Beware The Bear claimed top honours in the Ultima Handicap Chase at Cheltenham.

Hard to recall a Tuesday card at Cheltenham as difficult as today’s but Benie Des Dieux can be the punters’ pal on the opening day to the 2019 Festival by proving a class apart from her rivals in the OLBG Mares’ Hurdle.

Nicky Henderson reports Buveur D’Air to be in tip-top condition as he bids to become the sixth horse to record three successive victories in today’s Unibet Champion Hurdle at Cheltenham.

Yesterday was a great day, a very emotional day, a day that I owe to a lot of people.

We’re delighted with the way Djakadam has been working recently, and think he is in great order, writes Ruby Walsh.

It’s been less than a week since a 26ft statue of Pharoah Ramses II, or Ozymandias as the Greeks liked to call him, was rescued from its ignoble resting place beneath a suburban Cairo slum and surrounded by dirty, running water.

Extending Cheltenham to four days has seriously diluted what’s on offer and it is very much illustrated by this afternoon’s Racing Post Arkle Trophy.

It really would be the ultimate irony should Willie Mullins finally land the Cheltenham Gold Cup with Djakadam next Friday, writes Pat Keane.

It’s the weekend between the Irish Champion Hurdle and Gold Cup, but it’s another busy and important one. I have three rides this afternoon at Fairyhouse, but it’s Douvan, in the Tied Cottage Chase tomorrow at Punchestown, who will be focus of most attention.

Here’s a briefing on some of the stories and issues highlighted on irishexaminer.com today.

Our writers debate Faugheen’s chances of regaining his title...

From Champion Hurdle winner Annie Power to Arc heroine Found, it’s been a 12 months of evocative moments and unforgettable memories, both in National Hunt and on the Flat. Here are 16 of the best from 2016 from Darren Norris.

Owner Rich Ricci says his “heart went out to Willie Mullins” when the trainer rang him to tell him three-time Cheltenham Festival winner Vautour had died in freak accident on Sunday.

In the so-called good old days, Listowel was always regarded as the real start of the National Hunt season.

It’s one of biggest racing weeks of the year in the racing world with terrific domestic action at Galway as well as a stellar meeting at Goodwood. Here’s five things to keep in mind over the next six days.

Faugheen could potentially be stepped up in trip in order to avoid clashing with reigning Champion Hurdle heroine and stablemate Annie Power.

Just the two rides for me again this afternoon, and Limini looks to have the better chance of the two. She was probably a bit disappointing at Aintree, but was too keen for her own good and got found out at the end of the race.

All attempts to temper enthusiasm and curb expectation were lost in just two words: “just spectacular.”

The absence of Annie Power from this afternoon’s Betdaq Punchestown Champion Hurdle leaves the way open for stable companion Vroum Vroum Mag to showcase her ability back over the minimum trip.