Cheltenham Festival LIVE: Day 1 results as Constitution Hill falls in Champion Hurdle; Day 2 tips and odds
The 2025 Cheltenham Festival delivered a huge shock on the opening day as the showpiece Champion Hurdle was won by 25/1 shot Golden Ace, with horse racing superstar and heavy favourite Constitution Hill stunningly falling halfway through the race.
Constitution Hill was heavily backed at 8/13 regain the crown he won in 2023 but crashed out, while 2024 winner and third favourite State Man also fell at a later hurdle and highly-regarded second favourite Brighterdaysahead faded to allow Golden Ace to come from nowhere to triumph, with Burdett Road (66/1) taking second and 150/1 shot Winter Fog in third for an all-time Cheltenham shock.
The 'greatest show on turf' will also include Friday's Gold Cup, where Galopin Des Champs, who is the favourite on betting sites, hopes to land a famous hat-trick this. The full race card and Festival schedule is here, and we'll be bringing you all the action as Day 1 unfolds.Cheltenham Festival 2025 Day 1 results: Full list of winners
Golden Ace wins Champion Hurdle after Constitution Hill and State Man fall
Willie Mullins off to a flyer as favourite Kopek Des Bordes wins emotional Michael O'Sullivan Supreme Novices' Hurdle
Jango Baie storms from back of the pack to win Arkle Novices' Chase
Myretown wins Ultima Handicap Chase with commanding run
Latest tips for Day 1 at Cheltenham Festival
16:10 , Jack Rathborn
1.20: Michael O'Sullivan Supreme Novices' Hurdle (Grade 1 )Race conditions: £150,000 | 2m½f| 8 hurdles | Old Course
Winner: Kopek Des Bordes (4/6F); 2) William Munny (8/1); 3) Romeo Coolio (9/2)
2.00: My Pension Expert Arkle Novices' Chase (Grade 1)Race conditions: £200,000 | 2m | 13 fences | Old Course
Winner: Jango Baie (5/1); 2) Only By Night (25/1); 3) Majborough (1/2F)
2.40: Ultima Handicap Chase (Grade 3)Race conditions: £150,000 | 3m1f | 20 fences | Old Course
Winner: Myretown (13/2); 2) The Changing Man (7/1F); 3) Malina Girl (14/1)
3.20: Close Brothers Mares' Hurdle (Grade 1)Race conditions: £120,000 | 2m4f | 10 hurdles | Old Course
Winner: Lossiemouth (4/6F); 2) Jade De Grugy (5/1); 3) Take No Chances (22/1)
4.00: Unibet Champion Hurdle (Grade 1)Race conditions: £450,000 | 2m½f | 8 hurdles | Old Course
Winner: Golden Ace (25/1); 2) Burdett Road (66/1); 3) Winter Fog (150/1)
4.40: Boodles Fred Winter Handicap Hurdle (Grade 3) Race conditions: £80,000 | 2m½f | 8 hurdles | Old Course
Winner: Puturhandstogether (17/2); 2) Robbies Rock 50/1; 3) Liam Swagger (12/1 )
17:01 , Alex Ross at Cheltenham Festival
Fashions change, betting stakes increase and the weather in late winter fluctuates - but at Cheltenham Festival, many things remain largely unchanged.
Amid the sea of flat caps and tweed jackets in the Grand Stand, racing on Tuesday got off to the famous Cheltenham roar, sounding as exuberant and impassioned as ever.
More than 55,000 racegoers piled into the terraces that line the course to excitedly cheer as the favourite Kopek Des Bordes came first amid the heavy thud of hoofs on the soft turf.
£7.80 pints not enough to deter punters as Cheltenham Festival gets underway
16:59 , Mike Jones
Willie Mullins is the only trainer so far with two winners so far today.
He's also come close and had a second and third finish while State Man threw away a chance at victory in the Champion Hurdle.
16:56 , Mike Jones
"They went a good gallop which suits him. He jumped and travelled brilliant. I didn't want to get to the front too early.
"I thought he ran great the last day at Fairyhouse on heavy ground and this ground suited him."
16:47 , Mike Jones
Constitution Hill walked away from a scary fall in a shocking Champion Hurdle on day one at the 2025 Cheltenham Festival.
The previously unbeaten hurdler, who was the odds-on favourite for the race of the day, looked poised to win, only to suffer a hard fall under jockey Nico de Boinville.
The dramatic race then looked set for a repeat of 2024 when State Man claimed the win, but Paul Townend was unable to successfully negotiate the last hurdle and also crashed out, leaving Golden Ace to pick up the shock win.
BHA provides Constitution Hill update after scary fall at Cheltenham Festival
16:45 , Mike Jones
The field spreads out over the final stretch with Mark Walsh and Puturhandstogether drifting out wide.
They fly down the right side of the straight and charge up the hill to win!
16:43 , Mike Jones
Hot Fuss and Holy See sit third and fourth respectively as they look to keep the two leaders within touching distance.
Stencil is happy to let Solar Drive lead before a surge from Static moves him into the top four.
16:41 , Mike Jones
Solar Drive leads the way out front with Stencil safely on his shoulder handling the pace at the head of the chasing pack.
16:40 , Mike Jones
And they're off!
Stencil is the favourite to triumph in this one but with a big field it's any body's race to win.
16:37 , Mike Jones
Latest odds from Oddschecker:
Stencil 10/3
Puturhandstogether 8/1
Beyond Your Dreams 8/1
Sony Bill 9/1
Hot Fuss 10/1
Total Look 11/1
Liam Swagger 12/1
Murcia 16/1
Quantock Hills 16/1
Holy See 25/1
BAR 25/1 – 22 Runners
16:36 , Mike Jones
The two horses that fell in the Champion Hurdle, Constitution Hill and State Man, are both up.
The British Horseracing Authority (BHA) have told ITV Racing that the two horses are "absolutely fine".
16:30 , Mike Jones
Golden Ace trainer Jeremy Scott told BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra: "I couldn't even dream. I just said to someone for god's sake thump me, I thought I was sleeping. It's marred by the two horses who came down, but I'm just delighted the gods favoured us.
"Our owner was very keen to have a runner here, it's extraordinary how things work out.
"That's her unbeaten here. It's interesting Willie doesn't normally run his mares until after Christmas, maybe next year we will hang fire for a bit.
"It's just amazing."
16:22 , Mike Jones
State Man trainer Willie Mullins spoke to BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra: "I don't. There we are. It's what happens. It is [the ups and downs of racing].
"At least we made the right decision.
"We don't need any chat. I'm just delighted he's [jockey Paul Townend] okay."
16:20 , Mike Jones
Williams told ITV racing: "I'm lost for words. This is the best day of my life by far. You dream of these moments as a kid. I hope the others are ok – Constitution Hill and State Man are iconic horses
"But she is fantastic. She always turns up and fair play to (owner) Ian Gosden for picking this race rather than the Mares' Hurdle. I am not complaining now
"I'm just a small part of the team and delighted to be on board
"All I was thinking was my agent said watch Constitution Hill. When he was out of the race I thought I would stay on for second. We were just there to pick up the pieces."
16:15 , Jack Rathborn
'He absolutely steps onto the hurdle with Nico [de Boinville], on the front of the hurdle, he steps clean into the middle of it, he can't stand up when you do that,' Ruby Walsh tells ITV Racing.
'Paul Townend [aboard State Man], he commits to the land, I don't think you're always wrong, make a decision, commit to it, but over he goes, that'll live with him forever, trust me!'
16:08 , Jack Rathborn
'I was thinking, my agent said, 'watch Constitution Hill,' when he was out of the race I thought, 'I'll hold on to second,' we were there to pick up the pieces,' Lorcan Williams adds.
Best day of your life, Lorcan? 'By far!'
16:07 , Jack Rathborn
Golden Ace rolled the dice and was in the perfect spot to capitalise just as State Man looked poised to defend.
Constitution Hill failed to live up to the expectations, going off at 1/2.
'I'm lost for words, you dream of these moments as a kid,' says jockey Lorcan Williams after riding to victory.
16:05 , Jack Rathborn
INSANE! There goes State Man... After the last, it collapses, Golden Ace WINS!
Constitution Hill and State Man galloping in the background, we think they're OK.
Drama at the end, can you believe it? Golden Ace wins the Champion Hurdle!
16:03 , Jack Rathborn
Constitution Hill is GONE!
Gasps from the fans, a shocker, it's there for Brighterdaysahead leads!
State Man is second, Golden Ace third...
16:02 , Jack Rathborn
King Of Kingsfield leads early, Brighterdaysahead tucked in behind in second...
Constitution Hill third, the roar from the grandstand comes.
Six hurdles to go and an even pace.
Some smart jumping here, but they're all close together, a cagey race so far.
16:02 , Jack Rathborn
King Of Kingsfield leads early, Brighterdaysahead tucked in behind in second...
Constitution Hill third, the roar from the grandstand comes.
Six hurdles to go and an even pace.
15:56 , Jack Rathborn
Here we go then, State Man a third favourite, bidding to be the 12th horse to win the Champion Hurdle twice.
Willie Mullins is confident, it's a big ask to get up to Constitution Hill.
Constitution Hill would become the third horse to regain the Champion Hurdle.
We're just a few minutes away...
15:42 , Luke Baker
We've reached today's main event, the Champion Hurdle, where superstar horse Constitution Hill will try to regain the title he won in 2023, with 2024 winner State Man among the challengers.
Here are the latest odds and fair to say it looks a three-horse race:
Constitution Hill 8/13
Brighterdaysahead 2/1
State Man 7/1
Golden Ace 40/1
Burdett Road 66/1
King of Kingsfield 150/1
Winter Fog 150/1
15:41 , Luke Baker
Just to put a final bow on the Mares' Hurdle before we turn our attention to today's main event, the Champion Hurdle, Willie Mullins gave a fascinating interview defending the decision to run Lossiemouth in the Mares' rather than the Champion.
"First time I've ever been early in my life" Willie Mullins reflects on the decision not to run Lossiemouth in the Champion Hurdle 🩷💚#ITVRacing | #CheltenhamFestival | @WillieMullinsNH | @MCYeeehaaa pic.twitter.com/ySh8tloJv9
— ITV Racing (@itvracing) March 11, 2025
15:35 , Luke Baker
1.20: Michael O'Sullivan Supreme Novices' Hurdle (Grade 1 ) - Winner: Kopek Des Bordes (4/6); 2) William Munny (8/1); 3) Romeo Coolio (9/2)
2.00: My Pension Expert Arkle Novices' Chase (Grade 1) - Winner: Jango Baie (5/1); 2) Only By Night (25/1); 3) Majborough (1/2)
2.40: Ultima Handicap Chase (Grade 3) - Winner: Myretown (13/2); 2) The Changing Man (7/1F); 3) Malina Girl (14/1)
3.20: Close Brothers Mares' Hurdle (Grade 1) - Winner: Lossiemouth (4/6F); 2) Jade De Grugy (5/1); 3) Take No Chances (22/1)
15:27 , Luke Baker
Winner: Lossiemouth (4/6F); 2) Jade De Grugy (5/1); 3) Take No Chances (22/1)
15:20 , Luke Baker
And we're off in the Mares' Hurdle. A cleaner start than we had for the Ultima Handicap Chase it's fair to say...
Ten hurdles, 2 miles 4 furlongs, £120,000 on the line.
The betting markets are basically a one-horse show with Lossiemouth.
15:18 , Luke Baker
If you want a non-Lossiemouth horse to have a dabble at in this one, then Ed Chamberlin has a pick for you.'In the Mares Hurdle Lossiemouth should win, but I'm happy to take her on,' Chamberlin told Sky Bet. 'I'm going to back Joyeuse each way I think she's pretty good and on the up.'
15:00 , Mike Jones
Here's how Myretown swept to victory. It's another winner for Lucinda Russell:
Lucinda Russell does it again!Myretown runs away with the Ultima Handicap Chase in convincing fashion 👏#ITVRacing | #CheltenhamFestival | @PatrickWadge | @lucindavrussell pic.twitter.com/ckmjxzrNmx
— ITV Racing (@itvracing) March 11, 2025
14:56 , Mike Jones
Myretown jockey, Patrick Wadge, spoke to ITV after the race. Here's what he had to say:
"It's a dream come true" 💭A first #CheltenhamFestival winner for Patrick Wadge, and what a way to do it 🏆#ITVRacing |@olibellracing | @PatrickWadge pic.twitter.com/RmFyo2AcJ2
— ITV Racing (@itvracing) March 11, 2025
14:54 , Mike Jones
1.20: Michael O'Sullivan Supreme Novices' Hurdle (Grade 1 ) Race conditions: £150,000 | 2m½f| 8 hurdles | Old Course
Winner: Kopek Des Bordes (4/6); 2) William Munny (8/1); 3) Romeo Coolio (9/2)
2.00: My Pension Expert Arkle Novices' Chase (Grade 1) Race conditions: £200,000 | 2m | 13 fences | Old Course
Winner: Jango Baie (5/1); 2) Only By Night (25/1); 3) Majborough (1/2)
2.40: Ultima Handicap Chase (Grade 3) Race conditions: £150,000 | 3m1f | 20 fences | Old Course
Winner: Myretown (13/2); 2) The Changing Man (7/1F); 3) Malina Girl (14/1)
14:53 , Mike Jones
Winner: Myretown (13/2F); 2) The Changing Man (7/1); 3) Malina Girl (14/1)
14:51 , Mike Jones
Happygolucky and Henry's Friend are late stormers but they aren't going to catch the leader.
Myretown is running a superb race. Down the final stretch his pace is too good, and his jumping ability is even better.
Having lead from the start of the race, he sweeps past the grandstand and wins in style!
14:49 , Mike Jones
A heavy hit on a fence from Katate Dori penalises his previous work as Famous Bridge makes a move.
Myretown has opened a gap at the front and is looking to get clear but the rest aren't having it.
Then Changing Man is holding steady and looks comfortable heading into the closing stages of this race.
14:47 , Mike Jones
They're all jumping well with Katate Dori making a move through the field.
He's up to third and challenging the leading pair with The Changing Man down to fourth.
14:46 , Mike Jones
The speed of the race is up to 29mph after the first six furlongs with no change to the order of the leaders.
Myretown is setting a sharp gallop but can't distance the rest of the runners who are haning onto his outside.
14:44 , Mike Jones
Faller! One horse unseats their rider at the first fence before Myretown and Frero Banbou take to the front of the field.
Just behind is The Changing Man, one of the favourites, who is well placed in these early stages.
14:43 , Mike Jones
And they're off!
After a false start with this 24-runner field coverging too quickly on the tape the three mile- one furlong Ultima Chase is away.
14:36 , Mike Jones
Latest odds provided by Oddschecker:
The Changing Man 15/2
Katate Dori 8/1
Myretown 9/1
Crebilly 9/1
Broadway Boy 11/1
The Short Go 12/1
Whistle Stop Tour 12/1
Henry's Friend 12/1
Sequestered 16/1
Malina Girl 16/1
BAR 20/1
14:34 , Mike Jones
Up next is the first big field of this year's Festival with 24 runners.
Katate Dori looks like one to keep an eye out for with the seven-year-old winning three times since the turn of the year.
The Changing Man, for Joe Tizzard - a Cheltenham-winning jockey turned trainer - and Broadway Boy are featuring strongly in the betting.
14:32 , Mike Jones
14:29 , Mike Jones
Here's Nico de Boinville speaking about Jango Baie's late charge:
"I had to accept defeat"Even Nico De Boinville wasn't expecting that late surge from Jango Baie 👀#ITVRacing | #CheltenhamFestival | @NdeBoinville | @olibellracing pic.twitter.com/lPLPo0YCjv
— ITV Racing (@itvracing) March 11, 2025
14:24 , Mike Jones
Jango Baie's trainer Nicky Henderson told BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra: "Incredible, what a finisher, what a great horse.
"I'm lost for words at the moment. It's a big day, credit to Nico."
14:20 , Mike Jones
Jango Baie's jockey Nico de Boinville spoke to ITV after his victory saying: 'They went hard and I couldn't go with it and I thought I was riding for a place.
'But at the last I thought we could be in with a squeak.
'He pinged the last but we knew we had a chance. He saw it out well."
14:12 , Mike Jones
1.20: Michael O'Sullivan Supreme Novices' Hurdle (Grade 1 )Race conditions: £150,000 | 2m½f| 8 hurdles | Old Course
Winner: Kopek Des Bordes (4/6); 2) William Munny (8/1); 3) Romeo Coolio (9/2)
2.00: My Pension Expert Arkle Novices' Chase (Grade 1)Race conditions: £200,000 | 2m | 13 fences | Old Course
Winner: Jango Baie (5/1); 2) Only By Night (25/1); 3) Majborough (1/2)
14:11 , Mike Jones
Winner: Jango Baie (5/1); 2) Only By Night (25/1); 3) Majborough (1/2)
14:09 , Mike Jones
Feast your eyes on this:
Majborough is beaten!Jango Baie comes from nowhere to win the My Pension Expert Arkle Challenge Trophy Novices' Chase 😳#ITVRacing | #CheltenhamFestival | @NdeBoinville | @sevenbarrows pic.twitter.com/GabuyShUlC
— ITV Racing (@itvracing) March 11, 2025
14:08 , Mike Jones
It came from nowhere.
That was a great run from Jango Baie, probably handed to him by Majborough's mistake on the penultimate fence but you can't fault the final sprint.
The crowds were roaring him in but at 5-1 there wouldn't have been many punters backing him here at the racecourse.
14:06 , Mike Jones
Jango Baie!
Where did this come from? L'Eau Du Sud takes the last shakily and looks to be getting caught by Majborough with Only By Night pushing on as well.
Up the final straight and, from way back, Jango Baie finds a new lease of life, he storms up the hill, threads a gap and nudges ahead to win by a head!
14:04 , Mike Jones
Majborough loses the lead at the second last with L'Eau Du Sud going ahead.
It looks like a two-horse race for the finish but the rest of the field are close behind....
14:03 , Mike Jones
Touch Me Not still holds onto a lead of a length or so at the halfway stage but Majborough is sat off his shoulder and looks poised to make his move.
He eases out in front and they came down the hill with L'Eau Du Sud and Harry Skelton pushing up further back.
14:02 , Mike Jones
Touch Me Not has the early lead ahead of favourite Majborough with Jango Baie and L'Eau De Sud neck-and-neck in third and fourth.
14:01 , Mike Jones
And they're off!
13:58 , Mike Jones
Sir Alex Ferguson spent a sporting career picking up trophies and it remains a trait he has maintained throughout his retirement.
The most decorated manager British football has ever seen has also enjoyed a successful link with horse racing stretching back decades, although unlike his management career, it hasn't always been plain sailing.
A much-publicised 2003 dispute with Coolmore supremo John Magnier over unpaid stud fees regarding 2,000 Guineas winner Rock Of Gibraltar, ended in an ugly public row with matters complicated still further by Magnier and business partner JP McManus holding a near quarter share in Manchester United at the time.
Sir Alex Ferguson is a winner – but can his horses do the same at Cheltenham?
13:56 , Mike Jones
1.20: Michael O'Sullivan Supreme Novices' Hurdle (Grade 1 )Race conditions: £150,000 | 2m½f| 8 hurdles | Old Course
Winner: Kopek Des Bordes (4/6); 2) William Munny (8/1); 3) Romeo Coolio (9/2)
13:51 , Mike Jones
Looking ahead to the next race this could be anyone's game.
Majborough is the favourite for Mark Walsh and Willie Mullins but L'Eau Du Sud has the ability to challenge.
With only five runners it may be a two-horse race from the get-go.
13:46 , Mike Jones
Jockey Paul Townend is looking to regain his Champion Jockey title from 2024 at the Cheltenhan Festival this week and already has his first winner.
He told ITV Racing: "That's the perfect start to the week. I got in a lovely position but I was at the front sooner than I wanted to be.
"He had a look at the stands, despite the hood and missed the last but picked up. He is a very good horse. I think he can go to the top because he has had so little racing.
'Every day is a school day and he is growing up all the time. He isn't the finished article yet."
13:42 , Luke Baker
A cracking start to the 2025 Cheltenham Festival, with Kopek Des Bordes winning the Michael O'Sullivan Supreme Novices' Hurdle
13:31 , Luke Baker
Paul Townend clearly emotional after winning that opening race - Michael O'Sullivan Supreme Novices' Hurdle
He tapped the red and white armband on his arm as he crossed the line and teared up in the post-race interview as he reflected on triumphing in a race dedicated to the late Michael O'Sullivan, who tragically died last month at the age of 24.
Paul Townend pays tribute to Michael O'Sullivan after his #CheltenhamFestival victory ❤️#ITVRacing | @PTownend pic.twitter.com/QzFXOpIxdj
— ITV Racing (@itvracing) March 11, 2025
13:29 , Jack Rathborn
13:28 , Luke Baker
Supreme performance in the Supreme Novices' from the favourite Kopek Des Bordes. Owner Charlie McCarthy is delighted, and slightly emotional at the victory.
Supreme Novices' Hurdle result:
Kopek Des Bordes 4/6 fav
William Munny 8/1
Romeo Coolio 9/2
Karniquet 33/1
13:25 , Luke Baker
And Kopek Des Bordes holds off everyone else to win the Michael O'Sullivan Supreme Novices' Hurdle! William Munny pushed him hard but only second place.
Willie Mullins off to the perfect start at Cheltenham. Jockey Paul Townend found plenty down the final straight after a slight stumble at the last
13:23 , Luke Baker
The pace lifts slightly but it's still Workahead from Romeo Coolio and then Kopek Des Bordes in third. Those three have a slight gap on the rest of the field.
Tutti Quanti struggling badly - three hurdles to go
08:13 , Luke Baker
The 2025 Cheltenham Festival has arrived and the opening day could see Constitution Hill deliver for punters in the Champion Hurdle, though Brighterdaysahead is also fancied by many.
As ever, Willie Mullins has a number of live contenders in each race and has made the intriguing decision to run Lossiemouth in the Mares' Hurdle instead of the Champion Hurdle.
Here are tips and horses to watch from the experts ahead of day one:
Cheltenham Festival 2025 tips, best bets and horses to watch on day one
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King Charles teams up with Willie Mullins for Leopardstown runner
King Charles and the Queen are teaming up with the king of horse racing as Willie Mullins will saddle his first runner for His Majesty this week. Reaching High has been moved to Mullins' stables in Co Carlow and runs in a lady riders handicap at Leopardstown on Friday. The four-year-old son of Queen Elizabeth II's Gold Cup winner Estimate will be ridden by Jody Townend, sister of Mullins's stable jockey Paul, who rode her first Cheltenham Festival winner in March. Mullins, the two-time British and 18-time Irish champion trainer, was invited to Windsor Castle for lunch and joined the Royal Procession at Royal Ascot last year. While the royal racing manager, John Warren, described it 'a bit of fun' the serious purpose behind Friday evening's race is to find out if the gelding has the potential to go to Royal Ascot, scene of his dam's greatest victory, in June for a long-distance handicap before embarking on a jumping career. Reaching High did not break any records in any of his eight runs for Sir Michael Stoute, who retired at the end of last year, winning once, at Wolverhampton, from eight starts. 'I think the King and Queen are looking forward to having a horse run in Ireland for the first time and this horse might just be a nice prospect that could develop into a National Hunt horse,' Warren told the Nick Luck Daily Podcast. 'He's out of Estimate, a Gold Cup winner, so stamina might be his game. He was trained very well by Sir Michael Stoute last year and when Sir Michael packed up we thought it would be worthwhile looking at who could do a dual-purpose job for him and the Queen. 'The Queen met William on a number of occasions at Cheltenham and thought he was charming and wonderful and keeps having more and more winners the whole time, so the King and Queen were keen to send him to be trained in Ireland.' Meanwhile, Mullins's flat counterpart, Aidan O'Brien, took the latest step to total annexation of all the major Derby/Oaks trials since the Guineas when Whirl took apart the Tattersalls Musidora Stakes by five-and-a-half lengths at York. Part-owner Michael Tabor said he thought she was a mile-and-a-quarter filly, and that the Prix de Diane might be more her cup of tea than the Oaks over an extra quarter of a mile. Jockey Ryan Moore, however, was very complimentary and hinted she could yet be in the mix for Epsom. 'She was very comfortable stepping up to that trip and was impressive,' he said. 'She is very straightforward and wasn't doing a whole lot in front. She's very professional. By Wootton Bassett she could probably do most things.' On Thursday, O'Brien can complete a unique trials set by winning the Al Basti Equiworld Dubai Dante Stakes with The Lion In Winter, the over-winter Derby favourite and the colt touted as Ballydoyle's best Derby hope. Tabor said he would not be backing him on Thursday because he had been a bit behind in his work, although he was going well at home now. That, he added, would not stop him backing him in the Derby nearer the time.
