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Cheltenham Festival in pictures: Day one round-up

The Jockey Club/PA A backlit image of horses trailing up the gallops as the sun rose before the festival began.The Jockey Club/PA
Tens of thousands of racegoers poured into Cheltenham Racecourse for the opening day of the festival

The opening day of the Cheltenham Festival delivered plenty of thrills and spills, setting the stage for an action-packed week of racing.

The prestigious four-day event is one of the biggest events in the horse racing calendar, drawing top jockeys, trainers and enthusiastic punters to Gloucestershire.

Tuesday's Champion Hurdle saw Wincanton-based jockey Lorcan Williams claim a shock victory aboard Golden Ace in a thrilling contest.

The festival will culminate on Friday, with an expected crowd of 70,000 set to gather to watch the Gold Cup.

Joe Giddens/PA A group of men in red and blue checkered blazers with bright red hats. In the centre of the photo is a person dressed in a gold cup mascot suit. The men are holding their hats up and cheering with the mascot.Joe Giddens/PA

Check it out: A Gold Cup mascot welcomed racegoers to the track as the day began.

PA Media Jeremy Scott stands in front of a big crowd of people with a big grin on his face. He has short grey hair and wears a khaki coloured suit jacket, shirt and tie.PA Media

Winning smile: Trainer Jeremy Scott was delighted after Golden Ace won the Champion Hurdle on day one of the 2025 Cheltenham Festival.

PA Media Lorcan Williams smiles as he holds up a large trophy with two arms. He wears a lilac and white checked racing shirt.PA Media

Victorious: Jockey Lorcan Williams celebrates with Champion Hurdle Challenge Trophy

Reuters Eight horses, majority dark brown are seated by eight jockeys wearing brightly coloured silks and helmets. There are two greys in the centre of the pack. In the background there are grandstands full of people spectating.Reuters

The Close Brothers Mares' Hurdle: Paul Townend is pictured in action in a pink and green silk. He rode Lossiemouth to victory in the fourth race of the day.

PA Media Racegoers are cheering during a race. On the left is a man in a dark green Barbour jacket clapping with his hands above his head. In the centre is a man in a dark blue blazer looking up at a man who is facing the camera, cheering, in a full lilac suit. He is holding the top of a pint cup.PA Media

In on the action: Racegoers cheered and clapped as they watched the Ultima Handicap Chase.

PA Media Ben Jones raises both arms in the air in victory while he rides his horse. He is wearing a racing shirt with red, pink and purple colours and white long sleeves. He has a purple and pink helmet.PA Media

Ben Jones aboard Haiti Couleurs after winning the Princess Royal National Hunt Challenge Cup Novices' Handicap Chase.

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