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| Cheltenham Festival News |
cheltenham festival / news
Sizing Europe Looks a Real Champion Chase Prospect 08/02/12
Sizing Europe enhanced his claims going into the Queen Mother Champion Chase at Cheltenham by winning the Tied Cottage Chase at Punchestown beating old foe Big Zeb.
Cheltenham Gold Cup Trends 07/02/12
The Betfred Cheltenham Gold Cup takes place on Friday, 16th March and is highlight of the Festival for many. The fourth day is generally sold out in anticipation of a great spectacle and the race rarely fails to deliver.
Long Run Heads Denman Chase Eleven 06/02/12
Long Run could face up to 10 top class rivals as he bids to chalk up his first victory of the season in the Betfair Denman Chase at Newbury on Saturday.
Sizing Europe Impressive in Tied Cottage Chase 06/02/12
Sizing Europe looked as good, if not better than last year, in thrashing one of his main Cheltenham rivals in the Boylesports.com Tied Cottage Chase at Punchestown.
Wikis Point to Batonnier in Neptune Investments Hurdle 06/02/12
The Neptune Investments Novices Hurdle is certainly not the easiest race to crack and with 118-entries, it is especially hard ante-post. The winner is in there somewhere though so let’s look at some of the key trends.
Top-Class Entries for Championship Novice Hurdles 02/02/12
Cheltenham is set to host some outstanding championship contests for novice hurdlers at The Festival in 2012 after entries were revealed today.
Supreme Hope Montbazon Unchanged after Plumpton Stroll 02/02/12
Alan King was perfectly satisfied with the winning performance of his very promising novice hurdler Montbazon who coasted to victory at Plumpton on January 30 gaining more racecourse experience as he homes in on a bid for the Supreme Novices Hurdle.
Hurricane Fly Cruises to Champion Hurdle Victory 29/01/12
Hurricane Fly made a brilliant seasonal reappearance to land back-to-back victories in the BHP Insurance Irish Champion Hurdle at Leopardstown.
Riverside Theatre can Fly High in the Ryanair Chase 27/01/12
With January almost over, opportunities for Nicky Henderson to get a run into Riverside Theatre ahead of his intended Cheltenham Festival target, the Ryanair Chase, are diminishing.
Fantastic 56 for Jewson Novices’ Chase 27/01/12
Following a superb inaugural running in 2011, this year’s Grade Two Jewson Novices’ Chase has attracted a fantastic 56-strong entry. The contest, run over two and a half miles, is one of the highlights of St Patrick’s Thursday at The Festival on March 15.
Irish Well Represented in RSA Chase 26/01/12
The £130,000 Grade One RSA Chase, run over an extended three miles on the second day of The Festival, Ladies Day, Wednesday, March 14 has attracted 36 entries.
Diamond Jubilee National Hunt Chase Attracts 79 26/01/12
The £75,000 Diamond Jubilee National Hunt Chase, run over four miles, opens proceedings on the second day of The Festival, Ladies Day, Wednesday, March 14 and has attracted 79 entries.
27 for Racing Post Arkle Chase 26/01/12
The £130,000 Grade One Racing Post Arkle Chase, run over two miles on the opening day of The Festival, Champion Day, Tuesday, March 13, has attracted 27 entries for its 2012 renewal.
Exciting Novice Chases In Prospect 26/01/12
A new sponsor and some top-class entries are revealed today for the four non-handicap championship novice chases staged at The Festival from Tuesday to Friday, March 13 to 16 at Cheltenham.
Ones To Watch On Cheltenham Trials Day 26/01/12
A cracking days racing lies in prospect at Cheltenham on Saturday with a number of Cheltenham Trials to get stuck into as well the huge box office attraction which comes in the form of the brilliant Big Bucks who will be running in the Grade 2 Cleeve Hurdle.
Elsworth Suggests Ryanair Chase the Race for Somersby 26/01/12
Leeds-born National Hunt jockey Dominic Elsworth clearly has a very soft spot for Henrietta Knight's talented chaser Somersby, the horse who gave him his first Grade 1 success when bravely landing the Victor Chandler Chase at Ascot.
Cue Card Best of the Wiki Positives for Arkle 24/01/12
The Irish Independent Arkle Trophy looks right up to standard this year with some really decent novice chasers set to line-up.
Eyebrows Raised as Bobs Worth Given World Hurdle Entry 23/01/12
The surprise entry of Bobs Worth into the Ladbrokes World Hurdle at Cheltenham Festival on March 15 has resulted in an interesting reshuffle of prices for the race.
Champagne Fever Heads Champion Bumper Betting 23/01/12
The Willie Mullins trained Champagne Fever has been made favourite for the Champion Bumper following his impressive 13 length victory at Fairyhouse on Sunday.
Nicholls Delighted With Al Ferof 23/01/12
Paul Nicholls has spoken of his delight at the performance of Al Ferof at Ascot on Saturday, despite the horse only managing third position.
Quevega the Festival Banker 21/01/12
The David Nicholson Mares’ Hurdle is one of the newer races at the festival and as such, trends are not yet mature for the final race on day one.
Somersby On Course for Ryanair Chase 21/01/12
Somersby was the pride of Ascot after getting the better of Finian's Rainbow and Al Ferof in a thrilling climax to the Victor Chandler Chase.
Restless Harry May Take on Big Buck's in World Hurdle 20/01/12
Restless Harry was ninth behind Big Buck’s in last year’s Ladbrokes World Hurdle and could go for this year's renewal at The Festival on St Patrick’s Thursday, March 15.
Hurricane Fly Heads for Stan James Champion Hurdle 19/01/12
Defending champion Hurricane Fly features among a total of 27 entries for this year’s £370,000 Grade One Stan James Champion Hurdle, highlight of the first day of The Festival at Cheltenham, Champion Day, Tuesday, March 13.
St Patrick’s Day Derby Riders Announced 16/01/12
Cheltenham Racecourse has announced the 12 riders that will take part in the St Patrick’s Derby at The Festival, in aid of Cancer Research UK. The Flat race, over one mile and five furlongs, takes place on Thursday, March 15, run as the seventh race of the day at 5.15pm.
Elliott Warns Against Backing Don Cossack for Champion Bumper
13/01/12
Irish trainer Gordon Elliott has issued a clear warning to punters planning to back his Don Cossack for the Cheltenham Festival Bumper in mid-March. Make sure you come and check out all of the latest Horse Racing betting odds today at Coral and if you can find a bet that is suitable you could win big!
Albertas Run Heads 38 Possibles for Ryanair 12/01/12
Dual winner Albertas Run heads the 38 entries for the Ryanair Chase at Cheltenham on March 15.
Big Names in Queen Mother Picture 12/01/12
Previous winners Sizing Europe and Big Zeb feature among 19 entries for the sportingbet.com Queen Mother Champion Chase at Cheltenham on March 14.
The Stars Line Up for Gold Cup Show Down 11/01/12
Great rivals Long Run and Kauto Star head
Coral's betting
for the Cheltenham Gold Cup at 5-2 and 4-1 respectively, following the latest entry stage for the jumping showpiece. Top novice Grand Crus is next at 9-1, ahead of Synchronised at 10-1.
Big Buck's Set for Cleeve Hurdle Outing 10/01/12
Racing fans might very well have expected that they wouldn't see the mighty Big Buck's again until he attempts to land a fourth successive Ladbrokes World Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival in March, but champion trainer Paul Nicholls has pencilled in a run in the Cleeve Hurdle.
Baby Mix Aims for More Cheltenham Success on Festival Trials Day
09/01/12
Cheltenham hosts an enthralling seven-race card on Festival Trials Day, Saturday, January 28, which is the last fixture at the home of Jump racing before The Festival in March.
Naas Winners Take Another Step on the Road to Cheltenham 09/01/12
Noel Meade’s Monksland took a step up in class and came away with an easy success in the Grade Two Slaney Novice Hurdle at Naas on Sunday.
Cheltenham Festival Aspirations 08/01/12
Alan King reckons Hold On Julio could be heading to the Cheltenham Festival, following his second runaway victory at Sandown on Saturday, with the JLT Specialty Chase being the likely target.
2012 Cross Country Chase - Mullins to Take Over? 08/01/12
The Glenfarclas Cross Country race at the festival is a bit of a marmite type of affair and on too many occasions, races on this unusual bank course are marred by the jockeys being unable to successfully navigate the complex course layout.
2012 Coral Cup Wikis Point to Bothy & Third Intention 06/01/12
The Coral Cup held on the Wednesday at Cheltenham is one of the bigger betting races of the festival and with a maximum field, this handicap is always competitive.
Diamond Jubilee National Hunt Chase 06/01/12
Cheltenham Racecourse is to rename the 2012 running of the National Hunt Chase at The Festival in honour of Her Majesty The Queen’s Diamond Jubilee.
Festive Results Cause Cheltenham Market Changes 04/01/12
As it always does, the Festive season gave National Hunt racing fans a huge amount of entertainment but there was only one horse that captured the headlines over Christmas.
Captain Chris Backed to Upset Gold Cup Big Two 04/01/12
Captain Chris is 14-1 (from 20-1) with
Coral
for the Gold Cup, after the King George third was well-backed to reverse Kempton placings with Kauto Star and Long Run.
Champion Chase Wikis Point to Sizing Europe 02/01/12
The 2012 running of the Champion Chase could be a small-field affair as many of those in the ante-post betting list are shorter for the Ryanair.
Jardine Lloyd Thompson and William Hill 2012 Festival Sponsors
22/12/11
Cheltenham Racecourse today announced that Jardine Lloyd Thompson, the UK’s leading international risk specialists and employee benefits consultants, and William Hill, the leading betting and gaming company, will both be sponsoring races on the opening day of The Festival, Tuesday, March 13, 2012.
Grandouet Day for Nicky Henderson 10/12/11
Grandouet staked a big claim for the Champion Hurdle with an emphatic victory in the stanjames.com International Hurdle at Cheltenham.
Overturn Makes Newcastle History 26/11/11
Overturn could have another crack at the stanjames.com Champion Hurdle after making history at Newcastle.
Gauvain Throws His Hat into Champion Chase Ring 15/11/11
Nick Williams' classy chaser Gauvain put up an impressive performance on his seasonal bow at Cheltenham on Sunday when proving far too good for the hot favourite Woolcombe Folly in the Schloer Chase.
Steps To Freedom On Road to Festival 11/11/11
Steps To Freedom could head straight to the Festival meeting after edging out Prospect Wells in the Opus Energy Novices' Hurdle at Cheltenham.
Quito De La Roque Claims Down Royal Spoils 05/11/11
Quito De La Roque marked himself as an early Cheltenham Gold Cup contender with a stunning last-gasp victory in the JNwine.com Champion Chase at Down Royal.
Long Run Being Prepared for The Betfair Chase 28/10/11
A stronger and taller Long Run exercised today in preparation for his return to action in the Betfair Chase at Haydock Park on Saturday, November 19 and Britain’s top chaser has his first schooling session of the season with Sam Waley-Cohen up at Yogi Breisner’s this week.
Long Run Clear Favourite to Retain his Cheltenham Gold Cup Crown
27/10/11
As the National Hunt season begins to hit top gear we thought we'd take a look at the current betting for the 2012 Cheltenham Gold Cup.
Hurricane Fly Out To Replicate Last Season's Glories 17/10/11
Hurricane Fly, the winner of the Champion Hurdle at Cheltenham in March is set to make his seasonal debut in a few weeks time in the Morgiana Hurdle at Punchestown on 20th November in what is believed to be the start of a similar route to Cheltenham that he took 12 months ago, which could see the seven year old race up to five times before the Festival in March.
The Long Run to Enter Cheltenham’s History Books Begins Here 22/03/11
Any remaining doubts concerning the ability of the Nicky Henderson trained Long Run and his amateur jockey, Sam Waley-Cohen were well and truly cast aside when the outstanding six year old won the most prestigious prize in National Hunt racing, the Cheltenham Gold Cup.
Back-to-Back Ryanair Wins for Admirable Albertas Run
21/03/11
Some horses were simply born to run at the Cheltenham Festival and the high-class Jonjo O’Neill-trained Albertas Run is definitely one of those horses.
Oiseau De Nuit Springs Surprise in Grand Annual 18/03/11
The pain of Cue Card's defeat in the Supreme Novices' Hurdle will be a distant memory for Colin Tizzard as Oiseau De Nuit stormed up the hill to win the Johnny Henderson Grand Annual Chase, the final race of the 2011 Cheltenham Festival.
Sir Des Champs Comes from the Clouds to Win Martin Pipe 18/03/11
Sir Des Champs put up an unbelievable performance to pluck the Martin Pipe Conditional Jockeys' Handicap Hurdle from out of the clouds.
Zemsky Cruises to Foxhunter Chase Win 18/03/11
Zemsky ran out an easy winner in an eventful race for the Christie's Foxhunter Chase at Cheltenham.
Long Run Jumps to Gold Cup Glory 18/03/11
Long Run signalled the new dawn of steeplechasing by winning a thrilling renewal of the totesport Cheltenham Gold Cup to give Nicky Henderson his first success in the race.
The Albert Bartlett Novices’ Hurdle 18/03/11
Bobs Worth and Mossley gave Nicky Henderson a notable one-two in the Albert Bartlett Novices' Hurdle at Cheltenham for his first winner of the meeting.
Ruby Steers Final Approach to County Hurdle Victory 18/03/11
Ruby Walsh and Final Approach (10-1) foiled a massive gamble on Get Me Out Of Here to deny close friend Tony McCoy in a thrilling finish to the Vincent O'Brien County Hurdle.
Zarkandar Triumphs for Nicholls 18/03/11
Zarkandar gave champion trainer Paul Nicholls a second success in the JCB Triumph Hurdle when landing an emphatic triumph in the opening race on the final day of the Festival.
Can Shoegazer Give David the Martin Pipe Hurdle? 18/03/11
David Pipe sent out two winners on day three of the Festival on Thursday with Buena Vista and Junior, and would no doubt love to win the race bearing his father’s name, the Martin Pipe Conditional Jockeys’ Hurdle, on Friday.
Grand Annual Glory Awaits Mister Stickler 18/03/11
Well, here we are, the final race of the 2011 Cheltenham Festival and it you haven’t found a winner so far, this is your last chance.
Ski Sunday Could Land County Hurdle 18/03/11
The Vincent O’Brien County Handicap Hurdle is invariably a minefield for punters – one of the toughest puzzles to solve at the Cheltenham Festival.
Third Intention to Compensate Connections in Triumph 18/03/11
The final day of the 2011 Cheltenham Festival and we begin what will be a challenging card with the JCB Triumph Hurdle.
Midnight Chase Can Win the Most Open Gold Cup in Years 18/03/11
What a race we have on our hands once again, Three former champions lining up to take each other on, with a whole host of other Grade 1 winners looking to spoil the party or mark their arrival at the very top of the chasing game.
Cheltenham Gold Cup 2011 Preview 18/03/11
With most bookmakers going 4-1 the field, this is one of the most open-looking renewals in modern times.
Cecil Takes St Patrick’s Day Derby Spoils 17/01/11
Henry Cecil was the toast of departing punters at Cheltenham as the Flat maestro saddled the Lorna Fowler-ridden Plato to land the St Patrick's Day Derby on day three of the Festival.
Junior Leads Home Pipe One-Two in Kim Muir 17/03/11
Junior ran out a wide-margin winner of the Fulke Walwyn Kim Muir Challenge Cup to give David Pipe a second winner of the day at the Cheltenham Festival.
Byrne Group Plate Springs a Legend 17/03/11
Holmwood Legend sprang a 25-1 surprise to lift the Byrne Group Plate at Cheltenham for trainer Pat Rodford and 3lb claimer Keiran Burke.
Big Buck's World Hurdle Hat-Trick 17/03/11
Big Buck's completed a hat-trick of victories in the Ladbrokes World Hurdle at Cheltenham after a thrilling battle involving all the race's big guns.
Albertas Run Flies Home in Ryanair 17/03/11
Albertas Run recorded back-to-back victories in the Ryanair Chase at Cheltenham under a powerful ride from Tony McCoy.
Buena Vista Doubles Up in Pertemps 17/03/11
The remarkable Buena Vista, ridden by Conor O'Farrell, made virtually all in an amazing repeat of his Pertemps Final win last year.
Noble Prince Crowned Jewson King 17/03/11
Noble Prince gave Tony McCoy his first winner at this year's Festival, and his 200th of the season, by taking the opening Jewson Novices' Chase on day three at Cheltenham.
Big Bucks to Dampen the Fizz of Grands Crus 17/03/11
The World hurdle looks one of the easier races to unravel this week at Cheltenham. Not because it is uncompetitive, that, it certainly is, its just that there are fewer competitors in the race that can win it.
Hollo Ladies Can Strike in Byrne Group Plate 17/03/11
Northern trainer Ferdy Murphy has proved adept at successfully preparing a horse for the Cheltenham Festival in recent years, and I reckon he can strike again with Hollo Ladies in the Byrne Group Plate.
Poquelin to Gain Ryanair Title from Albertas Run 17/03/11
Poquelin looks set fair to take this titiel from Albertas Run who attempts to land the double on the third day of the Festival.
Loosen My Load for the Jewson? Wishfull Thinking!! 17/03/11
The race looks to be fought out by the form yards and horses Both Noble Prince and Loosen My Load get maximum respect but there is a wall of noise about Wishful Thinking we will not ignore.
Nina Carberry to Win the Kim Muir for Ferdy Murphy 16/03/11
The Kim Muir is a staying handicap for amateurs and it is notable that the last two victors have shouldered the maximum weight of 11st 12lb. Other stats to throw in early include no Irish winners in the past 10-years and a general lack of success for horses wearing any kind of headgear.
Horse by Horse Guide to the Ladbrokes World Hurdle 16/03/11
The heart says Grands Crus, but the head says Big Buck's. Had there been more cut in the ground, Grands Crus and Irish raiders Fiveforthree and Mourad would have been greatly feared.
Henderson’s Lush Life to Win Pertemps Final 16/03/11
The Pertemps Final on the Thursday begins life as one of those puzzles that are devilishly difficult to solve but after a bit of research, I find my selection easy to come by.
What A Charm Wins Fred Winter for Townend First 16/03/11
What A Charm gave Paul Townend his first ever Cheltenham Festival success with a narrow victory in a thrilling renewal of the Fred Winter Juvenile Handicap Hurdle.
Carlito Brigante Blasts Home in Coral Cup 16/03/11
Carlito Brigante gave Gordon Elliott his second ever Cheltenham Festival success, and his second of the day, with an impressive display in the Coral Cup.
Sizing Europe Storms Home in Champion Chase 16/03/11
Sizing Europe, trained by Henry de Bromhead and ridden by Andrew Lynch, won the sportingbet.com Queen Mother Champion Chase, the highlight on day two of the Festival.
Bostons Angel Divine in RSA Chase 16/03/11
Jessica Harrington's Bostons Angel ground out victory in the RSA Chase at Cheltenham under a jubilant Robbie Power.
First Lieutenant Earns Salutes in Neptune 16/03/11
First Lieutenant pulled victory from out of the fire with a narrow verdict over Rock On Ruby in the Neptune Investment Management Novices' Hurdle.
Chicago Grey Grabs National Hunt Glory 16/03/11
Chicago Grey was given a fine waiting ride by Derek O'Connor before coming out on top in the National Hunt Chase at Cheltenham.
Three Former Winners Head 14 for Cheltenham Gold Cup 16/03/11
The last three winners of the totesport Cheltenham Gold Cup are among the 14 horses declared for Friday's renewal of the blue riband.
Horse by Horse Guide to the Queen Mother Champion Chase 16/03/11
If back to his best Master Minded would win, and win well. However, Big Zeb looked pretty good when winning this race last year and it's not hard to envisage him retaining his crown. Somersby will be a major threat if they go hell for leather in the early stages, while French Opera is a fairly appealing each-way option.
Time for Rupert in the RSA Chase 16/03/11
There are few punters seeing past Paul Webber's Time for Rupert for the RSA Chase at 2.40. Indeed the 7yo is many an experts banker of the week, but perhaps there is opposition with Gordon Elliot saddling Jessies Dream or Paul Nicholls' Aiteenthirtythree.
Ruby Walsh for More Cheltenham Glory Aboard So Young 16/03/11
The Neptune Investments Novices Hurdle features a strong Irish Challenge, with Willie Mullins deciding on this option for So Young and given the yard’s double achievement yesterday, it is easy enough to side with the market favourite.
Chicago Grey & Alfa Beat Chase National Hunt Glory 16/03/11
In recent years Irish raiders have been well touted for the National Hunt Chase Challenge Cup, the opening race on the second day of the Cheltenham Festival.
Quevega Lands Mares’ Hurdle Hat-Trick 15/03/11
Quevega once again proved a different class to her rivals as she secured a third successive victory in the David Nicholson Mares' Hurdle at Cheltenham.
Sizing Australia Heads Irish 1-2-3 in Cross Country 15/03/11
Sizing Australia hung on gamely from Garde Champetre in a tight finish to maintain the Irish stranglehold on this specialist event.
Hurricane Fly Storms to Champion Hurdle Victory 15/03/11
Hurricane Fly stormed to victory in the Stan James Champion Hurdle at Cheltenham after a great battle with Peddlers Cross.
Bensalem Bags Stewart Chase Glory 15/03/11
Bensalem avenged his luckless defeat of 12 months ago with victory in a thrilling Stewart Family Spinal Research Handicap Chase at Cheltenham.
Captain Chris Grabs Arkle Glory 15/03/11
Captain Chris collared long-time leader Finian's Rainbow at the last to land a fast and furious race for the Irish Independent Arkle Challenge Trophy at Cheltenham.
Ruby Steers Al Ferof to Supreme Win 15/03/11
Al Ferof (10-1) was given a brilliant ride by Ruby Walsh to claim glory in the Stan James Supreme Novices' Hurdle.
Somersby to Win the Queen Mother on Wednesday 15/03/11
The Queen Mother Champion Chase is of course the highlight of the Wednesday and after today, the dividing line between those who think Master Minded is a true great and those who think that he is perhaps a waning power, will be breached on one side or the other.
Horse by Horse Guide to the Stan James Champion Hurdle 15/03/11
With the news that Binocular will miss the Stan James Champion Hurdle on the first day of the Cheltenham Festival on Tuesday, we know that a new king will be crowned. Let’s take a look at each of the contenders.
Bookmakers Keen to Take On Cue Card in the Supreme Novices
15/03/11
Cue Card, for many the banker of the meeting, is surprisingly being pushed out in the market by a number of leading firms.
Oscar Whisky an Able Deputy for Binocular in Champion Hurdle
14/03/11
The Stan James Champion Hurdle takes pride of place on day one of the festival and just as last year, we have seen a dramatic twist take place in the days leading to up to the hurdling pinnacle.
Huge Shock as Binocular Misses Champion Hurdle 14/03/11
Fans and backers of Nicky Henderson’s long-time ante-post favourite Binocular woke up to a massive shock on Sunday morning with the news that last year’s winner will miss Tuesday’s Stan James Champion Hurdle.
Maximum Field of Eleven for Champion Hurdle 14/03/11
The late withdrawal of Binocular means that there will only be a maximum of ten runners lining up for the highlight of the opening day of the Cheltenham Festival, the Champion Hurdle.
Supreme Novices’ Hurdle 14/03/11
The Stan James Supreme Novices’ Hurdle is one of the most popular races held at the Cheltenham Festival and the race this year is very highly anticipated, not least because of the presence of the extremely well liked Cue Card.
Razor Royale Could be Sharp at 33/1 in the Stewart Handicap Chase
13/03/11
The first of the festival handicaps and whilst I am always wary of trends, it is definitely worth taking on board that the last ten winners have carried 10st 12lb or less.
Ghizao Primed for the Arkle but Medermit the Class Option 13/03/11
The Irish Independent Arkle brings together the top 2 mile novice chasers and this year’s renewal looks quite open at the front of the market. The most notable trend for this race concerns the market as all of the past 10 winners have won at a single figure SP.
Binocular Misses Champion Hurdle Defence 12/03/11
Nicky Henderson has been dealt a hammer blow with the news that Binocular will miss Tuesday's Stan James Champion Hurdle at Cheltenham.
Grandouet Leads JCB Triumph Hurdle Charge 12/03/11
Ante-post favourite Grandouet features among 28 entries for Friday's JCB Triumph Hurdle at Cheltenham following the latest forfeit stage.
Time for Rupert Favourite for RSA Chase 12/03/11
The RSA Chase is one of the most popular races at the Cheltenham festival with punters finding the three-mile course with nineteen fences an enjoyable and potentially profitable affair.
Voy Por Ustedes Added to Ryanair Field
11/03/11
Voy Por Ustedes is a fascinating supplementary entry for the Ryanair Chase at Cheltenham on Thursday.
Motion Chance Hinges or Rain Arriving at Cheltenham 11/03/11
You suspect that if Emma Lavelle could be granted one wish a little over a week ahead of the bid by her Court In Motion to land the Grade 1 Albert Bartlett Novices' Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival, it would almost certainly be that the heavens above Prestbury Park would open and deposit copious amounts of rain on the turf.
Time For Rupert On Course for RSA Chase 09/03/11
Ante-post RSA Chase favourite Time For Rupert was recently put through his paces in a final piece of work prior to his date with destiny at the Cheltenham Festival on March 16.
Riverside's Cheltenham Bid is Off 09/03/11
Riverside Theatre is the latest big name challenger to be scratched from the Cheltenham Festival.
Neptune Trouble for Henderson 09/03/11
One of the more surprising records in a particular race at the Cheltenham Festival is that of Nicky Henderson in the Neptune Investment Management Novices' Hurdle.
Captain's Blog - Champion Hurdle Pocket Guide 09/03/11
Here is a brief pocket guide to the Champion Hurdle with a quick look at the leading contenders. I have no set view on the race but these thoughts may help you crystalise your thoughts.
Cue Card Backed to Get Festival Favourite Backers off to Winning Start 09/03/11
Cue Card is 2-1 (from 9-4) favourite with
for next week's Supreme Novices' Hurdle, after last year's Festival Bumper winner was well-backed to get favourite backers off to a winning start at Cheltenham.
Aerial Team Resist Cheltenham Festival Temptation 08/03/11
Exciting French import Aerial has been scratched from both the Centenary Novices Chase on Tuesday's opening day of the Cheltenham Festival and is also absent from the list of runners for the Byrne Group Festival Plate next Thursday.
Will Irish Eyes be Smiling at Cheltenham? 08/03/11
In the build up to any Cheltenham Festival there is always plenty of talk surrounding the age old rivalry that has exists between the stables of Ireland against those in the UK.
Divers Promoted to Centenary Favouritism 07/03/11
Following his appearance on Channel 4's 'The Morning Line' on Saturday and his suggestion that Divers is his best chance of landing a winner at the forthcoming Cheltenham Festival, trainer Ferdy Murphy's charge has been promoted by most firms to ante-post favouritism for the Centenary Novices Chase.
Cheltenham Festival Latest 05/03/11
The start of the Cheltenham Festival is less than two weeks away and the composition of the races are slowly starting to take shape.
Tullamore Not to be Overlooked in Centenary Chase 04/03/11
Although he still holds entries in three races at the forthcoming Cheltenham Festival, Nick Gifford's Tullamore Dew is reported to be most likely to run in the Centenary Novices' Handicap Chase, the closing event on the opening day of the four-day fixture.
Final Festival Entries Revealed 03/03/11
Entries for all 27 races at The 2011 Festival at Cheltenham have now been released following yesterday’s publication of those engaged in the £70,000 Grade Two David Nicholson Mares’ Hurdle, the £55,000 Grade One Weatherbys Champion Bumper and the £35,000 Christie’s Foxhunter Chase.
Punchestowns Misses Cheltenham Festival 03/03/11
Punchestowns, a one-time candidate for honours in the totesport Cheltenham Gold Cup and also a potential challenger for the Ladbrokes World Hurdle, will almost certainly miss this month’s Cheltenham Festival after failing to please handler Nicky Henderson.
Nigel Twiston-Davies Looks Forward to Cheltenham 02/03/11
Nigel Twiston-Davies is in a confident mood ahead of The Festival which starts in two weeks time.
Henderson Awaiting Bellvano Cheltenham Decision 01/03/11
Nicky Henderson took potential Irish Independent Arkle Chase challenger Bellvano to Kempton on Saturday to gallop before racing and school over a few fences, but no decision has yet been taken as to whether the former smart novice hurdler will take his chance in the two-mile novice chasing championship race.
Stan James Champion Hurdle – Khyber Kim 01/03/11
Khyber Kim is something of a forgotten horse in the context of the Stan James Champion Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival on March 15 – the gelding can be backed at 25-1 with a number of firms – but his trainer, Nigel Twiston-Davies, feels that his charge is being underestimated.
