They're offpublished at 13:56 Greenwich Mean Time 17 March 2021
The runners are away.
Summary
Tiger Roll wins Glenfarclas Chase - his fifth Festival success
Rachael Blackmore - the star of day one - has two victories
Put The Kettle On takes Queen Mother Champion Chase
33-1 shot Heaven Help Us triumphs in Coral Cup Handicap Hurdle
Heavy favourite Monkfish wins Novices' Chase
They're offpublished at 13:56 Greenwich Mean Time 17 March 2021
Postpublished at 13:56 Greenwich Mean Time 17 March 2021
Andrew Thornton
Former Gold Cup-winning jockey on BBC Radio 5 Live Sports ExtraIt's A to B for Paul Townend. Monkfish looks head and shoulders above the rest.
I fancy Sporting John to pick up second.
Postpublished at 13:54 Greenwich Mean Time 17 March 2021
John Hunt
BBC Radio 5 Live Sports Extra commentatorMonkfish is absolutely magnificent - it will take some extraordinary to stop him here.
He just looks so bright, focused and completely switched on.
'Bob Olinger is the type of horse you love to train'published at 13:51 Greenwich Mean Time 17 March 2021
Bob Olinger's winning trainer, Henry de Bromhead, talking to BBC Radio 5 Live Sports Extra: "He won really well and he is an exciting horse for us. He's always worked like a nice horse and thankfully he's confirming it on the track.
"It's incredible. We're very lucky to have the horses we have and to get the support we get from our owners. These are the horses that you love to train, the special ones are amazing.
"Rachael is so good - she was brilliant on him. She could have got caught into racing at the top of the hill but pulled out of it. She is riding so well at the moment."
The woman of the momentpublished at 13:49 Greenwich Mean Time 17 March 2021
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End of twitter postMonkfish 'in great shape'published at 13:45 Greenwich Mean Time 17 March 2021
Here's how Monkfish was looking on the gallops this morning.
Trainer Willie Mullins wrote in his blog:, external “He’s in great shape and we’re very, very pleased with him. He has a great natural style of jumping and racing and we’re looking forward to getting him out in the Brown Advisory.”
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End of twitter postA procession for Monkfish?published at 13:41 Greenwich Mean Time 17 March 2021
13:55: Brown Advisory Novices' Chase (3m 80y)
"Most exciting horse in training", "flawless", "he just pulverises his opposition".
Those are just some of the effusive words that have been used to describe the favourite Monkfish in this race.
The winner of last year's Albert Bartlett has been perfect over fences, winning three out of three, with a combined winning distance of 18 lengths.
Many people have got him down as the banker of the week, and expect today to be a Prestbury Park procession for the Willie Mullins seven-year-old.
The Colin Tizzard-trained Big Breakaway won at Cheltenham earlier in the season, while Sporting John, trained by Philip Hobbs, beat Shan Blue in the Scilly Isles last time out.
Those two are expected to compete with the Irish-trained Eklat De Rire for second place.
Image source, Getty ImagesPostpublished at 13:38 Greenwich Mean Time 17 March 2021
An Irish one-two to kick off the racing on St Patrick's Day. A very strong start.
Next up is the Brown Advisory Novices' Chase (13:55 GMT).
'A horse with the world at his feet'published at 13:34 Greenwich Mean Time 17 March 2021
Charlie Poste
Former jump jockey on BBC Radio 5 Live Sports ExtraWhat a fantastic performance. He got very keen in running and you had to wonder if he'd pay for that later in the race. He's put daylight between him and two very good novices - that was really impressive.
He's another horse with the world at his feet - we have been spoilt this week.
'Phenomenal'published at 13:32 Greenwich Mean Time 17 March 2021
Image source, ReutersWinning jockey Rachael Blackmore, speaking to ITV Racing: "Unbelievable. His [Bob Olinger's] potential is sky high. He was phenomenal there. Anyone who has been associated with him has thought a lot of him. He will jump fences brilliantly and there are plenty more big days to come.
"It is just fantastic for everyone in the yard."
Resultpublished at 13:30 Greenwich Mean Time 17 March 2021
13:20 - Ballymore Novices' Hurdle
1 Bob Olinger (Rachael Blackmore) 6-4 fav
2 Gaillard Du Mesnil (Paul Townend) 9-4
3 Bravemansgame (Harry Cobden) 4-1
Seven ran
'So deeply impressive'published at 13:27 Greenwich Mean Time 17 March 2021
John Hunt
BBC Radio 5 Live Sports Extra commentator
Image source, PA MediaIt's another big win for Rachael Blackmore and Ireland.
Bob Olinger is arguably the best novice hurdler in Britain and Ireland.
It was so deeply impressive.
Bob Olinger winspublished at 13:26 Greenwich Mean Time 17 March 2021
BreakingBob Olinger romps through coming home and wins the Ballymore Novices' Hurdle!
Rachael Blackmore starts the day with an emphatic win as Bob Olinger came through after the final hurdle and powered away from the rest.
Gaillard Du Mesnil finished second with Bravemansgame third.
Postpublished at 13:25 Greenwich Mean Time 17 March 2021
Four from home and Bob Olinger is having to wait for a gap to appear as he starts to apply the pressure. Bravemansgame hanging onto the lead.
Postpublished at 13:23 Greenwich Mean Time 17 March 2021
Charlie Poste
Former jump jockey on BBC Radio 5 Live Sports ExtraGaillard Du Mesnil is pretty keen so far - Paul Townend would like him to switch off more over this trip.
Rachael Blackmore won't be happy with how keen Bob Olinger is either.
Postpublished at 13:23 Greenwich Mean Time 17 March 2021
Bunched up a bit now after the third hurdle. Bravemansgame is into the lead now with Bob Olinger moving slowly towards the front.
Postpublished at 13:21 Greenwich Mean Time 17 March 2021
Andrew Thornton
Former Gold Cup-winning jockey on BBC Radio 5 Live Sports ExtraSpeaking to jockeys Aidan Coleman and Harry Cobden they said the ground is on the soft side, and a little bit sticky. Don't expect it to be too different to yesterday - it is perfect jumping ground.
Postpublished at 13:21 Greenwich Mean Time 17 March 2021
Optimise Prime leading the way early on with Bravemansgame just behind.
They're offpublished at 13:21 Greenwich Mean Time 17 March 2021
The field is away for the start of the curtain raiser.
Postpublished at 13:19 Greenwich Mean Time 17 March 2021
Charlie Poste
Former jump jockey on BBC Radio 5 Live Sports ExtraThe first race is one to savour and brighten the afternoon.