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

I think it was a careless error. Envoi Allen isn't used to be amongst horses.

He clipped the top of the fence and paid the price. He has taken his eye off it and a lack of concentration cost him.

His jockey Jack Kennedy looks forlorn. He wouldn't have expected that.

An important win for Cheltenham great Nicky Henderson - and a landmark one. It is his 70th at the Festival. He also trains Fusil Raffles, so it was a 1-2 for the Seven Barrows trainer.

We can't see his expression under the mask... but I'm sure it is a smile.

"You have to take your opportunities when they are given to you," he tells ITV Racing.

"I hope he is alright, Envoi Allen, he looks alright.

"Chantry House is a wonderful horse, they both are. He looked flat out today, looked like he wanted another half, He might be asking for 3m soon."

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

The whole complexion of that race changed after the fall of Envoi Allen but take nothing away from Chantry House who is a talented performer in his own right.

He is a horse that the Henderson stable hold in high regard and he has put it all together today.

Winning jockey Nico de Boinville, speaking to ITV: "He was third in Supreme last year, all credit to team for bringing him back. He struggled here on soft ground before Christmas. I'm absolutely delighted, I hope Envoi Allen is alright.

"I didn't know he had come down. I was waiting for him to come for me on the straight.

"Never discount Nicky Henderson here - or ever. Trust in the guv'nor!!

1 Chantry House (Nico de Boinville) 9-1

2 Fusil Raffles (D A Jacob) 14-1

3 Asterion Forlonge (P Townend) 14-1

8 ran

Chantry House, a Nicky Henderson horse ridden by Nico de Boinville, holds on to win the opening race.

But that's half the story after Envoi Allen's fall...

Chantry House has the lead and is romping to the line....

The pack is closing... Chantry House has moved alongside Shan Blue... two to go...

Shan Blue has a four or five length lead, four in pursuit behind... Fusil Raffles, Chantry House among them...

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

That's a real shock. Envoi Allen has jumped superbly all season but good to see him back on his feet.

Well, I'm stunned. Thankfully Envoi Allen appears to be fine and is moving without rider Jack Kennedy, who also appears to be safe.

Shan Blue - an excellent jumper - is seizing the initiative. Five fences to go.

Unbelievable. Envoi Allen has fallen! The heavy favourite is out of the race.

Fusil Raffles leads from the front, a couple of lengths ahead of Shan Blue. Envoi Allen in the pack...

Sixteen fences over 2m4f here. Everyone safely over the first two fences...

AND THEY'RE OFF!!

No famous Cheltenham roar, of course. But the horses have come forward and dashed from the line...

Almost there folks. The eight runners for today's opening race have trotted up to the line.

The sun is shining, the weather is sweet...

Paul Dean - the bloke who has about £50k riding on this opening race after his incredible acca (see 12:59 entry) - has just been on ITV.

Cool as a cucumber. Suppose he can be when he is guaranteed to bank £250,000.

That'll get him a nice pad in his native Stockton. Maybe a swimming pool. Or maybe not with the weather up there.

Envoi Allen is now in the care of Henry de Bromhead after he was moved from Gordon Elliott's yard following the publication of a photo of Elliott sitting on a dead horse.

"It's not ideal," De Bromhead told ITV's Morning Show.

"We've changed as little as possible. We've just ticked away with him and he looks amazing.

"He looks really well and seems in good form. Everyone knows how good he is and today is his big day."

Image source, Getty Images

By the way... you know I told you earlier about the BBC Radio 5 Live Sports Extra coverage? The flag has been waved and it is underway...

My tip? It is usually not to back Frank's tips...

You're all adults. Make up your own minds.