GORDON Elliott usurped his old boss and mentor Martin Pipe as the fifth most successful trainer in Cheltenham Festival history with a Boodles Juvenile Handicap Hurdle success for Jazzy Matty - his 35th career winner at the meeting.

It capped a memorable day for Michael O’Sullivan, who ended the opening afternoon as the meeting’s leading jockey after this 18/1 success in the colours of Caldwell Construction.

Tuesday was not expected to be the Cullentra handler’s strongest card of the week but many of his runners finished close to the bullseye, including a second for Chemical Energy (National Hunt Chase), thirds for Zanahiyr (Champion Hurdle) and Queen’s Brook (Mares’ Hurdle) and a fourth for The Goffer (Ultima).

Elliott said: “He’s a brother to Delta Work and we knew he had a good enough mark coming over if he’d cope with his lack of experience. We had a few each-way chances but didn’t necessarily expect a winner today so this is great.

“Martin Pipe is an idol of mine so it’s lovely to have got this win on the board. I’m looking forward to meeting up with him for a drink and having a bit of fun over it. There’s every chance Jazzy Matty will now go to Aintree as I think that course will suit him even better.”

The Boodles was a clean sweep for Irish-trained runners, who filled the 1-2-3-4-6-7, while Elliott is now the most successful trainer in the race’s history.

WellChild National Hunt Challenge Cup Amateur Jockeys’ Novices’ Chase (Grade 2)

FAVOURITE backers were made to sweat in the concluding National Hunt Chase as Gaillard Du Mesnil saved his best for last under Patrick Mullins, who is now the race’s most successful jockey of the modern era with four wins.

It brought up a day-one double for Willie Mullins, with the 10/11 favourite trading as big as 11/1 on the in-running exchanges before staying on powerfully to fend off Chemical Energy by two and three quarters of a length for Joe and Marie Donnelly.

There was drama two fences from home when the John McConnell-trained Mahler Mission came down after a mistake while holding a clear lead under Johnny Barry. Gaillard Du Mesnil is now a general 10/1 chance for the Randox Grand National, though the champion trainer said a decision on his participation at Aintree will be made at a later date.

“Mahler Mission was very unlucky but I saw the horse and rider getting up so that was a good result,” said Willie Mullins.

“I thought the race was over at the time and I couldn’t see us winning until John McConnell’s horse fell but then he got a run going to the last.”

Patrick Mullins added: “He’s a fabulous jumper and will be made for a National. The Kim Muir is the one [amateur] race I need to tick off at Cheltenham. Jamie needs the Hunters Chase, on the other hand, so I’m racing him to it!”

Ultima Handicap Chase

HISTORY repeated itself in the first handicap chase of the week as Corach Rambler became the fourth dual winner of the Ultima in the race’s history.

Trained in Scotland by Lucinda Russell, ridden by Co Sligo native Derek Fox and owned by The Ramblers, the 6/1 joint-favourite stayed on in a similarly powerful manner to 12 months earlier on his way to edging out a gallant effort from the Martin Brassil-trained Fastorslow.

A tilt at the Randox Grand National is next for the nine-year-old by Jeremy, who was cut to 7/1 favourite (from 12/1) for the Aintree highlight.

Fox said: “He was on absolute spot-on form. Lucinda took the horse to Carlisle a few weeks ago after racing and he worked really well. He travelled so beautifully all the way through the race. It was unbelievable.

Russell added: “He just loves it around here. It’s phenomenal. I was so nervous beforehand because this horse means so much and everyone knows that. I am so proud of him today. To hear that he’s favourite for the Grand National is amazing.”

Crowd watch

A TOTAL of of 60,284 people descended on Prestbury Park for the opening card of the Festival. That was well down on the record-high figure for day one 12 months earlier when a crowd of 68,857 were in attendance.

Punchestown plan

HARRY Fry has succeeded on his trips to Punchestown in the past and admirable Mares’ Hurdle second Love Envoi looks set to be his latest challenger for the Grade 1 Coolmore Irish EBF Mares Champion Hurdle at that meeting.