Paul Townend wins race at Cheltenham for late friend

Jockey Paul Townend won the first race at the Cheltenham Festival, honoring his late friend Michael O’Sullivan. The race was renamed the Michael O’Sullivan Supreme Novices Hurdle after O’Sullivan, who died in February at age 24. Townend, visibly emotional, paid tribute by patting his armband during the race. He expressed his feelings in a post-race interview, reflecting on the loss of O’Sullivan. Kopek Des Bordes' owner, Charlie McCarthy, also shared his emotions after the win, celebrating his victory at Cheltenham following recent health challenges.