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Cheltenham Festival results LIVE: Sir Alex Ferguson has two horses running (Image: Getty/Express Sport)
The 2025 Cheltenham Festival begins on Tuesday with an exciting week of horse racing ahead at Prestbury Park, with Sir Alex Ferguson one of the big names heading to the iconic venue this week. The managerial icon has two horses running on day one and the Scot will be hoping to get off to a winning start on Champion Day. The big festival starts today on Tuesday, March 11 and runs until Gold Cup day on Friday, March 14. It all gets underway with the Michael O’Sullivan Supreme Novices’ Hurdle, before the main event Champion Hurdle takes place this afternoon.
Ferguson pocketed £275,000 winnings from his back-to-back winners last year after backing Monmiral and Protektorat at big prices. But this year could prove to be more tricky. His seven-year-old horse, L’Eau Du Sud, will be looking to cause an upset in the Arkle later today, although the heavy favourite Majborough – trained by Willie Mullins – the one to beat.
Scroll down for live updates and results from on day one at Cheltenham Festival…
Race renamed to honour jockey after tragic death
The name of the opening race of Cheltenham Festival has been changed to honour the late Michael O’Sullivan, who died last month the age of 24.
The Irish jockey tragically passed away in February after falling during a race at Thurles. As a heartwearming tribute, Cheltenham officials have decided to amend the name of the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle, which will now be known as by the Michael O’Sullivan Supreme Novices’ Hurdle.
O’Sullivan’s family released the following statement after the tribute was announced: “We are deeply proud of Michael’s incredible talent and the legacy he left in the world of racing.
“Renaming the race that marked the pinnacle of his career is a fitting tribute to his skill, dedication, and passion for the sport. As a family, we have always admired Michael’s achievements both on and off the track, and it means so much to us to see his talent recognised in this way.
“The outpouring of tributes over the past week has been a testament to the impact he had on so many lives. We would like to sincerely thank The Jockey Club and Sky Bet for giving us this opportunity to honour Michael’s memory and celebrate his remarkable career.”
Today’s running order at Cheltenham
Here’s the schedule for day one at Cheltenham with seven races to tune into across four hours of pulsating action.
1.20pm: Michael O’Sullivan Supreme Novices’ (Grade 1) – ITV
2pm: My Pension Expert Arkle Novices’ Chase (Grade 1) – ITV
2.40pm: Ultima Handicap Chase (Premier Handicap) – ITV
3.20pm: Close Brothers Mares’ Hurdle (Grade 1) – ITV
4pm: Unibet Champion Hurdle (Grade 1) – ITV
4.40pm: Hallgarten And Novum Wines Juvenile Handicap Hurdle (Premier Handicap) – ITV
5.20pm: National Hunt Novices’ Chase – Racing TV
Good morning!
Good morning racing fans!
It’s been a long year but Cheltenham is back – and what a Festival it proves to be this year.
Stick with us as we bring you all of the results and build-up ahead of today’s action.
(Image: Getty)