Ben Linfoot reflects on a dramatic week at Cheltenham with his analysis on the Champion Hurdle, Champion Chase, Ryanair Chase and Gold Cup.

Jango Baie produced an upset in the Arkle Novices’ Chase, upsetting favourite Majborough in a dramatic finish before Lossiemouth stormed to victory in the Mares’ Hurdle.

It was a hugely dramatic opening day at Prestbury Park as the Cheltenham Festival gets underway. The Champion Hurdle is the feature race of the day and the script was torn up, as Constitution Hill, the winner of the race in 2023, fell to leave punters disappointed.

The weather can be crucial to results, with punters studying the going days and hours out from each race. If the course is heavy, then expect a real test of the horse’s stamina, though the forecast currently suggests a quicker track due to a dry spell just before and throughout the festival.

After three spellbinding days at the Cheltenham Festival we arrive at the biggest of all. God Cup day is the very peak of jump racing and this year we have suitable storyline to match the occasion within reach.