HOUNDS grabbed their moment in the spotlight on the first day of Cheltenham's Paddy Power Open.

An impressive crowd of around 20,000 turned out at Prestbury Park for the start of the three-day meet, one of the highlights in the racing calendar.

On the track, the day was lit up by Cue Card who, ridden by Joe Tizzard, continued his meteoric rise with a spectacular victory in the Cheltenham Collection Sharp Novices' Hurdle.

And on a day aimed at celebrating country pursuits, crowds were entertained by an array of stalls and displays, including a parade of hunting hounds. The meet will reach its climax today with the Paddy Power Gold Cup chase at 2.35pm.

REPORT AND RACECARDS – p28,29 and 32