Footpad thrills Cheltenham

Walsh was a popular winner with the crowds at Cheltenham

In the Arkle Chase, Footpad made a serious early error but Walsh bided his time as Petit Mouchoir and Saint Calvados battled it out at the front and came through for an impressive 14-length victory on the 5-6 favourite.

Jockey Walsh, who had only returned to racing from a broken leg five days ago, has more wins than any other rider at the meeting and this took his career tally to 57.

"It made the hairs on the back of my neck stand up," said Walsh, 38.

"It is wonderful. It is great to be back. It has been a long winter and you wonder if it is all worth it and then you get a winner here and you remember it all over again. The leg was all right. Physical pain can be managed."

• Relive day one of the Cheltenham Festival

Walsh made it 58 when winning the OLBG Mares' Hurdle for Mullins on Benie Des Dieux.The 9-2 chance beat outsider Midnight Tour (33-1) as 1-2 favourite Apple's Jade could only finish third in the race she won last year.

Mullins enjoyed a 54-1 opening-day treble with his son Patrick winning the National Hunt Chase on Rathvinden.

On a day with several tight finishes, Rathvinden just edged out Ms Parfois to win the four-mile National Hunt Chase.

There was some sad news after the race as it was confirmed Mossback, trained by Gordon Elliott, had to be put down after suffering an injury.

Report To Base, trained by Evan Williams, suffered a fatal fall in the following race.