Bookmakers hit by Willie Mullins day one Cheltenham blitz

Willie Mullins had three winners on the first day of the Cheltenham Festival.

Willie Mullins is interviewed after sending out State Man to win the Champion Hurdle at Cheltenham. Picture: David Fitzgerald/Sportsfile

Bookmakers were left reeling on the ropes following a Willie Mullins blitz on day one of the Cheltenham Festival - and they fear the Irish maestro will go on to deliver a knockout blow.

Gaelic Warrior got the ball rolling for Mullins and Paul Townend when a well-backed 2-1 winner of the My Pension Expert Arkle Challenge Trophy Novices' Chase.