Touching tribute
The opening race of the Cheltenham Festival has been renamed in honour of the late Michael O’Sullivan.
The Irish jockey, 24, tragically passed away last month after a fall during a race at Thurles.
The Supreme Novices’ Hurdle will now go by the Michael O’Sullivan Supreme Novices’ Hurdle.
O’Sullivan won the race aboard Marine Nationale two years ago.
O’Sullivan’s family released the following statement after the tribute was announced: “We are deeply proud of Michael’s incredible talent and the legacy he left in the world of racing.
“Renaming the race that marked the pinnacle of his career is a fitting tribute to his skill, dedication, and passion for the sport.
“As a family, we have always admired Michael’s achievements both on and off the track, and it means so much to us to see his talent recognised in this way.
“The outpouring of tributes over the past week has been a testament to the impact he had on so many lives.
“We would like to sincerely thank The Jockey Club and Sky Bet for giving us this opportunity to honour Michael’s memory and celebrate his remarkable career.”
Today’s schedule
Here’s what’s coming up on the opening day of the Cheltenham Festival:
Tuesday, March 11 – Champion Day
1.20pm: Michael O’Sullivan Supreme Novices’ (Grade 1) – ITV
2pm: My Pension Expert Arkle Novices’ Chase (Grade 1) – ITV
2.40pm: Ultima Handicap Chase (Premier Handicap) – ITV
3.20pm: Close Brothers Mares’ Hurdle (Grade 1) – ITV
4pm: Unibet Champion Hurdle (Grade 1) – ITV
4.40pm: Hallgarten And Novum Wines Juvenile Handicap Hurdle (Premier Handicap) – ITV
5.20pm: National Hunt Novices’ Chase – Racing TV
Good morning and welcome to SunSport’s live blog of the Cheltenham Festival!
Today is the day the Greatest Show on Turf returns to Prestbury Park!
Hundreds of thousands of punters will be onsite over the course of the prestigious four-day spectacle.
They will witness the finest horses from Britain, Ireland and France battle it out on the hallowed turf.
28 races will take place at Prestbury Park this week, starting with seven breathtaking contests today!
The first race of the day will begin at 1.20pm GMT, with Tuesday’s featured race, the iconic Champion Hurdle, taking place at 4pm GMT.
SunSport will bring you all the antics and results from Day One of the Cheltenham Festival right here!
