Champion Hurdle result: Who won the Champion Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival TODAY?

Racing fans from all over the world are tuning in this week as the Cheltenham Festival unfolds in Gloucestershire.

The annual meet kicked off at 1.30pm today with the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle, with Ruby Walsh guiding Klassical Dream to victory.

Duc Des Genievres was then the name on everyone’s lips as Paul Townend rode to Arkle Trophy glory.

The Ultima Handicap Chase was taken by Beware The Bear, with Jeremiah McGrath the celebrating jockey.

Attentions then turned to the biggest race of the day, with the Champion Hurdle Challenge Trophy up for grabs.

The winner of that particular contest was in line to pocket a cool £253,215 for their endeavours on the Cheltenham Racecourse.

Anticipation reached fever pitch as the ten starters lined up to battle it out in the Champion Hurdle.

And Express Sport is on hand with the result of today’s race, with the full classification below.

Champion Hurdle result: Who won today?

Mark Walsh won the Champion Hurdle with Espoir D’Allen at Cheltenham Festival.

Melon, ridden by Arkle Trophy winner Townsend, came in second to the Gavin Cromwell-trained Espoir D’Allen.

80-1 outside Silver Streak was guided to third place by jockey Adam Wedge.

Apple’s Jade, the favourite going into the Champion Hurdle, came home in a disappointing sixth place.

Champion Hurdle full classification

1st Espoir D’Allen (Mark Walsh)

2nd Melon (Paul Townsend)

3rd Silver Streak (Adam Wedge)

4th Laurina (Ruby Walsh)

5th Verdana Blue (Davy Russell)

6th Apple’s Jade (Jack Kennedy)

7th Global Citizen (David Bass)

DNF: Buveur D’Air (Barry Geraghty), Sharjah (Patrick Mullins), Brain Power (Nico de Boinville)

source: express.co.uk