During the opening day of the Cheltenham festival, multiple false starts marred the event, causing delays in several races on Tuesday afternoon. Jockey Danny Gilligan faced repercussions for his role in these incidents, receiving a one-day suspension after the National Hunt Challenge Cup Novices' Handicap Chase. The starter indicated that Gilligan was responsible for the second false start, failing to properly initiate the race by not walking or jogging to the start line, leading to confusion and delays in the schedule.

Gilligan's performance earlier in the day included rides on Dee Capo and Koktail Brut, where he finished in the 14th and 8th positions respectively, before his controversial ride on Will Do, which finished 11th. The incident highlights the pressure faced by jockeys in high-stakes events like the Cheltenham festival, where the accuracy and conduct at the start of the race can significantly affect the outcomes and timing of the event.

As Gilligan prepares for his next rides on Wednesday, including Skylight Hustle and Western Fold, he and other jockeys will be closely scrutinized to prevent further issues. The false starts not only impact the immediate race schedule but also the overall reputation of the festival, emphasizing the need for clear start protocols to ensure a smooth experience for participants and spectators alike.