Cheltenham Festival begins today with Champion Day races

The 2025 Cheltenham Festival begins today with Champion Day, featuring seven races. The event runs for four days, culminating in the Gold Cup on March 14. This year, 28 races will showcase top British and Irish trainers. Willie Mullins' horse, Galopin Des Champs, is favored to win the Gold Cup again. Mullins has also switched Lossiemouth to the Close Brothers Mares' Hurdle today, instead of the Unibet Champion Hurdle. Weather forecasts predict a dry track, which may affect race outcomes. Experts have shared tips for Day 1, highlighting key horses to watch in the opening races.