Manchester United legend Paul Scholes had an afternoon to remember as he backed the winning horse Kopek Des Bordes in the first race of this year's Cheltenham Festival.
Scholes cleaned up at the festival after backing the winner in the opening race. The legendary midfielder posted a picture of his bet slip on Instagram before Michael O'Sullivan Supreme Novices' Hurdle, revealing that he'd backed Willie Mullins' hot favourite, Kopek Des Bordes with a whopping £2,500.
His faith was rewarded when French-bred recruit Kopek Des Bordes held off a fierce challenge from William Munny to win the festival's first race and banked Scholes a cool £5,000.
Race highlights
Kopek Des Bordes looked impressive throughout under Paul Townend's steering. Despite almost botching up at the final hurdle, Townend had enough in reserve to fend off challengers and take home victory for himself and Scholes.
The horse breezed past Romeo Coolio between second-last and last hurdles for a clear run to finish line. This victory set up what could have been a devastating day for bookmakers if not for Majborough’s loss in Arkle which saved them from potential multi-million-pound payout.
Scholes’ love for horse racing
Scholes is no stranger to horse racing; he co-owned Box to Box with former England teammates Michael Owen, Steve McManaman and Owen Hargreaves. He has often been spotted enjoying races alongside other football legends like Sir Alex Ferguson and Nicky Butt. In 2022 he expressed his love for sport saying: "It is great being back involved with sport as it gives you real thrill when they run obviously."
This win would have undoubtedly given Scholes a thrill as he saw his horse bring it home. After crossing the line, rider Townend pointed to armband worn in memory of O'Sullivan, who won race in 2023 and tragically passed away last month at just 24-years-old following a fall. Kopek Des Bordes is owned by Charlie McCarthy along with his four sons through Monabeg Investments Ltd. McCarthy dedicated victory to late O'Sullivan saying: "It's unreal. It's wonderful day for me because race is named after Michael O'Sullivan, he lived about 20 kilometres from me and I'll donate this to O'Sullivan family, because he was wonderful jockey."
The Cheltenham Festival started on a high note for Paul Scholes with Kopek Des Bordes' win. This event not only highlighted Scholes' love for horse racing but also showcased the thrilling nature of sport that keeps fans and betting enthusiasts engaged.
