Cheltenham Festival Day One: Mullins Eyes Treble, Racing Results and Tips

Published: March 10, 2026
The English Chronicle Desk
The English Chronicle Online

The Cheltenham Festival got off to a thrilling start on Day One as punters and racing fans flocked to Prestbury Park, with Willie Mullins eyeing a historic treble in a card packed with high-stakes action. The festival, one of the highlights of the National Hunt calendar, delivered drama, big odds surprises, and expert tips as the opening races unfolded.

Mullins’ runners dominated the early betting markets, with horses including Mighty Park, Kopek Des Bordes, and Lossiemouth attracting heavy support from punters. Bookmakers were reportedly sweating on the treble, which was widely backed at around 33-1, creating an atmosphere of high tension and anticipation among racegoers. Analysts suggested that each of Mullins’ entrants carried genuine chances, but that achieving a treble would require near-perfect execution across the opening card.

The opening races saw competitive fields, with experts highlighting key fancies like The New Lion in the Champion Hurdle and Steel Ally in the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle. ITV Racing pundit Ben Linfoot provided day-one tips, recommending strategic each-way bets and noting horses with strong potential to upset the markets.

Racing fans were treated to edge-of-the-seat finishes, with several races decided in the final furlongs. Kargese and Quebecois provided notable performances, while Mullins’ runners set the tone for what many expect to be a record-breaking festival in terms of trainer statistics.

Market watchers noted significant shifts in odds throughout the day as results came in, with bookmakers adjusting prices to reflect form, jockey bookings, and weather conditions on the track. The New Lion maintained its standing as a pre-race favourite for the Champion Hurdle, while Old Park Star and Mighty Park were prominent in other feature races, generating interest among punters seeking value.

Beyond the betting drama, the festival’s atmosphere was electric. Thousands of fans filled the stands, celebrating both traditional pageantry and the spectacle of top-class horse racing. The combination of tight finishes, heavy betting, and high-profile trainers like Mullins ensured that Day One lived up to the festival’s reputation as the pinnacle of jump racing.

As racing continues through the week, attention will remain firmly on Willie Mullins’ bid for a treble and the performances of other leading stables. With multiple Grade 1 races still to come, the Cheltenham Festival promises more excitement, expert analysis, and market movements that will captivate both seasoned punters and casual fans alike.

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