- WELCOME - Like all fans of National Hunt racing, we are in full agreement that there is nothing quite like the four days of the Cheltenham Festival. More than 250,000 racegoers will converge on the picturesque Cotswold Hills. The unique electric atmosphere ensures that passionate racing fans will have ringed the third week in March on their kitchen calendars months ago. All other social invitations will have to wait. It s the biggest betting week of the entire year, but as bookmakers our wounds have yet to fully heal after last year s Irish bonanza. In all honesty, we feared the worst with Willie Mullins, Ireland s champion trainer, making a 61-horse raid on the meeting, and seven winners took his overall tally at the Festival to 48.
Yet, Mullins has suffered this winter. First he lost Vautour through a freak accident in the paddock at home, then injuries have ruled out previous Cheltenham winners Faugheen and Annie Pow er. However, even with a weakened team, a powerful Mullins squad will still cross the Irish Sea. While Mullins has the majority of the aces, the Irish are in no way a one trick pony. Don t overlook Gordon Elliott, the Gold Cup hero 12 months ago with Don Cossack, who is currently showing the way to Willie this season on the trainer s prize money ladder at home. Cheltenham would not be the same without the Irish, but how can punters ignore Nicky Henderson? He boasts no fewer than 53 winners at the Festival and reckons this year s squad is one of his strongest for several years. Bring it on, guys.
THE SCHEDULE - TUESDAY 14TH MARCH - Time Race Distance 13:30 Sky Bet Supreme Novices Hurdle Race 2m ½f 14:10 Racing Post Arkle Challenge Trophy Steeple Chase 2m 14:50 Ultima Handicap Steeple Chase 3m 1f 15:30 Stan James Champion Hurdle Challenge Trophy 2m ½f 16:10 OLBG Mares Hurdle Race 2m 4f 16:50 JT McNamara National Hunt Steeple Chase Challenge Cup 4m 17:30 The Close Brothers Novices Handicap Chase 2m 4½f - WEDNESDAY 15TH MARCH - Time Race Distance 13:30 Neptune Investment Management Novices Hurdle Race 2m 5f 14:10 RSA Steeple Chase 3m ½ f 14:50 Coral Cup Hurdle 2m 5f 15:30 Betway Queen Mother Champion Steeple Chase 2m 16:10 Glenfarclas Cross Country Steeple Chase 3m 6f 16:50 Fred Winter Juvenile Handicap Hurdle Race 2m ½f 17:30 Weatherbys Champion Bumper 2m ½f
- THURSDAY 16TH MARCH - Time Race Distance 13:30 JLT Novices Chase 2m 4f 14:10 Pertemps Network Final 3m 14:50 Ryanair Steeple Chase 2m 5f 15:30 Sun Bets Stayers Hurdle 3m 16:10 Brown Advisory & Merriebelle Stable Plate 2m 5f 16:50 Trull House Stud Mares Novices Hurdle 2m 1f 17:30 Fulke Walwyn Kim Muir Challenge Cup 3m 2f - FRIDAY 17TH MARCH - Time Race Distance 13:30 JCB Triumph Hurdle 2m 1f 14:10 Vincent O Brien County Handicap Hurdle Race 2m 1f 14:50 Albert Bartlett Novices Hurdle Race 3m 15:30 Timico Cheltenham Gold Cup Steeple Chase 3m 2½ 16:10 St. James s Place Foxhunter Steeple Chase Challenge Cup 3m 2½ f 16:50 Martin Pipe Conditional Jockeys Handicap Hurdle Race 2m 4½ f 17:30 Johnny Henderson Grand Annual Handicap Steeple Chase 2m ½ f
SKY BET SUPREME NOVICES HURDLE R ACE - STAT ATTACK - - KEY TRENDS - Altior on his way to victory last year Winner s Age 6, 7, 6, 5, 6, 5, 6, 5, 5, 6 Winner s SP 40/1, 17/2, 12/1, 12/1, 10/1, 10/1, 5/1, 7/2Jf, 2/1f, 4/1 Fate of Favourite 3rd, 2nd (jf), 5th, 3rd, 4th, 7th, 2nd, 1st, 1st, 2nd Winning Distance 3, 2, nk, hd, 2, 1 ¼, ½, 6, 4 ½, 7 Previous run 1st, 1st, 1st, 2nd, 1st, 1st, 1st, 1st, 1st, 1st Three of the previous four renewals have been won by Willie Mullins and Ruby Walsh No four-year-old winner in past 16 years Since the turn of the millennium the Irish have trained 11 of the 16 winners
TIME 13:30 DISTANCE 2M 1 /2F TUESDAY 14TH MARCH - LEADING CONTENDER - Altior prevented Willie Mullins and Ruby Walsh from landing a memorable four-timer in this race 12 months ago, but bookmakers expect that break in dominance to be short-lived. The lightly-raced Melon bids to become the first horse since Flown back in 1992 to win the Supreme Novices on the back of just one run over hurdles. It won t be an easy task and a bigger threat could easily be stablemate Bunk Off Early, who caught the eye at Leopardstown last time. Moon Racer is rock-solid, but there could be more to come from HIGH BRIDGE at a big each-way price.
R ACING POST ARKLE CHALLENGE TROPHY STEEPLE CHASE Douvan jumps the last 12 months ago in splendid isolation - STAT ATTACK - Winner s Age 7, 7, 7, 8, 7, 6, 7, 6, 7, 6 Winner s SP 7/2, 6/1, 8/1, 6/1, 6/1, 8/11f, 8/13f, 33/1, 4/6f, 1/4f Fate of Favourite 2nd, 3rd, Fell, 8th, 4th, 1st, 1st, 2nd, 1st, 1st Winning Distance 5, 13, Shd, ¾, 2 ¾, 7, 2¼, hd, 6, 7 Previous run 1st, 2nd, 2nd, 1st, 1st, 1st, 1st, 1st, 1st, 1st - KEY TRENDS - 25 of the last 27 winners were placed or better last time out Four of the last five winners have gone off odds-on Only three of the last 13 renewals have been won by six-year-olds
TIME 14:10 DISTANCE 2M TUESDAY 14TH MARCH - LEADING CONTENDER - We have been getting used to odds-on winners of the Arkle Chase in recent years and it looks increasingly likely that we are set to witness another. It is simply impossible to oppose Nicky Henderson s brilliant ALTIOR, who has won all four of his starts over fences, including when stepping out of novice company in the Game Spirit Chase at Newbury last time. His scintillating performance that day immediately drew comparisons with the mighty Sprinter Sacre and surely only a fall or injury will prevent him from making it five out of five over the larger obstacles.
STAN JAMES CHAMPION HURDLE CHALLENGE TROPHY Annie Power and her happy connections after winning last year - STAT ATTACK - Winner s Age 7, 5, 6, 6, 7, 7, 9, 6, 7, 8 Winner s SP 16/1, 10/1, 22/1, 9/1, 11/4f, 11/1, 13/8f, 9/1, 4/5f, 5/2f Fate of Favourite 6th, 14th, 3rd, 10th, 1st, 3rd, 1st, 4th, 1st, 1st Winning Distance 1, 3, 1, nk, 3 ½, 1 ¼, 2 ¾, nk, 1 ½, 4 ½ Previous run 1st, 1st, 1st, 3rd, 1st, 2nd, 1st, 4th, 1st, 1st - KEY TRENDS - Willie Mullins and Ruby Walsh have won four of the last six renewals Five of the previous six winners have hailed from Ireland Only two of the previous eight winners have won at double-figure odds
TIME 15:30 DISTANCE 2M 1 /2F TUESDAY 14TH MARCH - LEADING CONTENDER - This season s renewal has suffered plenty of blows in the buildup, with the loss of the last two previous winners through injury. Annie Power and Faugheen had taken it in turns to head the Champion Hurdle market over recent months, but sadly neither will line-up. Petit Mouchoir looks the pick of the Irish, but may have his work cut out to beat his Aintree conqueror BUVEUR D AIR if the word soft appears in the going description. Nicky Henderson s runner has been switched from fences back to hurdles and looked a class act on very bad ground at Sandown last time.
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KEY TRENDS (REMAINDER OF DAY ONE) TUESDAY 14TH MARCH 14:50 Ultima Handicap Steeple Chase Four of the previous six winners have carried 11st 2lbs or more Only two of the last 16 winners have been older than nine 16:10 OLBG Mares Hurdle Willie Mullins has won eight of the nine runnings Five of the past six winners have gone off odds-on 16:50 JT McNamara National Hunt Steeple Chase 13 of the previous 15 winners have been seven or older Jonjo O Neill has won the race a record six times 17:30 Close Brothers Novices Handicap Chase Six of the previous seven winners have returned double-figure prices Only two horses older than seven have won in the race s 12-year history
RSA STEEPLE CHASE Blaklion (centre) wins an epic battle 12 months ago - STAT ATTACK - Winner s Age 7, 7, 7, 7, 7, 7, 7, 7, 6, 7 Winner s SP 6/5f, 4/1f, 9/4f, 10/1, 16/1, 9/2, 8/1, 12/1, 13/8f, 8/1 Fate of Favourite 1st, 1st, 1st, 5th, 5th, 4th, 4th, 2nd, 1st, 3rd Winning Distance 10, 4 ½, 16, 7, nk, 2 ½, 1 ¾, nk, 6, ½ Previous run 1st, 1st, 1st, 2nd, 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 1st, 1st, 1st - KEY TRENDS - Seven-year-olds have won 14 of the last 17 renewals Only two English-trained winners in the last eight years Four of the last six winners won at Grade Two or better in their prep race
TIME 14:10 DISTANCE 3M 1 /2F WEDNESDAY 15TH MARCH - LEADING CONTENDER - The well-fancied Might Bite was in the process of routing his opposition when falling at the last in the Feltham at Kempton over Christmas and has won a small event at Doncaster since. He is without doubt a fantastic talent but his aggressive jumping style leaves no margin for error. Alpha Des Obeaux looks sure to pose a threat if over his blood vessel-bursting exploits from last time. However, it may well pay to side with Colin Tizzard s ROYAL VACATION, who took advantage of Might Bite s final fence blunder at Kempton and has also scored here at Cheltenham since.
BETWAY QUEEN MOTHER CHAMPION STEEPLE CHASE Sprinter Sacre on his way to an emotional victory last year - STAT ATTACK - Winner s Age 6, 5, 6, 9, 9, 9, 7, 8, 7, 10 Winner s SP 5/1, 3/1, 4/11f, 10/1, 10/1, 4/1, 1/4f, 11/4f, 9/2, 5/1 Fate of Favourite Fell, 2nd, 1st, 4th, 8th, 2nd, 1st, 1st, PU, 2nd Winning Distance 1 ½, 19, 7, 6, 5, 1 ¼, 19, 6, 1 ¼, 3 ½ Previous run UR, 1st, 1st, 1st, 3rd, 2nd, 1st, 1st, 1st, 1st - KEY TRENDS - Three of the last four winners won the Tingle Creek at Sandown that season No Irish-trained winner in the last five years Barry Geraghty is the race s most successful current jockey with five wins
TIME 15:30 DISTANCE 2M WEDNESDAY 15TH MARCH - LEADING CONTENDER - It s impossible to oppose the mighty DOUVAN, who bids to make it a perfect 14 out of 14 for trainer Willie Mullins in the feature on day two. The seven-year-old won the Supreme Novices here two years ago and followed that with a breath-taking win in the Arkle Chase 12 months ago. He has won all three starts this campaign with the minimum of fuss and it s hard to imagine anything testing him here. Tom George s God s Own finished fourth in last season s renewal having been placed in the Arkle the year before and looks a potential each-way alternative.
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KEY TRENDS (REMAINDER OF DAY TWO) WEDNESDAY 15TH MARCH 13:30 Neptune Investment Management Novices Hurdle Six-year-olds have won 12 of the last 17 renewals Eight-time champion trainer Paul Nicholls has never won this race 14:50 Coral Cup Hurdle Only one horse has carried top weight to victory since the race was introduced in 1993 Five-year-olds and six-year-olds have won six of the last eight renewals 16:10 Glenfarclas Cross Country Chase Nina Carberry is the race s most successful jockey with four wins Philip Hobbs is the only British trainer to have won this race 16:50 Fred Winter Juvenile Handicap Hurdle Willie Mullins has fielded nine runners since 2010, none have won or placed Paul Nicholls is the race s most successful trainer with three wins 17:30 Weatherbys Champion Bumper Just three four-year-olds have won the race since it was established in 1992 Irish-trained horses have won three of the last five renewals
RYANAIR STEEPLE CHASE Vautour produced another Cheltenham masterclass last year - STAT ATTACK - Winner s Age 6, 10, 8, 9, 10, 8, 7, 8, 7, 7 Winner s SP 9/2, 4/1, 6/1, 14/1, 6/1, 7/2f, 9/2, 3/1f, 16/1, Evsf Fate of Favourite 4th, 5th, 2nd, 2nd, 4th, 1st, 2nd, 1st,3rd, 1st Winning Distance nk, 5, 2, 4 ½, 1, ½, 9, 2¼, 5, 6 Previous run 1st, 1st, 2nd, 6th, 2nd, PU, 1st, 5th, UR, 2nd - KEY TRENDS - English trainers have won all bar one renewal Five of the last six winners had previously won at Cheltenham Seven-year-olds have won three of the last four renewals
TIME 14:50 DISTANCE 2M 5F THURSDAY 16TH MARCH - LEADING CONTENDER - The obvious starting point is the Willie Mullins-trained Un De Sceaux, who looks likely to line-up here instead of Wednesday s Champion Chase. He has been in great form so far this campaign, landing both the Tingle Creek and the re-scheduled Clarence House, but may not get his favoured surface here. If the conditions do come up on the soft side, he is unquestionably the one to beat. However, it may just pay to overlook both him and previous winner Uxizandre for Irish raider EMPIRE OF DIRT. He won at this meeting last year and seems to be improving rapidly.
SUN BETS STAYERS HURDLE Thistlecrack just too good in last season s renewal - STAT ATTACK - Winner s Age 8, 9, 6, 7, 8, 9, 9, 6, 6, 8 Winner s SP 5/1, 11/8f, 6/1, 5/6f, 10/11f, 5/6f, 17/2, 15/2, 14/1, Evsf Fate of Favourite Fell, 1st, 4th, 1st, 1st, 1st, PU, 2nd, 2nd, 1st Winning Distance ¾, 1, 1 ¾, 3 ¼, 1 ¾, 1 ¾, 2½, 1½, 3 ¼, 7 Previous run 2nd, 1st, 1st, 1st, 1st, 1st, 1st, 1st, 4th, 1st - KEY TRENDS - Five of the last 10 winners won the Cleeve Hurdle in the build up to the Festival 18 of the last 22 winners ran at the previous Cheltenham Festival French-bred horses have won eight of the last 14 renewals
TIME 15:30 DISTANCE 3M THURSDAY 16TH MARCH - LEADING CONTENDER - With so many question marks over the participation of plenty of the leading fancies for this, it becomes even harder not to opt for Harry Fry s UNOWHATIMEANHARRY. The nine-year-old has won all eight starts for his trainer, including a memorable victory at this meeting last year in the Albert Bartlett Novices Hurdle. That win came on a decent surface, but victories on bad ground at Newbury and here at Cheltenham already this campaign prove he is at home on any surface. If he reappears in the same form he will be a very hard nut to crack.
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KEY TRENDS (REMAINDER OF DAY THREE) THURSDAY 16TH MARCH 13:30 JLT Novices Steeple Chase Irish trainers have won all bar one renewal Four of the last six winners won their prep race 14:10 Pertemps Network Final Eight of the last 10 winners carried less than 11st Only two Irish-trained winners in the last 10 years 16:10 Brown Advisory & Merriebelle Stable Plate Nine-year-olds have won three of the last four renewals Five of the last six winners carried between 10st 9lbs and 10st 11lbs 16:50 Mares Novices Hurdle Limini, a five-year-old trained by Willie Mullins and ridden by Ruby Walsh, won the first running last year 17:30 Fulke Walwyn Kim Muir Handicap Chase Jamie Codd has ridden four of the last eight winners Horses carrying less that 11st haven t won since 2008
JCB TRIUMPH HURDLE Ivanovich Gorbatov (far side) comes out on top in last year s Triumph Hurdle - STAT ATTACK - Winner s Age Contest restricted to four-year-olds Winner s SP 11/2, 5/1, 11/2, 6/1, 13/2, 33/1, 4/1, 10/1, 2/1f, 9/2f Fate of Favourite 10th, 2nd, 2nd, 4th, 4th, 3rd, 6th, 4th, 1st, 1st Winning Distance 5, 2 ¼, ¾, 1 ¼, 2 ¼, 3, 15, 3 ½, nk, 1 ¼ Previous run 1st, 2nd, 1st, 1st, 1st, 2nd, 1st, 2nd, 1st, 4th - KEY TRENDS - Barry Geraghty is the race s most successful jockey with five wins Only one of the last 10 winners was bred in the UK Only three favourites have won in the last 18 years
TIME 13:30 DISTANCE 2M 1F FRIDAY 17TH MARCH - LEADING CONTENDER - As with so many races at the Cheltenham Festival, the ground conditions look sure to play a big part with leading fancies Defi Du Seuil and MEGA FORTUNE both suited by a softer surface. That said, the former did win on a sound surface on his hurdling bow and is unbeaten on all five starts this campaign including three here at Cheltenham. However, he is pretty short for one prone to making plenty of jumping errors and Gordon Elliott s Irish raider is preferred. The cheek-pieces helped last time and the more rain that falls, the better his chances.
TIMICO CHELTENHAM GOLD CUP STEEPLE CHASE Don Cossack landing last year s Gold Cup - STAT ATTACK - Winner s Age 7, 7, 8, 9, 6, 9, 8, 8, 8, 9 Winner s SP 15/2, 5/4f, 9/4, 7/4f, 7/2f, 8/1, 11/4f, 20/1, 7/1, 9/4f Fate of Favourite 11th, 1st, 2nd, 1st, 1st, 3rd, 1st, 5th, 7th, 1st Winning Distance 2 ½, 2 ½, 7, 13, 7, 2 ¼, 7, shd, 1 ½, 4 ½ Previous run 1st, 1st, 1st, 5th, 1st, 1st, 1st, 6th, 1st, 1st - KEY TRENDS - Only one novice chaser has won this race since 1974 Favourites have won the Gold Cup eight times since 2000 Only one winner younger than eight since 2007
TIME 15:30 DISTANCE 3M 2 1 /2 F FRIDAY 17TH MARCH - LEADING CONTENDER - Trainer Colin Tizzard looks set to saddle at least three leading contenders in this year s Cheltenham Gold Cup. His team are headed by favourite Thistlecrack, who lost his unbeaten record over fences at Cheltenham on Trials Day. It remains to be seen whether he will stay the Gold Cup trip, but his talent is unquestionable. Cue Card continues to defy his age, but maybe his best chance in this came when falling three out last year. Instead, take a chance on fast improving NATIVE RIVER, who has already won a Hennessy Gold Cup and a Welsh Grand National this season.
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KEY TRENDS (REMAINDER OF DAY FOUR) FRIDAY 17TH MARCH 14:10 Vincent O Brien County Handicap Hurdle Only one winner older than six since 2007 Seven of the last 10 renewals have been won by Irishtrained horses 14:50 Albert Bartlett Novices Hurdle Unowhatimeanharry (eight) last year was the first winner older than seven Six of the last 10 winners had run at Cheltenham before 16:10 St James s Place Foxhunter Chase Only one winner aged younger than seven in the last 30 years Irish-trained horses have won the last six renewals 16:50 Martin Pipe Conditional Jockeys Handicap Hurdle Willie Mullins and Paul Nicholls have trained five of the eight winners Horses carrying 11st 5lbs or more have won six of the eight renewals 17:30 The Johnny Henderson Grand Annual Horses carrying 11st or more have won the last three renewals Paul Nicholls is the most successful current trainer with three wins
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