Image source, Getty Images

Next up is the Cross Country Chase where Stumptown is among the more fancied options heading into this one.

Stumptown has won three in a row heading into today's raxeover 31 fences, with 16 set to run.

The experienced Galvin also runs here after finishing fourth in the Grand National last year. In 2023, Galvin finished second in this race.

Vanillier, who like Stumptown is trained by Gavin Cromwell, is the only other horse in the Cross Country Chase going in off the back of a victory last time out.

Veteran Cheltenham watchers may have noticed something different about the hurdles in the races so far.

Organisers have installed newly designed padded hurdles for the Festival this year - how, and why, is explained here.

Frank Keogh
BBC Sport at Cheltenham

A crowd of 55,498 attended the opening day of this year's Cheltenham Festival, which was nearly 5,000 down on last year.

The total attendance for the week three years ago, in the first post-Covid meeting open to spectators, was 280,000 but organisers will only say they expect more than 200,000 this time.

Absent regulars say they have been priced out of coming by a mixture of travel, accommodation, ticket and catering costs.

Festival organisers have introduced measures aimed at helping racegoers, but the price of a pint of Guinness has gone up 30p to £7.80.

Is that fair enough at a big event, or too expensive? What would encourage you to come to Cheltenham?

We want to hear your views - use #bbcracing, via WhatsApp on 03301231826 or text 81111 (UK only, standard message rates apply). Please incldue your name on text messages.

Jimmy Du Seuil's owner Ed Ware: "There's no words, it's like a dream. I'm so fortunate to have the people who look after him, train him and buy him."

On being a race horse owner: "Someone said to me that knows more than me, one minute you know what you're doing and the next you're flat on your face. Then, you get great moments like this."

Among the famous faces today at Cheltenham this afternoon is Queen Camilla.

And she has been caught up in the excitement as much as anyone else.

Image source, Getty Images

Image source, Reuters

Jimmy Du Seuil's jockey Danny Mullins, speaking to ITV: "Credit goes to Willie Mullins. Coming here, no run this year to then run like that in a handicap. It was unbelievable. The snow this morning, I thought it would help his chances.

"This is the place we all want to come every year. I've been lucky enough to ride winners here before but you don't take any of them for granted. It's a special feeling when you get to the top of the hill."

1 Jimmy Du Seuil (D E Mullins) 16-1

2 Impose Toi (N de Boinville) 13-2

3 Ballyadam (Rachael Blackmore) 16-1

4 Beat The Bat (Bryan Carver) 11-2

26 ran

Another surprise, last-gasp winner!

There were four or five horses neck and neck over the final hurdle, but it was the 16-1 shot in red, black and white silks who timed it perfectly.

Jimmy Du Seuil turned on the afterburners over the final few furlongs, and was charged home by Danny Mullins.

They are four abreast on the final stretch...

One to go, this could be anyones!

Be Aware is among the contenders...

Now Be Aware makes a bit of progress.

The whole field is still fairly tightly packed, led by Bunting, as they approach the final two hurdles.

Andrew Thornton
Former jockey on BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra

Image source, Reuters

There is a steadying of the tempo. A few of these have been keen in the early stages.

Bunting is the new leader, as they jump hurdle five of 10.

Fourth-favourite Beat The Bat has moved up to third. Be Aware is still a way back in the pack.

We still have all 26 as the halfway point approaches.

As Charlie Poste mentioned, Bunting is the first of the favourites to move towards the front.

Charlie Poste
Former jump jockey on BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra

Bunting is the one that is noticeably keen in third.

Al Gasparo still leads, followed by Might I.

The favourites are further back at present.

Al Gasparo is the early leader, as all 26 safely make it over the first two hurdles.

Eight to go.

Since 1993, only three favourites have won this race. In this Festival of shocks, will we see another upset?

We are under way.

Here they come now, the huge field being shepherded to the start line.

Be Aware will set off as favourite as Harry Skelton aims to ride a second winner from three races so far today.

Image source, Getty Images

Bunting and Brighton and Hove Albion owner Tony Bloom speaking to ITV Racing: "Lovely to be at Cheltenham again. Everything is going pretty well so far, I'm looking forward to Bunting and Energumene.

"Bunting has got a little chance, but it's a huge race. We're going with hope rather than expectation. Had Energumene been not injured last year, he would've had a chance for the hat-trick."

On Brighton: "Really happy. Could potentially be the biggest two months in the club's history. With the FA Cup, top five is in reach. Fabian Hurzeler is doing really well and we're getting players back from injury."