Here's hoping we get a second day of exceeding expectations.

The seven runners are heading to the start for the first race of the day...

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

Yesterday exceeded expectations. It started with a boom and then there was magic from Shishkin. Then Rachael Blackmore and Honeysuckle - what a team they are. You couldn't have expected that performance from them coming into the Festival.

Rob Nothman
Reporter on BBC Radio 5 Live Sports Extra

Here's the view from the Cheltenham parade ring.

In the Festival build-up, people have been talking up today's opening race as one of the best.

There are three closely-matched horses in Henry de Bromhead's Bob Olinger, Willie Mullins' Gaillard du Mesnil and Paul Nicholls' Bravemansgame at the top of the market.

Bob Olinger has only been beaten this season by the extremely promising Ferny Hollow - who is missing the Festival with an injury - and leading Irish amateur jockey Jamie Codd called him a "God-given certainty" to win on a preview night in the last week.

Gaillard du Mesnil was an impressive winner at the Dublin Racing Festival six weeks ago, and has won two of his three races since arriving at the Mullins stable from France.

History is against Bravemansgame - he was a 10-length winner in the Challow Hurdle last time out, but winners from that race are 0/17 in this one.

The Nicky Martin-trained Bear Ghylls, who is unbeaten from his four runs, has been tipped to pick up place money in some places.

Image source, Getty Images

John Hunt
BBC Radio 5 Live Sports Extra commentator

Here's the day two scene from the commentary box. It's a bit greyer today! We're on air from 13:15 GMT.

Lovely sunshine yesterday but it is a bit more overcast today. It was dry overnight meaning the going is good to soft. There's no rain forecast for this afternoon.

BBC Radio 5 Live Sports Extra

Things are obviously very different at Cheltenham compared to previous years but while there's no spectators in attendance, you can follow all the action right here, as well as listen to live commentary on BBC Radio 5 live sports extra from 13:15 GMT.

Sports Extra will bring you commentary of all 28 races at the four-day festival, with coverage of Gold Cup day on Radio 5 Live including Friday's big race at at 15:05 GMT.

Leading former jockeys Katie Walsh and Andrew Thornton will be part of the team, with Mark Chapman presenting on the final day.

Here are some of Willie Mullins' horses enjoying a stretch outside their stables and some grass this morning.

The fact Mullins says these are only "some" of his horses shows the army he's travelled across with.

What do you think? Could this be Tiger Roll's swansong? And if so, do you fancy him for the win later? Anything else catching your eye today?

Let us know via #bbcracing or text 81111 (UK only)

Image source, Getty Images

At the grand old age of 11 today could be the final time we see the much-loved Tiger Roll on a racecourse.

He's been well adrift in two races so far this season, and with him being pulled out of the Grand National, many people think today could be a swansong for the Gigginstown-owned horse.

He is a four-time Cheltenham Festival winner, to add to his two Grand National victories.

A modern-day great.

Tiger Roll's biggest wins:

• Cheltenham 2014: Triumph Hurdle
• Cheltenham 2017: National Hunt Chase
• Cheltenham 2018: Cross Country
• Aintree 2018: Grand National
• Cheltenham 2019: Cross Country
• Aintree 2019: Grand National

Gina Bryce
BBC radio presenter at Cheltenham

13:20 I like Bravemansgame although it could be considered just that in taking on the Irish novice hurdlers after the opening day!

He is held in very high regard by Paul Nicholls and I expect Harry Cobden to try to control this race from the front on the Challow Hurdle winner, grinding his rivals into submission.

Frank Keogh
BBC Sport at Cheltenham

It was two from two for ex-jockey Andrew Thornton with his selections on Tuesday.

Thornton, a Cheltenham Gold Cup-winning rider who is part of the BBC radio team, is hoping to follow up today with his picks...

13:20 Bob Olinger is improving all the time and has in-form Rachael Blackmore on board.

16:15 Zanza (each-way). Very unlucky last time out when falling three out after travelling well. Yard of Philip Hobbs is flying.

Image source, .

Rachael Blackmore said she hoped her historic triumph might inspire others after winning the Champion Hurdle at Cheltenham on Honeysuckle.

She is the first woman to ride the winner of Tuesday's championship race.

"There is no deal about being a female jockey anymore. If you want to be a jockey you can be a jockey, drive on," said Irish rider Blackmore.

"To young people, if you want to do something go and do it. For me standing here right now, anything can happen."

You can read more on a historic triumph here.

3.40 - 11 Potters Corner

4.15 - 18 Theinval

13:20 - Ballymore Novices' Hurdle 2m 5f

13:55 - Brown Advisory Novices' Chase 3m 80y

14:30 - Coral Cup Hurdle 2m 5f

15:05 - Betway Queen Mother Champion Chase 1m 7f 199y

15:40 - Glenfarclas Cross Country Chase 3m 6f 37y

16:15 - Johnny Henderson Close Brother Handicap Chase 1m 7f 199y

16:50 - Weatherbys Champion Bumper 2m 87y

Image source, Getty Images

Hello and happy St Patrick's Day!

Normally Cheltenham would be awash with racegoers decked out in emerald green to mark the day but this year is of course different with the Festival being held behind closed doors.

Following from home is obviously not quite the same but stick a big green hat on and settle in because we've another day of belting races to get our teeth into.

Here's what coming up...

Image source, Getty Images

The crowds may not have been there and the Cheltenham roar was certainly missed but the racing did not disappoint on day one of the festival.

The story of the day was undoubtedly the moment Rachael Blackmore made history as the first female jockey to win the Champion Hurdle aboard Honeysuckle.

Today is of course Champion Chase day as Chacun Pour Soir looks to make up for missing out on the race last year, while four-time festival winner Tiger Roll is also in action in the Cross Country.

Let's go racing!