TRAGIC jockey Michael O’Sullivan was honoured at Cheltenham today. The first race was renamed the Michael O’Sullivan Supreme Novices’ Hurdle in tribute to the Corkman who died, aged just 24, after a fall during a race at Thurles last month. It was the event that Michael won in 2023 with Marine Nationale. His family — including girlfriend Charlotte Giles and brother Alan — bowed their heads as a moment’s silence was held before the race at a packed Prestbury Park earlier. Parents Bernadette and William said: “It means the world to us to witness Michael being recognised and again etched into the history books of Cheltenham, a place where he created unforgettable memories.” Favourite Kopek Des Bordes, trained by Willie Mullins, romped home in front to the joy of punters. Owner Charlie McCarthy then announced he was donating the winnings to Michael’s clan. Mr McCarthy, who is recovering from cancer, told Racing TV that Michael lived about 20km from him and was a “wonderful jockey”. As Kopek Des Bordes’ emotional jockey Paul Townend crossed the finish line, he touched the Cork emblem in memory of Michael. Michael had earned a day one double at the 2023 -festival, with another win on Jazzy Matty. He was named Irish champion conditional jockey that same year. His parents added: “As a family we are extremely grateful for the opportunity to -celebrate Michael’s remarkable legacy in the world of horse racing. “We are so proud of Michael’s extraordinary talent, all of his achievements, and the exemplary manner in which he carried himself throughout his short life.” “Michael will be forever in our hearts and minds.” Tanaiste Simon Harris also paid tribute to Michael’s “family, friends, connections and all those who had the privilege of knowing” him. He said: “His passion for racing, his impact on the sport, and the memories he created with so many will be fondly remembered.” Nicky Henderson’s Jango Baie bagged the second win in the Arkle Challenge Trophy Novice after an error by favourite Majborough left the way clear. Owner Tony Barney said the triumph was a poignant one, as he bought the horse on the day son James was killed in a car crash. He said: “His name was James Barney, the horse is Jango Baie, same initials. Phenomenal, blessed. My son is looking down on me.” Beloved Lossiemouth romped to victory in the Mares’ Hurdle. But thousands of punters held their heads in their hands and shrieked in -horror as favourite Constitution Hill fell in a nail-biting Champion Hurdle and crashed into the turf. It left room for second favourite State Man to storm through — only for him to also take a tumble at the last fence. Outsider Golden Ace was left with a clear run past the finish post. But the 25-1 mare’s win was so unexpected that even owner Ian Gosden did not put a bet on her. It meant bookies dodged a €100million payout. Paddy Power’s Paul Binfield admitted: “The way the Champion Hurdle worked out would have looked fanciful in an Agatha Christie novel. Constitutional Hill falling has saved the bookies an absolute fortune.” Dublin jockey Ivan Ryan had his first ever ride at Cheltenham and in Britain in the Juvenile Handicap Hurdle — but it was a moment to forget after he was unseated by Kool One with two fences to go. His twin brother James was crowned champion apprentice jockey and his mother Mairead Ryan represented Ireland in two equine events at the 1992 Olympics. Elsewhere on the course, organisers decided to “allow drinks in more course-facing areas”. Chief Executive of Cheltenham Racecourse, Guy Lavender, said: “This was primarily to allow racegoers who like to have a drink on course to enjoy their day without feeling rushed and we’ve been pleased with how the change has been received. “Restrictions remain in place where the viewing areas are parallel to the home straight – including the members’ lawn in front of the Princess Royal Stand and the front area of the Best Mate enclosure - to provide an area for those who prefer to watch the racing without alcohol being consumed in close proximity.” Guinness gave people the chance to pull their own pint at their self-serving bar but punters weren’t happy with the price at an eye-watering £7.80 (€9.25). Single spirits set racegoers back between £7.20 and £7.30 (€8.55), while wine lovers coughed up £9.70 (€11.50). And soft drinks cost £3.10 (€3.68) for those who like to take it easy at Cheltenham. Demand for Guinness could see sales past the £2 million mark for the first time, despite the price of a pint increasing by 30p at the event this year. An estimated spend of £2,067,000 (€2,456,765) is expected on Guinness pints across four days, according to The Winners Enclosure. Despite fears of a ‘Guinness shortage’ at this year’s event, organisers have assured punters that they do not expect to run out of stout before Friday’s Gold Cup. Managing Director at The Winners Enclosure, Alex Beecham, said: “Our findings point towards pints of Guinness fast becoming one of the main factors of interest for the modern Cheltenham Festival racegoer. This comes as host of famous faces were spotted at the Gloucestershire racecourse including royal family member Zara Tindall, comedian Ben Miller, TV’s Georgia ‘Toff’ Toffolo and designer Jade Holland Cooper. Former footballer John O’Shea said: “Cheltenham has a bit of everything. Also, there is good competition between Ireland and England. “I always try, if I can, to squeeze Cheltenham in for a day. I see a lot of familiar faces and have the craic, but also enjoy the festivities of it. That’s the whole idea of it.” He added: “The science behind the racing now is massive, too. Like sports science in football. “Fingers crossed for Galopin Des Champs in the Gold Cup. It’ll be great, more so for the horse itself.” One of the oldest racegoers, Gillian Dunwoody, 93, mother of legendary rider Richard, told The Jockey Club how she’s been attending the festival for 90 years. She said: “Seeing my son Richard winning the Gold Cup, on Charter Party, was a special day, and when he won the Champion Hurdle on Kribensis that was another special day. “I’ve been very lucky. There have been so many over the years, they were all different and they were all special. “I’ve seen some great horses - Arkle and Mill House - and I’ve been lucky to be involved in it. I’ve been involved in horses my whole life.” Among the 55,000 fans cheering on the horses in Gloucestershire were celeb Georgia Toffolo and royal Zara Tindall.