Horse Racing - Silence reigns as Cheltenham begins in sober fashion

Horse Racing - Cheltenham Festival - Cheltenham Racecourse, Cheltenham, Britain - March 16, 2021 General view during the 4.50 Sam Vestey National Hunt Challenge Cup Novices' Chase Pool via REUTERS/Michael Steele TPX IMAGES OF THE DAY

CHELTENHAM, England (Reuters) - With impeccable timing, the grey clouds peeled back and glorious sunshine bathed the Cotswold Hills flanking the rolling green acres of Cheltenham Race Course on Tuesday.

It was the perfect stage for day one of the iconic jump racing festival. Yet it was missing its 60,000 supporting cast.