Cheltenham 2024: Racegoers arrive for day one of festival
Cheltenham Festival is back for Day 2 after a thrilling opening day to ‘the greatest show on turf’ when star jockey Rachael Blackmore claimed her 15th victory at the racecourse.
The Irish star, on Slade Steel in the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle, helped spark even more excitement and thrills, which are sure to continue on Style Wednesday.
Day 1 also saw success for Willie Mullins, who is set for a huge week as he approaches a historic century of victories at Cheltenham, while there were also big wins for favourites Lossiemouth and State Man.
And around 70,000 spectators are expected to flock to Prestbury Park again, looking to beat the bookmakers, with today’s schedule including the Novices’ Hurdle to kick things off at 1:30pm, plus the Queen Mother Champion Steeple Chase at 3:30pm.
Follow all of our coverage from the 2024 Cheltenham Festival below plus get the best each-way odds and tips for Day 2 right here:
14:30 – Novices’ Steeple Chase result
Here’s how Willie Mullins’ 99th win came about. Fact To File unstoppable
Luke Baker13 March 2024 14:43
14:30 – Novices’ Steeple Chase result
Stay Away Fay pulled up just before the last.
Rachael Blackmore stayed on well on Monty’s Star to take second but there was no stopping Fact To File. Classy, classy win
Luke Baker13 March 2024 14:40
14:30 – Novices’ Steeple Chase result
Mark Walsh ran a perfect race on Fact To File. Bided his time and struck late. Won by a few lengths in the end.
- 1. Fact To File 8/11
- 2. Monty’s Star 11/2
- 3. Giovinco 40/1
- 4. Sandor Clegane 25/1
Luke Baker13 March 2024 14:39
14:30 – Novices’ Steeple Chase
And Fact To File wins the Novices’ Steeple Chase, pulling away from the field after the last fence.
99 Festival wins for Willie Mullins!
Luke Baker13 March 2024 14:38
14:30 – Novices’ Steeple Chase
The front four clear the final fence together, Fact To File making his move…
Luke Baker13 March 2024 14:37
14:30 – Novices’ Steeple Chase
Sandor Clegane on the inside rail and leads, Fact To File being moved closer. Two fences to go.
Stay Away Fay drops way back. On to the last now
Luke Baker13 March 2024 14:37
14:30 – Novices’ Steeple Chase
Another error by American Mike but Jack Kennedy keeps him upright!
Sandor Clegane and Stay Away Fay leading the way. Fact To File in fourth but they’re bunched as they jump the third-last.
Luke Baker13 March 2024 14:36
14:30 – Novices’ Steeple Chase
Fact To File happy to lurk towards the back, only Giovinco behind him currently. The favourite only a few lengths behind the leader though and plenty of time to go.
They clear the water jump, six fences to go – the whole field separated by five lengths.
Luke Baker13 March 2024 14:35
14:30 – Novices’ Steeple Chase
Group of three leaders with Stay Away Fay and Monty’s Star (ridden by Rachael Blackmore) joined by Sandor Clegane.
Mistake by American Mike with nine fences to go, only just stays on his feet with his nose dipping.
Luke Baker13 March 2024 14:34
14:30 – Novices’ Steeple Chase
A long race this one but in the early going, Stay Away Fay and Monty’s Star taking up the running. American Mike third and Fact To File not far behind
Luke Baker13 March 2024 14:32
