over the next hurdle and the pace increases with two to jump.
Michael Jones14 March 2023 16:15
Close Brothers Mares’ Hurdle
Honeysuckle and Love Envoi pull ahead and leap over the last neck and neck.
Love Envoi is smoother out of the landing and Rachael Blackmore has to whip Honeysuckle into another gear…
Michael Jones14 March 2023 16:15
Close Brothers Mares’ Hurdle
Marie’s Rock draws alongside Shewearsitwell after the next hurdle and looks to push closer to Honeysuckle, still in second place.
Love Envoi leads the way with four left to jump.
Michael Jones14 March 2023 16:14
