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CHELTENHAM FESTIVAL returned in front of 70,000 fans TODAY as Rachael Blackmore led Honeysuckle to victory in the Champion Hurdle.

The sensational jockey thrilled the packed crowd with a superb display as Honeysuckle successfully defended her title.

Blackmore led Honeysuckle home as the horse retained the Champion Hurdle
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Blackmore led Honeysuckle home as the horse retained the Champion HurdleCredit: PA
They sent the 70,000 crowd wild with a sensational display
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They sent the 70,000 crowd wild with a sensational displayCredit: PA
70,000 fans packed into the Cheltenham Festival to watch the opening day's action
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70,000 fans packed into the Cheltenham Festival to watch the opening day's actionCredit: Reuters
Frankie Dettori and Penny Lancaster shared a laugh in the stands
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Frankie Dettori and Penny Lancaster shared a laugh in the stands
The stands were filled with excited racing fanatics
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The stands were filled with excited racing fanaticsCredit: Reuters
Constitution Hill won the first race of this year's Cheltenham in front of a huge crowd
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Constitution Hill won the first race of this year's Cheltenham in front of a huge crowdCredit: PA

She came home in front of Epatante, with Zanahiyr in third.

After the race, Blackmore told ITV: "It is just incredible. Walking out in front of the stands with all the people, it's such a special place.

"I'm so lucky to ride winners here and this mare. She's just incredible.

"She kind of decides in a race when she's happy to go and I haven't stopped her yet.

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CHELTENHAM FESTIVAL

Gold Cup build-up on final day of racing after thrilling St Paddy's Day

Fans arrived for day one of Cheltenham Festival 2022
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Fans arrived for day one of Cheltenham Festival 2022Credit: PA
The punters queued outside as they waited to be let into the racecourse
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The punters queued outside as they waited to be let into the racecourseCredit: PA
Crowds are returning in their droves for the first time in two years
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Crowds are returning in their droves for the first time in two yearsCredit: Reuters
Mike and Zara Tindall attend day one of the Cheltenham Festival
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Mike and Zara Tindall attend day one of the Cheltenham FestivalCredit: James Whatling

"She's an incredible mare. The work that goes into at home is just unbelievable and they deserve all the credit as well."

Horse racing fans from far and wide have turned out two years on from the 2020 edition - which came just days before the UK lockdown as the coronavirus pandemic gripped the nation.

The 2021 showcase then went ahead behind closed doors due to severe restrictions put in place by the government.

But now, as the country begins to climb its way out of the pandemic, the fans are BACK with a bang.

Flocks of people began filtering through the doors late in the morning on Tuesday ahead of a packed day's racing.

Those lucky enough to be among the first in the grounds got straight on the booze
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Those lucky enough to be among the first in the grounds got straight on the boozeCredit: PA
An array of fashion choices were on show for the first day of Cheltenham
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An array of fashion choices were on show for the first day of CheltenhamCredit: PA

The Gloucestershire racecourse plays host to one of the biggest sporting week's of the year.

And fans were treated to two sensational races to kick things off.

Constitution Hill took victory in the Sky Bet Supreme Novices Hurdle and Edwardstone won the Arkle Challenge Trophy.

It was an early victory for the punters as the two pre-race favourites claimed big wins.

The extravaganza this week includes Ladies' Day on Wednesday and St Patrick's Day on Thursday as the Irish celebrate at one of the standout sporting events.

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Fans enjoy a drink on day one of the festival
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Fans enjoy a drink on day one of the festivalCredit: PA

CHELTENHAM FREE BETS AND SIGN UP OFFERS - ALL THE LATEST DEALS FOR THE RACING THIS WEEK

Thousands of punters were snapped at the festival
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Thousands of punters were snapped at the festivalCredit: Splash
Huge crowds could be seen waiting to get into the Gloucestershire venue
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Huge crowds could be seen waiting to get into the Gloucestershire venueCredit: PA

And then the Gold Cup - Cheltenham's flagship race - will take place on Friday.

The action is being shown live on ITV1, but only a certain number of races each day will be broadcast.

The ITV coverage, fronted by Ed Chamberlain and Francesca Cumani, is currently set to show the first five races on each day.

Every race from the festival will be shown live on subscription channel Racing TV, or you can live stream it on a bookies' website.

 of every race.

Sun Racing tipster Templegate and columnist Matt Chapman will bring you their top tips.

You can see the favourite for EVERY Cheltenham Festival race in our Cheltenham Festival section.

All you need for Cheltenham Festival 2022

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Tuesday, March 15 racing schedule at Cheltenham Festival

  • 1.30 Supreme Novices' Hurdle
  • 2.10 Arkle Novices' Chase
  • 2.50 Ultimate Handicap Chase
  • 3.30 Champion Hurdle
  • 4.10 Mares' Hurdle
  • 4.50 Boodles Handicap Hurdle
  • 5.30 National Hunt Novices' Chase
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