And here’s Saturday’s tips:
That’s about it from the Festival. Hasn’t it flown by? There have been plenty of highlights – Altior, Samcro, Footpad, Balko Des Flos, Buveur D’Air, Penhill, Presenting Percy, Lizzie Kelly, Davy Russell, Jack Kennedy, Bridget Andrews, Willie Mullins v Gordon Elliott – but nothing tops the Gold Cup, Native River beating Might Bite in a race-long duel.
Thanks to Chris and Greg for their input from the track, and thanks to all of you for tuning in and taking part. I’m off for a cool down and a carrot. Bye!
Updated
Gold Cup day results
1.30 Farclas (Kennedy/Elliott) 14-1
2.10 Mohaayed (Andrews/Skelton) 33-1
2.50 Kilbricken Storm (Cobden/Tizzard) 33-1
3.30 Native River (Johnson/Tizzard) 5-1
4.10 Pacha Du Polder (Tucker/Nicholls) 25-1
4.50 Blow By Blow (Meyler/Elliott) 11-1
5.30 Le Prezien (Geraghty/Nicholls) 15-2
Updated
Word is that Dresden, who fell early on, is still receiving treatment, while jockey Harry Skelton, who fell at the same fence on the second time around, is also seeing a doctor. Hoping everyone gets back OK after what was a rough final race.
Davy Russell speaks: “It’s great, it’s a special place, almost a fairytale sort of place to me. All those great names – Ruby, Richard Dunwoody, AP (McCoy) – it’s great to be alongside them.”
Nicholls, who dominated this Festival a decade ago, left it late but has picked up two wins. The champion trainer this year is Gordon Elliott, with a record-equalling eight wins – and he didn’t have one after opening day. His winners: Samcro, Tiger Roll, Veneer Of Charm, Shattered Love, Delta Work, The Storyteller, Farclas and Blow By Blow.
In the final Bet Bright Cup standings, Ireland have beaten Britain 17-11; it could have been worse for the home team.
Updated
Le Prezien wins the Grand Annual!
A welcome win for Barry Geraghty to end the week – his second, and trainer Paul Nicholls’ second in the last three races. Gino Trail couldn’t hang on, but comes in second.
1 Le Prezien (B J Geraghty) 15-2
2 Gino Trail (J E Moore) 25-1
3 Top Gamble (D N Russell) 8-1
4 Theinval (J McGrath) 16-1
22 ran | 7-1 Fav North Hill Harvey
Some Plan falls heavily at the last, and Le Prezien is coming through to challenge Gino Trail, who is hampered by loose horses...
Gino Trail still leads by a couple of lengths, with loose horses causing trouble for the chasers – and North Hill Harvey falls at the third last!
Updated
Bright New Dawn has caught up to the pack, still led by Gino Trail with Three Stars, Foxtail Hill and North Hill Harvey in pursuit...
Bright New Dawn was slow to start and has already lost touch, while Dresden falls at the second fence, and Valdez unseats the rider. Gino Trail has a decent lead, chased by Three Stars...
And, for one last time, they’re off! Can Davy Russell get a fifth win on Top Gamble? Can Willie Mullins grab the trainers’ title with Townshend? Let’s find out...
Grand Annual betting latest: North Hill Harvey 15-2, Le Prezien 8-1, Bouvreuil 9-1, Top Gamble 10-1, Three Stars 12-1, Don’t Touch It 14-1, Dresden 16-1, Dolos 16-1, Vaniteux 16-1, Rock The World 16-1, Townshend 16-1, Theinval 16-1, rest 20-1 bar.
Who’s up for one last race, then? The Grand Annual Handicap Chase is off in 10 minutes:
5.30 Grand Annual
The last race of the Festival is this two-mile handicap chase, generally a test of speed, though stamina will also be necessary on this gloupy ground. Rock The World (25-1) won it last year on his first start after a wind operation. This has presumably been the plan ever since but he seems unfancied this time. His trainer, Jessie Harrington, also has one of the market-leaders in the McManus-owned Don’t Touch It. His jumping has been a problem but he won on the only occasion he wore cheekpieces, refitted today. North Hill Harvey is good enough and wears first-time cheekpieces but comes from a yard that has been below form in the past fortnight. Theinval is the only runner for Nicky Henderson. This one worked well at Kempton last month with Buveur D’Air and Might Bite, which might seem a fair achievement by the time this race is run. Vanietux has come down the weights half a stone since leaving Henderson for David Pipe. Third in the Supreme in 2014, he has the quality if he can still show it but the Pipe yard has not exactly been flying along this season. Vaniteux has had a breathing operation since he last ran. Chris Cook
Congratulations to Davy Russell, who will finish the week as top jockey – he’s ridden four winners, and beats Jack Kennedy thanks to his second place in the Mares’ Hurdle. Russell has brought home Delta Work, Balko Des Flos and the Storyteller, but his storming RSA Chase win on Presenting Percy – and his emotional look to the heavens in tribute to his mother – may live longest in the memory.
In the Festival’s final race, The Game Changer could be just that – even though it’s a non-runner. It means Elliott has no horse in the Grand Annual, while rival Mullins has Townshend at 20-1. Jack Kennedy was down to ride, so he can no longer catch Davy Russell in the jockey standings.
News via the Racing Post that Richard Johnson will be suspended and fined for overusing the whip in that dramatic Gold Cup finale:
Richard Johnson hit with a seven-day ban and fined £6,550 for using his whip above the permitted level on Native River in the Timico Cheltenham Gold Cup
— Racing Post (@RacingPost) March 16, 2018
Elliott has matched Mullins’ 2015 record with eight wins, and will be champion trainer here unless Mullins can win the last race. He’s not an emotional sort, only saying it’s “unbelievable” and thanking his team. I imagine he’d react the same if he won every race.
How many wins, @gelliott_racing? #TheFestival pic.twitter.com/NcUrOe7BvL
— CheltenhamRacecourse (@CheltenhamRaces) March 16, 2018
Updated
Blow By Blow wins the Martin Pipe Handicap Hurdle!
It’s an eighth winner of the week for Gordon Elliott, in the race named after his mentor. Donagh Meyler rode the 11-1 shot like a favourite, who went out early and never looked like being caught.
1 Blow By Blow (D Meyler) 11-1
2 Discorama (D Robinson) 33-1
3 Early Doors (J J Slevin) 9-1
4 Sire Du Berlais (D J McInerney) 10-1
23 ran | 13-2 Fav Flawless Escape
Updated
James Bowen makes a move on Diese Des Bieffes, with Early Doors in contention and Discorama making a late charge, but Blow By Blow still leads, and will pull away here!
A tentative pace to this one, with the pack tightly bunched together – but Blow By Blow tries to turn up the heat as they head downhill, still ahead of Brillare Momento...
Flawless Escape and Deal D’Estruval jostle at the front of the pack, with Blow By Blow and Brillare Momento three lengths clear. Three hurdles coming in quick succession...
They’re off! Blow By Blow takes up the early running with Brillare Momento and Melrose Boy leading the chase...
Seven-all in the trainer’s race between Willie Mullins and Gordon Elliott – Mullins leads on second places. Both have plenty of contenders in this big field – Mullins with Carter Mckay, Burrows Saint and Deal D’Estruval, Elliott with Blow By Blow, Sire Du Berlais, Flaxen Flare and Flawless Escape.
Updated
In case you missed it, here’s Chris Cook’s report from Cheltenham, where Native River won a classic Gold Cup duel with Might Bite:
Betting latest: Deal D’estruval 7-1, Flawless Escape 7-1, Sire Du Berlais 15-2, Diese Des Bieffes 8-1, Carter Mckay 12-1, Early Doors 12-1, Blow By Blow 12-1, Mr Big Shot 16-1, Burrows Saint 16-1, Melrose Boy 16-1, 20-1 bar.
Can James Bowen continue his remarkable rise with a Cheltenham win? Donald McRae spoke to the teenage prodigy earlier this year:
4.50 Martin Pipe Hurdle
The twist to this race is that the jockeys are ‘conditionals’, youngsters still learning their trade. James Bowen, who famously won the Welsh National at the age of 16 in January, rides Diese Des Bieffes, whose Lanzarote fifth looks really strong form. The other jockey here you’ll have heard of is Bryony Frost, aboard Brelan D’As, a McManus-owned horse who hasn’t made it as a chaser this winter but could still be really well treated over hurdles. Gordon Elliott targets this race, named after a man he has called his hero, so it is no surprise to see that his four runners include the top three in the weights. Flawless Escape is the most fancied, having been a fine third on his handicap debut behind Total Recall, who was unbeatable at the weights they carried that day. Elliott also has Blow By Blow (11-1), a Grade One bumper winner two years ago who is getting better at hurdles and looks handily treated.
Updated
“It’s a dream come true really,” says Tucker. “I thought it was mad I was even riding in the Foxhunters. To win it, it’s unbelievable. Coming to about fifth out, I couldn’t believe I was still going. He still had more in the tank, he just kept going!”
This was Tucker’s second race under rules, and she also reveals that her shoulder had ‘half-dislocated’ towards the end, meaning she couldn’t drive the horse on down the home straight. All in all, a pretty exceptional win.
After the epic, two mile duel in the Gold Cup, an absolute scrap in the Foxhunters:
Pacha Du Polder scores back to back wins in the Foxhunter's at 25-1, for Harriet Tucker and @PFNicholls#TheFestival pic.twitter.com/XcR3GI6Gpm
— CheltenhamRacecourse (@CheltenhamRaces) March 16, 2018
Slight delay with the race result, as everyone tried to work out who came third. Turns out, Cousin Pete and Barel of Laughs couldn’t be separated – it’s a dead heat! If you have a cousin called Pete, who happens to be a bar(r)el of laughs, I hope you had a flutter.
Trainer Paul Nicholls gets his first win of the week, too. It’s been quite a closing day for British stables, after all – they lead Ireland 4-1 today.
“I’m really proud of Harriet, people like her never get a chance to ride, unless you give them chances,” says the trainer. It’s been a breakthrough week for female jockeys, with Tucker joining Lizzie Kelly, Katie Walsh and Bridget Andrews in the winners’ enclosure.
Pacha Du Polder wins the Foxhunters Chase!
Harriet Tucker comes through with two fences to go and holds off Top Wood to retain the Foxhunters on Pacha Du Polder!
1 Pacha Du Polder (Miss H C Tucker) 25-1
2 Top Wood (Mr S Davies-Thomas) 50-1
3 Barel Of Laughs (Mr Alex Edwards) 14-1
3 Cousin Pete (Mr N Phillips) 66-1
24 ran | 4-1 Fav Burning Ambition
Updated
Caid Du Berlais and Pacha Du Polder have joined the leading group, with Top Wood still leading but struggling for pace... those two are coming through as they take on the last...
Top Wood is opening up a big lead now – six or seven lengths – with Grand Vision and Cousin Pete the only others in touch. Burning Ambition moves through the field, with two to go...
Top Wood takes up the lead, with Warden Hill in second as Wells De Lune drops back. Grand Vision is in touch, but Shantou Magic has fallen away. Six to jump, Minella For Value and Cousin Pete well placed...
Updated
Warden Hill, Shantou Magic, Foxrock, Top Wood all jostling for position behind Minella For Value, who has reeled in Wells De Lune. First run up the home straight, 10 fences left to jump...
Saddlers Encore falls at the third fence, and Vincitore unseats the rider at the next, but all are OK. Wells De Lune takes up the initiative, leading by around five lengths as they run downhill...
They’re off! Bit of a scrappy start, with plenty of pushing and shoving, but they all get away. Top Wood takes up the lead ahead of Minella For Value and Warden Hill...
Here we go then, in a race that’s regarded as the Gold Cup for amateur riders. It’s over the same course, and the ground, already heavy before the Gold Cup, looks pretty churned up.
Foxhunters Chase betting latest: Burning Ambition 4-1F, Foxrock 6-1, Wonderful Charm 6-1, Unioniste 11-1, Caid Du Berlais 14-1, On The Fringe 14-1, Virak 14-1, Grand Vision 14-1, Sir Jack Yeats 20-1, Barel of Laughs 20-1, Rest 25-1 bar.
The big one might be over, but there’s still three more races to close out the Festival – and the trainers’ and jockeys’ titles are still up for grabs.
4.10 Foxhunters Chase
This is as fiercely contested as the Gold Cup, albeit with not quite so much talent on display, equine or human. That said, Jamie Codd could certainly make it as a professional jockey and his mount, Burning Ambition, is a warm favourite after a good second to a very useful sort last time. Foxrock is a second strong Irish contender who was second in the Irish Gold Cup three years ago. Wonderful Charm (7-1) stayed on stoutly but all too late to be second last year. He might prefer a sounder surface. Grand Vision flopped last year but has had a much happier preparation this time. On The Fringe won this twice but came up short last year and, at 13, is possibly on the decline. Pacha Du Polder won it last year under Bryony Frost but was well below his best on his only run since April. Perhaps odds of 20-1 underestimate his chance of bouncing back. Chris Cook
So, Native River becomes the first horse to win a Gold Cup at their second attempt, after coming third last year – and champion jockey Richard Johnson ends an 18-year wait for his second Gold Cup. Here’s our race report:
Cheltenham salutes its @TimicoGoldCup champion...#TheFestival #NativeRiver pic.twitter.com/fpgMxfAOgl
— CheltenhamRacecourse (@CheltenhamRaces) March 16, 2018
More good news for Tizzard – Cue Card may not have run his last race just yet:
Colin Tizzard will “leave it a week” before deciding whether Cue Card has a final run @AintreeRaces or is retired.
— Andy Stephens (@StevoGG) March 16, 2018
Here’s the thoughts of trainer Colin Tizzard:
'Watching the Irish win everything in the last few days we thought we had no chance!'
— ITV Racing (@itvracing) March 16, 2018
- Colin Tizzard after Native River won the Cheltenham Gold Cup pic.twitter.com/KlabzrHU9g
Updated
Here’s how Native River did it:
Native River wins the Cheltenham Gold Cup, fending off Might Bite to hand Richard Johnson his second Gold Cup win@colintizzard @dickyjohnson77#TheFestival pic.twitter.com/4aCPGP81zi
— CheltenhamRacecourse (@CheltenhamRaces) March 16, 2018
Worth revisiting this, from before the Festival:
Trainer Colin Tizzard was having a quiet season, and a terrible Festival, especially when Cue Card pulled up in the Ryanair Chase. Now he’s won the Gold Cup! Horse racing, bloody hell.
What it means to win the @TimicoGoldCup...#TheFestival pic.twitter.com/ea9uUofLlt
— CheltenhamRacecourse (@CheltenhamRaces) March 16, 2018
Updated
Richard Johnson: “I’m speechless, he’s been a fantastic horse for me to ride. He jumps for fun, I thought four out was too early but he did it... 18 years feels a long time ago now.
Might Bite ran a hell of a race, but I think the ground helped me today. This is the most important race of our calendar, and it’s just fantastic. He got so close this year, they’ve been much quieter with him this year, so thanks very much to Colin [Tizzard].”
Native River wins the Gold Cup!
What a performance from champion jockey Johnson, holding off the favourite the whole way and finding more in the home straight! It’s his first Gold Cup win since 2000 after an almighty duel. Barry Geraghty comes through late on Anibale Fly to take third.
1 Native River (R Johnson) 5-1
2 Might Bite (Nico de Boinville) 4-1 Fav
3 Anibale Fly (B J Geraghty) 33-1
15 ran | 9-1 Road To Respect 4th
Updated
Final fence: This will be a two-horse race, but Might Bite can’t get past Native River! Richard Johnson is going to win this from the front!
Updated
2 to jump: Our Duke is pulled up! It’s also the end of the race for Saphie du Rheu and Total Recall. Still a duel between Might Bite and Native River, with Road To Respect in third, four lengths down...
5 to jump: The two heavyweights at the front still sizing each other up, with a lead of about five lengths from the pack, still led by Djakadam. Our Duke is struggling, but Total Recall and Edwulf make progress...
8 to jump: As they take on the final circuit, getting a taste of the Cheltenham roar, the field closes up with Native River, Might Bite and Djakadam the top three. Our Duke having to work a little in the pack, along with Definitly Red. American has moved up to fourth...
12 to jump: Edwulf is at the back of the field on the heels of Killultagh Vic, with Native River and Might Bite still holding the lead and Djakadam, close a number of times here, at the front of the chasing pack. Still 17 runners in this...
Updated
16 to jump: Our Duke and American move into the leading pack down the outside, with Saphir du Rheu. Definitly Red is labouring a little over the jumps, with Native River pressing on...
20 to jump: Might Bite and Native River move straight to the front at a steady gallop, but Bachasson goes down at the second...
They're off in the Gold Cup!
Three miles, two furlongs to racing immortality...
The runners have passed through the parade and are gathering for the start. Might Bite, ridden by Nico De Boinville, looks relaxed ahead of the big race. He will start as favourite, but there are contenders everywhere you look...
Just over five minutes to go – here’s your Gold Cup racecard:
- 1 American (N Fehily/H Fry) 25-1
- 2 Anibale Fly (B Geraghty/A Martin) 40-1
- 3 Bachasson (D Mullins/W Mullins) 33-1
- 4 Definitly Red (D Cook/B Ellison) 8-1
- 5 Djakadam (P Mullins/W Mullins) 25-1
- 7 Edwulf (D O’Connor/J O’Brien) 20-1
- 8 Killultagh Vic (P Townend/W Mullins) 8-1
- 9 Might Bite (N De Boinville/N Henderson) 4-1
- 11 Native River (R Johnson/C Tizzard) 5-1
- 12 Our Duke (R Power/J Harrington) 9-2
- 13 Outlander (J Kennedy/G Elliott) 20-1
- 14 Road To Respect (Flanagan/Meade) 10-1
- 15 Saphir Du Rheu (S Twiston-Davies) 66-1
- 17 Tea For Two (L Kelly/N Williams) 66-1
- 18 Total Recall (D Mullins/W Mullins) 16-1
NR: 6 Double Shuffle, 10 Minella Rocco, 16 Shantou Flyer
Updated
Will Nicky Henderson complete the first ever Champion Hurdle-Champion Chase-Gold Cup treble? He has the favourite, Might Bite:
Less than twenty minutes until the big one. Here’s Chris Cook’s preview, with the latest odds:
We have no previous Gold Cup winner but we do have a fascinating battle. Might Bite (4-1) is the wayward beast who was going to win the RSA easily last year before nearly throwing it away. He has looked more sensible this year, but hasn’t been back to Cheltenham since then. As the King George winner, he is the form choice. The pace will probably come from Native River (5-1), who tried to make all the running last year, at the end of a busy season. He has had a lighter campaign this time in an attempt to improve on last year’s third. Our Duke (9-2) represents Jessie Harrington, who trained Sizing John to win a year ago. This Irish National winner was last seen beating Presenting Percy, who hosed up in the RSA.
Killultagh Vic (9-1), trying to end the Mullins hoodoo in this race, would probably have won the Irish Gold Cup but for falling at the last. Edwulf (16-1), who ran on to win that race, is the ‘miracle’ horse who collapsed last year. His hold-up tactics may give him a lot to do in this big field. Road To Respect (11-1) won Ireland’s Christmas Chase and that form looks excellent in light of Balko Des Flos’s win yesterday. Definitly Red (8-1) could be the first northern-trained winner for 25 years. He won impressively here in January but the balance of his form says he’s not good enough.
Total Recall (20-1) has been transformed since joining Mullins but must improve again here, and may prefer next month’s Grand National.
American (25-1), second that day, is an able but fragile sort now facing by far his sternest test. Anibale Fly (33-1) was the choice of Barry Geraghty from Jonjo O’Neill’s out-of-form yard, even before Minella Rocco was withdrawn. Djakadam (25-1) tries this for the fourth time, having been second twice. He doesn’t win as often as his talent would suggest and it’s three years since he won beyond two and a half miles.
Bachasson (28-1) is a lovely jumper and is an interesting outsider with place possibilities. Outlander (28-1) has not shown his best in three previous visits but this is his ground. Tea For Two (66-1) is top-class in the right circumstances but has not fared well here. Saphir Du Rheu (66-1) ran above himself to be fifth in this last year and it would be a real surprise if he can improve on that now.
Updated
More from Bridget Andrews, winner with Mohaayed and the third female jockey to win this week after Lizzie Kelly and Katie Walsh.
“I jumped off and I think because of the ground, people are just taking their time a bit. I’d lined up to be halfway, but ended up handy. I gave him plenty of daylight and tried to find the better ground.
“To be honest, I think they got quite a soft lead as we ended up going quite slow and he jumped and he travelled. I was just waiting for them to swallow me up, but he kept going.”
“I always said I would never go conditional - it’s too hard. It’s hard for the boys, it’s hard for anyone to get going, but Dan approached me and asked if I’d like the job and how could I turn it down? I’m biased, but I think I’ve got the best conditional job in the country.”
Updated
A landmark win for young jockey Harry Cobden, and a welcome one for trainer Colin Tizzard, who hadn’t got close previously this week. Britain lead Ireland 2-1, if you don’t count the rest of the week...
A big moment for Harry Cobden as he wins on Kilbricken Storm in the Albert Bartlett Novices' Hurdle pic.twitter.com/hjDMywn5dJ
— ITV Racing (@itvracing) March 16, 2018
Kilbricken Storm wins the Albert Bartlett!
Fabulous Saga got within a fence of a storming win, but tired over such a long trip, and only Kilbricken Storm had enough in the tank to pull away!
1 Kilbricken Storm (Harry Cobden) 33-1
2 Ok Corral (B J Geraghty) 16-1
3 Santini (Nico de Boinville) 11-4 Fav
20 ran | 20-1 Ballyward 4th
Updated
Approaching the last, Fabulous Saga still leads, now by about 10 lengths. Can anyone bridge the gap? Kilbricken Storm is gaining ground, and Fabulous Saga looks to be out of steam! Santini, OK Corral and Ballyward come through late, but nobody will catch Kilbricken Storm...
Chef Des Obeaux, Dortmund Park and Tower Bridge among those gaining ground on the outside, with Fabulous Saga back in the lead, Kilbricken Storm up to second and Chris’s Dream still in touch with two to jump...
Chris’s Dream moves onto the outside of Fabulous Saga, with Kilbricken Storm moving up to fifth as Paisley Park loses ground. Still not much movement from the back of the field...
Fabulous Saga is setting a fierce pace, stringing out the leading quartet with Paisley Park and Poetic Rhythm among the leaders in the chasing pack as we approach halfway...
Everyone over the first four fences, with Fabulous Saga leading from Chris’s Dream by about four lengths. Mulcahys Hill and Beyond The Law are in behind, with Dortmund Park and Santini towards the back...
They’re off! A maximum field of 20 will take on the three-mile trip.
The last race before the big one – the Albert Bartlett – is moments away. Santini remains the hot potato, holding on to favourite status at 3-1, with Chris’s Dream moving up the board.
Albert Bartlett Novices’ Hurdle (2.50)
The first of three consecutive races that had better be thrilling because, at three miles on this ground, they will go on forever ... and it will seem like forever if your fancy unseats at the first. Nicky Henderson has the first two in the betting. Santini (11-4) looks the one, having beaten his stablemate Chef Des Obeaux already, and he also won here in January, beating Black Op, who gave Samcro most to do on Wednesday. But Chef Des Obeaux has won three since his defeat to Santini, which, in all fairness, was his first run of the season, so perhaps he has improved past his rival.
For good measure, Henderson has the McManus-owned OK Corral who seems to be improving; he’s only had a handful of runs and is eight years old, so he must have been fragile. The most fancied Irish runner is Chris’s Dream, from the yard of Henry de Bromhead, who had a winner yesterday. Mullins and Elliott are not represented among the market-leaders, which is probably a mistake on the market’s part. Dortmund Park has won two of his four runs for Elliott and has had a wind op since his defeat last month, so we may see him take a step forward.
Betting latest: Santini 11-4, Chef Des Obeaux 11-2, Chris’s Dream 8-1, Poetic Rhythm 10-1, Dortmund Park 12-1, Calett Mad 16-1, OK Corral 16-1, Mr Whipped 16-1, Fabulous Saga 20-1, rest 25-1 bar
Some quotes from trainer Dan Skelton, who watched his brother’s partner, Bridget Andrews, win the County Hurdle on Mohaayed.
“I’m a professional and I shouldn’t be crying, but Bridget has just won a race at the Festival. I’m so pleased for her. She works so hard, she’s the epitome of our sport.
“The English haven’t been doing that well this week, I didn’t think we had any chance. I feel like an idiot! I’m a bit speechless. I really fancied the horse three weeks ago, but it kept raining and I said to June (Watts, the owner) ‘do we run, do we not?’ and June said, ‘let’s run’.
“I’d probably have pulled him out but it just shows you, sometimes it’s meant to be. It’s amazing.”
Some very sad news to report – Sandsend, who fell near the end of the County Hurdle, suffered a fatal injury.
We’re about an hour away from the Gold Cup. Still time to take in Greg Wood’s preview:
Richard Johnson rides Native River, hoping to win the Gold Cup for the first time since 2000. Chris Cook spoke to the veteran jockey:
Quite the story there, with Harry Skelton passing on Mohaayed because of the ground and riding Spritofthegames, who came sixth. Skelton’s partner, Bridget Andrews, took on Mohaayed and won the race.
'We can't believe he handled the ground to be honest'
— ITV Racing (@itvracing) March 16, 2018
Bridget Andrews after she won on Mohaayed pic.twitter.com/ZmaVdCLEnZ
“The girls have shown this week they’re as good as the men, if they’re given the chances,” Skelton says afterwards. It’s a family affair – Harry and Mohaayed trainer Dan are brothers, and sons of showjumping supremo Nick Skelton.
Updated
Mohaayed wins the County Hurdle!
A four-horse race from the final fence, but Bridget Andrews drives Mohaayed to beat Remiluc by a couple of lengths!
1 Mohaayed (Bridget Andrews) 33-1
2 Remiluc (Harry Reed) 50-1
3 Whiskey Sour (D J Mullins) 7-1
4 Chesterfield (Daniel Sansom) 16-1
24 ran | 6-1 Fav Flying Tiger
Updated
Remiluc has moved up the field into third, the pack still heavily bunched as rain falls on the course. Chesterfield and Mohaayed are making a move, cramping Whiskey Sour for room. Remiluc just leads from Whiskey Sour and Chesterfield at the last fence, with Mohaayed coming through...
William H Bonney leads the chasing pack with three to take, but the leading pair continue to maintain a big gap. Moon Racer and Duca De Thaix both well placed...
Tigris River and Sternrubin open a four-length lead early on, with Sandsend and favourite Flying Tiger loitering near the back. The whole field gets over the first two flights safely...
They’re off in the County Hurdle! 24 runners, two miles, good luck calling this one. Davy Russell among the jockeys giving their horses a good look at the hurdles before the starter’s flag went up...
Flying Tiger, trained by Nick Williams, has leapt in and looks set to be the starting favourite. Hope rather than expectation of a home win (for the trainer, anyway)? We’ll see.
Updated
Next up, it’s the County Hurdle. British trainers may want to look away – Mullins and Elliott have eight runners available at less than 20-1 in this handicapped bunfight.
Betting latest: Duca de Thaix, Flying Tiger, Bleu et Rouge 8-1; Whiskey Sour 9-1; Spiritofthegames, Meri Devie, Ben Dundee 12-1; Sandsend 14-1; Smaoineamh Alainn, Chesterfield 16-1; A Hare Breath, Lagostovegas, William H Bonney 20-1.
Even in this mud, we might see a modicum of pace in this two-mile handicap hurdle, which sometimes features horses who could win at the highest level. Indeed, one of today’s runners, Ivanovich Gorbatov, already has, having bagged the Triumph a couple of years ago, though he has been unable to build on that. His owner, JP McManus, has a more obvious chance with the topweight, Bleu Et Rouge, who was a fine second in the Betfair Hurdle behind Kalashnikov, who went so close in Tuesday’s Supreme.
Bleu Et Rouge travelled like the winner for a long way that day and may do so again, but it’s a pity he was raised 8lb for that. He’s trained by Willie Mullins, winner of this race four times in eight years, and Mullins has other excellent chances with Meri Devie (14-1), who skipped the Mares Hurdle to come here, and Whiskey Sour, who won a Grade One at Christmas when two stablemates fell at the last. Flying Tiger won the Fred Winter last year and turned in a career best last month in his prep for this; he can win something off his present rating, even if not this. Duca De Thaix represents Gordon Elliott. Chris Cook
Happy to report that Noel Fehily and Stormy Ireland, who led for most of the race before falling at the last, are up and OK.
'Everyone keeps saying Gordon's a genius he does so well with these horses!'
— ITV Racing (@itvracing) March 16, 2018
Jack Kennedy speaks to @olibellracing after his win on Farclas pic.twitter.com/Fo5YNFgCe2
Jack Kennedy is only 18, and could be one more win away from being the Festival’s top jockey.
Seven wins for Gordon Elliott this week – he draws level with Willie Mullins in the trainers’ race. British trainers combined have just six, and Henderson’s favourite, Apple’s Shakira, didn’t get into that race.
Updated
Farclas wins the Triumph Hurdle!
It’s a third win of the week for Jack Kennedy, and another win for Gordon Elliott and Gigginstown, by a length from Willie Mullins’ Mr Adjudicator, whose 33-1 shot Sayo comes in third. More Irish domination...
1 Farclas (J W Kennedy) 9-1
2 Mr Adjudicator (P Townend) 8-1
3 Sayo (D E Mullins) 33-1
9 ran | 6-5 Fav Apple’s Shakira 4th
Updated
Stormy Ireland still leads by a length from Sayo and Farclas, with Mr Adjudicator coming through at a whip... Apple’s Shakira is struggling here – and Stormy Ireland falls at the last! It’s Farclas and Mr Adjudicator racing to the line...
Updated
Apple’s Shakira edges closer to the leading pair, and is now bunched with Sussex Ranger and Gumball behind Stormy Ireland, setting a lively pace. Sayo is looking to make a move down the outside...
Redicean and Mr Adjudicator are close to the back but going well, with Jack Kennedy’s Farclas well placed in midfield down the back straight. All nine horses still in contention...
Stormy Ireland and Sussex Ranger make the running with outsiders Sayo and Gumball in touch over the first two...
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Gold Cup Day is go!
They’re off in the Triumph Hurdle, where Apple’s Shakira is a big favourite in a field of nine four-year-old runners...
Before that, there are three races to enjoy – starting with the JCB Triumph Hurdle, in about 10 minutes.
Betting latest: Apple’s Shakira 6-5F, Stormy Ireland 6-1, Redicean 13-2, Mr Adjudicator 8-1, Farclas 8-1, Saldier 16-1, Sussex Ranger 25-1, Sayo 33-1, Gumball 40-1
A nine-runner Triumph, who’d have thought we’d see the day? That’s a third of the number who took part when Oh So Risky won back in 1990. Given that Willie Mullins has four of today’s nine, it looks like other trainers are struggling to come up with Triumph contenders. It’s not as though there’s a favourite to be terrified of. Apple’s Shakira is unbeaten and has won here three times but without setting an intimidating standard. Redicean looked slick at Kempton last month but would probably prefer a drier surface. Sussex Ranger will roll through this but could be vulnerable to something quicker. The speed-figure boys will be all over Mr Adjudicator, who won on the same day as Samcro at Leopardstown last month and did so in a faster time. But his stablemate Stormy Ireland appears to be Mullins’s first string. This one hacked up in a maiden hurdle on his only start since leaving France. Chris Cook
Updated
If you fancy a flutter, here’s Chris Cook’s big race preview, complete with the latest odds:
We have no previous Gold Cup winner but we do have a fascinating battle. Might Bite (7-2) is the wayward beast who was going to win the RSA easily last year before nearly throwing it away. He has looked more sensible this year, but hasn’t been back to Cheltenham since then. As the King George winner, he is the form choice. The pace will probably come from Native River (5-1), who tried to make all the running last year, at the end of a busy season. He has had a lighter campaign this time in an attempt to improve on last year’s third. Our Duke (11-2) represents Jessie Harrington, who trained Sizing John to win a year ago. This Irish National winner was last seen beating Presenting Percy, who hosed up in the RSA.
Killultagh Vic (9-1), trying to end the Mullins hoodoo in this race, would probably have won the Irish Gold Cup but for falling at the last. Edwulf (16-1), who ran on to win that race, is the ‘miracle’ horse who collapsed last year. His hold-up tactics may give him a lot to do in this big field. Road To Respect (10-1) won Ireland’s Christmas Chase and that form looks excellent in light of Balko Des Flos’s win yesterday. Total Recall (18-1) has been transformed since joining Mullins but must improve again here, and may prefer next month’s Grand National. Definitly Red (9-1) could be the first northern-trained winner for 25 years. He won impressively here in January but the balance of his form says he’s not good enough.
American (25-1), second that day, is an able but fragile sort now facing by far his sternest test. Anibale Fly (33-1) was the choice of Barry Geraghty from Jonjo O’Neill’s out-of-form yard, even before Minella Rocco was withdrawn. Djakadam (22-1) tries this for the fourth time, having been second twice. He doesn’t win as often as his talent would suggest and it’s three years since he won beyond two and a half miles.
Bachasson (28-1) is a lovely jumper and is an interesting outsider with place possibilities. Outlander (28-1) has not shown his best in three previous visits but this is his ground. Tea For Two (66-1) is top-class in the right circumstances but has not fared well here. Saphir Du Rheu (80-1) ran above himself to be fifth in this last year and it would be a real surprise if he can improve on that now.
ITV have just taken us down to the track, where there’s a dramatic difference between the inside and outside over the last few fences. The ground is heavy in places out wide, but close to the rail there’s fresh turf that hasn’t been used all week. There’ll be a big scrap for the right line in the big race.
If you’re looking for a romantic story in the big race, look no further than Edwulf. After collapsing last year, it’s a miracle he is here to race again, let alone contending in the Gold Cup – but he won the Irish Gold Cup and is 16-1 to land a fairytale victory:
The Gold Cup might be the peak of the week’s racing, but there are still three more chances to find a winner after that, starting with the ‘amateur Gold Cup’, the Foxhunters Chase:
4.10 Foxhunters Chase
This is as fiercely contested as the Gold Cup, albeit with not quite so much talent on display, equine or human. That said, Jamie Codd could certainly make it as a professional jockey and his mount, Burning Ambition, is a warm favourite after a good second to a very useful sort last time. Foxrock is a second strong Irish contender who was second in the Irish Gold Cup three years ago. Wonderful Charm (7-1) stayed on stoutly but all too late to be second last year. He might prefer a sounder surface. Grand Vision flopped last year but has had a much happier preparation this time. On The Fringe won this twice but came up short last year and, at 13, is possibly on the decline. Pacha Du Polder won it last year under Bryony Frost but was well below his best on his only run since April. Perhaps odds of 20-1 underestimate his chance of bouncing back.
4.50 Martin Pipe Hurdle
The twist to this race is that the jockeys are ‘conditionals’, youngsters still learning their trade. James Bowen, who famously won the Welsh National at the age of 16 in January, rides the favourite, Diese Des Bieffes, whose Lanzarote fifth looks really strong form. The other jockey here you’ll have heard of is Bryony Frost, aboard Brelan D’As, a McManus-owned horse who hasn’t made it as a chaser this winter but could still be really well treated over hurdles. Gordon Elliott targets this race, named after a man he has called his hero, so it is no surprise to see that his four runners include the top three in the weights. Flawless Escape is the most fancied, having been a fine third on his handicap debut behind Total Recall, who was unbeatable at the weights they carried that day. Elliott also has Blow By Blow (14-1), a Grade One bumper winner two years ago who is getting better at hurdles and looks handily treated.
5.30 Grand Annual
The last race of the Festival is this two-mile handicap chase, generally a test of speed, though stamina will also be necessary on this gloupy ground. Rock The World (25-1) won it last year on his first start after a wind operation. This has presumably been the plan ever since but he seems unfancied this time. His trainer, Jessie Harrington, also has one of the market-leaders in the McManus-owned Don’t Touch It. His jumping has been a problem but he won on the only occasion he wore cheekpieces, refitted today. North Hill Harvey is good enough and wears first-time cheekpieces but comes from a yard that has been below form in the past fortnight. Theinval is the only runner for Nicky Henderson. This one worked well at Kempton last month with Buveur D’Air and Might Bite, which might seem a fair achievement by the time this race is run. Vanietux has come down the weights half a stone since leaving Henderson for David Pipe. Third in the Supreme in 2014, he has the quality if he can still show it but the Pipe yard has not exactly been flying along this season. Vaniteux has had a breathing operation since he last ran.
Just ONE hour to go until @TimicoGoldCup day begins 🏆
— CheltenhamRacecourse (@CheltenhamRaces) March 16, 2018
Let Dawn Run, Desert Orchid, Best Mate, Denman and Kauto Star stir the emotions for you…#TheFestival pic.twitter.com/HbPbXgDbr5
Our award-winning photographer, Tom Jenkins, has been on the ground all week getting the best shots from the Festival. You can see his gallery here, and more on the picture of Nina Carberry falling at the Chair that won him a World Press Photo award.
My personal favourite of his this week doesn’t feature a horse or jockey, but captures the essence of Cheltenham:
2.50 Albert Bartlett
The first of three consecutive races that had better be thrilling because, at three miles on this ground, they will go on forever ... and it will seem like forever if your fancy unseats at the first. Nicky Henderson has a fine chance of clawing back a bit of Willie Mullins’s lead in the trainers’ standings, as he has the first two in the betting. Santini (4-1) looks the one, having beaten his stablemate Chef Des Obeaux already, and he also won here in January, beating Black Op, who gave Samcro most to do on Wednesday. But Chef Des Obeaux has won three since his defeat to Santini, which, in all fairness, was his first run of the season, so perhaps he has improved past his rival.
For good measure, Henderson has the McManus-owned OK Corral, fourth in the betting, who seems to be improving; he’s only had a handful of runs and is eight years old, so he must have been fragile. OK Corral’s mum is a sister to Tidal Bay, who some of you may remember as a moody, extravagantly talented chaser who won some big races and refused to play ball in others. The most fancied Irish runner is Chris’s Dream, from the yard of Henry de Bromhead, who had a winner yesterday. De Bromhead got this horse from a lower-profile trainer in January and immediately got significant improvement out of him. Mullins and Elliott are not represented among the market-leaders, which is probably a mistake on the market’s part. Dortmund Park has won two of his four runs for Elliott and has had a wind op since his defeat last month, so we may see him take a step forward.
Betting movers and shakers
There were three horses within half a point of each other at the top of the Gold Cup betting this morning, but Might Bite has been much the strongest in the early exchanges and he is now no better than 7-2 (from 9-2) to complete a unique treble for Nicky Henderson. Native River, last year’s Hennessy and Welsh National winner, is out to 11-2 (from 5-1), while Our Duke is now a 6-1 chance (from 11-2).
There has been plenty of money too for another of Henderson’s runners: Apple’s Shakira, the favourite for the opening race, the Triumph Hurdle. A 7-4 chance overnight, she is now no better than 6-4, with plenty of bookies showing 5-4 and 6-5.
Bleu Et Rouge, who took the Grade One Deloitte Novice Hurdle at Leopardstown in 2016, is solid favourite for the County Handicap Hurdle, and has a broadly similar profile to Arctic Fire, Willie Mullins’s 20-1 winner of the race 12 months ago. He was a 10-1 chance overnight, but is now in to 17-2.
If you’re dropping on the Festival for the first time today, catch up with the state of play – it’s been a very good week for Willie Mullins, and Ireland in general:
And why not sign up for The Recap, our weekly roundup email, while you’re here:
Updated
90 minutes until we get started. Excited? Here’s Chris Cook with previews for the day’s first two races:
1.30 Triumph Hurdle
A nine-runner Triumph, who’d have thought we’d see the day? That’s a third of the number who took part when Oh So Risky won back in 1990. Given that Willie Mullins has four of today’s nine, it looks like other trainers are struggling to come up with Triumph contenders. It’s not as though there’s a favourite to be terrified of. Apple’s Shakira is unbeaten and has won here three times but without setting an intimidating standard. Redicean looked slick at Kempton last month but would probably prefer a drier surface. Sussex Ranger will roll through this but could be vulnerable to something quicker. The speed-figure boys will be all over Mr Adjudicator (8-1), who won on the same day as Samcro at Leopardstown last month and did so in a faster time. But his stablemate Stormy Ireland appears to be Mullins’s first string, judging by the fact that Ruby Walsh was booked to ride before getting injured. This one hacked up in a maiden hurdle on his only start since leaving France.
2.10 County Hurdle
Even in this mud, we might see a modicum of pace in this two-mile handicap hurdle, which sometimes features horses who could win at the highest level. Indeed, one of today’s runners, Ivanovich Gorbatov, already has, having bagged the Triumph a couple of years ago, though he has been unable to build on that. His owner, JP McManus, has a more obvious chance with the topweight, Bleu Et Rouge, who was a fine second in the Betfair Hurdle behind Kalashnikov, who went so close in Tuesday’s Supreme. Bleu Et Rouge travelled like the winner for a long way that day and may do so again, but it’s a pity he was raised 8lb for that. He’s trained by Willie Mullins, winner of this race four times in eight years, and Mullins has other excellent chances with Meri Devie (14-1), who skipped the Mares Hurdle to come here, and Whiskey Sour, who won a Grade One at Christmas when two stablemates fell at the last. Flying Tiger won the Fred Winter last year and turned in a career best last month in his prep for this; he can win something off his present rating, even if not this. Duca De Thaix represents Gordon Elliott and has a tongue tie fitted for this handicap debut. He was a bit disappointing last time but can do better.
Updated
Mulins and Elliott fined for late non-runners
A snippet from the stewards’ room relating to yesterday’s racing: Willie Mullins not only took over as the most successful trainer in Festival history, he also picked up a £500 fine over the late scratching of Douvan from the Ryanair Chase, following his fall at the fourth-last in Wednesday’s Champion Chase.
Gordon Elliott, meanwhile, was also fined £500 under the same rule, as he left Apple’s Jade, who ran in Tuesday’s Mares Hurdle, in the Stayers’ Hurdle until after the 9am deadline for scratchings. Douvan and Apple’s Jade were both taken out at around 9.40am on a “self certificate” from their trainer – a system that that has come under some scrutiny in recent months thanks to the high rate of self-certified non-runners from some stables.
The stewards, however, decided that “The self certificate for Douvan was not acceptable … as it was not made without delay as required by Rule (F)97. A fixed penalty of £500 was imposed on W.P. Mullins as Douvan was declared a non-runner after 9 a.m. on the day of declaration.” An identical notice was issued regarding Elliott and Apple’s Jade.
The final declarations for all the races at this year’s Festival have been made at the 48-hour stage, but while there are rules in place to stop double declarations in the novice races, these do not apply to the six non-novice Grade One events. Mullins was perfectly within his rights to declare Douvan for the Ryanair, and also to take him out on Thursday morning, as was also the case for Elliott.
The problem is that they did not do it quickly enough, and so both horses were, technically at least, still in the race and therefore the betting for several hours, on one of the busiest betting days of the year. No-one can have seriously expected Douvan to run in the Ryanair after his spill on Wednesday, and ITV’s betting ring pundit Matt Chapman said on Twitter on Thursday morning that according to Rich Ricci, Douvan’s owner, the horse was already back in Mullins’s yard in County Carlow.
The continued presence of both horses in most betting lists, though – and Douvan would have been a solid second-favourite for the Ryanair on form – must have exerted at least a slight drag on overall turnover, and therefore has probably cost racing some money. Punters who took prices about other runners before Douvan and Apple’s Jade were officially ruled out will also have suffered a Rule 4 deduction from any winnings.
Mullins was apparently a little annoyed about being called in front of the stewards yesterday, but in the circumstances, neither trainer can really have much cause for complaint.
British trainers have been left behind by their Irish rivals this week – Ireland are already guaranteed to have more winners, with an entire day to go. Lambourn’s Nicky Henderson has also lost ground to Closutton’s Willie Mullins, who overtook Henderson as the Festival’s most successful ever trainer with six wins to two this week.
That said, the two that the Englishman did win were the Champion Hurdle and Champion Chase – and he has the Gold Cup favourite in Might Bite. If Henderson were to land an unprecedented treble, and leave Mullins still searching for his first Gold Cup, he can snatch a significant victory from the jaws of defeat.
If you’re unfortunate enough to have a Twitter account, you can cast your vote for the greatest Gold Cup moment:
What's your favourite @TimicoGoldCup moment? 🏆
— CheltenhamRacecourse (@CheltenhamRaces) March 16, 2018
Top jockeys after day three
Davy Russell 4 wins; Jack Kennedy 3; Paul Townend, Ruby Walsh 2; Noel Fehily Barry Geraghty, Brian Hughes, Lizzie Kelly, Patrick Mullins, Nico De Boinville, Keith Donoghue, Katie Walsh, Mark Walsh, Noel McParlan one win
A hat-trick in the space of four races yesterday propelled Russell to the top of our standings and he also leads Kennedy on a countback of second places (by one to none), so things are looking good for him. Either way, this looks like being the first Festival for 11 years at which the top jockey was neither Walsh nor Barry Geraghty. The 38-year-old Russell has never been top jockey here and would surely love to have that title just once.
Top jockey betting: 1-4 Russell, 5-1 Kennedy, 16-1 Townend
Top trainers after day three
Willie Mullins 7 wins, Gordon Elliott 6, Nicky Henderson 2; Tom George, Mick Channon, Nick Williams, Pat Kelly, Henry De Bromhead, Warren Greatrex one win
Bet Bright Cup: Ireland 15, Britain 6
So Mullins has become the most successful trainer in Festival history, though he probably needs another winner today to hold onto that title until next year because he’s only one ahead of Nicky Henderson.
The race to be this year’s top trainer will be closely fought between him and Elliott, again, and my first tip for next year is that the same thing will happen in 2019. Last year, the two had 12 winners between them over the four days. This time, they’re up to 13 with a whole day left to go.
Top trainer betting: 1-8 Mullins, 8-1 Elliott, 25-1 Henderson
Non-runners
2.10: I Shot The Sheriff, Brahms De Clermont, Krugermac
3.30: Shantou Flyer, Double Shuffle, Minella Rocco
4.50: Amour de Nuit
5.30: The Game Changer
The going
It remains soft, heavy in places but fresh patches of turf have been opened up for Gold Cup day:
Clerk of the Course, Simon Claisse gives a Going update ahead of our final day of The Festival™️, Gold Cup Day.
— CheltenhamRacecourse (@CheltenhamRaces) March 16, 2018
Going remains SOFT, HEAVY IN PLACES, with fresh ground opened up on the Chase course.#TheFestival pic.twitter.com/TWr8Nd2rxj
This picture illustrates just how dramatic the difference is between the old and new ground:
The 3rd last in the Gold cup. Just look how different the fresh ground on the inside is pic.twitter.com/vEMW6dUynS
— mick fitzgerald (@mickfitzg) March 16, 2018
Gold Cup preview
We have no previous winner but we do have a fascinating battle between 15 sturdy types and none can be ruled out with real confidence. Might Bite is the wayward beast who was going to win the RSA easily last year before hanging horribly to his right and nearly throwing it away. He has looked more sensible this year, but then he hasn’t been back to Cheltenham since then. As the King George winner, he is the form choice. The pace will probably come from Native River, who tried to make all the running last year, at the end of a busy season. He has had a lighter campaign this time in an attempt to improve on last year’s third. Our Duke represents Jessie Harrington, who trained Sizing John to win a year ago. This Irish National winner was last seen beating Presenting Percy, who hosed up in the RSA on Wednesday.
Killultagh Vic, trying to end the Mullins hoodoo in this race (the trainer has had six seconds and no winners), would probably have won the Irish Gold Cup but for falling at the last. Edwulf, who ran on to win that race, is the ‘miracle’ horse who collapsed and was thought to have died at the last Festival. His hold-up tactics may give him a lot to do in this big field. Road To Respect won Ireland’s Christmas Chase and that form looks excellent in light of Balko Des Flos’s win here yesterday. Total Recall has been transformed since joining Mullins but must improve again to take a hand here. He is thought to be on his way to a tilt at next month’s Grand National. Definitly Red tries to be the first northern-trained winner for a quarter of a century. He won impressively here in January but that will have taken a bit out of him and the balance of his form says he’s not good enough.
American, second to him that day, is a fragile sort now facing by far his sternest test, but with unplumbed reserves of ability. Minella Rocco has become a non-runner this morning, Jonjo O’Neill’s yard saying the ground is a concern. Realistically, stable form must also be a concern; O’Neill’s horses have rarely shown their best this winter. Anibale Fly was the choice of Barry Geraghty even before Minella Rocco was withdrawn, an intriguing decision. Djakadam tries this for the fourth time, having been second twice. He doesn’t win as often as his talent would suggest and it’s three years since he won at a distance beyond two and a half miles.
Bachasson is a lovely jumper who stays better as he strengthens and is an interesting outsider with place possibilities, for all that this is a big ask. Outlander has not shown his best in three previous visits to Cheltenham but this is his ground. Tea For Two is top-class in the right circumstances but prefers right-handed tracks and has not fared well here. Saphir Du Rheu ran above himself to be fifth in this last year and it would be a real surprise if he can improve on that now. His only win since 2015 came at Kelso. Shantou Flyer and Double Shuffle have also become non-runners this morning.
Morning all! The greatest show on turf concludes with another action-packed day and the feature race of the week – the Gold Cup. One of jump racing’s biggest prizes is very much up for grabs – might it be Might Bite? Is Our Duke your pick, or maybe Definitly Red?. You don’t have to decide just yet. Take a break from studying the form, with Tom Jenkins’ lovely gallery from the week so far:
Today's races and our tips
1.30 Triumph Hurdle Mr Adjudicator 8-1
2.10 County Hurdle Meri Devie 14-1
2.50 Albert Bartlett Novice Hurdle Santini 4-1
3.30 Cheltenham Gold Cup Might Bite 9-2
4.10 Foxhunter Chase Wonderful Charm 7-1
4.50 Martin Pipe Handicap Hurdle Blow By Blow 14-1
5.30 Grand Annual Handicap Chase Rock The World 25-1
The recipe for success this week has been Irish trainers or Nicky Henderson and I’m pleased, on reflection, to see that I’ve basically stuck to that formula for the Festival’s final day. The exception is the tip for Paul Nicholls’s Wonderful Charm in the Foxhunter Chase, a race the trainer has won three times and which the horse should possibly have won last year. Otherwise, this is another two for W Mullins, followed by another two for N Henderson and rounding off with one each for G Elliott and J Harrington. Other trainers: if it was possible to give you winners by simply willing it, I would do so.
It’s not been a big week for shocks, despite expectations that the deep ground might throw up some surprises. Wednesday’s card ended with winners at 33-1 and 25-1 but those were as big as they were because their trainers (Elliott and Mullins, inevitably) had more fancied horses in the race.
As you may recall, I had a slosh at a 100-1 shot yesterday but it was given a frankly dispiriting ride, settled comfortably in last until it was far too late, then passing half the field from the home turn. Today’s selections are more orthodox. You can read my in-depth analysis here.
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The Betfair Cheltenham Festival tipping competition
Congratulations to Killkennyben, who won Thursday’s competition on a final score of +24, thanks to Penhill, Missed Approach and Balko Des Flos. 10CNewton went close on +19.
You could win a £100 account credit from Betfair by proving your tipping prowess on today’s races. All you have to do is give us your selections for all of today’s races at Cheltenham. As ever, our champion will be the tipster who returns the best profit to notional stakes of £1 at starting price on each tip. Non-runners count as losers.
Please post all your tips in a single posting, using the comment facility below, before the first race at 1.30pm.
There are seven races at Cheltenham today and you must post a single selection for each race. Our usual terms and conditions, which you can read here, will apply, except that this will be a strictly one-day thing.
If we get a tie after all the races have been run, the winner will be the one who posted their tips earliest out of those with the highest score. If an entrant has to repost their selections because of a non-runner, we will use the time of their later posting for tiebreak purposes.
If you don’t win today … despair! This is your last chance until Royal Ascot to win a prize through us.
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Preamble
Sifting through the field for a Gold Cup in search of the best stories could be seen as a slightly cynical way for a journalist to approach the most prestigious race of the National Hunt season. But the fact of it is, we all do it, because deadlines are deadlines, and if you fail to prepare, you are preparing to fail. And the good news for racing fans and reporters alike is that this year’s race scores very highly on the Story-ometer.
Among the runners at 20-1 or shorter, we have Edwulf, a horse that seemed to have collapsed and died on the run-in 12 months ago, and also Might Bite, who got halfway up the hill in last year’s RSA Chase and then decided that walking was better than running.
If Might Bite wins, meanwhile, he will complete an unprecedented treble for his trainer Nicky Henderson in the Festival’s most prestigious races. But if Willie Mullins could land the spoils with one of his four runners, it would cement his new status as the meeting’s most successful trainer, and dispense with the “best trainer in history that hasn’t won a Gold Cup” tag which is becoming a bit of a burden.
Mullins has sent almost two dozen horses to the Gold Cup without success, and seen six finish as runner-up, including On His Own, who went down by a short-head to Lord Windermere four years ago and could – perhaps should – have got the race in the stewards’ room.
Jessica Harrington, on the other hand, won with her first runner 12 months ago, when Sizing John landed the spoils, and has a good chance to maintain her 100pc record in the race with Our Duke. Given Mullins’s frustrating series of near-misses, that would be quite a story too.
So it is all set up for a compelling race at 3.30 this afternoon, and with the bookies currently offering 9-2 the field, it promises to be one of the most open and competitive races of recent years too. Three runners – Might Bite, Our Duke and Colin Tizzard’s Native River, a mud-loving front-runner who will make it a real test – are within half a point of each other at the top of the market, while Killultagh Vic, the pick of Mullins’s squad, could easily be a pre-race steamer.
There are two non-runners in the big race field. Last year’s runner-up, Minella Rocco, has been ruled out by trainer Jonjo O’Neill, who is having a poor season by his standards and has saddled only two runners so far this week – one fell and the other was pulled up. Double Shuffle, the runner-up behind Might Bite in the King George at Kempton on Boxing Day, is also an absentee.
The gates will be open in half an hour, and a sell-out crowd of 70,000 is converging on a Gloucestershire spa town for one of the great days in British sport. If you can’t be there, be here.
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