Authorised Speed is down at Fence Two as Gaelic Warrior settles into second, with Matata leading the field.

Everyone seems wary of the position of Gaelic Warrior as they head off.

Right, the field is just about ready for the second race of the day.

Gaelic Warrior is the favourite for this one.

Frank Keogh
BBC Sport at Cheltenham

We'll be asking BBC pundits covering the Festival on BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra for a couple of Cheltenham selections.

Here's presenter Gina Bryce:

14:10 Arkle Chase - Quilixios 15-2

I like Quilixios in a wide-open race. The 2021 Triumph Hurdle winner jumped much better last time which gives confidence for a big run for a trainer with a good record in the race.

15:30 Champion Hurdle - Irish Point 11-2

The rain will help Irish Point, who will benefit if this becomes a real test. He looks to be improving and has the stamina for these conditions.

Image source, Getty Images

Rachael Blackmore has already created her place in Cheltenham history thanks to A Plus Tard’s Gold Cup win in 2022 and the winner of the opening race on Slade Steel will be aiming for back-to-back wins with Quilixios.

The seven-year-old, trained by Henry de Bromhead won the Triumph Hurdle in 2021 but has struggled for top form since then. However, a win at Naas in January has given signs that he could be on his way back.

The main challengers include the Willie Mullins-trained trio Gaelic Warrior, Il Etait Temps and Hunters Yarn.

Image source, John Hunt

The going was a bit a too soft for BBC Radio 5 live commentator John Hunt, when his car got stuck in the mud on his way into Cheltenham this morning.

"Sensational start to Cheltenham Races,⁩ 200 metres from the main entrance," John wrote on X.

Fortunately, after getting a bit of a gallop on, John was able to get into position for commentating on today's races.

Image source, .

Image source, Reuters

It is the perfect start to day one of the Festival for Rachael Blackmore who has a broad smile after Slade Steel's win in the opener.

Frank Keogh
BBC Sport at Cheltenham

Image source, Frank Keogh

That was a 15th Cheltenham Festival winner for Rachael Blackmore, who was the week's leading jockey at the 2021 meeting.

Slade Steel, trained by Henry de Bromhead, led an Irish 1-2-3-4-5 in the opener. Perhaps a sign of things to come?

The winner was beaten seven lengths last time by Ballyburn, who is sure to go off as one of the week's biggest favourites in the Gallagher Novices' Hurdle on Wednesday.

Winning trainer Henry de Bromhead on BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra: "It's amazing. It is the first time we have won this race. Rachael gave him a super ride and I am delighted. I thought he would be better on nicer ground but he has always been a pacey horse. It is great to get one on the board as he is one of our big hopes this week."

It looks like this chap didn't win in the opening race.

Image source, PA Media

So no win for Willie Mullins in the opening race, but the first victory does go to Ireland with Slade Steel for Henry de Bromhead's stable.

Charlie Poste
Former jump jockey on BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra

We are looking for factors for the rest of the week and there were distress signals early on from Jeriko Du Reponet from the Nicky Henderson yard.

Tullyhill and Tellherthename both faded quickly. It paid in that opening race to be in mid division and put in a late charge.

Mystical Power broke for the line once we rounded the bend but couldn't hold off Blackmore's charge.

Replays show her roar of joy as she crossed the line, one to match the noise of the crowd.

Winning jockey Rachael Blackmore, speaking to ITV Sport: "I didn't want to be in front jumping the last but he took me there and battled hard. I love this place, it's amazing to be coming here and riding these kinds of horses."

1 Slade Steel (Rachael Blackmore) 7-2

2 Mystical Power (M P Walsh) 10-3

3 Firefox (J W Kennedy) 11-2

11 ran

Charlie Poste
Former jump jockey on BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra

Rachael got a really good trip around. Mystical Power paid the price for being too keen. Slade Steel had greater stamina and showed it.

And it's Slade Steel that breaks through to take the Supreme Novices Hurdle!

A win for Rachael Blackmore!

Tellherthename still leads, Asian Master half way back in the field with two fences to go.

It's a tight group - this is going to be close!

Tellherthename pulls into the lead ahead of Tullyhill as we clear the fourth.

Tullyhill, the Mullins grey, leads us over the second hurdle.