Annie Power was the big winner on the opening day of the Cheltenham Festival. Ruby Walsh was in the saddle as the Willie Mullins-trained mare claimed the Champion Hurdle in style.
The 8-year-old was only entered in to the race following the injuries to stable mates "Faugheen" and "Arctic Fire" but comfortably won ahead of "My Tent Or Yours" and "Nichols Canyon".
That was the second big winner of the day for the Mullins and Walsh combination after Douvan's victory in the Arkle. The 6-year-old continued his unbeaten career after a seven-length victory over "Sizing John".
"Vroum Vroum Mag" claimed an impressive victory in the Mares' Hurdle.
The opening race of this year's festival was in the Supreme Novices' Hurdle, which was won by Nicky Henderson-trained "Altior" after beating the Mullins runner, "Min" into second place.
The Grade 3 Ultima Handicap Chase was won by 11-to-1 shot "Un Temps Pour Tout".
