Summary

  • Rachael Blackmore, on Honeysuckle (11-10f), becomes first woman to ride Champion Hurdle winner

  • 80-1 Jeff Kidder wins Juvenile Handicap Hurdle

  • Challenge Cup Novices' Chase won by Galkvin (7-2)

  • Black Tears (11-1) wins Mares' Hurdle; 28-1 win for Ryan Mania on Vintage Clouds

  • Arkle Chase victory for Shishkin (4-9f); Appreciate It (5-6f) wins Supreme Novices' Hurdle

  1. Success for Shishkinpublished at 14:12 Greenwich Mean Time 16 March 2021

    Andrew Thornton
    Former Gold Cup-winning jockey on BBC Radio 5 Live Sports Extra

    I bet that felt good. He wastes no time in the air, he just eyes them up, gives them the right amount of height.

    The way he goes about it is so laid back. He looked so straightforward.

  2. 'Extraordinary'published at 14:10 Greenwich Mean Time 16 March 2021

    Winning trainer Nicky Henderson, speaking to ITV Racing: "We have been very lucky in these two-mile chases, especially recently.

    "It is extraordinary. It is not the same, it will never be the same without the people here, but it still does the same to you, watching them go round."

  3. Success for Shishkinpublished at 14:06 Greenwich Mean Time 16 March 2021

    Charlie Poste
    Former jump jockey on BBC Radio 5 Live Sports Extra

    We've seen two incredible performances in the first two races of the day. I can't think Nico would have imagined things to pan out so well.

    The faster they go, the better he is and he jumped with aplomb. It was effortless for him.

    Nico is a very intelligent rider.

  4. 'A fantastic horse'published at 14:03 Greenwich Mean Time 16 March 2021

    Winning jockey Nico de Boinville, speaking to ITV Racing: "I am absolutely over the moon. I am delighted to be on a horse such as Shishkin. Such a fantastic horse.

    "After that performance you could say he will be anything. Shishkin was in fantastic form today and he would have taken a lot of beating."

  5. Resultpublished at 14:01 Greenwich Mean Time 16 March 2021

    1355: Sporting Life Arkle Challenge Trophy Novices Chase

    1 Shishkin (Nico de Boinville) 4-9 Fav

    2 Eldorado Allen (H Cobden) 33-1

    3 Captain Guinness (Rachael Blackmore) 10-1

    5 ran

  6. Shishkin wins the Arklepublished at 14:00 Greenwich Mean Time 16 March 2021
    Breaking

    ShishkinImage source, PA Media

    Shishkin is over the final fence and wins the Arkle.

    Another favourite storms to victory!

  7. Postpublished at 14:00 Greenwich Mean Time 16 March 2021

    Shishkin jumps into the lead two from the finish.

  8. Postpublished at 13:59 Greenwich Mean Time 16 March 2021

    Into the turn and Shishkin makes a move on Allmankind and Captain Guiness.

  9. Postpublished at 13:59 Greenwich Mean Time 16 March 2021

    Captain Guinness and Allmankind trade places out in front with seven to go. Shishkin biding his time for now.

  10. Postpublished at 13:57 Greenwich Mean Time 16 March 2021

    The five runners are away for the second race with Allmankind out in front.

  11. 'Significant operation'published at 13:54 Greenwich Mean Time 16 March 2021

    CheltenhamImage source, PA Media

    Cheltenham chief Ian Renton on 5 Live Sports Extra: "It has been an interesting build-up. Normally we have a 14-month lead in but we have been in the midst of uncertainty so it is only in the last few weeks we have been able to prepare properly knowing we could race behind closed doors.

    "It has been a massive operation with a lot of work making sure all the Irish are tested, there is accommodation in place and a canteen and that has been a significant operation plus keeping the stables and weighing rooms separate."

  12. Postpublished at 13:51 Greenwich Mean Time 16 March 2021

    Arkle Challenge Trophy Novices' Chase

    Shishkin is the favourite for this one and is being backed to claim an even more dominant win than Appreciate It just managed.

    Not long until they're off in the Arkle Challenge Trophy Novices' Chase.

  13. Out on his ownpublished at 13:45 Greenwich Mean Time 16 March 2021

    Frank Keogh
    BBC Sport at Cheltenham

    24 LENGTHS - bigger than any winning distance at last year's Festival.

    There might not have been many here to appreciate it, but that was a mighty performance in a surreal atmosphere.

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  14. Non-runnerspublished at 13:43 Greenwich Mean Time 16 March 2021

    13:55

    5 Numitor

    15:40

    4 Dolcita

    16:15

    18 Tinnahalla

    16:50

    11 Soldier Of Love

  15. Up next...published at 13:40 Greenwich Mean Time 16 March 2021

    13:55 Sporting Life Arkle Chase (2m)

    Twelve months ago, Shishkin won the Supreme Novices Hurdle and has continued his unbeaten record this year after his switch to fences.

    Trainer Nicky Henderson knows what it takes to win this one with six victories - could Shishkin make it seven under Nico de Boinville?

    The front-running Allmankind is well-fancied while Captain Guinness leads the Irish challenge for trainer Henry de Bromhead and jockey Rachael Blackmore.

    Nico de Boinville celebrates victory on ShishkinImage source, Getty
  16. Supreme Novices win for Appreciate Itpublished at 13:35 Greenwich Mean Time 16 March 2021

    Andrew Thornton
    Former Gold Cup-winning jockey on BBC Radio 5 Live Sports Extra

    I don't think I've seen such a procession in this race. He has galloped them into submission.

    Does that set the tone for this week for Willie Mullins and Paul Townend? It was effortless. Mullins has brought it to the table once again.

    Metier ran as flat as a pancake.

  17. The Cheltenham Roarpublished at 13:33 Greenwich Mean Time 16 March 2021

    John Hunt
    BBC Radio 5 Live Sports Extra commentator

    Appreciate ITImage source, PA Media

    All the Irish stable staff are here staying at Cheltenham for the week and there was a lovely moment when Appreciate It and Paul Townend came back in they gave out a great roar - it was what the performance deserved.

  18. 'A proper performance'published at 13:31 Greenwich Mean Time 16 March 2021

    Winning jockey Paul Townend speaking to ITV Racing: “That was more like it from this lad. It was well documented that he was more workmanlike the last day but this was more like it. It was a proper performance, wasn’t it?"

    On winning without a crowd: "It was different, very different but we are so lucky to be here and take part. It was very different but I could hear the Irish boys in the corner so it was OK."

  19. Victory for Appreciate Itpublished at 13:27 Greenwich Mean Time 16 March 2021

    Charlie Poste
    Former jump jockey on BBC Radio 5 Live Sports Extra

    What a start to the Festival. He had superstar credentials coming in and had been flawless this season but looked even better today.

    It was a performance that deserved the crowd cheering him in.

  20. Resultpublished at 13:26 Greenwich Mean Time 16 March 2021

    1320: Sky Bet Supreme Novices' Hurdle (2m)

    1 Appreciate It (P Townend) 8-11 Fav

    2 Ballyadam (J W Kennedy) 6-1

    3 For Pleasure (Harry Bannister) 40-1

    8 ran