Bookmakers shade day one skirmishes

Bookmakers had their noses in front in the betting stakes after a dramatic day one of the Cheltenham Festival.

Although Quevega, the banker of the week for many punters, galloped into racing history by winning the OLBG Mares’ Hurdle for a record sixth successive year at odds of 8-11, results generally went the way of the layers.

The Quevega team of Ruby Walsh and Willie Mullins also took the opening Sky Bet Supreme Novices’ Hurdle with the well-backed 7-2 joint-favourite Vautour.