Summary

  • Mare Honeysuckle retains her Champion Hurdle title for Rachael Blackmore and Henry de Bromhead

  • Champion Hurdle: Honeysuckle (8-11 F), Epatante (16-1), Zanahiyr (28-)

  • Ultima: Corach Rambler (10-1), Gericault Roque (9-1), Oscar Elite (22-1)

  • Arkle: Edwardstone (5-2 F), Gabynako (25-1), Blue Lord (4-1)

  • Supreme Novices Hurdle: Constitution Hill (9-4 CF), Jonbon (5-1), Kilcruit (6-1)

  • Mares' Hurdle: Marie's Rock (18-1), Queens Brook (4-1), Mrs Milner (14-1)

  • Juvenile Handicap Hurdle: Brazil (10-1), Gaelic Warrior (13-8 F), Bell Ex One (28-1)

  • National Hunt Novices' Chase: Stattler (2-1), Run Wild Fred (15-8 F), Vanillier (11-4)

  • Irish runners beat British trainers 23-5 in 2021

  • Fans return after missing 2021 Festival because of Covid-19 pandemic

Live Reporting

Gary Rose and Callum Matthews

  1. Three level at the final turn before Honeysuckle strides clear!

  2. And now Honeysuckle makes a move...

  3. Three left to jump and Appreciate It is keeping Not So Sleepy at bay. Zanahiyr is right in the mix in third.

  4. Appreciate It still out in front but Not So Sleepy is not so far behind. Honeysuckle four or five back.

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

    Appreciate It was a bit anxious at the start.

  6. Appreciate It leads them over the first and is three lengths clear of the rest early on.

  7. They're off

    Here we go then! The Champion Hurdle is under way.

  8. John Hunt
    Race commentator on BBC Radio 5 Live Sports Extra

    All of the horses look really relaxed.

    Oh, actually, just as I say that Tommy's Oscar takes a keen hold.

  9. Jane Mangan
    Former jockey on BBC Radio 5 Live Sports Extra

    I'd prefer to bask in Honeysuckle's glory rather than take her.

    The combination of Rachael Blackmore and Honeysuckle have taken racing by storm - they are on a postage stamp in Ireland for goodness sake!

    If they were beaten it would be like letting the air out of a balloon here at Cheltenham I think.

  10. Honeysuckle clear favourite

    Frank Keogh
    BBC Sport at Cheltenham

    Rachael Blackmore returned to a smattering of applause last year as she made history behind closed doors on Honeysuckle by becoming the first female jockey to win the Champion Hurdle.

    The noise will be an awful lot louder if they oblige this time, with the unbeaten mare the 8-11 favourite to triumph.

    Last year's Supreme winner Appreciate It is 7-2 on his seasonal debut and there is a bit of money for Teahupoo at 17-2

  11. John Hunt
    Race commentator on BBC Radio 5 Live Sports Extra

    It is a stiffer test for Honeysuckle this year.

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

    Honeysuckle will take an awful lot of beating.

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

    The race over the last few weeks and months has gained more spice.

    Appreciate It is a fascinating contender based on his Supreme form last year.

  14. Can Honeysuckle do it again?

    Race preview: 15:30 Unibet Champion Hurdle Challenge Trophy (2m 87y)

    The feature race on day one is the Champion Hurdle with Irish mare Honeysuckle looking to retain the title she won in spectacular fashion by six-and-a-half lengths last year.

    She's the first odds-on shot of the week and what many people are considering a banker after winning all 14 of her starts over hurdles.

    "It would take an act of God to stop her," said jockey Danny Mullins in a preview show last week. Many punters will be hoping she romps home under Rachael Blackmore.

    The contenders? Well, there's a really interesting one in Appreciate It for Willie Mullins. The eight-year-old won last year's Supreme Novices' Hurdle and hasn't been seen since. She was expected to campaign over fences this season, but a setback meant Mullins switched her back to hurdles. It would be some training performance if he was to win with the lay-off and considering Honeysuckle's 7lb mares allowance.

    Teahupoo is an improving horse for Gordon Elliott, having won his last three starts, while the British hopes are headed by 2020 winner Epatante, who is trained by Nicky Henderson. David Pipe's Adagio also has the potential to run into place money.

    Rachael Blackmore wins the 2021 Champion Hurdle aboard HoneysuckleGetty Images

  15. Just under 15 minutes to go until the feature race.

  16. Trainer Lucinda Russell, speaking to ITV: "It is great for him to win a handicap like that today.

    "He was meant to be running with such patience, we wanted him in midfield but with the false starts he started at the back. Derek is amazing, he is very laid back and it didn't bother him he was so far back."

  17. Corach Rambler was closer to the back than the front for much of the race, just came out of nowhere to win. Incredible stuff.

    Victory for Corach Rambler, trained by Scotland's Lucinda Russell, means it is 3-0 to British horses so far.

  18. Peter Scudamore on BBC Radio 5 Live Sports Extra: "We got lucky today - it was a magnificent ride by Derek.

    "I hate dropping horses in, but I felt he came better of a good pace. He does nothing but he's got a load of speed.

    "It's not a bad omen for Ahoy Senor tomorrow!"

  19. 'I just had to keep finding my way'

    Winning jockey Derek Fox, speaking to ITV: "I got left at the start. But he has loads of ability. Delighted.

    "I just had to keep trying to find my way. He is a very clever horse. He has been brilliant for me."

  20. Result

    14:50 - Ultima Handicap Chase

    1. Corach Rambler 10-1

    2. Gericault Roque 9-1

    3. Oscar Elite 22-1

    4. Tea Clipper 12-1

    Full result

    24 ran.