By STEFAN BURGHILA

Kopek des Bordes has expectedly won the the first race of Cheltenham Festival 2025 following a sweep into the lead in over the second-last hurdle.

The favourite has breezed past the post to beat second William Munny in a race that was more intriguing than previously expected.

The third-favourite Workahead started as the early leader aafter two miles over eight hurdles.

Following the triumph on the first day, Des Bordes’ owner Charlie McCarthy said: ‘I don’t want to cry for you, but i can tell you one thing. I’m on cloud nine, is there a bigger cloud?

‘After everything i’ve been through, it is a dream come true, and the dream isn’t finished yet.’

Cheltenham have honoured Michael O’Sullivan by renaming their their opening race after the Irishman died aged 24 on February 16, following a fall at Thurles.

The girlfriend of the late O’Sullivan, Charlotte Giles, was spotted among the public during the tribute on day one of the festival.

The race’s name was changed from Sky Bet Supreme Novices’ Hurdle to The Michael O’Sullivan Supreme Novices’ Hurdle, when the Irishman ejoyed his peak when he rode Marine Nationale to an impressive success in 2023.

More to follow… 

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Kopek des Bordes wins the first race of Cheltenham Festival 2025, in opener named in tribute to Michael O’Sullivan following the jockey’s tragic death aged 24

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