Kopek des Bordes wins Cheltenham Festival 2025 opener

Kopek des Bordes won the first race of the Cheltenham Festival 2025, now named The Michael O’Sullivan Supreme Novices’ Hurdle. This change honors the late jockey, who died at 24 after a fall on February 16. The race featured a strong performance from Kopek des Bordes, who took the lead before the final hurdle. The horse finished ahead of William Munny, with Workahead leading early in the race. The renaming of the race pays tribute to O'Sullivan's achievements, including his notable win on Marine Nationale in 2023. His girlfriend, Charlotte Giles, was present during the tribute at the festival.