Attention now turns to the Arkle Novices’ Chase from 2pm. Here’s who the experts fancy in this one.

Paddy Power ambassador Ruby Walsh’s tip: Kopek Des Bordes

“Kopek Des Bordes surprised me with how nimble he was over fences at Navan, and he looked very impressive when I saw him schooling at Fairyhouse. They even let me sit on him one day, and I got off with a big smile on my face. He’s a proper racehorse and my best bet on day one.”

Jonathan Doidge’s tip: Lulamba

“He’s barely put a foot wrong and he’s officially 5lb superior to the favourite Kopek Des Bordes, and I am still happy to be with Lulamba in the Arkle. He impressed with his jumping at both Exeter and when winning the Henry VIII Novices’ Chase at Sandown.”

Both jockey Nico de Boinville and trainer Nicky Henderson have spoken to ITV about that opening victory. Both delighted, of course.

De Boinville said: “Incredibly gutsy. Bit of a bump to Mydaddypaddy but he’s a class horse. I always thought he’d go well and eat up the hill and that’s what he did. Delighted – even messed up the last and he still managed to win.

“It’s great. We’ve always wanted a Supreme winners, so that’s fantastic.”

Henderson said: “We’ve got a supreme horse. I’m very lucky. It got tough out there, didn’t it? Turning in, he had to quicken off a good solid pace.

“He made a bit of a mess of the last but you’ve got to be brave to come up the hill like that and there were plenty there.

“The first race is the best to win, there’s no better one to get in the bag. Everybody knows that, we’ve always said it, just to get one on the scoreboard. England’s even in front now!”

A cracking start to the Cheltenham Festival. Here’s how Old Park Star got the win for Nicky Henderson and Nico de Boinville.

There’s no word of a steward’s enquiry yet and it looked like Sober Glory did the most barging anyway, so shouldn’t be an issue for Old Park Star.

Here’s the result from that opener:

• 1st – Old Park Star 15/8 F
• 2nd – Sober Glory 9/2
• 3rd – Mydaddypaddy 6/1

Could there be a bit of a nervy wait for Nico de Boinville and Nicky Henderson? The stewards will look at that bumping and barging over the last.

And Old Park Star shows his class, pulling away down the straight and crosses the line in first! The favourite does it!

It’s close between Sober Glory and Mydaddypaddy for second

Sober Glory bungles over the last and Old Park Star and Mydaddypaddy are there.

A barging match between the three up the home straight! But there goes Old Park Star!

Sober Glory over the second last cleanly with Old Park Star close behind. Sober Glory tries to kick away…

Talk The Talk rattles the fourth-last hurdle but stays on his feet. Sober Glory still in front as they go over the third last.

The pace is starting to pick up. Old Park Star and Mighty Park in close order to the leader

Sober Glory still making the running as we approach four fences to go. The horses at the front of the market are towards the front here.

They’re reasonably bunched though, not too stretched out.