Away we go - 20 fences and a little over three miles.

All going well so far.

Jagwar has been backed into favourite here.

The JP McManus trainee is down to 11-4. Stablemate Iroko is 13-2.

Previous favourite Quebecois is now 15-2, third favourite.

Konfusion trainer Joel Parkinson, speaking to BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra: "Exciting stuff.

"Just looking forward to it and happy to be here. We have to have some sort of chance. There will be a cavalry charge down to the first fence, so we will need a bit of luck.

"I am pretty cool – there is probably something wrong with me in that respect.

Trainer Nicky Henderson, speaking to BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra, whose horse Hyland goes in the Ultima Handicap Chase: "We have got a strong load on today.

"This has been a good race, and it has been kind to us over the years. It is all the best novice hurdlers, who are all coming out to play. They are the future.

"It keeps us going. It is terrific. When you have horses as good as these - we will keep bashing away all week!"

Harry Redknapp
Former football manager and racehorse owner on BBC Radio 5 Live

I know a lot of people going abroad and watching horse racing.

To go and sit in the sun, watch the racing on TV. If you want to have a bet, you can do it on your phone. It is a different way of doing it, but I like to be at Cheltenham.

The atmosphere at Cheltenham is what makes it. It is amazing the first race today when the tape goes up and off we go – it will be a great atmosphere.

Mark Pougatch
Part-owner of Margaret's Legacy on BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra

I grew up in a racing household and my parents loved racing. They would be thrilled that we are here today and the horse has got a lot of potential.

Sean Bowen, the reigning champion jockey who is on course to win the title again this season, has yet to land a winner at the Cheltenham Festival.

The 28-year-old has another chance here as he rides Resplendent Grey.

JP McManus will be eying a second birthday present here.

Jagwar and Johnnywho are both well fancied in the fourth race of day one.

The longest Grade One race of the day at three miles and a furlong, with the joint biggest field with 22 runners scheduled to compete.

Multiple tipsters fancy Quebecois, despite the seven-year-old trained by Paul Nicholls enduring patchy form in recent races.

He has not won in four over fences, but the mount of jockey Harry Cobden hugely impressed at Cheltenham Trials Day in January.

And with the seventh-lightest weight of the field, this is a chance for this well-tipped lad to step up.

On the BBC iPlayer you can watch Harry's Horses as BBC Sport follows Harry Redknapp for an inside look at his passion for horse racing.

Harry Redknapp
Former football manager and racehorse owner on BBC Radio 5 Live

You can't get involved, you're just relying on the trainer and everybody now.

The job's done. You just hope you're getting there fit. There's always little niggles with race horses unfortunately.

We had one or two in the last couple of weeks drop out who were well-fancied in different races at Cheltenham.

You just keep your fingers crossed that you get there safe and sound on the day, and you give it your best shot.

Paddy Brennan
Gold Cup winning jockey on BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra at Cheltenham

The place is buzzing here today. There has been some fantastic racing, so far.

Image source, Getty Images

Saratoga owner JP McManus, speaking to BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra: "Great to celebrate it [birthday] with a winner, especially at Cheltenham.

"They were worried about the ground that it was going to be too soft. They were very encouraged - he is like a rubber ball - he bounces off of it."

On having 85 Cheltenham winners: "Listen, I would say you were mad! We have had a lot of fun. Some great days here."

Image source, Getty Images

13:20 - Old Park Star in the Supreme Novices' Hurdle

14:00 - Kargese in The Arkle

14:40 - Saratoga in the McCoy Contractors Juvenile Handicap Hurdle

J P McManus to ITV after Saratoga win: "Every winner at Cheltenham is very, very special. They were praying that the ground would be fast because he bounces off it. Every day it's dried out and we were very happy."

Vanessa Ryle
BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra at Cheltenham

Saratoga has dotted up now. The handbrake has been taken off!

Mark Walsh to ITV after winning the McCoy Contractors Juvenile Handicap Hurdle on Saratoga: "I got a brilliant run, good start. I sat on the inside and the whole way I felt the force. Good gallop.

"Brilliant. I'm looking forward to riding every race - it's Cheltenham."

Image source, Getty Images

Some more information regarding the sad news earlier that a horse died after the running of today's second race, The Arkle.

Hansard, who was the 100-1 outsider in the race, suffered an injury while running on the flat towards the end of the race rather than in a fall.

He was attended by on-course vets, who decided the best course of action was to put Hansard down.

John Hunt
Horse Racing commentator on BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra at Cheltenham

A birthday winner for owner JP McManus!

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

Saratoga looked good and he looked good throughout!

This horse looked like he had bundles in hand. He travelled well. He got a good jump at the last and he sprinted away from them.

It was all about Saratoga. In this horse, you have a real, real quality winner.