Cheltenham Festival 2026 delivered a thrilling opening day with Lossiemouth cementing her legendary status by winning the Champion Hurdle for trainer Willie Mullins. The mare justified her 7-5 favourite status in a wide-open field after Constitution Hill's absence, finishing ahead of Gordon Elliott's Brighterdaysahead and Dan Skelton's The New Lion. Jockey Paul Townend praised her exceptional ability, noting how effortlessly she handled the challenge.

Mullins hailed Lossiemouth as a "star mare" after her fourth consecutive Cheltenham victory, having previously won the Mares' Hurdle twice and the Triumph Hurdle. Owner Rich Ricci credited the trainer's decision to add cheek pieces 10 days prior, which unlocked her best form. The victory marked Lossiemouth's first Champion Hurdle attempt and came in a race that saw 100-1 outsider Hansard tragically die from injuries sustained during the contest.

Other notable winners included Old Park Star in the Supreme Novices' Hurdle for Nicky Henderson, Kargese in the Arkle Chase, and Madara in The Sun Racing Plate. Owner JP McManus celebrated his 75th birthday with two winners - Saratoga in the Juvenile Handicap Hurdle and Johnnywho in the Ultima Handicap Chase - extending his Cheltenham tally to 86 victories.