Tag Archives: Cheltenham Festival

*Featured/Spotlights, Competitions, Horse Racing, Racing

Kevin Doyle – From Footballer to Racehorse Breeder

By Noah Salzman – Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=126534018

Former Reading striker turned racehorse breeder Kevin Doyle compares Willie Mullins’ dominance to Sir Alex Ferguson.

Former Premier League striker Kevin Doyle has a new passion in life – breeding racehorses and his love for the sport has taken off since leaving football.

The 40-year-old revealed in an interview with BoyleSports how his life has changed and has compared the dominance of Willie Mullins in jump racing to that of Sir Alex Ferguson to Manchester United.

Willie Mullins is currently the 1/16 favourite to be this year’s top trainer, according to the latest Cheltenham odds via the bookmaker – demonstrating his superiority in the sport.

Doyle said: “I think in every sport you have dominance, whether it’s in football with Man City and, before that, Manchester United were dominant for how many years.

“For most of my childhood as a Man United fan, we were winning everything, you know, one man started leading it all in Sir Alex Ferguson.

“It just goes like that; I think it doesn’t last forever. Willie at the moment has an unbelievable setup and a team around them of people as well.”

Though Doyle is a big fan of the Irish magician’s way to train winners, he doesn’t think Willie’s dominance will last for a lifetime.

He added: “Dominance just happens in sports; it will be cyclical, it might last another 10 or 15 years, and it might annoy a lot of people, but things don’t last forever.

“But it’s just human nature; it won’t last forever. He’s got the hunger and the desire to make sure to try and prove every year and get better and better and try and make it last as long as possible.”

Doyle has also revealed how football teams can use a trip to next week’s Cheltenham Festival for team bonding, with mixed success.

The ex-Reading and Wolves striker said: “My first year at Reading in 2005/06 was my first trip to Cheltenham; we were going very well at the time. We were basically promoted to the Premier League and it was the day out to celebrate.

“It was only three days at the time, Cheltenham, from what I remember, and we have gone many years since, with Reading and different clubs.

“When things are going well, we used to go with a day out for team bonding, and when things were going poorly, it was an excuse to go to the manager and say maybe we need a day away to get a bit of team bonding to try turn the ship around, but that never seemed to usually work!”

Doyle has entered the world of horse breeding, a rarely trodden path for former footballers and has bred a number of horses, including Baby Kate for Willie Mullins. Doyle revealed how his early years as a player for Reading and Ireland set him on a path to the racing industry.

He said: “Yeah, we had plenty of players over the years with that Reading team. Plenty of lads interested.

“Stephen Hunt was one of them and has had shares and horses and syndicates, I think over the years. Shane Long was another one thinking of the Irish lads, Noel Hunt as well. We all had a dog together with the assistant manager Wally Downes which won the Puppy Derby. Bush Paddy it was called.

“With the Ireland team as well, we’ll be home with Ireland and John O’Shea was a big one to set up syndicates with the Ireland team and get a few of us involved over the years with different horses.

“With Ireland, maybe we’d get an afternoon off and we’d go to Leopardstown or the Curragh together.”

Ferguson’s main chance of a big win at next week’s Cheltenham Festival will be with either Protektorat 16/1 or Hitman 25/1 in the £375,000 Ryanair Chase.

Meanwhile, Redknapp will be hoping that his charge, Shakem Up’Arry, can win from odds of 20/1 in the Ultima Handicap Chase. British and Irish trainers will go head-to-head at the Festival, competing for the Prestbury Cup, with former Irish international Doyle revealing fond memories of trips to the Festival.

*Featured/Spotlights, Competitions

Cheltenham Festival 2024: 4 British-Trained Horses to Follow

Photo by Carine06 from UK – Champion Hurdle, CC BY-SA 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=37285214

The Cheltenham Festival has been dominated by Irish trainers in recent years and that trend looks set to continue when the 2024 meeting is staged.

A quick look at the Cheltenham betting markets for next year’s top races highlights how difficult it will be for British handlers to get into the winners’ enclosure.

Irish-trained horses dominate most of the ante-post markets, particularly in each of the Grade 1 events across the four-day meeting.

However, there are several British-trained horses who have a genuine chance of emerging victorious in March. Here are four we believe can get the job done.

Constitution Hill – Arkle Novices’ Chase

The 2023 Champion Hurdle winner Constitution Hill has plenty of options open to him next season including embarking on a career over bigger obstacles.

Some pundits have suggested he could be aimed at the Gold Cup, but trainer Nicky Henderson will probably resist the temptation to head down that route.

His most likely target is the Arkle Novices’ Chase, although the Champion Chase could be an alternative if he scares away the opposition at novice level.

Whichever race he ends up in at the Festival, Constitution Hill will be a banker bet to get a winner on the board for British trainers.

Jonbon – Ryanair Chase

Henderson could add another winner to his tally in the Ryanair Chase, with his Jonbon likely to take a step up in trip next season.

The big-money purchase has finished second in the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle and Arkle Novices’ Chase in the last two years and looks to be a Festival winner in-waiting.

He ended last season with two Grade 1 victories over two miles at Aintree and Sandown, but now looks ready to run over a longer distance.

The Ryanair Chase is the natural target for the horse and he could be tough to beat if he participates in the race in March.

Love Envoi – Mares’ Hurdle

Irish trainers have dominated the Mares’ Hurdle since it was first run in 2008, winning the race on 13 of the 16 occasions it has been staged.

Henry De Bromhead’s Honeysuckle was responsible for two of those victories (2020 & 2023), but her retirement has left the mares’ ranks lacking a superstar.

Love Envoi could be the one to beat having given Honeysuckle a run for her money in this year’s race for trainer Harry Fry.

The horse clearly likes Cheltenham after winning the 2022 Mares’ Novices’ Hurdle and looks a good bet to be extremely competitive next year.

Shishkin – Gold Cup

We return to the Henderson stable for our final recommendation, with Shishkin fancied to emerge as a strong contender in the Gold Cup.

The horse has already run twice at the Festival, but a poor run in the 2022 Champion Chase left connections scratching their heads.

He bounced back to finish second in this year’s Ryanair Chase, and followed up with a victory over 3m1f in the Aintree Bowl Chase.

Shishkin has been crying out to be run over a longer trip and should be a lively contender for the Gold Cup when March comes around.

*Featured/Spotlights

Which Three Competitions in Horse Racing Are Considered to Be the Most Prestigious in the UK?

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The history of horse racing in England can be traced all the way back to the 16th century, making it one of the most historic sports and spectator events in the country. Nevertheless, if we only consider horse racing in terms of its role as a sport, we diminish the cultural traditions and historical relevance of the activity.

These world-famous racing events have millions of followers and fans all around the world. Also, if you didn’t know already, this sport along with the events brings in millions of gamblers around the world and as this sport is one of the most popular gambling activities, passionate horse racing fans are constantly looking for new ways to get the best odds, offers, promotions, and much more in order to win the most money. However, if you also have been looking for a new platform, you’re in luck because you can play online at this resource and receive the best odds and promotions for the upcoming horse racing events.

Cheltenham Festival

One of the events in the United Kingdom that is considered to be the most prestigious and oldest is the Cheltenham Festival, which was first held in 1860. The historic event takes place once a year over the course of four days, and it is known for its elegance and style in welcoming the most avid racing fans in the country. The horses are stabled at the world-famous Cheltenham Racecourse in Gloucestershire, which also boasts amenities that are second to none and staff members who are trained to greet guests in the most refined manner possible.

Epsom Derby

The Epsom Derby is a gorgeous annual spectacle that has been running since 1780. It comprises a number of Thoroughbred racehorses competing against one another for the title of the fastest performer. In the month of June, supporters head down to Epsom Downs in Surrey for the event that is aimed to evaluate as “The Derby.” The illustrious competition typically draws in close to 150,000 spectators, and attendees of the event are strongly encouraged to dress appropriately.

That suggests that men’s and women’s fashion should be on par with one another. The dresses the women wear are often very brilliant colours, and they also wear elaborate headpieces. It is customary for males to attend races in top hats and suits, and it is strongly advised that they steer clear of wearing clothing that does not fit well as well as sportswear.

Royal Ascot

Every year in the month of June, the well-known festival brings together hordes of celebrities, members of the royalty, and well-dressed men, women, and children who are all searching for a chance to have a good time and get the attention of some of the most prestigious individuals in the world.

The competition is one of the oldest in the world, making it an unbeatable experience, and the prize money of over six million pounds is unsurpassed. The fact that the Queen has made it a point to attend Royal Ascot each and every year of her reign is another indication of the event’s high quality.

*Featured/Spotlights, Racing

Five Major Horse Racing Events to Check Out in 2022

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Horse racing is one of the most popular sports today, and we enjoy different events every year. Depending on your preference, you can always bet on these events at your favorite sports betting site or online casino with a sportsbook section. If you are a fan of horse racing, you will know how exciting these events can get.

As a result, you want to enjoy all the major and local horse racing events. Even if you are new or want to enjoy the sport casually, you can check out the top events available for the year. So, here are five incredible horse racing events for you to enjoy this year.

Saudi Cup

The Saudis have been pivoting to different sports in recent years, and one of their latest endeavors is the Saudi Cup for horse racing. It is tagged as the richest horse racing event because of its large prize pool. The winner takes $10 million from the $20 million prize pool.

This year is even more significant as they have raised it to $35 million, and the winner will take $15 million. As it stands, no events globally come in terms of prize pool and size. So, without any doubt, we will find most of the top athletes participating, making it one of the most competitive horse racing events of the year.

Cheltenham Festival

The Cheltenham festival is one of the most exciting and thrilling horse racing events every year. It is also one of the UK’s most prominent events. Every year thousands of spectators worldwide visit to witness the event live. We expect this year to be the same, and we might even see more expensive horse breeds compete.

The event is famous for its races that include multiple jumps, and speed is not the only thing that matters here. You also need stamina. Any horse can win, making it a perfect place to place bets on underdogs, and you can win big.

The Grand National

The Grand National is one of the most prestigious horse racing events globally. In addition, it is the oldest jump race worldwide. It was created in 1839 by William Lynn, a Liverpool innkeeper. The event takes place on the Aintree course boasting one of the biggest pots in global horse racing.

Since this is a prestigious event, we will see some of the best thoroughbreds compete. In addition, this year’s event boasts of featuring 40 champion thoroughbreds that might compete. So, you should put this one on your radar if you can make it to Liverpool, England.

Kentucky Derby

Horse racing is also popular in America, although not as much as in European countries like the UK. However, in the US, the Kentucky Derby is one of the most prestigious annual events. The race takes place at the Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky and has been around since 1875.

This year’s race will make it the 148th season of the event, and anyone familiar with it will know that there are strict restrictions and regulations to follow. Only the best breeds and successful horses that meet the entry requirement can sign up and enter the event. In addition, the Kentucky Derby is restricted to only 3-year-old horses.

Melbourne Cup Carnival

Our last entry for this year is the one that takes place in Australia, the Melbourne Cup. The race happens on the prestigious Flemington Racecourse in Melbourne, and it is one of the top events that close out the horse racing calendar year. The event has a massive following in the country, and only the best horses enter.

The Cup features a run of more than 3 km, and it is even older than the Kentucky Derby as it started in 1861, and horses from other countries can enter the event. We’ve even seen horses from the US, UK, and Ireland win several races in the Melbourne Cup.

Bottom Line  

Horse racing is an incredible sport that feels everyone with excitement and thrill. You don’t even have to be a fan before you can enjoy a race. Just pick one of these significant events, tune in or go on to watch it live to enjoy the incredible atmosphere at the various horse racing tracks.

*Featured/Spotlights, Racing

Cheltenham Festival Hurdle Horse Races 2021

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Cheltenham racecourse in 2010. Carine06 from UK.

The Cheltenham Festival Jump Horse Racing Festival is from Tuesday 16 to Friday 19 March 2021, including Gold Cup Day. Cheltenham follows British government’s guidance to allow spectators when it is safe to attend. Until then, when you want a winner, we have the guide and schedule for your favourite horses.

Will there be people in attendance like there was last year when they just missed the Covid-19 quarantines? Prime Minister Boris Johnson has said that restrictions would be lifted, if possible, in mid-February which could allow for crowds at Cheltenham.

Last year’s Cheltenham was one of the final major sporting events to go ahead as normal before the UK was sent into its first national lockdown due to the coronavirus pandemic. The 2021 Cheltenham meet is scheduled to get under way on Tuesday, March 16 with The Champion Hurdle being the headline race on Day One.

The Queen Mother Champion Chase and The Stayers’ Hurdle will follow on the next two days, ending with the Gold Cup on Friday, March 19.

The way they run the Cheltenham Festival is by splitting it in two sections, running four days in total. Days one and two will be run on the Old Course, days three and four on the New Course.

The Old Course was used for the Champion Hurdle and Queen Mother Champion Chase. The New Course, which hosts the longer Stayers’ Hurdle and Cheltenham Gold Cup, takes a toll on a horse’s stamina. The field can drastically change and morph as the horses gallop up the fabled Cheltenham hill.

There is also a cross-country course which is laid out inside the main racecourse and is used for cross-country steeplechases.

The first race is the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle which starts the Cheltenham Festival and sees runners sent off with the famous “Cheltenham roar”. The Supreme has an impressive roll of honor, including the likes of Vautour and Douvan, but one of the most notable winners in recent years was Altior.

The Arkle Challenge is the second race and is offered for top two-mile horses. The Arkle has been won in the past by Moscow Flyer, Azertyuiop, Sizing Europe, and Sprinter Sacre, to qualify to run r the Champion Chase. Willie Mullins has dominated the race in recent years, including victories for Un de Sceaux, Douvan, Footpad, and Duc des Genievres.

The third race is the Festival Handicap Chase which has seen one of the best rides in Cheltenham Festival history when Wichita Lineman was carried home by A. P. McCoy in 2009.

The National Hunt Chase is one of three races at the Cheltenham Festival restricted to amateur riders. It is the longest race of the meeting, run over three and three-quarter miles where Irish trainers have had plenty of success in recent times. Gordon Elliott has won two of the last three runnings, including with Ravenhill in 2020.

Then they have the Novices’ Handicap Chase first run in 2005. It often brings the most progressive novices together, and has a history of representing strong form.

The Cheltenham Festival is one of the “meetings” (British term for horse races, etc.) in the National Hunt racing calendar in the United Kingdom. Its race prize money is second only to the Grand National. It takes place annually in March at Cheltenham Racecourse in Cheltenham, Gloucestershire. It usually coincides with Saint Patrick’s Day and is particularly popular with Irish visitors.

The meeting’s Grade I races include: the Cheltenham Gold Cup, Champion Hurdle, Queen Mother Champion Chase, and Stayers’ Hurdle. Large amounts of money are gambled, hundreds of millions over the course of the week.

Cheltenham is known for its atmosphere, including the “Cheltenham roar”, referring to the enormous amount of noise that the crowd generates as the starter raises the tape for the first race of the festival. It was initially titled the Grand National Hunt Meeting and took place at several locations.

After additions and major improvements made at Cheltenham, including a new stand (the fourth one), miles of drain to prevent unsuitable racing ground, tar paving in the enclosures, and the paddock extended to 35 saddling boxes, proved enough to make the National Hunt Committee decide that the 1911 meeting was to return at Prestbury Park, Cheltenham where it remained to the present.

*Featured/Spotlights, Racing

Champion Hurdle Challengers to Epatante Have Questions to Answer

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The Champion Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival remains the richest prize over the smaller obstacles in National Hunt horse racing, but there is a feeling in recent years that it is not so competitive as it once was. Epatante, who won the race in 2020, was one of the few in the division to have made real progress throughout last season and ran out a worthy winner.

Just as she was fancied for the Champion Hurdle by tipsters then, she will be again barring injury because her rivals all have question marks hanging over them. Epatante heads the betting at 7/2 as a result, and we will know more about what shape she is in for a defence of her crown following likely runs in the Fighting Fifth at Newcastle and Christmas Hurdle at Kempton.

While trainer Nicky Henderson sticks to that tried and tested path for preparing his horses for the Champion Hurdle, two of the leading Irish contenders have both suffered early season defeats. Abacadabras was denied by Epatante’s very game stable companion Shishkin in the Supreme at Cheltenham in March and was again just bested on his return in the WKD Hurdle by Aspire Tower.

However, Gordon Elliott’s charge made up for those defeats when just hanging on in the Morgiana Hurdle at Punchestown. In just prevailing there, Abacadabras was again weak at the finish but still somehow able to beat the promising Saint Roi, who like Epatante is owned by J. P. McManus.

Saint Roi is top Irish trainer Willie Mullins’ best Champion Hurdle chance, according to the betting, following a very taking success at Cheltenham in the County Hurdle during the Festival. Although winning a Grade 3 on his return to action, the young pretender went down fighting in the Morgiana.

It is easy to criticise jockeys when a horse doesn’t win, but Mark Walsh may not have given Saint Roi the best tactical ride at Punchestown, opting for the narrow inner path after jumping the last rather than taking a clear run down the outside. There is little between this horse and Abacadabras, then.

As for other British-trained Champion Hurdle contenders, Gary Moore’s Goshen is on a mission for compensation after unseating his rider when well clear at the final flight in the Triumph Hurdle. Four-year-olds can often struggle in their first campaign in open company, however.

Buveur D’Air is a two-time Champion Hurdle winner, but on the comeback trail for Henderson and McManus following a gruesome and career-threatening injury during the 2019-20 season. Those same connections will hope nothing so unfortunate befalls Epatante in the Fighting Fifth as part of a hurdle puncturing a hoof as happened to her stable companion last year.

Now another year older, Buveur D’Air may be vulnerable to younger horses with more scope for progress. It will be interesting to see how he gets on when making his return to action, and there will be lots of goodwill coming the way of this old favourite.

All the while, Epatante has done nothing wrong. She doesn’t have these questions against her name and there may still be even more to come en route to the 2021 Cheltenham Festival, so watch this space.

*Featured/Spotlights, Racing

Cheltenham’s Greatest Moments

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The Cheltenham Festival is the most important meeting in the entire National Hunt calendar, and it has delivered countless exhilarating races during its 160-year history. However, a handful of key moments stand out as the greatest of all time.

A Hat-Trick for Best Mate

Prestbury Park was rocking when the legendary Best Mate clinched a third consecutive Cheltenham Gold Cup triumph in 2004. Henrietta Knight’s superstar battled to a narrow victory ahead of Commanche in 2002 and then finished 17 lengths clear of the chasing pack the following year. He went off as the 8/11 favourite in 2004, but he was nine years old by that point and some commentators wrote off his chances of success.

Best Mate looked in trouble with a few fences to go, but he hit the front approaching the final fence and then charged up the hill in front of his screaming fans. Sir Rembrandt and Harbour Pilot both gave chase and it led to a pulsating finish, but Best Mate held them off and completed his hat-trick. He joined Golden Miller, Cottage Rake, and Arkle in achieving the feat, but few thought it would be possible in the modern era. Best Mate made a mockery of such projections. “Just listen to them!” said Knight as the crowd roared. “I thought we were beat coming to the last, but he’s tough, too. He was brilliantly ridden.”

Norton’s Coin Stuns the World

The Gold Cup is the biggest race of the year and it serves as the main event on the final day of the Cheltenham Festival. All the leading lights from across the UK, Ireland, and further afield gather to compete for the ultimate glory, and it often boils down to a thrilling battle between some of the famous, short-priced superstars. In 1990, the legendary Desert Orchid was the biggest icon in the business. He had won the race the previous year, and he was the odds-on favourite to defend his crown, although some experts though Bonanza Bay and Toby Tobias could give him a run for his money.

To say Norton’s Coin flew under the radar in the build-up to the race would be an understatement. He was in dreadful form, and owner Sirrell described him as an “ugly, plain chestnut”. He only took part in the Gold Cup due to a mix-up. Griffiths wanted him to run in the Carthcart instead, only to realise he was ineligible. His owner reluctantly sent him into battle and prayed he would finish in the top six so he could recoup the £1,000 entry fee, but most viewers thought he was simply making up the numbers.

He went off as the 100/1 underdog, and he was expected to flop. Yet Norton’s Coin left his poor form in the rear-view mirror. He was sitting comfortably in fourth at the third last, behind Desert Orchid, Ten of Spades, and Toby. He drew gasps as he soared past Desert Orchid at the penultimate fence. Ten of Spades fell, leaving Norton’s Coin locked in a thrilling battle with Toby Tobias. He pulled up alongside the frontrunner at the final fence and then won the prolonged struggle to finish three-quarters of a length clear of his rival, with the fastest winning time in 47 years.

Paisley Park Lands Stayers’ Hurdle

There was barely a dry eye in the house when the unlikely duo of Paisley Park and owner Andrew Gemmell earned a fairy-tale success in the Stayers’ Hurdle in 2019. Gemmell was born blind, but he spent many years listening to horseraces on the radio and developed a love of National Hunt racing. He then began building up his own stable of runners. His success was modest and he never expected to secure a winner at Cheltenham, but Paisley Park began to gather strong momentum throughout 2019.

He ended up going off as the heavily backed 11/8 favourite to win the Stayers’ Hurdle and the scenes were incredible as he outpaced his rivals to win the race. “I can’t believe it’s happened,” said an emotional Gemmell after the race. “It’s fantastic. I’m in tears. Wow. I couldn’t see the race, but that roar is incredible.”

Kauto Star Regains the Gold Cup

Kauto Star cemented his status as a titan of the National Hunt scene when he surged to victory in the 2007 Gold Cup. He was the 10/11 favourite to defend his crown the following year, but he ended up finishing second, seven lengths behind talented stablemate Denman. The excitement was palpable when the duo lined up alongside one another for the 2009 renewal of jumps racing’s blue riband event.

Many expected a ferociously tight battle, but in the end Kauto Star produced one of the greatest performances ever seen. He finished an astonishing 13 lengths clear of Denman and became the first horse to ever regain the Gold Cup. Trainer Paul Nicholls almost secured a 1-2-3, but Tony McCoy on Exotic Dancer finished third instead. Yet there were no complaints from the Ditcheat maestro. “What an unbelievable horse Kauto Star is,” he said.

Nicky Henderson’s Wonderful Wednesday

Henderson has always loomed large over the Cheltenham Festival, but his finest moment came in 2012. Sprinting Sacre helped him get off to a flying start when he won the Arkle at 8/11 on the Tuesday. Then Henderson saddled an astonishing four winners on the Wednesday: Simonsig (2/1), Bobs Worth (9/2), Finian’s Rainbow (4/1), and Riverside Theatre (7/2). A stable lad at his operation placed a five-fold accumulator on all of them and won £1 million.

During the course of the festival, Henderson secured seven winners. That saw him overtake Fukle Walwyn as the most successful trainer in Cheltenham Festival history, with 46 wins, and it was all thanks to that wonderful Wednesday. A young whippersnapper by the name of Willie Mullins has since overtaken Henderson by securing 65 Cheltenham wins, but Henderson is now just one back on 64. The Cheltenham odds, which you can check out here, show that both men have a number of heavily fancied runners in 2020, so it will be exciting to see who holds the record when all is said and done.

*Featured/Spotlights, Racing

What Is the Biggest National Hunt Meet in the UK?

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With the upcoming Cheltenham Festival in March, and the Grand National in April, there’s so much for racing fans to be excited. Various punters and bookies are already making their Cheltenham tips as well as those for the Grand National. Of course, you can always expect those big shock wins — but jockeys, trainers, fans, and horses are all getting prepared for what who they think will place well this season. It’s a fantastic time of year for everyone involved with a rich historical legacy.

Both the Cheltenham Festival and the National Hunt are the most impressive, and largest, national hunt meetings in the UK. But which one is the biggest? And what audiences do they appeal to?

Here’s everything you need to know.

What they’re all about

There are, of course, some stark differences between the two events. The Cheltenham Festival, which takes place across four days at Prestbury Park, involves 28 different races. The Cheltenham Festival has its top race — the highlight being the Cheltenham Gold Cup, a steeplechase covering 3 miles 2 ½ furlongs and 22 fences. But the other races, including the Champion Hurdle, Queen Mother Champion Chase, Coral Cup, and Stayers’ Hurdle, all have their prestigious elements too.

The Grand National at Aintree is one big race — at the end of a three-day mini-festival on Merseyside. Watched by over 600 million people in 140 countries, the Grand National is run over 4 miles 3 ½ furlongs with 30 fences. It’s a thrilling extravaganza with an intimidating 30 fences for both horse and jockey to get through.

Both the Grand National and the Cheltenham Festival have hosted an exhaustive history of riders and runners, as well as some historic races that have captivated fans from all around the world.

The one for the racing experts

The main event of the Grand National, the only Grade 3 race during the festival, is definitely the highlight. It does have eleven Grade 1 races throughout the course of the event, but they’re definitely not the first that come to mind when you think of the Grand National. The Cheltenham Festival on the other hand, has six Grade 3 races, fourteen Grade 1 races, and two Grade 2 races — meaning racing enthusiasts get to experience top tier race after top tier race, throughout the course of the four days.

It’s not just the racing enthusiasts that prefer Cheltenham. Many jockeys consider winning the Gold Cup at the Cheltenham Festival a more prestigious opportunity than the Grand National. Former Irish race horsing jockey Tony McCoy confirmed this in an interview with the Belfast Telegraph, saying: “It is the public who prefer the Grand National and that’s what makes it so big every year.” He described the Gold Cup as the pinnacle of the sport. Of course, it’s all a matter of opinion, but safe to say that racing experts definitely lean towards Cheltenham Festival when it comes to the two famous national hunt meets.

What the punters prefer

McCoy probably got it right when he described how much the public love the Grand National. It’s been held in high regard by punters since the days of Red Rum — the famous horse who brought public interest back to the Grand National in the 1970s. It’s one of the most bet on events in the country, and the most wagered on horse race in the UK — with many people who wouldn’t otherwise bet on a horse race taking their chances at the Grand National. Either way, both the Grand National and Cheltenham Festival have been massively popular events and continue to be exciting for everyone involved.

*Featured/Spotlights, Racing

Cheltenham Festival 2020 National Hunt Racing

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The 2020 Cheltenham Festival gets under way on March 10, 2020. Here is all the information you need ahead of the four-day spectacular.  The race prize money is second only to the Grand National and you also have several Grade I races, including the Cheltenham Gold Cup, Champion Hurdle, Queen Mother Champion Chase, and Stayers’ Hurdle, held over four days. The meeting usually coincides with Saint Patrick’s Day, and is particularly popular with Irish visitors.

Large amounts of money are gambled during Cheltenham Festival week, with hundreds of millions of pounds being bet over the week.  To assist you, go to the best Cheltenham festival betting offers for 2020.

Punters should know that when picking a Cheltenham Festival winner, there are several races which serve as key indicators for the Cheltenham Gold Cup, including the Charlie Hall Chase at Wetherby, the Betfair Chase at Haydock, the King George VI Chase at Kempton, and the Denman Chase at Newbury, to name just a few. Results in these races act as a good base to predict the outcome for those looking to bet on the Cheltenham races themselves. Horses who tend to perform well in these races go on to perform well in the Gold Cup, so be sure you study the form book.

Owners have been known to purchase horses with the specific aim of achieving a winner at the festival.  Cheltenham Gold Cup finish has an exhausting climb to the line.  Some horses are suited to the course better than others.

The festival also includes one of the two biggest Hunter Chases of the season, the Foxhunters’, which is run on the Friday over the same course as the Gold Cup.

The course based in the outskirts of Cheltenham in the village of Prestbury is the home of national hunt racing and has three left hand tracks, the Old Course, the New Course, and the Cross Country Steeplechase course.

The beauty of National Hunt racing is that the stars of the show have longer careers than those who run on the Flat, meaning that they return to the festival over several seasons, and build a real rapport with those who follow the sport.

The number and type of races at the Cheltenham Festival has changed dramatically over the years of its existence. In particular, it has grown from a two-day meeting to a four-day meeting. In 2019, there were 28 races.

The top jockey for the festival is the jockey who wins the most races over the four days, and the leading trainer for the festival is the trainer who trains the most winners in the races over the four days.

Each of the four days of the Cheltenham Festival is headlined by either one or two Championship races, which consist of the Champion Hurdle (Tuesday), the Queen Mother Champion Chase (Wednesday), and the Stayers’ Hurdle and the Ryanair Chase (Thursday), before culminating in the headline race of the entire week, Friday’s Cheltenham Gold Cup, which saw Willie Mullins break his 6 runners-up with a win by 2 ½ lengths.

Tuesday, the Champion Day, is the opening day of the Cheltenham Festival and is packed with top quality horses and starts with a bang with the best young hurdlers.

Wednesday, Ladies’ Day, is headlined by the Queen Mother Champion Chase, consisting of a fine blend of speed and stamina for a two mile run. The Cross Country Chase gets better by the year, with dual hero Tiger Roll famously going on to claim Grand National glory at Aintree on both occasions.

The St Patrick’s Thursday crowd has every reason to celebrate with a couple of strong Grade One contests in the Stayers’ Hurdle and the Ryanair Chase. Then you’ll have the Marsh Novices’ Chase (formerly the JLT) while the Pertemps Network Final provides a huge field scrap for hurdling over three miles.

On Friday, one of the most sought-after titles in racing is decided on the final day of the Festival. The Magners Cheltenham Gold Cup is a race associated with the elite of the sport and nothing can rival the Cheltenham roar as the horses charge up the famous hill.  The JCB Triumph Hurdle and Albert Bartlett Novices’ Hurdle also produce top-class talent. The Martin Pipe Conditional Jockeys’ Handicap Hurdle is the 28th and final race of the Festival.

*Featured/Spotlights, Racing

Cheltenham Gold Cup Puzzle Looks Tough to Solve

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The Cheltenham Festival is the centerpiece of national hunt racing in the UK and Ireland. The biggest race of the entire week is without a doubt the Cheltenham Gold Cup, a race that racing fans and punter savior. This Cheltenham horse race attracts excitement and attention, and the 2020 renewal is no different.

The standout feature of the Cheltenham Gold Cup so far is how wide open it looks. By now in most years we have had a strong favorite who has shown ability far superior to those in opposition. However, with holes to pick in most form lines, and horses impressing before disappointing or the other way around, this could be the most open Gold Cup we have seen for years.

That will please punters betting on the race, who will be able to get good value on the selections they fancy. Those with free Cheltenham bets will be able to spend them on this race and get a big price, rather than backing an odds-on favorite like we will have in some other races at the meeting.

Free bets are a great way for punters to bet at the Cheltenham Festival and there will be many betting sites on offer for the upcoming horse racing. The Cheltenham Gold Cup is the pinnacle of the national hunt calendar, and a huge betting heat that everyone wants to be involved with.

Who Are the Main Cheltenham Gold Cup Contenders?

You will find many household names in this Cheltenham horse race, with plenty of fan-favorites taking to the track. With many horses coming back year after year to run in this race again, they quickly become adored by the public and this is one of the main reasons why the love for this race is so strong.

Ireland Holds Strong Hand to Win Another Gold Cup

Willie Mullins, who trains in Ireland, holds a strong hand here, with both the winner from last season and one of the most talked about horses from last season both expected to line up. Al Boum Photo won the race last season and he is set to defend his crown after returning with an impressive win at Tramore over the Christmas period.

While his victory in the race last season was a surprise to some, he was foot perfect on the day, relished the stiff finish of the Cheltenham course and demands plenty of respect going back there as the champion.

His stablemate Kemboy also ran in the Gold Cup of 2019, but unseated his rider early in the race which prevented him from getting involved. The rest of his form is top class though, and includes a win against Al Boum Photo after the Cheltenham Gold Cup last year as well as a win at Aintree where he beat King George dual winner Clan Des Obeaux.

He has only been seen once this season and was disappointing when only managing to finish fourth at Leopardstown but he is clearly a high quality horse on his day who could take a lot of beating.

Nicholls and Tizzard Lead British Challenge

We have just mentioned Clan Des Obeaux, and he is another in with a chance this season. The Paul Nicholls trained runner will have landed many winning free bets for punters when landing his two King George titles, but can he win a Gold Cup? He struggled to get home over the distance of 3m2f last year and seems to need a flat three miles to be seen at his very best which is a worry for him.

There is no doubt that this horse is full of class, and if terms of ability he could well be the best horse in the race. However, the test of a Cheltenham Gold Cup over 3m2f and on a stiff track is not what he needs, and for that reason there will be many who think he simply cannot win the big one, no matter how good he is over shorter.

The youngster emerging as a star horse is definitely Lostintranslation, though he has to bounce back from a disappointing run in the King George. He was excellent as a novice last season and backed that up with a win in the Betfair Chase at Haydock in November to show he is the real deal.

However, he was pulled up when running poorly in the King George, and that does leave a question mark over his name. He is the ideal Gold Cup horse, which is a big positive, and unlike Clan Des Obeaux, he needs the stamina test of a Gold Cup to be seen at his best.

He will head straight to the race without a prep run, but if you can forgive him his run in the King George, he is the one horse in this field who could go on to win multiple Gold Cups as he is still only a youngster.

Those with free Cheltenham bets to spend will have their favorite from the field of runners, but so far, the general feeling is that this race is wide open.