MEMORABLE MOMENTS FROM CHAMPION DAY

CURRENT STATE OF PLAY - MULLINS LEADS THE WAY

In Constitution Hill's absence, the feature race of the day went to State Man, who was able to impressively add the Unibet Champion Hurdle to his esteemed Grade 1 resume.

Earlier in the day Gaelic Warrior made it third time lucky with success in the My Pension Expert Arkle Novices’ Chase after finishing runner-up in both 2022 and 2023. Mullins told ITV racing “I think he has enough class now to do two miles, and he will probably stick at that game now, after that performance.”

Trainer Willie Mullins and Jockey Paul Townend have set the pace for the week as favourite Lossiemouth made it three winners for the duo on Champion Day of the 2024 Cheltenham Festival in the Mares Hurdle.

A CLASSIC RIDE FROM DAVID BASS

Local trainer Kim Bailey, based in the nearby village of Andoversford, and jockey David Bass celebrated their return to the winner's circle at Cheltenham after four years as Chianti Classico clinched victory in today's Ultima Handicap Chase. The 6-1 gelding surged ahead by four and a half lengths, marking Britain's first win of the Cheltenham Festival.

Jockey David Bass told ITV racing “It meant a lot – it’s quite a good feeling winning here… it’s hard to win here, 2020 was the last time I rode a winner here – that’s too long.” Bailey added “It’s huge for the yard… all the team at home have worked so hard on this. They believed in the horse.”

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SPOT YOURSELF: PHOTO GALLERY FROM CHAMPION DAY

Discover the magic of Champion Day in our exclusive photo gallery! Whether you were front row or lost in the crowd, spot yourself and relive the unforgettable moments.

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