THE CRÈME de la crème of equine talent mixed it with showbiz stars on day one of the Cheltenham Festival yesterday.

A dazzling display of raw power from Sprinter Sacre and a staying performance from tough as teak Rock On Ruby were just two of the highs, while jockey Tom O’Brien’s exit out of the side door from Gwent’s best known racehorse Dream Alliance left disappointed connections pondering their star’s future.

The magnificent thoroughbreds joined some equally well turned out famous faces in the paddock, including Zara Phillips, Shane Filan from Westlife and television presenter Dermot O’Leary.

The racing link is in the X Factor celebrity’s name, and like many who grew up across the Irish sea he told the Argus he has been bitten by the racing bug.

“That’s why I’m here, for the roar of the crowd,” he said, referring to the booming cheer from thousands of spectators as Sprinter Sacre stormed ahead in Arkle. “What a performance. When he opened up wasn’t it brilliant?”

The celebrity presented the prize to connections, revealing that his best tip is to never back the favourite.

Welsh trainer Tim Vaughan was also in good spirits, describing the atmosphere as “immense.”

“This is where everyone in the world wants to be when they own a racehorse,” he said.

“It’s a privilege to have a runner let alone a winner.”

He goes to war with three today, Ben’s Folly and Our Island in the opener and First Fandango in the 4.00.

“Both will stay and see out the trip but would prefer softer ground. They need to step up on anything they have done but they are fit and well,” he said of the first two.

Vaughan reported First Fandango in very good order for his assignment, while Bridgend trainer John Flint was a little bit more downcast as his Tom O’Brien fell off his Dream Alliance after being hampered by a faller.

“We did expect a big run out of him and he was only eight lengths off the leaders when he departed. He didn’t get the best of starts and Tom was just beginning to creep into it,” he said of the 66-1 shot in the cross country race.

Connections of the former Welsh National winner described it as “frustrating” and Flint revealed their 11-year-old can run the legs off one of his big hopes for Friday on the gallops at home, but things never seem to go to plan on the course.

“He’s a lot better than that,” he said, adding that a trip of redemption to Punchestown maybe on the cards.

After a slightly disappointing first day too, Nicky Henderson can make amends with Finian’s Rainbow in the Queen Mother Champion Chase at 3.20 today.

Many of his rivals are getting on in years, and with improvement from his first run likely he can see off the challenge of solid yardstick Sizing Europe.

Grands Crus sets the standard in the RSA Chase at 2.40 and he is one of the meeting’s best bets, while Virginia Ash can give punters a run for their money in the finale, having ran an eyecatching race there on her debut.

Melissa’s top tips for day two: 1.30 Teaforthree; 2.05 The Tracey Shuffle (e/way); 2.40 Grands Crus (NAP); 3.20 Finian’s Rainbow; 4.00 Get Me Out of Here; 4.40 Kazlian; 5.15 Virginia Ash (e/way).