50,945 people attended the opening day of this year's Festival. That figure is 3% up on the equivalent day in 2009 when the crowd figure was 49,450.

The on-course Tote cash turnover was £2,042,062 compared to £2,066,003 in 2009.

In other news from day 1 Richard Johnson picked up a four-day ban for his use of the whip when winning on Menorah in the first race.

Tom Scudamore was sore following a his fall from Knowhere at the seventh fence in the William Hill Trophy Handicap Chase and gave up his remaining ride of the day, but is expected to be fit to ride today.

The Noel Meade trained Casey Jones was an unfortunate fatality having been brought down at the same fence in the William Hill Trophy.

Tony McCoy holds a slender lead in the Thomas Pink Leading Rider Award after the opening day. He is one of six riders currently on one winner, but he sits on top of the leaderboard due to an additional second placing.

Nicky Henderson is in a similar position in the Leading Trainer standings.