The highlight of the first day’s racing at the Festival is the Champion Hurdle, the Grade one showpiece run over two miles that often confirms who is the champion of the hurdling division.

A large field of superstars almost always goes to post and there is a form candidate everywhere you look, something that certainly seems to be the case in 2010.

With the Irish having a strong grip on the race over the course of the last ten years, this year’s renewal looks in the hands of trainer Nicky Henderson, the legendary handler responsible for market principals Zaynar, Binocular and last year’s winner Punjabi.

Irish duo Solwhit and Go Native are also at the head of the betting in what is sure to be a fascinating highlight of a fantastic day’s racing.

Cheltenham Race Schedule Tuesday 16th March 2010

1.30 Supreme Novices' Hurdle

2.05 Irish Independent Arkle Challenge Trophy Steeple Chase

2.40 William Hill Trophy Handicap Steeple Chase

3.20 Smurfit Kappa Champion Hurdle Challenge Trophy

4.00 Glenfarclas Cross Country Handicap Steeple Chase

4.40 David Nicholson Mares' Hurdle Race