The winter sun shone brightly, albeit briefly, for the start of the Cheltenham Festival, the highlight of the jump racing season.

More than 57,000 racegoers – from binocular-armed racing enthusiasts to city hipsters – congregated in this corner of the Cotswolds, sending opening day attendance up 3 per cent from last year.

The excitement of the smiling crowds entering Prestbury Park, many arriving after a testing six-hour journey from Ireland, was palpable, and as the first race set off – met, of course, by the rousing Cheltenham roar – there was consensus on the terraces that the festival was back to its best.

After the controversy of 2020, when huge crowds were blamed for spreading Covid, followed by price rises and squeezed-in crowds on Gold Cup day, there was a sense among some that the festival had lost its way.

But changes this year, including a 66,000 cap on attendance and a redesign in outdoor drinking areas, were warmly welcomed. Clouds above threatened but never released an expected downpour on proceedings.

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“Those lads going to Benidorm [people watching Cheltenham on television],” said Craig Jones. “Don’t tell them, but we’ve got our Cheltenham back.”

The 41-year-old quantity surveyor was standing inside the Guinness Village, where pints of the “black stuff”, along with beers and cider, were reduced this year by 30p to match 2022 prices.

Prosecco was also served for the first time, as an alternative to the £32 glasses of champagne on offer.

Also new this year, a huge tented area called “The Retreat” with a DJ, self-service bars and food outlets. Drinking restrictions were relaxed in the Club Enclosure, meaning punters didn’t have to rush pints to move in and out of the trackside area.

Mr Jones, who “voted with his feet” when he stopped coming to Cheltenham after 2023, said: “I didn’t like paying so much to get in when it was so busy. You’d be queuing for ages to get a drink, and when you had one you’d have to be careful not to get knocked over.

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“It’s better now. There’s space, no queues, and just a really good atmosphere so far with a good dynamic of racing fans and people here for the day out.”

Tom Robinson, who arrived for the opening day with 20 others from Melksham in Wiltshire, agreed.

“It feels good this year,” the 38-year-old said. “We accept the money situation; it’s a highlight in the calendar and you save up money all year for it, so for me it’s a bit irrelevant – but the numbers this year are good. I’ve been here when it’s been way too busy, and it can take away from the experience, but it’s just right today.”

His brother Miles Robinson, 35, added: “The relaxation of restrictions on drinks make the festival more accessible, and there’s no rushing your drink and getting drunk just to get outside and watch a race.”

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There was one queue inside the festival at lunchtime. It was for the burger outlet on the edge of the Guinness Village, where a Cheltenham Blue cost £13.95. Richard Price, 78, from Taunton, who went for a £11.45 burger, said: “I’ve been coming since 1981, and although much has changed, I remember it being so quiet and driving in with no traffic, the event is still a great experience for everyone.”

Behind the Guinness Village, where a band singer asked the crowd “are you drunk yet” at 1.45pm, a more relaxed atmosphere was contained within the Orchard area, where there were boutique shops, spa treatments and upmarket drinks on offer.

One of the new additions was English sparkling wine producer Chapel Down. The Kent-based vineyard has seen demand double in a decade, and with a presence at Ascot and Newbury races, Susie Goldsmith, head of PR, said Cheltenham was a “natural step” in the company’s offering within the sporting calendar.

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Among those inside the tented bar was Bradley Larimore, managing director of Derby-based PMB Pallets, who bought a three litre bottle of Brut, priced at £290, for his business clients.

“I love coming here every year,” he said. “It’s a great occasion to network with businessmen and women, while also enjoying the atmosphere of the day. The money side of it doesn’t bother me, it’s all worth it.”

The official attendance for the opening day was 57,242, up from 55,498 last year, providing bosses with a boost on a week they expect around 250,000.

Among the youngest at the festival was six-month-old Logan, whose parents James Purchase and Abbie Watson watched a race from the outdoor screens within the venue. They praised its child-friendly facilities, including a spacious changing area and parking close to the entrance.

“Cheltenham is Cheltenham,” said Mr Purchase, 38. “It’s the event of the year for racing enthusiasts, but really it’s a place for everyone to come to enjoy.”

There was one downside to the opening day, with horse Hansard suffering a fatal injury during the Singer Arkle Trophy Novices’ Chase – however, it failed to spoil an enjoyable day for most.

The previous Golden Slipper market leader Hidrix receives blinkers and retains top jockey James McDonald for his Randwick Todman Stakes mission.

McDonald had been on Confederation, Hidrix’s barnmate, for victories in the Canonbury Stakes (1100m) by Hidrix and the Silver Slipper (1100m); Saturday sees him debut atop Hidrix in competitive action, Confederation notwithstanding.

“There’s not too much to read into it in terms of James,” trainer Chris Waller’s assistant, Charlie Duckworth said.

“He has ridden Confederation twice and knows the horse well. We want to afford James the best opportunity to ride our best opportunity in the Slipper, so it’s probably important he rides Hidrix.

“He galloped him on Tuesday with the blinkers on and he worked really well.

“The horse is good, jockey is good, just the draw is the negative.”

Barrier nine of 11 falls to Hidrix, Confederation getting the berth directly outward after scratching from Canberra’s Black Opal Stakes (1200m) Sunday.

Exempt from pressure in the Todman Stakes (1200m) thanks to Golden Slipper field entry, the team experiments freely with blinkers.

“They’re just to help sharpen him up a little bit,” he said of the blinkers.

“Slippers aren’t easy to win, and we want him to have that killer punch. Ultimately, we’d rather have it work out now than working it out in the grand final.”

McDonald rides Chayan for owners Annabel and Rob Archibald in the 1200m Reisling Stakes; after Melbourne sojourns – second Blue Diamond Fillies Prelude (1100m), seventh wide in Blue Diamond Stakes (1200m) – she returns.

“She just couldn’t draw a barrier at either start,” Annabel Archibald said.

“First start, she was very good, but she was just no hope with the run she had in the Diamond.

“With two-year-olds, it’s always one run at a time and that was a pretty tough run she had . . . but she seems to have come through it pretty well.”

Gate nine challenges Chayan, yet she probes Melbourne two-year-old lines post Stretan Ruler’s Silver Slipper rout from Pakenham weeks ago.

The Todman Stakes caps Stretan Ruler’s Golden Slipper lead-up; he’s second pick behind Paradoxium of Wyong Magic Millions fame.

Discover prime betting sites for Todman Stakes betting markets.

Australian Minister of Home Affairs Tony Burke announced at a news conference Tuesday that another Iranian women’s soccer player and a team staffer have accepted asylum in Australia amid fear of punishment upon returning to Iran after five players accepted asylum on Sunday.

Burke added that almost all the Iranian players and many of the support staff were taken aside, individually, as they passed through Australian Customs at an airport before they boarded their flight back to Iran.

And they were each given the opportunity to accept an asylum offer without Iranian state officials present, but other players or staff accepted the offer to stay. 

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Iranian players react during their national anthem ahead of a Women’s Asian Cup soccer match against the Philippines in Robina, Australia, Sunday, March 8, 2026.  (Dave Hunt/AAP Image via AP)

The asylum bids came amid increased pressure from President Donald Trump Monday and Iranian groups in Australia.

“Australia is making a terrible humanitarian mistake by allowing the Iran National Woman’s Soccer team to be forced back to Iran, where they will most likely be killed. Don’t do it, Mr. Prime Minister, give ASYLUM. The U.S. will take them if you won’t,” Trump wrote on Truth Social.

Trump later wrote, “I just spoke to Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, of Australia, concerning the Iranian National Women’s Soccer Team. 

“He’s on it! Five have already been taken care of, and the rest are on their way. Some, however, feel they must go back because they are worried about the safety of their families, including threats to those family members if they don’t return. In any event, the Prime Minister is doing a very good job having to do with this rather delicate situation. God bless Australia!”

The team arrived in Australia before Israel and the U.S. launched a joint offensive against Iran Feb. 28. The strikes led to the death of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei.

TRUMP TELLS LIONEL MESSI, ‘YOU CAME IN AND YOU WON,’ DURING INTER MIAMI WHITE HOUSE CELEBRATION

Iranian players during their national anthem ahead of a Women’s Asian Cup soccer against the Philippines in Robina, Australia, Sunday, March 8, 2026. (Dave Hunt/AAPImage via AP)

Iranian players refused to sing their national anthem before an opening loss to South Korea March 2, which was viewed by some as an act of resistance dubbed by an Iranian commentator to be the “pinnacle of dishonor.”

The team didn’t qualify, but the players sang the anthem and saluted before their losses to Australia and the Philippines.

“These women are tremendously popular in Australia, but we realize they are in a terribly difficult situation with the decisions that they’re making,” Burke said. “The opportunity will continue to be there for them to talk to Australian officials if they wish to.”

The Australian Iranian Council launched an online petition urging Australian authorities to “ensure that no member of Iran’s women’s national football team is to depart Australia while credible fears for their safety remain.

“Where credible evidence exists that visiting athletes may face persecution, imprisonment, coercion, or worse upon return, silence is not a neutral position,” the petition added. “The current wartime environment has intensified repression, fear, and the risks faced by anyone publicly perceived by the Islamic Republic as disloyal.”

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Iranian players pose for a team photo ahead of a Women’s Asian Cup soccer match against the Philippines in Robina, Australia, Sunday, March 8, 2026. (Dave Hunt/AAPImage via AP, File)

Iran head coach Marziyeh Jafari was quoted as saying on Australia’s national news agency that the team wants “to come back to Iran as soon as we can.”

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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Newcastle vs Barcelona LIVE Streaming, UEFA Champions League: Barcelona take on Newcastle United in the first-leg of a highly-anticipated UEFA Champions League Round of 16 clash. It is the second time that the Blaugrana will take on the English side in the competition, having earlier defeated them 2-1 in the group stage. The Spanish giants enter the game in good form, having won their last four matches. Hansi Flick’s side will be banking on the likes of Lamine Yamal, Raphinha and Pedri to shine, but also have a long injury list, headlined by the absences of Frenkie de Jong and Jules Kounde. On the other hand, Eddie Howe’s Newcastle will have to manage without star midfielder Bruno Guimaraes, but will hope for an inspired showing from forwards Yoane Wissa and Nick Woltemade.

Newcastle United vs FC Barcelona LIVE Streaming, UEFA Champions League Round Of 16 LIVE Telecast: Check Where and How to Watch

When will the Newcastle vs Barcelona, Champions League Round of 16 first-leg match take place?

The Newcastle vs Barcelona, Champions League Round of 16 first-leg match will take place on Wednesday, March 11 (IST).

Where will the Newcastle vs Barcelona, Champions League Round of 16 first-leg match be held?

The Newcastle vs Barcelona, Champions League Round of 16 first-leg match will be held at St. James’ Park in Newcastle upon Tyne, England.

What time will the Newcastle vs Barcelona, Champions League Round of 16 first-leg match start?

The Newcastle vs Barcelona, Champions League Round of 16 first-leg match will start at 1:30 AM IST.

Which TV channels will show the live telecast of the Newcastle vs Barcelona, Champions League Round of 16 first-leg match?

The Newcastle vs Barcelona, Champions League Round of 16 first-leg match will be televised live on the Sony Sports network.

Where to follow the live streaming of the Newcastle vs Barcelona, Champions League Round of 16 first-leg match?

The Newcastle vs Barcelona, Champions League Round of 16 first-leg match will be live streamed on the SonyLIV app and website.

(All details are as per information provided by the broadcaster)

The Vikings theory was reasonably sound.

Gone is Ryan Kelly, the rugged veteran who occupied for the C1 spot for a single season (with no shortage of injury turmoil). Minnesota could opt for one of Blake Brandel, Michael Jurgens, or Zeke Correll. None can match Kelly, though.

Would anything have been different by adding Elgton Jenkins?

The large lad has been an excellent player for the Packers for a long time. He’s one of the few who can match — or surpass — Brandel’s versatility. Bringing him to the Twin Cities to lock down the center spot had merit until it evaporated.

Vikings Theory about Elgton Jenkins Evaporates

Ian Rapoport, The NFL Network, tosses over the update.

“The #Browns are expected to sign former #Packers Pro Bowl C Elgton Jenkins,” Rapoport begins, “per me and @TomPelissero. He can play guard or center for Cleveland. It’s a 2-year, $24M deal with $20M guaranteed.” At least in a general sense, the Jenkins deal mirrors Kelly’s insofar as it involves a veteran interior lineman playing on a two-year deal and for a similar financial commitment (Kelly was sitting at $20 million).

In Mr. Jenkins, the Browns are getting a good one. Not as well-known as many of the NFL’s top talents, but someone who has been rock solid for a little while. His résumé shows a pair of trips to the Pro Bowl.

Consider what he has done across his career in terms of snap counts across the o-line positions:

• LT: 524 Snaps
• LG: 4,161 Snaps
• C: 906 Snaps
• RG: 2 Snaps
• RT: 374 Snaps

Cleveland would be wise to play to Jenkins’ strengths, allowing him to settle into where’s he’s comfortable. Seldom, though, are the Cleveland Browns a wise football team. For his part, Elgton Jenkins has proven to be quite selfless and team first in his approach, rightly commanding a pile of respect.

Around Minnesota, there’s ongoing concern about what’s going to take place at quarterback, especially with the Geno Smith surprise. Whoever is passing the ball is going to have a better time if the o-line is solid.

Starting left tackle Christian Darrisaw has had his deal restructured. He’s not going anywhere. Left guard Donovan Jackson is coming off an impressive rookie season; right guard Will Fries will want to bounce back from a modest effort in 2025. Meanwhile, Brian O’Neill is still doing his thing. The only factor that appears likely to get adjusted is his deal, which expires after the season. Look for an extension.

The opening at center is where things get uncertain.

At the very least, the Vikings can proceed with the understanding that the floor is known. The 2025 season offered a ton of tape on what Jurgens and Brandel can do at center. Did either show enough to fully settle the debate? Or, perhaps, did the coaching staff see the exact opposite, red flags that need to get addressed?

Elgton Jenkins, 30, comes in at 6’5″ and 311 pounds. The Packers gained cap space by moving on but aren’t as good as they were with him on the roster.

Editor’s Note: Information from Pro Football Reference, PFF, and Over the Cap helped with this piece.

Senior Editor for Vikings Territory & PurplePTSD . Twitter & Bluesky: @VikingsGazette. Email: k.joudry[at]vikingsterritory[dot]com. Canadian. Jude 1:24-25.