Cheltenham Festival begins today

The Champion Hurdle is the big race today and Menorah and Hurricane Fly will be the favourites after reigning champion Binocular was withdrawn.

Eleven runners will take part in the race, which celebrates a centenary of the festival which takes place over four days.

The Supreme Novices' Hurdle kicks off the Festival at 1330 GMT.

BBC Sports Personality of the Year Tony McCoy has lost his ride for the Champion Hurdle after Binocular was withdrawn.

Binocular was pulled out by trainer Nicky Henderson after he was advised that medication given for an allergy would not clear the horse's system in time to pass a drugs test.

Cheltenham Festival tickets are available now.