Just a quick reminder that Henry de Bromhead's The Big Westener and Willie Mullins' Predators Gold have withdrawn from this race ...

We're now just five minutes away from the Novices' Chase and Romeo Coolio is favourite at 11/4.

Can jockey Jack Kennedy deliver?

Charlotte Coates
BBC Sport Journalist at Cheltenham Festival

You may be wondering what the view is like for BBC Radio 5 Live from the course.

Well, as you can see from the picture below, it’s quite spectacular.

This is the very view that lead commentator John Hunt will have today.

Image source, BBC Sport

Looking back to the start of that opening race, a couple of the jockeys have had strong words to say.

The Novices' Chase was due to have a rolling start, but after a false start the jockeys were moved to a standing beginning at the tape instead.

Declan Queally on I'll Sort That and Nico de Boinville on Act Of Innocence shared some sharp words as they jostled for space, and the needle continued in the interviews as they returned to the changing rooms afterwards.

Quealley to ITV: "The start was a bit of a mess. Being abused by an English rider wasn't very nice. I'm an amateur, I've come over here with my kids, it was horrific in front of my kids."

De Boinville, asked about Queally's comments: "Maybe he should look in the mirror."

BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra

King Rasko Grey trainer Willie Mullins, speaking to BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra: "I think Paul Townend was fairly quick about his decision.

"We were all disappointed with our horses in the Supreme, but his form worked out. The day we bought him from the sales, he looked a really smooth mover.

"I am very happy - when I saw them here on Monday. My worry was they looked too well. I don't think I have seen my team on the gallop look so well, but they are racing well."

Image source, Getty Images

Last year, the Novices' Chase was won by Willie Mullins' Lecky Watson despite starting as an outsider at 20/1.

Jockey Sean O’Keefe will feature again this year but on Jonathan Sweeney-trained Rushmount.

And it's Mullins-trained Final Demand that is one of the favourite runners for today. The seven-year-old was beaten by The New Lion in the Turner's Novices' Hurdle last season but has won two races this season by more than eight lengths.

Can he replicate it at Prestbury Park?

This race is one of the most prestigious long-distance novice chases of the season and widely regarded as the novice equivalent of the Gold Cup.

There are 14 runners taking part this afternoon as two horses, who were seen as big contenders, have been withdrawn this morning.

They are Henry de Bromhead's horse The Big Westener and Willie Mullins' Predators Gold. De Bromhead's was on the account of the ground but we are yet to have official confirmation on Mullins' reason.

Without those two horses the race has opened up a little bit ...

And after receiving that good news, let's look ahead to our second race of the afternoon which is the The Brown Advisory Novices' Chase.

We've had confirmation that all 21 runners and jockeys from today's opener have come back safe and well.

Image source, PA Media

1st - King Rasko Grey 11/1

2nd - Act of Innocence 10/1

3rd - Zeus Power 50/1

4th - Soldier Reeves 150/1

Jockey Paul Townend who rode King Rasko Grey to victory, speaking to ITV: "I love this horse. He's still a little babyish but he's a great horse.

"Galopin Des Champs has brought us the highest of the highs, hopefully this horse will bring us even half of those."

Vanessa Ryle
BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra at Cheltenham

In this instance all the chat was about Sober, but Paul Townend would have got the choice and he has chosen King Rasko Grey.

Image source, PA Media

150-1 shot Soldier Reeves came fourth in Novices' Hurdle, while favourite No Drama This End was pulled up before the final flight.

You can never predict Cheltenham.

Charlie Poste
Welsh Grand National winning jockey on BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra at Cheltenham

King Rasko Grey had an uncomplicated trip. He was an authoritative winner.

King Rasko Grey looks an embryonic chaser and he did everything right.

Image source, Reuters

A first win of the day for Willie Mullins!

King Rasko Grey was always there or thereabouts and had the most left in the tank on the final stretch. An excellent ride by Paul Townend.

The favourites, such as No Drama This End, Sober and Bossman Jack, never got involved.

Act of Innocence, ridden by Nico De Boinville, has moved into a strong position - as has King Rasko Grey.

Over the last...

Charlie Poste
Welsh Grand National winning jockey on BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra at Cheltenham

Harry Cobden is having to shift out No Drama End and his demeanour does not look comfortable.

I'll Sort That has moved to the front. Harry Redkanpp's Taurus Bay is in third.

No Drama This End has been boxed in so far.

Charlie Poste
Welsh Grand National winning jockey on BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra at Cheltenham

Really surprised to see No Drama This End be ridden so patiently. He needs to pass plenty if he is going to find that elusive first win for Paul Nicholls in this contest.

Image source, Reuters

It's a fairly moderate pace so far. That will help the fast finishers.