Cheltenham Festival LIVE: Tips and outcomes from Champions Day as Kopek Des Bordes, Lossiemouth and The New Lion headline action-packed opening day

After a little rain last night, the Clerk of the Course Jon Pullin has confirmed that the going is GOOD TO SOFT.

There were grey skies above – so far, so England in 2026 – when his report was delivered this morning, but there are patches of blue breaking through now.

It’ll stay gloomy, with some drizzle later on, but punters are likely to be spared from a proper British downfall. Today, at least.

1.20pm: Supreme Novices’ Hurdle

2.00pm: Arkle Chase

2.40pm: Fred Winter Juvenile Handicap Hurdle

3.20pm: Ultima Handicap Chase

4pm: Champion Hurdle

4.40pm: TrustATrader Festival Plate Handicap

5.20pm: National Hunt Chase

He may not be racing, but there’s an opportunity for racegoers to pay tribute to eight-time Grade 1 winner before the start of the day’s action, when Constitution Hill will take a turn around the parade ring to say goodbye.

Early doors, we have a Willie Mullins-trained withdrawal from the first race, the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle.

Just the two chances for the Irish wonder-trainer in the opener.

Fancy a flutter? Or just an expert’s look at today’s race card? Look no further than Daily Mail Sport’s Cheltenham Festival tips on Day One.

Continuing past this point without at least looking over it briefly would prove very foolhardy indeed – you’ve been warned!

Hello and welcome to Mail Sport’s live coverage of this year’s Cheltenham Festival, kicking off on what should be a mouthwatering Day One.

While Champion Day will be missing one very special appearance from the titanic Constitution Hill – who was instead retired from jumping to pursue flat racing – there’s plenty more for punters to savour, including the return of last year’s Novices’ Hurdle winner Kopek Des Bordes in the Arkle Chase, and today’s showpiece race, the Champion Hurdle.

At 4pm, it’s well-poised for a thriller between competing standouts, Willie Mullins-trained Lossiemouth and Dan Skelton’s The New Lion.

But before late afternoon, there’s lots to feast on – and we’ll be bringing you information on all the tips to pay attention to, the battles to watch, and all the action from the races themselves.