Two novice chasers and a mare who was recently running in chases but was switched to hurdles gave Irish trainer Willie Mullins a hat trick on Tuesday's first day of the Cheltenham festival.

Mullins won the Grade 1 Arkle Chase at two miles with 5-6 favorite Footpad, the Grade 1 Mares' Hurdle with 9-2 Benie Des Deiux and the Grade 2 National Hunt Challenge Cup Amateur Riders' Novices' Chase at four miles with 92 Rathvinden, who was ridden by the trainer's son, Paddy.

Mullins, the leading jumps trainer in Ireland, may have similar success as the racing week continues here through Friday. His barn typically has runners in every race, and sometimes as many as three. 

The National Hunt Novices' Chase is the longest race of the week and drew a field of 16. Unfortunately, the race was marred by a fatal fall by Mossback.