THE 2021 Cheltenham Festival kicked off yesterday behind closed doors for the first ever time.
There was plenty of shocks on the day as history was made.
Recap it all below.
Pre race favourite Appreciate it kicked off the day in style under Paul Towned for Willie Mullins as they streaked clear of Ballyadam in second in the 13.20.
A seventh success in the race for @WillieMullinsNH!
Appreciate It wins The @SkyBet Supreme Novices’ Hurdle in scintillating fashion#CheltenhamFestival pic.twitter.com/036gYELpfI
— CheltenhamRacecourse (@CheltenhamRaces) March 16, 2021
Following in those footsteps, Shiskin lived up to his favorite tag in the 1.50 Sporting Life Arkle Challenge Trophy Novices’ Chase finishing ahead Eldorado and Captain Guinness of under Nico de Boinville.
In his fifth time in the Ultima Handicap Chase Vintage Clouds at the age of 11 finally came away with victory under Ryan Mania.
Rachel Blackmore made history in the Champions Hurdle as she became the first woman to win the race as she raced home under Honeysuckle for their 11th consecutive win.
Rachael Blackmore becomes the first female jockey to win a championship race at The Festival
Honeysuckle remains unbeaten with a spectacular victory in The @UnibetRacing Champion Hurdle Challenge Trophy#CheltenhamFestival pic.twitter.com/KjfnX2g7Ds
— CheltenhamRacecourse (@CheltenhamRaces) March 16, 2021
11/1 Black Tears upset the odds to take the 15.40 Mares Hurdle for Jack Kennedy.
The Boodles Juvenile Hurdle conjured up one of the biggest shocks in the history of the festival as 80/1 Jeff Kidder prevailed.
80/1!
It’s one of the biggest shocks in the history of The Festival
as Sean Flanagan powers Jeff Kidder home to land the @Boodles Juvenile Handicap Hurdle
— CheltenhamRacecourse (@CheltenhamRaces) March 16, 2021
Jack Kennedy had his second winner of the day under Galvin in the day’s final race.
Galvin strikes in the final race on Day One!
He stays on best to land the Sam Vestey National Hunt Challenge Cup Novices’ Chase, named in honour of our late Chairman
— CheltenhamRacecourse (@CheltenhamRaces) March 16, 2021
The post RECAP: 2021 Cheltenham Festival kicks off in style appeared first on Sporting Limerick.
