Cheltenham Festival LIVE: Willie Mullins eyes six-timer on opening day of stellar meeting | Racing | Sport

The pinnacle of National Hunt racing is upon us, the Cheltenham Festival. The greatest show on turf looks set to serve up an enthralling four days of action, with some of the best in the business set to take to the track.

The action gets underway at 1.20pm with the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle, in what appears to be a wide-open renewal. Willie Mullins has the top two in the market with Tullyhill and Mystical Power, though claims can be made for any of the 12-runner fields.

The Arkle then follows up, with Gaelic Warrior favourite for the two-mile chase, despite many punters picking holes in his performances over this shorter trip and desire to jump right-handed. In contrast, there is very little to criticise about Champion Hurdle short-priced favourite State Man, who looks set to enjoy his day in the sun after Constitution Hill was withdrawn from the race.

Mullins also has a strong hand in the Mares Hurdle, with last year’s Triumph winner Lossiemouth stepping up in trip for the first time in her career. The five-year-old is odds-on to come home in front following her effortless win in the Unibet Hurdle in January. Express Sport keeps you up to date with all the action from Cheltenham Festival…