Cheltenham: Manoram makes the most of My Will's first-fence departure.

Byline: Lee Mottershead

Still a little early in the season to talk of Festival hopes being dashed, but the first-fence fall of Paul Nicholls' Arkle prospect My Will in the two-mile novice chase yesterday, at least gave odds-on backers an autumn reminder that 'jumping' remains the name of the winter game.

A useful juvenile hurdler last term, My Will came here off the back of an accomplished winning debut in a fair novice chase at Market Rasen, and was sent away a 1-3 favourite to follow-up.

Maybe that debut success had made My Will complacent. Nine days earlier his jumping had been faultless, the youngster putting in the sort of round trainers dream about. So exciting was his performance that Arkle odds of 16-1 were bandied about.

That, though, was until he got to the first fence. Not quite getting high enough at the obstacle, My Will then cannoned into the back of Carl Llewellyn's mount Ardashir, immediately sending Walsh out the side door. Manoram went on to win unchallenged, but that wasn't really the story.

'Carl's horse skidded into the fence and I went whack into the back of him,' explained Walsh as he debriefed owner Andy Stewart and Nicholls, who had cruelly been forced to say a permanent goodbye to the immensely talented Sud Bleu and stablemate Saint Esteben earlier in the day, after both were fatally injured in training. When that happens, a first fence departure pales into insignificance.

'That's what novice chasing's all about,' said the trainer, reflecting on My Will's exit, which now activates 'Plan B', namely a four-year-olds' chase at Warwick on Monday, one day before My Will's Ditcheat companion and Arkle Trophy favourite Sporazene runs at Exeter.

For Nicholls, the day got better, firstly thanks to Un Jour A Vassy, who repeated his win of 12 months earlier under Charlotte Tizzard in an amateur riders' handicap chase in which Polly Gundry received a two-day whip ban aboard runner-up Bright Approach.

One race later, Nicholls was back in the winner's enclosure, this time celebrating the triumph of Chockdee, the recipient of a beautifully artistic ride by Walsh to win the maiden hurdle. Called some names in the past, Chockdee is nevertheless blessed with more than his share of talent, a point Nicholls was keen to emphasise.

'When they've got ability like him, you don't lose faith,' he said. 'I told Ruby to ride him like Rigmarole and to come as late as he could. I might stick him in a good handicap - he's the sort who could run well.'

The Peter Bowen-trained Football Crazy earned his place in Saturday's Persian War Novices' Hurdle when justifying odds-on favouritism in the opener, but the remaining two races on the card went to Cheltenham virgins.

For Lucy Wadham, the victory of The Dark Lord in a competitive handicap hurdle was the realisation of a plan hatched four months ago.

So chuffed at having a Cheltenham success, she can't wait to come back.

'It's brilliant having a winner here, especially as it makes you think you might come back for the Festival,' said Wadham.

The Pertemps Final could now become the next big target.

It wasn't only Wadham who was breaking the Cheltenham duck. Bridgend trainer David Brace dreams of winning the Christie's Foxhunter, but he was more than happy to secure a modest juvenile hurdle with Moon Catcher, a horse he only claimed out of Martin Pipe's yard 12 days ago.

Adamant that a few celebratory drinkies were on the way, Brace said: 'We were in the owners' and trainers' bar and my wife told me to stop shouting. I told her: 'Oi! It's Cheltenham'.' A sentiment with which all those who enjoyed a glorious first day back at the eighth wonder of the world would concur.

Star performer

Ruby Walsh was almost sublime aboard Chockdee in the maiden hurdle, displaying a finesse undiminished by the one-day ban for excessive use of the whip handed to him by the stewards

Looking on the bright side

'He's had a nice run round and at least he won' - Paul Nicholls is pleased that My Will passed the post clear in the novices' chase. Had My Will done so with Ruby Walsh on board, so much the better

Oh to be a poet

Back in action after its six-month holiday, Britain's most beautiful racecourse basked in conditions so sunny that obstacles had to be omitted due to impaired visibility. Heavy rain and fierce winds are forecast this afternoon