- Kopek Des Bordes won the first race of Cheltenham Festival 2025 on Tuesday
- The opening day’s race was renamed in tribute to jockey Michael O’Sullivan
- The Irishman passed away on February 16 aged just 24 after a fall at Thurles
Kopek des Bordes has expectedly won the first race of Cheltenham Festival 2025 following a sweep into the lead over the second-last hurdle.
The unbeaten hurdler, trained by Willie Mullins, has breezed past the post to beat second William Munny in a race that was more intriguing than previously expected.
Initially, the third-favourite Workahead started as the early leader after two miles over eight hurdles but was successfully tracked by Paul Townend.
Following the triumph on the first day, Des Bordes’ owner, Charlie McCarthy, said: ‘I don’t want to cry for you, but I can tell you one thing. I’m on cloud nine, is there a bigger cloud?
‘After everything I’ve been through, it is a dream come true, and the dream isn’t finished yet.’
Cheltenham have honoured Michael O’Sullivan by renaming their opening race after the Irishman died aged 24 on February 16, following a fall at Thurles.
Kopek Des Bordes has won the opening race of Cheltenham Festival 2025 on Tuesday
The opening day’s race was renamed in tribute to jockey Michael O’Sullivan, who tragically died aged 24 after a fall at Thurdles
The Irishman was placed in an induced coma but never regained consciousness
The girlfriend of the late O’Sullivan, Charlotte Giles, was spotted among the public during the tribute on day one of the festival.
The race’s name was changed from Sky Bet Supreme Novices’ Hurdle to The Michael O’Sullivan Supreme Novices’ Hurdle when the Irishman enjoyed his peak when he rode Marine Nationale to an impressive success in 2023.
‘We are deeply proud of Michael’s incredible talent and the legacy he left in the world of racing,’ said O’Sullivan’s family following the announcement last month.
‘Renaming the race that marked the pinnacle of his career is a fitting tribute to his skill, dedication, and passion for the sport.
‘As a family, we have always admired Michael’s achievements both on and off the track, and it means so much to us to see his talent recognised in this way. The outpouring of tributes over the past week has been a testament to the impact he had on so many lives.
‘We would like to sincerely thank The Jockey Club and Sky Bet for giving us this opportunity to honour Michael’s memory and celebrate his remarkable career.’
O’Sullivan took part in 95 racing victories both in Ireland and Britain throughout his illustrious career, including 14 in Ireland and two in Britain during this season.
He was riding the 6/5 favourite Wee Charlie for trainer Gerard O’Leary when he was one of three fallers at the final fence in a two-mile handicap chase.
The girlfriend of the late O’Sullivan, Charlotte Giles, and his brother Alan O’Sullivan, were seen among the public during a tribute on the opening day
When asked about O’Sullivan following Tuesday’s first day of the festival, an emotional Paul Townend could not get the words out, with his voice cracking before he answered.
However, after such triumph, he added: ‘Perfect start, got in a lovely position, good gallop early.’
‘I was in front sooner than I wanted to be. He’s relatively inexperienced, saw the crowd, even in the hood.
‘He’s (Kopek Des Bordes) not the finished article. Hopefully he can keep improving.’
