Terrestrial coverage in safe hands with Chamberlin and co

Graham Dench analyses ITV Racing's performance as the sport's new television partner takes control of its first Cheltenham Festival . . .

Some may continue to lament the absence of faces they grew familiar with in Channel 4's long and distinguished tenure, but we can relax now. Cheltenham's opening day could not have gone much better for Ed Chamberlin and co.

An extended Opening Show, hosted by Oli Bell from a position adjacent to the racecourse stables, set the tone. The approach was bright and breezy, yet with Nicky Henderson and Ruby Walsh as guests it also offered plenty of insight into some difficult choices.