The ‘masterpiece’ Netflix series based on an iconic anime has made a triumphant return with season two after nearly three years

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Netflix’s ‘masterpiece’ drama, based on one of the most iconic animated shows ever, has at last made its return. Numerous fans have been eagerly awaiting for nearly three years since the first season was released to both critical and audience acclaim back in August 2023.

Now, after a lengthy break, the hit series has finally returned with a second season, which has debuted with a coveted 100 percent rating on Rotten Tomatoes. The action-adventure series One Piece is based on the beloved anime series of the same name and stars Iñaki Godoy as young pirate Monkey D. Luffy, who embarks on a dangerous quest for legendary treasure with a motley crew of swashbucklers.

Season two, subtitled Into the Grand Line, follows Luffy along with Nami (played by Emily Rudd), Zoro (Mackenyu), Sanji (Taz Skylar), and Usopp (Jacob Romero) setting off on another epic journey, this time to a mythical stretch of sea filled with peculiar islands and perilous new foes, reports the Mirror.

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The much-anticipated sequel will also introduce plenty of fan-favourite characters from the original Japanese phenomenon, including Tony Tony Chopper (Mikaela Hoover), Miss Wednesday (Charithra Chandran), Mr. 3 (David Dastmalchian), and Mr. 0 (Joe Manganiello).

Regarded as one of the greatest live-action adaptations of an anime or manga series in history, Netflix fans are delighted to see One Piece finally making a splash on the streaming platform once again.

One X user shared: “Binging the second season of the best live action adaptation ever, One Piece! I love Emily Rudd’s Nami to pieces. When Lera Abova’s Robin showed up in the opening, so stunning! This is going to be another masterpiece of a season!”

Another viewer described the series as “genuine fun n real television. couldn’t ask for a better adaptation actually. I have just watched the first episode of One Piece Live Action and I just know this will be a masterpiece,” another commented.

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A Rotten Tomatoes user enthused: “Inaki and the rest of this incredible team bring so much life and love to this live action adaptation! 100% rotten tomatoes!!! Let’s go!! Currently through the first 4 episodes have already surpassed all of my hopes and expectations!”

One life-long One Piece fan stated on IMDb: “This is bar none one of the best live-action adaptations to any animated source material I have ever seen. I will warn you the more “human” looking rendition of the characters takes some getting used to, but my gosh, it’s all there – the humor, the action, the heart, and barely a single editorial or filmographic choice is wasted.

“You’re not going to find a cut-by-cut (no pun intended, Zoro) rendition of the original story, but that actually works here and keeps things moving and working in a cohesive way.

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“For first time fans or devoted veterans like me, you could not ask for a better introduction to an anime series in this medium. Please give it a chance.”

And a final fan declared: “This show is an absolute treasure (just like the One Piece itself). It’s a thrilling adventure filled with memorable characters, epic battles, and a captivating storyline that keeps you hooked from the very first episode.

“The character development is outstanding, as you witness the growth and bonds formed among the Straw Hat crew. With its mix of action, humor, and heartfelt moments, ‘One Piece’ is a true masterpiece that will leave you craving for more.”

One Piece season 2 is available to stream on Netflix.

For the latest showbiz, TV, movie and streaming news, go to the new **Everything Gossip** website.

Good afternoon and welcome to live coverage of Galatasaray vs Liverpool from the Uefa Champions League as the teams meet in Istanbul for the second time this season for the first leg of their last 16 tie.

The Turkish champions claimed a 1-0 victory over Arne Slot’s side in the league phase in September thanks to Victor Osimhen’s penalty after 16 minutes. The defeat came during a tough spell for the Premier League champions, in which they lost six times in seven games in all competitions.

However, they went on to triumph in five of their remaining six league phase fixtures in Europe, winning the final three by an aggregate scoreline of 10-0, earning them a third-placed finish in the standings and automatic qualification to the last 16.

Galatasaray, meanwhile, were forced to navigate the play-offs after finishing the league phase in 20th, and there was certainly no shortage of drama in their knockout tie against Juventus.

Okan Buruk’s side came from 2-1 down to establish a healthy 5-2 advantage following the first leg in Turkey, but were then beaten 3-0 after 90 minutes in Turin, taking the contest into extra-time. However, Galatasaray were finally able to capitalise on their man advantage following Lloyd Kelly’s second-half red, with goals from Osimhen and Baris Yilmaz clinching victory in the tie.

Galatasaray will hope for another fast start in their tie with Liverpool, with their home leg once again coming first. They will take confidence from Liverpool’s failure to win in each of their three visits in the Champions League, though the Merseyside club do have one particularly fond memory from their travels to Istanbul.

The winner of this tie will face either Chelsea or defending champions Paris Saint-Germain in the quarter-finals, with Real Madrid, Bayern Munich and Manchester City also in their half of the draw.

Welsh actress Eve Myles is back with a new gritty ITV thriller called Gone but you can still watch one of her finest dramas now almost a decade old

She’s certainly one of the stars of the moment having appeared in a number of thrilling TV dramas in recent months from The Guest and Coldwater to The Hack.

Now Ystradgynlais star Eve Myles can be seen in another high-profile role as she plays Detective Annie Cassidy in ITV’s Gone. Also starring Sherwood’s David Morrissey, the six-part series follows Annie as she attempts to solve the mysterious case of a missing woman.

While it’s being screened on ITV1 Sundays and Mondays for the next three weeks, viewers can also stream all six episodes on ITVX. And if you’ve already finished off the drama in a couple of sittings then you may want to consider binge-watching another gritty series that starred Eve.

The 47-year-old played the title role in the Welsh noir thriller Keeping Faith that was shot in both Welsh and English and premiered on S4C in 2017 (Un Bore Mercher) before the English version was shown on BBC Wales.

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The series stars Eve as Faith Howells, a solicitor at a family-run law firm whose husband, Evan (played by her real-life husband Bradley Freegard), disappears while she is on maternity leave following the birth of their third child.

The show was extremely popular in Wales, with an average of 300,000 viewers per episode, making it the most popular show on BBC Wales for over 25 years and, with over 8.5 million downloads by May 2018, the most downloaded non-network show on BBC iPlayer.

Keeping Faith ‘s three series can still be seen on BBC iPlayer and it’s had fans rushing to comment on Rotten Tomatoes where one called it a “gem” saying: “A well acted gem. Real locations, even the kids in the series we believable and put in great performances. We are USA based and it beat almost anything locally made here.”

Another said: “Eve Myles was spectacular in this. Definitely one of the best series and thrillers I have seen. Everything from the story the acting screenplay and the shots was fantastic. Even the music was absolutely captivating. If you haven’t seen it I definitely advise you do.”

A third added: “Gripping without the glitz. Faith’s problems make everyone else’s problems seem insignificant. Closer to real life than Hollywood.”

One commented: “This is a slow-burner but keeps you gripped with beautiful cinematography, suspense, and Eve Myles’ award-worthy acting.”

However, there were some feeling disappointed with one claiming to be “very underwhelmed” and another said: “The first episode is so good that the rest of the season struggles to deliver on its promise.”

Keeping Faith is available to watch on BBC iPlayer and Gone is on ITV1 and ITVX

For the latest showbiz, TV, movie and streaming news, go to the new **Everything Gossip** website.

In Sunderland, 50.2 per cent of five to 18-year-olds now meet the recommended daily activity levels, just outpacing the UK average of 49.1 per cent, according to the report.

These findings, published in the latest Active Lives Children and Young People Survey, reveal steady improvement across the city, with the proportion of active children rising from 44.9 per cent in 2023 and 2024.

Councillor Beth Jones, cabinet member for communities, culture, and tourism, said: “These results are extremely encouraging and show the positive difference being made across Sunderland to help children and young people be more active.

“This progress is a credit to Active Sunderland and our leisure partners, Everyone Active and Leisure United, as well as our schools, community groups, partners, sports clubs, and families who are creating more and more opportunities for young people to move, play, and take part in a range of activities every day.”

The proportion of children classed as “less active” – those doing less than 30 minutes of physical activity per day – has also dropped, from 35.8 per cent in 2023/24 to 29.7 per cent in 2024/25.

Across Sunderland, children are benefitting from more opportunities to get active.

Hetton Lyons Junior Parkrun, launched in May 2025, has held 36 events with 423 finishers.

Mowbray Junior Parkrun, running since July 2023, has seen 120 events, 522 individual finishers, and 3,401 finishes overall.

Sunderland’s three ParkPlay sessions in Hendon, Houghton, and Pallion have also grown in popularity since April 2025.

ParkPlay offers free weekly games and activities for all ages, designed to help families and communities get moving in a safe and inclusive environment.

Sunderland City Council say they will continue working with partners across the city to expand access to sport, play and active travel, ensuring even more children can benefit from regular physical activity.

A jury unanimously found him guilty

A man has been found guilty of murdering his mother after stabbing her multiple times at their home. A jury unanimously found the man guilty after he denied his involvement and said intruders killed his mother.

Gregory Coulson, 31, stabbed Carmen Coulson, 67, to death at the property in Lingwood Park, Longthorpe, in Peterborough. Police responded to a call from Coulson, who claimed that intruders had broken in and killed his mother.

Police received the call from Coulson at 2.44am on Sunday, February 9, last year, however, it is believed he had killed Mrs Coulson the previous evening. A jury at Huntingdon Law Courts heard officers arrived moments later and found Mrs Coulson dead at the detached home.

A post-mortem found Mrs Coulson had a large number of wounds from a steak knife over her body, including a fatal stab wound to the heart.

Coulson denied murder, however this was rejected by the jury who today, March 10, unanimously found him guilty of murder.

Detective Inspector Mark Dollard said: “We may never know exactly why Coulson carried out this brutal attack on his own mother but there was evidence of repeated and heavy cocaine and alcohol consumption by him over the three months leading up to the murder.

“Carmen’s death is a tragedy for the rest of her family, who showed dignity throughout the trial, and my thoughts are with them at this incredibly difficult time.”

The court heard that on his arrest and while waiting to be booked into custody, Coulson asked officers, “how many years do you get for murder these days?” When interviewed by detectives, he was asked if he was responsible for the murder and he said “yes”.

He said on the night in question he’d been in his room listening to music, painting, and drinking vodka. He told officers: “I feel like I’ve just had enough with it because I just got these feelings that I’ve had enough, and I have to do something about it. If I’m honest this is totally out of my character, I’ve not been happy for a while.”

Coulson said he got a steak knife from the kitchen and stabbed his mother to death at about 10pm. He then went to bed as he didn’t know what to do, before getting up to make the call to police. Coulson will be sentenced on April 17 at a court to be confirmed.

Chancellor Rachel Reeves provided an update about state pension changes

State pensioners could suddenly find themselves liable for a new tax bill. An MP has voiced concerns that some claimants may have “no idea” they will soon be required to complete an HMRC form to pay a tax bill.

The update follows Dr Luke Evans, MP for Bosworth, asking Chancellor Rachel Reeves about the issue of increasing numbers of state pensioners becoming income tax payers. After the Chancellor delivered her Spring Statement, Mr Evans asked: “I want to raise the issue of the freezing of thresholds and the effect on the state pension.

“When the Chancellor did it in her Budget, she told Martin Lewis that some people would be pulled into paying tax and won’t have to pay small amounts of tax and won’t have to do a tax return. The updated [OBR] forecast now says this year 600,000 pensioners will be drawn into paying tax, and going up to a one million by the end of this Parliament.

“Could she set out what the definition is of small amounts of tax and what the mechanism is she will use to make sure they don’t have to do a tax return?”

This question pertains to a new policy announced in the Autumn Budget 2025. The Government has announced plans to implement reforms to ensure individuals “whose sole income is the basic or new state pension without any increments…do not have to pay small amounts of tax via simple assessment from 2027-28 if the new or basic state pension exceeds the personal allowance from that point”.

From April 2027, the full new state pension will consume the entire £12,570 personal allowance and tip over the threshold that triggers a tax liability. The allowance allows you to earn up to £12,570 annually tax-free, with the full new state pension currently paying £230.25 weekly, equivalent to £11,973 per year.

With state pension payments rising by 4.8 per cent this April due to the triple lock, an increasing number of people with additional income streams such as a private pension will breach the income tax threshold, reports the Mirror.

Those on the full new state pension alone also face paying income tax from April 2027. Ms Reeves responded to Dr Evans’ enquiry: “As I said after the Budget last year, if you just get the basic state pension you will not be paying tax. We will be setting out more details of that in the coming months.”

Dr Evans has now issued a renewed appeal for the Government to set out how these tax changes will work. The Conservative MP warned: “Many pensioners simply do not realise they could soon be paying tax on their state pension. For some, being dragged into filling out tax returns will come as a huge and unwelcome shock. The Chancellor needs to urgently explain how she plans to prevent this.”

He said he has spoken with people in his Leicestershire constituency about the issue. The MP stated: “I’ve spoken to pensioners in my constituency who understand the impact of freezing the threshold, but I fear many others, including some of the most vulnerable, have no idea this is coming. Worst still, with all the policy kite flying before the Budget, many took out their pension as a lump sum to avoid a tax which never materialised.

“Rachel Reeves herself has said she does not want pensioners who rely solely on the state pension paying ‘tiny amounts of tax’ and that the Government is ‘working on a solution’. Yet that was in November – it is now March, and the Government’s own analysis shows 600,000 pensioners are on the hook. It’s time the Treasury set out exactly what that solution is, urgently.”

Senior officials from HMRC were questioned by the Treasury Committee in January 2026 regarding how the proposed tax changes will work. Cerys McDonald, director of Individuals Policy at HMRC, said there are between 800,000 and a million pensioners whose sole income is the state pension.

She informed the committee that new legislation would need to be introduced to effect the change. Ms McDonald stated: “We would expect this to go through the next finance bill in the Autumn but we have mobilised a project team already in anticipation of having to make this change.

“The mitigation that we would normally use to recover this tax is simple assessment, normally we wouldn’t be processing that for 2027/2028 until after the 2028 tax year, so we’ve got a decent run in here.”

A Florida woman was arrested Saturday after police say she left her 12‑year‑old daughter alone and upset at a Universal CityWalk bar and went to a nearby nightclub.

Amanda Laurel Thorpe, 33, of Lake Mary, now faces a child neglect charge after deputies were called to the CW Shoreline Bar at about 10:30 p.m. Saturday after staff and patrons reported a missing juvenile, according to the Orange County Sheriff’s Office.

When officers arrived, they found the preteen “visibly upset, crying, and sitting alone” at the bar along the three-block entertainment and shopping area next to Universal Studios Orlando, the affidavit, cited by News 6, reports.

“An unidentified patron of the bar stated something that upset Amanda. Amanda then stated that she wanted to go to the Red Coconut Club, to which [REDACTED] responded that she wanted to go back to the hotel room because she was tired,” the affidavit reportedly reads. “Amanda got livid with [REDACTED], displayed the middle finger, said, ‘(Expletive) you,’ and left the CW Shoreline Bar without [REDACTED].”

Deputies later found Thorpe by herself on the dance floor of the Red Coconut Club with an alcoholic drink in hand, the report says. When questioned, she allegedly told deputies she believed her daughter was with her the whole time, according to the report.

open image in gallery

open image in gallery

Deputies, however, said Thorpe had red, bloodshot eyes and was unsteady on her feet with the smell of alcohol on her breath.

The child’s grandfather was contacted and picked up the girl, and the Department of Children and Families was notified of the incident, according to law enforcement reports.

Thorpe was granted a $2,500 bond and pleaded not guilty, according to online court records, News 6 reported.

The Independent has contacted the Orange County Sheriff’s Office and Universal for comment.

The latest series of the popular BBC dance competition is coming this year, but it will see huge changes.

New presenters are due to step in for the 2026 series following the departure of Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman.

There are also reports that several Strictly Come Dancing professionals will also be leaving the show.

Karen Hauer was partnered with Gladiators star Harry Aikines-Aryeetey in the latest series (Image: BBC/Ray Burmiston)

Karen Hauer to ‘leave Strictly’ after 13 years on BBC series

Gorka Marquez, Luba Mushtuk and newcomer Michelle Tsiakkas have reportedly not been asked to return for the new series, according to The Sun.

A source told the publisher that “major changes are taking place” with dancers having meetings about their contracts “over the next few weeks”.

They added: “Bosses want a fresh start and to bring in new faces after all the drama in recent years and create a new era.”

Now, it has also been revealed that the show’s longest-serving Strictly professional in the current roster, Karen Hauer, is also leaving, according to the Daily Mail.

Karen is a Venezuelan–American professional Latin dance specialist and World Mambo Champion, and joined Strictly in 2012.

An insider told the publisher: “Karen is the latest professional dancer to be told her contract will not be renewed this year.

“It’s very much a case of out with the old and in with the new.

“As the longest-serving female dancer, Karen found out last week that her time on Strictly is over.”

A second source added: “Karen was obviously very upset after being told the news, but she is trying to remain positive about the future.”

During her time on Strictly, she has partnered with big names such as reality star Mark Wright, broadcaster Jeremy Vine and Gladiators star Harry Aikines-Aryeetey.

Her most successful series was in 2020, when she came runner-up alongside Made in Chelsea’s Jamie Laing.

The BBC has said plans for Strictly Come Dancing 2026 will be announced in due course.

Which dancers have been on Strictly Come Dancing the longest?

Strictly’s longest serving dancer ever was Anton Du Beke, who was in 18 series.

Du Beke later became a permanent judge on Strictly Come Dancing, replacing Bruno Tonioli.

Former star Brendan Cole was in 15 series, followed by Karen Hauer with 13.

With Karen’s exit, the longest-standing current Strictly professional is now Aljaž Škorjanec, who has been in all but two series in 2022 and 2023 since 2013.

Other dancers who have been on the show for several years include Katya Jones, Dianne Buswell and Amy Dowden.

Who is your favourite dancer on Strictly? Let us know in the comments.

Mohsen Farjam, aged 43, attacked the girl, who was just 15 at the time and had a neurodevelopmental condition.

The victim was on her own in Stockport when she was approached by Farjam, who had seen that she was upset and in need of help.

But on that day in July 2018, he convinced her to “get food nearby” and charge her devices, “pretending” to offer her sympathy and support.

He then plied her with vodka at a tent in which he was living, before inappropriately touching her, Manchester Crown Court heard on Thursday, March 5.

Farjam then sexually assaulted and raped her.

The girl was able to leave the tent after, bravely telling a relative, before police were called and the rapist was arrested.

Police say that he “completely denied” the allegations put to him and showed “no remorse”.

Mohsen Farjam (Image: GMP)

On Thursday, he was jailed for nine-and-a-half years, having previously been found guilty of two counts of rape, two counts of sexual assault and one count of sexual assault by penetration.

GMP says that officers worked through tens of thousands of pages of relevant material as part of their investigation.

In addition to his sentencing, Farjam was placed on the sex offender’s register for life.

Detective Sergeant Rob Griffiths, from GMP’s Stockport Complex safeguarding team, said: “I firstly want to commend the victim in this case, who endured this horrific crime aged just 15-years-old. They have been incredibly brave throughout the court process and are getting continual support by professionals – I hope that they can continue to heal following this awful ordeal.

“Farjam exploited vulnerabilities for his own sickening gratification, and it is utterly grim that he tried to disguise his intentions by pretending to want to help a child in need. Instead, he got her drunk and exploited her as part of his vile actions.

“I am glad that he is now finally behind bars for his crimes.”

GMP gives this advice to anyone who has been, or knows someone that has been, sexually assaulted or raped:

“Saint Mary’s Sexual Assault Referral Centre, Manchester provides a comprehensive and co-ordinated response to men, women and children who live or have been sexually assaulted within Greater Manchester. They offer forensic medical examinations, practical and emotional support as well as a counselling service for all ages. Services are available on a 24-hour basis and can be accessed by calling 0161 276 6515.

“Greater Manchester Rape Crisis is a confidential information, support and counselling service run by women for women over 18 who have been raped or sexually abused at any time in their lives. Call on 0161 273 4500 or email help@manchesterrapecrisis.co.uk

“Survivors Manchester provides specialist trauma informed support to male victims in Greater Manchester who have experienced sexual abuse, rape or sexual exploitation. Call 0161 236 2182.”

When Majborough beat Marine Nationale 19 lengths to win the Dublin Chase at the start of February, Timeform rated it the best performance of the season so far.

The 2024 Triumph Hurdle winner who fluffed his lines when beaten into third after a couple of near catastrophic mistakes in the Arkle 12 months ago, returns to the Cheltenham Festival on Wednesday a probable odds-on shot for the BetMGM Queen Mother Champion Chase.

However, the race itself has been something of a graveyard for odds-on shots; seven of the last 10 being beaten, four of them (Un de Sceaux at 4-6, Douvan at 2-9, Chacun Pour Soi at 8-13 and El Fabiolo at 2-9) trained by Majborough’s trainer Willie Mullins.

Apart from Favori de Champdou, who looks nailed on for the Glenfarclass Cross-Country, the rest of the racing looks very open on day two of the Festival. Act of Innocence can take the Turners’ and get the day off to a good start for an in-form Nicky Henderson and the trainer could also win the BetMGM Cup with Iberico Lord.

Cheltenham Festival day 2 tips and results

1.20: Turners Novices’ Hurdle (Grade 1 )

• Marlborough’s tip: Ballyfad
• Marcus Armytage’s tip: Act of Innocence
  Only defeat came when giving masses of weight to a four-year-old, solid representative from a yard in good form coming into meeting.
• Charlie Brooks’ tip: King Rasco Grey
  Paul Townend/Willie Mullins – say no more.

2.00: Brown Advisory Novices’ Steeple Chase (Grade 1)

• Marlborough’s tip: The Big Westerner
• Marcus Armytage’s tip: Oscars Brother
  Could be one of the stories of the day, one of just two horses trained by Connor King. Comfortable winner of last two starts in Grade 2s.
• Charlie Brooks’ tip: Kitzbuhel
  His run at Kempton was unbelievable.

2.40: BetMGM Cup Handicap Hurdle (Grade 3)

• Marlborough’s tip: Storm Heart
• Marcus Armytage’s tip: Iberico Lord (Nap)
  Comfortable winner of only start over this trip, needs to run career best but can do.
• Charlie Brooks’ tip: Jingko Blue
  Beaten last time by Kabral du Mathan, who goes for tomorrow’s Stayers’ Hurdle.

3.20: Glenfarclas Cross Country Chase

• Marlborough’s tip: Favori de Champdou
• Marcus Armytage’s tip: Favori de Champdou
  Seems revitalised by going cross-country despite a fall first time. Runaway winner over course last time with a nice weight thanks to presence of Stumptown.
• Charlie Brooks’ tip: Favori Des Champdou
  Looked so good over course and distance in January.

4.00: Queen Mother Champion Chase (Grade 1)

• Marlborough’s tip: Majborough
• Marcus Armytage’s tip: It Etait Temps
  One time ante-post favourite for this has become the forgotten horse of the race after fall last time. Better ground can help.
• Charlie Brooks’ tip: Irish Panther
  Brilliant run at Leopardstown last time, finishing close to Romeo Coolio.

4.40: Johnny Henderson Grand Annual Chase (Grade 3)

• Marlborough’s tip: Be Aware
• Marcus Armytage’s tip: Jour d’Evasion
  Novice chaser who has developed a winning habit.
• Charlie Brooks’ tip: Rubbed
  Represents top trainer/jockey and has a touch of class.

5.20: Weatherbys Champion Bumper (Grade 1)

• Marlborough’s tip: Love Sign d’Anjou
• Marcus Armytage’s tip: Bass Hunter
  Looks the pick of the British. If he gets his way in front he might prove hard to pass.
• Charlie Brooks’ tip: Love Sign D’Aunon
  Patrick rides for Willie and Goliath Du Berlais is going to be a great sire.

Big-race trends

Turners Novices’ Hurdle
Another race where market prominence is a big factor. Six of the last 12 winners have been sent off as favourite, with 10 also having been trained in Ireland. In what are important considerations for novice races, every winner had at least two runs over hurdles, with 11 winners boasting at least two wins over hurdles coming into Cheltenham.

Brown Advisory Novice Chase
Previous course form is the name of the game here. Ten of the past 12 winners have won at Cheltenham before winning again in this Grade 1. It is also worth noting that 10 of the last 12 winners had won over the distance before, a stat that will be tested now that the two-and-a-half mile Grade 1 novice chase is no more. This is also a race in which horses arriving fresh should be treated with caution. Every single winner in the last 12 years had at least one run in the 77 days before the festival.

Queen Mother Champion Chase
A race where it pays to be wary as a punter. Only four of the last 12 winners have been sent off favourite, although 11 of the last 12 where in the top three in the betting. Despite the relatively poor record of favourites in the race, it is worth noting that 11 of the last 12 winners has at least won a Grade 1 chase.

Cheltenham Festival day 2 ground and weather

Underfoot on the Old Course, around which every race on Wednesday takes place, the going is rated as good to soft. No rain is forecast for Wednesday during the race programme although some showers could roll through in the morning.

Betting on Cheltenham?

There’s a lot of competition between bookmakers for customers during the festival and they will often run their best promotions of the year, especially earlier in the week. Take a look at these Cheltenham betting offers to find free bets to use throughout the week.

How to watch Cheltenham Festival day 2

Viewers in the United Kingdom can watch the first five races of the day on ITV1, with coverage beginning at 12.45pm GMT every day until 5pm GMT. The races can also be streamed via ITVX. There is a preview show each morning from 9am GMT to 10am GMT which is shown on ITV4 and ITVX.

The final race of each day will not be shown on ITV but will be live on Racing TV. Subscriptions for the channel, which shows every race from the Festival, are available through Sky and Virgin Media and online through its website and app.