Day One of Cheltenham is done and dusted. How fast did that go?

We're back tomorrow for the return of Ladies Day at Prestbury Park and seven more races.

Be sure to join us then!

Katie Stafford
BBC Sport Journalist

The Cheltenham Festival - the pinnacle event of the jump-racing calendar - is up and running but this year thousands of the sport's fans have travelled to Costa Blanca to follow the action.

In an increasingly common break from the norm, thousands have descended on Spanish destinations - in particular Benidorm - to watch the racing from Prestbury Park.

The two places are 1,300 miles apart but those swapping the 'Cheltenham Roar' for the 'Benidorm Bellow' say the cost of attending the Festival is often more than they pay for a few days in the Spanish sunshine.

According to travel retailer On the Beach, Benidorm is set for the biggest ever Cheltenham Festival with bookings up 65% for the week compared to last year and hotels recording a 225% increase in bookings.

So why are people deciding to watch sport overseas rather than at the event itself?

Those heading to warmer climes point to the lure of sunshine, cheaper food and drink and a more laid-back experience free of crowds and queues.

You can read more here.

13:20 The Turners Novices' Hurdle 2m 5f

14:00 The Brown Advisory Novices' Chase 3m 1f

14:40 The BetMGM Cup Handicap Hurdle 2m 5f

15:20 The Glenfarclas Cross Country Handicap Steeple Chase 3m 51/2f

16:00 The BetMGM Queen Mother Champion Chase 2m

16:40 The Debenhams Johnny Henderson Grand Annual Handicap Steeple Chase Challenge Cup 2m

17:20 The Weatherbys Champion Bumper 2m 1/2f

Charlotte Coates
BBC Sport Journalist at Cheltenham Festival

Image source, Getty Images

Lossiemouth was labelled a "star mare" after cementing herself in Cheltenham Festival folklore with a dominant victory in the Champion Hurdle.

With 2023 champion Constitution Hill not running having switched from jumps to Flat racing, the field was wide open.

But it was Lossiemouth, the 2024 and 2025 winner of the Mares' Hurdle, who justified her standing as 7-5 favourite.

With Paul Townend on board, the mare finished in front of Gordon Elliott's Brighterdaysahead and Dan Skelton's The New Lion.

Trainer Willie Mullins told ITV: "She's a star mare. To come back four years in a row, let alone win, that is incredible.

"When I put her cheek pieces on her I thought, wow, that's the old Lossiemouth."

Jockey Townend added: "It's easy when they have as much ability as she does. She turns up and she does her business."

You can read more here.

That winning feeling for the owners of Holloway Queen!

Image source, Getty Images

Holloway Queen jockey James Bowen, speaking to Racing TV: "Feels good. Obviously I missed the whole festival last year. I have been injured twice and got banned last year. I have not had a clear run at it.

"I am glad we went for it in the end. She was incredible to jump - that is the best she ever jumped for me. She got into a lovely rhythm.

"You always dream of having Festival and Aintree winners."

Holloway Queen trainer Nicky Henderson, speaking to Racing TV: "She is great, and she surprised us a little bit.

"We have been pretty certain that she wants really soft ground. It was a great team behind this horse, at home and the owner's home.

"If you handle bad ground, then you have a premium. She is going to be fun!"

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

15:20 - Johnnywho in the Ultima Handicap Chase

16:00 - Lossiemouth in the Champion Hurdle

16:40 - Madara in the Racing Plate

17:20 - Holloway Queen in Steeple Chase Challenge Cup

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

Testament to Cheltenham with how good they have done with the ground.

James Bowen was clever. He let Ben Jones get on with it early and then he applied the pressure.

Image source, Getty Images

1. Holloway Queen 12-1

2. King Of Answers 22-1

3. One Big Bang 11-1

4. Union Station 28-1

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

Holloway Queen shows real guts. It has been a mares afternoon.

Pic Roc and Ben Jones set out strong fractions. As the petrol ran out for Pic Roc, Holloway Queen took it on and she had to be incredibly gutsy.

Image source, Getty Images

It's a Nicky Henderson double as Holloway Queen wins the Steeple Chase Challenge Cup.

The mare was up there throughout the whole race and as Pic Roc tired, James Bowen accelerated.

A very comfortable win of about six lengths in the end.

Oh hello, Holloway Queen is leading!

And is well away on the home straight.

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

It is going to take a huge effort from Backmersackme back to get back into this race.

Image source, Getty Images

Three fences left to jump.

Pic Roc is about five lengths ahead of Holloway Queen and One big Bang, who has steadily made its way through the pack.

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

This tempo that Ben Jones has set out has stretched them out and it has caught a few of the novices napping.

Pic Roc has led this race from the start but can Ben Jones sustain it?

The chasing pack are closing in.

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

Another sloppy mistake from Backmersackme. He needs to sharpen up if he wants to take this race.

Favourite Backmersackme is in 10th so work to do for Donagh Meyler.