Today's winners ...
With apologies for bringing them to you about four-and-a-half hours too late ...
- JLT Novice Chase (1.30): Samcro (D N Russell) 4-1
- Pertemps Final Handicap Hurdle (2.10): Sire Du Berlais (B J Geraghty)
- Ryanair Chase (2.50): Min (P Townend) 2-1
- Stayers Hurdle (3.30): Lisnagar Oscar (Adam Wedge) 50-1
- Brown Advisory Plate (4.10): Simply The Betts (G Sheehan)
- Mares’ Novices’ Hurdle (4.50): Concertista (D A Jacob) 9-2
- Kim Muir Handicap Chase (5.30): Milan Native (Mr R James) 9-1
That's three handicaps at this Festival for Gordon Elliott
— chris cook (@claimsfive) March 12, 2020
His record is four. May beat it tomorrow
Kim Muir Handicap Chase (5.30) result
1 Milan Native (Mr R James) 9-1
2 Kilfilum Cross (Mr A Edwards) 8-1
3 Bob Mahler (Mr N McParlan) 16-1
4 Plan Of Attack (Mr B O’Neill) 10-1
23 ran
Also: 5-1 Jt Fav Champagne Platinum, Le Breuil
Non Runner: 10
CSF: 79.13
Tricast: 1190.20
Kim Muir Handicap Chase (5.30)
Milan Native leads over the second last from Kilfilum Cross ... Milan Native wins by a length and a half from Kilfilum Cross ... Bob Mahler was third ...
Updated
Kim Muir Handicap Chase (5.30)
One Style continues to make the running with six to jump ... Thomas Patrick and Bob Mahler are next, followed by Milan Native ... The Young Master unseats and Like The Sound is pulled up ... Cloth Cap is prominent ... One Style falls leaving Bob Mahler in front ...
Kim Muir Handicap Chase (5.30)
It’s as you were with One Style leading from Thomas Mahler ... Go Another One is a faller back in the field ... Thomas Patrick leads from One Style as they head out on their final circuit ... they’re well grouped at the front of the bunch ...
Kim Muir Handicap Chase (5.30)
They’re out the country cantering along in the final race of the day, the field of amateur riders well strung out. One Style leads from Thomas Patrick and they’re about 10 lengths clear from Bob Mahler ...
Festival Friday to go ahead as planned
This year’s Cheltenham Festival will continue as planned tomorrow despite the coronavirus pandemic, according to the organisers. Make of that what you will.
Gold Cup promises last slice of enjoyment before reality hits
Racing tends to live in its own little world at the best of times – for many of its fans, that is part of the attraction – but the sense of deliberate detachment can never have felt so strong as it will when a dozen horses head to post on Friday afternoon for the 92nd running of theCheltenham Gold Cup, writes Greg Wood from Cheltenham.
In the space of a couple of hours on Thursday morning, in the wider world outside the Prestbury Park bubble, Spain suspended its football league for two weeks, McLaren pulled out of the Australian grand prix after a team member tested positive for Covid-19 and Leo Varadkar, the Irish prime minister, announced the closure of all schools, colleges and childcare facilities in Ireland until 29 March and a ban on outdoor gatherings of more than 500 people.
Ireland supplies seven of the runners of Friday’s big-race field and 59 of the likely starters on the day as a whole. Every horse has two or three staff to accompany it, who will return to a country on lockdown on Friday evening. Yet as all this was happening elsewhere, the enclosures were filling with around 65,000 racegoers, many of whom will be back again on Friday on their annual pilgrimage to watch steeplechasing’s championship event.
Read on ...
Horse racing in Ireland to take place behind closed doors
It has been announced that horse racing in Ireland will take place behind closed doors until March 29th at the earliest. There will be no crowds or caterers at the courses and the number of grooms and trainers permitted at each meeting will be kept to the bare minimum.
Kim Muir Handicap Chase (5.30) betting
- Le Breuil - 5/1
- Champagne Platinum – 5/1
- Deise Aba – 10/1
- Kilfium Cross – 8/1
- Plan of Attack – 10/1
- Fitzhenry – 7/1
- Cloth Cap – 14/1
- Milan Native – 14/1
- Bob Mahler – 20/1
- Just A Sting – 28/1
- Ardlethen –33/1
- Fingerontheswitch – 50/1
- The Kings Writ – 50/1
- Militarian – 28/1
- One Style – 50/1
- The Young Master – 66/1
- Cabaret Queen – 50/1
- Go Another One – 50/1
- Coup De Pinceau – 50/1
- Cabaret Queen – 50/1
- Thomas Patrick – 80/1
- Flying Angel – 80/1
- Like The Sound – 100/1
- Le Musee – 150/1
- View the market moves
Fulke Walwyn Kim Muir Handicap Chase (5.30) preview
Already a winner at this Festival, Jamie Codd returns to the fray for what has been his most fruitful race. The amateur has won this four times in the past 11 years and teams up again with Le Breuil, on whom he won the National Hunt Chase last year. He hasn’t won this season but that was also true for nine of the last 12 Kim Muir winners.
Deise Aba is probably ahead of the handicapper, following his Sandown win on just his fourth start over fences, though whether he is quite quick enough for this is open to question. Fingerontheswitch is having a grand season but is flying up the weights in consequence. Fitzhenry is a JP McManus horse who looks nicely treated on the best of his form, like his Troytown second.
Champagne Platinum is a JP/Nicky Henderson horse who stayed on well at the end of the Scilly Isles to be third. He surely has more to offer and cheekpieces first time may get it out of him, along with the crack amateur Derek O’Connor.
Mares' Novices' Hurdle (4.50) result
1 Concertista (D A Jacob) 9-2
2 Dolcita (R M Power) 9-1
3 Rayna’s World (Thomas Dowson) 100-1
22 ran
Also: 11-4 Fav Minella Melody, 20-1 Yukon Lil 4th
CSF: 41.22
Tricast: 3651.61
Updated
Mares’ Novices’ Hurdle (4.50) 2m 1f
Minella Melody continues to lead from Anna Bunina and Fort Worth Texas ... there’s just one hurdle left to jump ... Rosie And Millie is prominent, as is Whitehotchillifili ... Concertista leads over the last ... Concertista wins pulling a cart for Willie Mullins, in the hands of Daryl Jacob.
Updated
Mares' Novices' Hurdle (4.50) 2m 1f
They’re off and running in the penultimate race of the day and Minella Melody is towing them along with Colreevy in second place ... it’s raining heavily ...
BREAKING: Gigginstown Stud have confirmed that Apple's Jade has been retired following her run in the @paddypower Stayers' Hurdle today
— CheltenhamRacecourse (@CheltenhamRaces) March 12, 2020
So many great memories of a super mare - and here's hoping some of her offspring are seen here in the future 🐴 pic.twitter.com/u26IAUuE2K
Dawn Run Mares' Novice Hurdle (4.50) betting
- Minella Melody – 10/3
- Colreevy – 4/1
- Concertista – 9/2
- Floressa – 8/1
- Dolcita – 9/1
- Ard Abhainn – 12/1
- Yukon Lil – 28/1
- Mount Ida – 25/1
- Emmas Joy – 28/1
- Whitehotchillifilli – 28/1
- Vienna Court – 66/1
- Getaway Totherock – 66/1
- Full of Surprises – 66/1
- Timetochill – 80/1
- Midnights Gift – 125/1
- Rosie and Millie – 100/1
- La Feline –110/1
- Fort Worth Texas – 150/1
- Anna Bunina – 150/1
- Red Archangel – 500/1
- Raynas World – 200/1
- Rhythm Divine – 300/1
- View the market moves
Dawn Run Mares’ Novice Hurdle (4.50) preview
Here’s a funny thing, a race that has only ever been won by Willie Mullins (it’s only been run four times) and yet some other trainer somehow has the favourite. Minella Melody occupies that position for Henry de Bromhead, having won a key trial in January, beating Colreevy. She is unbeaten over hurdles and looks classy.
Concertista, whose odds halved to 5-1 during Wednesday, was beaten just a short-head in this race a year ago, her first start over hurdles. She was third in a big-field handicap last time, form which looks solid. Floressa represents the in-form Nicky Henderson and was a bit unlucky last time. Her November win at Newbury puts her in the argument.
Richard Johnson is OK: According to ITV Racing, Richard Johnson got a lift back to the weigh room in a car and was able to walk from it to the sanctuary. “I got a bit of a kicking but I’m OK,” he says. Both he, Lizzie Kelly and their respective mounts are fine, which is good news.
A bad fall at the second last: Both Lizzie Kelly and Richard Johnson had very heavy falls at the penultimate hurdle, from Siruh Du Lac and La Bague Au Roi respectively. Lizzie, according to ITV, is back on her feet. Here’s hoping Richard Johnson will be OK too. I think both their mounts are alright - more news as I get it.
Brown Advisory Plate (4.10) result
1 Simply The Betts (G Sheehan) 10-3 Fav
2 Happy Diva (Richard Patrick) 20-1
3 Mister Whitaker (Adrian Heskin) 22-1
4 Oldgrangewood (Harry Skelton) 11-1
23 ran
Non Runner: 10
Updated
Brown Advisory Plate (4.10)
Siruh Du Lac and Lizzie Kelly continue to make the running with three to jump ... Highway One O One makes a mistake but stays on his feet ... Siruh Du Lac takes the third from home leading from Simply The Betts ... Siruh Du Lac falls at the second last leaving Simply The Betts in front ... Simply The Betts is joined in front by Happy Diva ... Simply The Betts wins the Brown Advisory Plate ... Simply The Betts wins from Happy Diva ...
Updated
Brown Advisory Plate (4.10)
They’re now tightly packed with Siruh Du Lac plodding along in front ahead of Simply The Betts ... Royal Village is a faller ... La Bague Au Roi comes a cropper at the next and they’ve six to jump ...
Brown Advisory Plate (4.10) 2m 5f
They’re off and racing in the fifth race of the day of the day and Siruh Du Lac is one of the early leaders with Simply The Betts. With 11 fences to go, the field is strung out. Old Grangewood and Robin De Foret are among the back-markers ...
Oscar-winning performance in Stayers’ Hurdle
Lisnagar Oscar caused a 50-1 upset as reigning champion Paisley Park disappointed in the Paddy Power Stayers’ Hurdle at Cheltenham.
Making smooth progress on the near side, Lisnager Oscar hit the front before the final flight in the hands of Adam Wedge, to put trainer Rebecca Curtis back in the big time.
Lisnagar Oscar galloped on strongly up the hill to hold the challenge of Ronald Pump (20-1) by two lengths, with Bacardys (33-1) a further three lengths away in third place.
Apple’s Jade had set a decent gallop and opened up a big led until she came back to the field after the third-last flight.
The runners bunched up, with several horses in with a chance two out, but it was Lisnagar Oscar who proved strongest to claim the coveted prize. Last year’s winner Paisley Park looked to be in trouble some way out and faded to finish seventh.
“Unbelievable, it’s fantastic,” said Wedge, the winning jockey. “The little horse has tried his heart out. I couldn’t believe it when I hit the front, I was just praying he’d keep galloping - he fought like a little lion up that hill.”
Brown Advisory Plate (4.10) betting
- Simply the Betts – 10/3
- Ben Dundee – 11/1
- Deyrann de Carjac – 12/1
- Oldgrangewood – 12/1
- Blazer – 14/1
- Robin Des Forest – 16/1
- Siruh Du Lac – 16/1
- La Bague Au Roi – 16/1
- Spiritofthegames – 16/1
- Not Another Muddle – 20/1
- Springtown Lake – 20/1
- Death Duty – 20/1
- Mister Whitaker – 25/1
- Happy Diva – 28/1
- Vision Des Flos – 28/1
- Livelovelaugh – 40/1
- Snow Falcon – 40/1
- Charmant – 50/1
- Highway One O One – 66/1
- Louis Van Pouch – 66/1
- Kauto Riko – 70/1
- Imperial Presence – 90/1
- Royal Village – 100/1
- View the market moves
"He seems absolutely fine, he didn't travel with the same zest and didn't jump quite as fluently as normal."
— ITV Racing (@itvracing) March 12, 2020
Paisley Park's trainer Emma Lavelle spoke to @aliceplunkett after the Stayers' Hurdle#CheltenhamFestival #ITVRacing pic.twitter.com/pl0dTAWVGC
Brown Advisory Plate Handicap Chase (4.10) preview
Simply The Betts is the obvious one, having improved so much as a chaser this term, and the form of his win here in January was boosted by the runner-up scoring here on Tuesday. Novices like him have a good record and have won this twice in the past three years.
Happy Diva won the BetVictor here in November but has no secrets from the handicapper. Sirruh Du Lac made all to win this last year and may have had his excuses for a November flop, his only run since. La Bague Au Roi doesn’t look badly treated for this switch to handicaps. Oldgrangewood is a strong finisher who seems likely to get the strong pace that he needs.
"I thought 50-1 was a massive price!"
— ITV Racing (@itvracing) March 12, 2020
Winning trainer @rebcurtis spoke to @aliceplunkett 🙌#CheltenhamFestival pic.twitter.com/xPwenuWCY8
Stayers Hurdle (3.30) result
1 Lisnagar Oscar (Adam Wedge) 50-1
2 Ronald Pump (B J Cooper) 20-1
3 Bacardys (Mr P W Mullins) 33-1
15 ran
Also: 4-6 Fav Paisley Park, 10-1 Emitom 4th
CSF: 781.78
Tricast: 28381.06
Updated
Stayers’ Hurdle (3.30)
Lisnagar Oscar pulls off a huge shock in the Stayers’ Hurdle. It’s a maiden Festival win for jockey Adam Wedge, who wins for trainer Rebecca Curtis.
Updated
Stayers’ Hurdle (3.30)
Lisnagar Oscar leads over the last from Bacardys, who comes with a strong run. Lisnagar Oscar wins at 50-1 ...
Stayers’ Hurdle (3.30)
Apple’s Jade from Ask Dillon, Summerville Boy, Paisley Park ... Donna’s Delight is last ... Paisley Park is being pushed along ... Apple’s Jade leads, but not by much ... they’ve one to jump ...
Stayers’ Hurdle (3.30)
Apple’s Jade leads by 1o lengths from Ask Dillon ... Paislety Park is in fourth or fifth place ... “This should suit Paisley Park,” says AP McCoy on ITV racing ... Apple’s Jade leads from Ask Dillon and Summerville Boy. Paisley Park is next ... they have three to jump ...
Stayers’ Hurdle (3.30) 3m
After milling around down by the start for a good five minutes after arriving ahead of schedule, they’re off and running in the Stayers’ Hurdle. Apple’s Jade is making a ferocious gallop ... Penhill has been pulled up after clattering the third hurdle ... Apple’s Jade leads by six or seven lengths from Ask Dillon and Donna’s Diamond ... they have seven to jump ...
Stayers’ Hurdle (3.30) betting
- Paisley Park – 8/11
- Apples Jade – 10/1
- Summerville Boy – 9/1
- Emitom – 12/1
- Penhill – 14/1
- City Island – 16/1
- Ronald Pump – 20/1
- Bacardys – 40/1
- Lami Serge – 50/1
- Lisnagar Oscar – 66/1
- Tobefair – 66/1
- The Jam Man – 66/1
- Ask Dillon – 80/1
- West Approach – 125/1
- Donnas Diamond – 250/1
- View the market moves
Min the main man in Ryanair Chase
Min was finally a winner in his fourth Cheltenham Festival when grinding out victory in the Ryanair Chase. Always in the front rank, the Willie Mullins-trained nine-year-old held the late challenge of Saint Calvados to take Grade One honours under Paul Townend.
Min, owned by Rich Ricci, was accompanied by Frodon up front in the early stages until last year’s winner started to lose touch, although he kept going for fourth. Shattered Love and Aso were others unable to keep pace with Min, who turned up the tempo with Riders Onthe Storm falling three out when trying to get into contention.
A Plus Tard laid it down to Min (2-1) from that point, but the 7-4 favourite could not find what was needed from the final fence. Saint Calvados was the last to challenge but the post came in time for Min, who crossed the line a neck to the good. A Plus Tard was a length and a half back in third.
Stayers' Hurdle (3.30) preview
Paisley Park was a hugely popular winner last year and has not been beaten since, most recently pushing past Summerville Boy in the Cleeve here in January. Judging by last year, he’ll be settled in midfield, which brings the risk of trouble in running, and his stable has been gradually dropping out of form since November. However, it’s not always wise to pay attention to stable form when you’re considering top-class horses, I’ve found.
Summerville Boy has not built on his Supreme win from two years ago but he ran well on his first try at this distance in the Cleeve and may have more to offer. City Island returns to hurdles for the first time since last season, when he beat Champ in the Ballymore. Emitom slogged through the Haydock mud to win the Rendlesham last month, but that hasn’t been an influential trial.
Penhill, the 2018 winner, seems to be working his way back to form. L’Ami Serge has masses of talent but often would rather hide it under a bushel and would be the oldest winner since 1986. Apple’s Jade also seems to have lost her enthusiasm for the game, though she ran to a high standard at Christmas and blinkers may help. Richard Johnson is a surprising booking, with Davy Russell unused.
Ryanair Chase (2.50) result
1 Min (P Townend) 2-1
2 Saint Calvados (G Sheehan) 16-1
3 A Plus Tard (Rachael Blackmore) 7-4 Fav
8 ran
Also: 11-2 Frodon 4th
CSF: 30.53
Tricast: 64.65
Updated
Ryanair Chase (2.50) 2m 5f
If you backed Aso you can throw your ticket away. Ditto for Riders OnThye DStorm, who’s a faller. Min leads by a neck from A Plus Tard with one to jump. Over the last they go and Saint Calvados tries to get past Min on the rail before switching to the outside ... Min wins by a neck from Saint Calvados ... Min wins the Ryanair Chase under a fine ride from Paul Townend for Willie Mullins.
Updated
Ryanair Chase (2.50) 2m 5f
Min leads from Shattered Love, Aso and A Plus Tard. Frodon gets a shake of the reins from Bryony Frost to wake him up ... Aso is now being scrubbed along with four to jump. A Plus Tard is being scrubbed along by Rachael Blackmore ...
Ryanair Chase (2.50) 2m 5f
Min leads by a neck from Frodon with Shattered Love making it three abreast across the front. Now Aso gets upside them, while Frodon is a couple of lengths off the pace. They’ve nine to jump and they’re all still standing ...
Ryanair Chase (2.50) 2m 5f
Away they go in the Ryanair Chase, with last year’s winner Frodon making the pace under Bryony Frost. Min and Paul Townend are second with Shattered Love in third ...
Sire Du Berlais repeats Pertemps success
Sire Du Berlais led home a Gordon Elliott one-two as he recorded back-to-back victories in the Pertemps Network Final Handicap Hurdle at Cheltenham.
Continuing a fine Festival for Elliott as well as jockey Barry Geraghty and owner JP McManus, Sire Du Berlais (10-1) was revitalised by wearing blinkers for the first time.
The Storyteller, Sire Du Berlais and Tout Les Permis jumped the last virtually together, and it was the first two from the Elliott stable who pulled away. Sire Du Berlais, carrying top-weight, got on top close home to land the spoils by half a length. Tout Les Permis was six and half lengths away in third place, with Third Wind fourth and Relegate a never-nearer fifth.
Ryanair Chase (2.50) betting
- A Plus Tard – 15/8
- Min – 2/1
- Frodon – 6/1
- Riders On the Storm – 12/1
- Saint Calvados – 25/1
- Shattered Love – 28/1
- Duc Des Genievres – 22/1
- Aso – 33/1
- View any market moves
Updated
Some sad news: Copper Gone West, ridden by Alan Johns and trained by Tim Vaughan, was pulled up with an injury during the Pertemps and has since been put down.
Ryanair Chase (2.50) preview
A Plus Tard is back at the Festival, having hosed up in a handicap last year. He was last seen beating Chacun Pour Soi over Christmas, a fine effort even if the runner-up needed the outing. With the De Bromhead/Blackmore combination going well, he seems set to run another big race, but dangers abound.
Frodon won this last year under a great front-running ride and returned to form last time. Min doesn’t have to face Altior for the first time in four visits to the Festival. It seems timely to recall that he beat Politologue 20 lengths at Aintree last April. Duc Des Genievres has done little since winning a weak Arkle, while Riders Onthe Storm ought to be puggled after his Ascot race last month.
Shattered Love is interesting at a big price, having won the Marsh two years ago. She lost her way after that but has had a couple of good moments this winter.
Updated
Sire Du Berlais wins the Pertemps again! 🙌
— ITV Racing (@itvracing) March 12, 2020
Another winner for Barry Geraghty, Gordon Elliott and J.P. McManus 👏
Watch LIVE now!
📺 @ITV
📱 https://t.co/fJXuj4d6h6 pic.twitter.com/wehgv2qRg8
Pertemps Final Handicap Hurdle (2.10) result
1 Sire Du Berlais (B J Geraghty) 10-1
2 The Storyteller (D N Russell) 11-2 Jt Fav
3 Tout Est Permis (E Walsh) 12-1
4 Third Wind (T J O’Brien) 12-1
24 ran
Also: 11-2 Jt Fav Relegate
CSF: 62.65
Tricast: 706.05
Pertemps Final Handicap Hurdle (2.10) 3m
Kansas City Chief but Rapper takes over in front with The Storyteller making his move on the outside. Sire Du Berlais flanks the duo. Sire De Berlais wins for Barry Geraghty from The Storyteller. Tout Est Permis is third.
Updated
Pertemps Final Handicap Hurdle (2.10) 3m
Kansas City Chief leads with two hurdles to go ... Burrows Park is in second with Tout Est Permis in third as they go through the gears ... Burrows Park is being pushed along ...
Pertemps Final Handicap Hurdle (2.10) 3m
Kansas City Chief leads by a length from Burrows Park and Kilbricken Storm ... the bunch is closely packed and they’re all standing ...
Pertemps Final Handicap Hurdle (2.10) 3m
They’re off and running in the Pertemps and Kilbricken Storm is in front with Burrows Park at close quarters ... Burrows Park takes over in frontunder Charlie Deutsch ... Skandiburg is already in trouble as they head for flight No5 ...
Updated
Pertemps Final Handicap Hurdle (2.10) betting
- The Storyteller – 11/2
- Welsh Saint – 11/2
- Relegate – 11/2
- Skandiburg – 10/1
- Sire Du Berlais – 11/1
- Third Wind – 12/1
- Tout Est Permis – 14/1
- A Great View – 16/1
- Dream Berry – 16/1
- Kilbricken Storm – 22/1
- Jatiluwith – 25/1
- Rapper – 25/1
- Stoney Mountain – 33/1
- Royal Thief – 33/1
- Unowhatimeanharry – 40/1
- Rocket Lad – 70/1
- Sunset Showdown – 50/1
- Kansas City Chief –80/1
- Dingo Dollar – 70/1
- Guitar Pete – 80/1
- Burrows Park – 90/1
- Fred the Foot – 125/1
- Copper Gone West – 125/1
- Doubly Clever – 250/1
- View any market moves here
Samcro back to brilliant best
Samcro edged out Melon - and Faugheen - in a thrilling race for the Marsh Novices’ Chase at Cheltenham. The 2018 Ballymore Novices’ Hurdle winner has had a chequered career since that Festival highlight - but returned to his best in a finish that had just about everything.
The pair battled it out up the famous hill and it could have gone either way, but in the end it was the Gordon Elliott-trained Samcro (4-1) who snatched the verdict on the line under Davy Russell.
Faugheen - with the packed stands willing him on - was right behind the first two in third spot, with Mister Fisher fourth. Sent off the 3-1 favourite, Faugheen was away smartly, but Reserve Tank and Poker Play made the early running before Melon joined the leaders before the fifth fence.
There was early drama when Itchy Feet blundered and unseated Gavin Sheehan at the sixth fence. Samcro travelled well and there was all to play for until Faugheen made a mistake three out that cost him ground at a crucial time.
It left Samcro and Melon ahead of the pack with the former, wearing the Gigginstown House Stud colours, prevailing by a nose, as Faugheen rallied to be just another length behind.
Grand National meeting under threat
Racing is braced for an anticipated Government update as measures to tackle the coronavirus appear set to move to the “delay” stage.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson was expected to confirm the next policy move after a lunchtime Cobra meeting. The Cheltenham Festival continues into day three, with the showpiece Gold Cup scheduled on Friday, and has so far gone ahead - albeit with crowds slightly down on last year’s record numbers, and hand-sanitiser stations in place on course to aid hygiene and mitigate spread of the virus.
Racing in Ireland seems sure to be curtailed, however - perhaps with meetings taking place behind closed doors - after Taoiseach Leo Varadkar announced the imminent closure of all schools and colleges and a ban on outdoor gatherings of 500 people or more, initially until March 29.
Depending on the nature of new advice set to be issued by Government on Thursday, in British racing the focus is sure to switch next to the possiblilty of postponing next month’s Grand National meeting at Aintree - or placing major crowd restrictions on it.
What a horse race - and what a finish 😯
— CheltenhamRacecourse (@CheltenhamRaces) March 12, 2020
Samcro beats Melon by the narrowest of margins to land the G1 Marsh Novices' Chase in a pulsating drive to the line!#CheltenhamFestival pic.twitter.com/2inc1Lgsfx
Pertemps Final Handicap Hurdle (2.10) preview
It’s almost four years since Sire Du Berlais left France and the only race he has won in that time was this one, a year ago. That required one of the great galvanising rides from Barry Geraghty, as well as first-time cheekpieces. Can Geraghty do it again, with the help of blinkers this time? Since the horse is 7lb higher, I doubt it.
The Storyteller looks a stronger candidate from the same yard, that of Gordon Elliott. This one won a Festival handicap over fences two years ago and ran on well from the back to nick sixth in his qualifier. Relegate is also a Festival winner, in the Bumper of 2018, and should be sharper for her first run in a year, last month.
Third Wind looks well treated on just 4lb higher for his Wincanton win on Boxing Day, when the free-running Jatiluwih was second. Kilbricken Storm, an Albert Bartlett winner, would be a welcome boost for the Colin Tizzard team. Everyone loves a Nicky Henderson runner just now and his unexposed improver Welsh Saint is proving popular.
JLT Novice Chase (1.30) result
1 Samcro (D N Russell) 4-1
2 Melon (Mr P W Mullins) 14-1
3 Faugheen (P Townend) 3-1 Fav
12 ran
Also: 7-1 Mister Fisher 4th
CSF: 55.73
Tricast: 195.46
Updated
JLT Novice Chase (1.30) 2m 4f
Crikey, that is tight! Samcro wins in a photo by the shortest of short heads. Samcro wins the first under Davy Russell for trainer Gordon Elliott, who is in tears.
Updated
JLT Novice Chase (1.30) 2m 4f
Melon leads over the last from Samcro. Samcro pulls clear with Faugheen on the outside. Melon rallies close to the finish. It’s a photo, but I think Melon has got up to win on the nod from Samcro. Faugheen was third.
Updated
JLT Novice Chase (1.30) 2m 4f
Two to jump and Melon continues to make the running from Faugheen. Samcro is making his move ...
JLT Novice Chase (1.30) 2m 4f
Melon leads the way from stable companion Faugheen, Reserve Tank is hogging the rail on the inside in a well grouped field. They’re six from home ... Melon moves a couple of lengths clear ...
JLT Novice Chase (1.30) 2m 4f
Melon makes the running from Faugheen with a circuit to travel ... Itchy Feet is a faller and now running loose at the back of the field ...
JLT Novice Chase (1.30) 2m 4f
They’re off and running in the Marsh Novices’ Chase on Day Three of the Festival. Faugheen makes the running, followed by Reserve Thank, Mr Fisher and Melon ...
JLT Novice Chase (1.30) 2m 4f
The runners and riders are down at the start for the Marsh Novices’ Chase, ahead of the day’s first race. Good luck!
JLT Novice Chase (1.30) betting
- Faugheen 7-2
- Samcro 9-2
- Itchy Feet 9-2
- Mister Fisher 7-1
- Tornado Flyer 12-1
- Melon 14-1
- Bapaume 20-1
- 22-1 bar
JLT Novice Chase (1.30) preview
Oh my God, they’re backing Samcro again. The horse who was once so hyped that Michael O’Leary had to remind us he wasn’t the second coming of Jesus Christ looks like starting favourite for this, even though his only win in the past two years was a beginners chase in Down Royal. Admittedly, he was going well when he well at Fairyhouse in December but was he not beaten on merit when Faugheen left him 10 lengths behind at Christmas? I’d say so and yet here we are. Good luck to the chestnut’s many fans.
The risk for Faugheen is that he had a hard race at Leopardstown last month and it’s worth noting that the runner-up, Easy Game, ran no race in the RSA yesterday. Itchy Feet, third in last year’s Supreme and the Scilly Isles winner, seems sure to go well. Mister Fisher, only eighth in the Supreme, is steadily getting better over fences.
In addition to Faugheen, Willie Mullins runs Melon, Tornado Flyer and Bapaume, so he has a fair chance of shaping the race. The ex-French Saint Sonnet won easily at Catterick on his first start for Paul Nicholls but this is a huge step up.
Fulke Walwyn Kim Muir Handicap Chase (5.30) preview
Already a winner at this Festival, Jamie Codd returns to the fray for what has been his most fruitful race. The amateur has won this four times in the past 11 years and teams up again with Le Breuil, on whom he won the National Hunt Chase last year. He hasn’t won this season but that was also true for nine of the last 12 Kim Muir winners.
Deise Aba is probably ahead of the handicapper, following his Sandown win on just his fourth start over fences, though whether he is quite quick enough for this is open to question. Fingerontheswitch is having a grand season but is flying up the weights in consequence.
Fitzhenry is a JP McManus horse who looks nicely treated on the best of his form, like his Troytown second. Champagne Platinum is a JP/Nicky Henderson horse who stayed on well at the end of the Scilly Isles to be third. He surely has more to offer and cheekpieces first time may get it out of him, along with the crack amateur Derek O’Connor.
Dawn Run Mares’ Novice Hurdle (4.50) preview
Here’s a funny thing, a race that has only ever been won by Willie Mullins (it’s only been run four times) and yet some other trainer somehow has the favourite. Minella Melody occupies that position for Henry de Bromhead, having won a key trial in January, beating Colreevy. She is unbeaten over hurdles and looks classy.
Concertista, whose odds halved to 5-1 during Wednesday, was beaten just a short-head in this race a year ago, her first start over hurdles. She was third in a big-field handicap last time, form which looks solid. Floressa represents the in-form Nicky Henderson and was a bit unlucky last time. Her November win at Newbury puts her in the argument.
Brown Advisory Plate Handicap Chase (4.10) preview
Simply The Betts is the obvious one, having improved so much as a chaser this term, and the form of his win here in January was boosted by the runner-up scoring here on Tuesday. Novices like him have a good record and have won this twice in the past three years.
Happy Diva won the BetVictor here in November but has no secrets from the handicapper. Sirruh Du Lac made all to win this last year and may have had his excuses for a November flop, his only run since.
La Bague Au Roi doesn’t look badly treated for this switch to handicaps. Oldgrangewood is a strong finisher who seems likely to get the strong pace that he needs.
Stayers Hurdle (3.30pm) preview
Paisley Park was a hugely popular winner last year and has not been beaten since, most recently pushing past Summerville Boy in the Cleeve here in January. Judging by last year, he’ll be settled in midfield, which brings the risk of trouble in running, and his stable has been gradually dropping out of form since November. However, it’s not always wise to pay attention to stable form when you’re considering top-class horses, I’ve found.
Summerville Boy has not built on his Supreme win from two years ago but he ran well on his first try at this distance in the Cleeve and may have more to offer. City Island returns to hurdles for the first time since last season, when he beat Champ in the Ballymore. Emitom slogged through the Haydock mud to win the Rendlesham last month, but that hasn’t been an influential trial.
Penhill, the 2018 winner, seems to be working his way back to form. L’Ami Serge has masses of talent but often would rather hide it under a bushel and would be the oldest winner since 1986. Apple’s Jade also seems to have lost her enthusiasm for the game, though she ran to a high standard at Christmas and blinkers may help. Richard Johnson is a surprising booking, with Davy Russell unused.
Ryanair Chase (2.50) preview
A Plus Tard is back at the Festival, having hosed up in a handicap last year. He was last seen beating Chacun Pour Soi over Christmas, a fine effort even if the runner-up needed the outing. With the De Bromhead/Blackmore combination going well, he seems set to run another big race, but dangers abound.
Frodon won this last year under a great front-running ride and returned to form last time. Min doesn’t have to face Altior for the first time in four visits to the Festival. It seems timely to recall that he beat Politologue 20 lengths at Aintree last April.
Duc Des Genievres has done little since winning a weak Arkle, while Riders Onthe Storm ought to be puggled after his Ascot race last month. Shattered Love is interesting at a big price, having won the Marsh two years ago. She lost her way after that but has had a couple of good moments this winter.
Pertemps Final Handicap Hurdle (2.10) preview
It’s almost four years since Sire Du Berlais left France and the only race he has won in that time was this one, a year ago. That required one of the great galvanising rides from Barry Geraghty, as well as first-time cheekpieces. Can Geraghty do it again, with the help of blinkers this time. Since the horse is 7lb higher, I doubt it.
The Storyteller looks a stronger candidate from the same yard, that of Gordon Elliott. This one won a Festival handicap over fences two years ago and ran on well from the back to nick sixth in his qualifier. Relegate is also a Festival winner, in the Bumper of 2018, and should be sharper for her first run in a year, last month.
Third Wind looks well treated on just 4lb higher for his Wincanton win on Boxing Day, when the free-running Jatiluwih was second. Kilbricken Storm, an Albert Bartlett winner, would be a welcome boost for the Colin Tizzard team. Everyone loves a Nicky Henderson runner just now and his unexposed improver Welsh Saint is proving popular.
Preview: JLT Novice Chase (1.30) preview
Oh my God, they’re backing Samcro again. The horse who was once so hyped that Michael O’Leary had to remind us he wasn’t the second coming of Jesus Christ looks like starting favourite for this, even though his only win in the past two years was a beginners chase in Down Royal.
Admittedly, he was going well when he fell at Fairyhouse in December but was he not beaten on merit when Faugheen left him 10 lengths behind at Christmas? I’d say so and yet here we are. Good luck to the chestnut’s many fans. The risk for Faugheen is that he had a hard race at Leopardstown last month and it’s worth noting that the runner-up, Easy Game, ran no race in the RSA yesterday. Itchy Feet, third in last year’s Supreme and the Scilly Isles winner, seems sure to go well.
Mister Fisher, only eighth in the Supreme, is steadily getting better over fences. In addition to Faugheen, Willie Mullins runs Melon, Tornado Flyer and Bapaume, so he has a fair chance of shaping the race. The ex-French Saint Sonnet won easily at Catterick on his first start for Paul Nicholls but this is a huge step up.
Updated
Top jockeys after day two
Barry Geraghty 3
Nico De Boinville 1
Mark Walsh 1
Jamie Codd 1
Paul Townend 1
Rachael Blackmore 1
Harry Skelton 1
David Bass 1
Aidan Coleman 1
Jonathan Plouganou 1
Brendan Powell 1
Davy Russell 1
Barry Geraghty hasn’t been top jockey here since 2012 but he’s well on his way, considering three winners was enough to win it last year. This is already his best Festival since 2014 (Jezki, O’Faolains Boy, More Of That). Paul Townend finally got one on the board after knocking on the door with form figures of 4F4233P. Still, Davy Russell’s form figures here this week are better: 20214245. Rachael Blackmore had three rides on Wednesday and was second twice.
Top jockey betting:
Barry Geraghty Evens
Paul Townend 4-1
Rachael Blackmore 11-2
Davy Russell 13-2
Nico de Boinville 10-1
Mark Walsh 14-1
Aidan Coleman 25-1
Top trainers after day two
Nicky Henderson 4 wins
Gordon Elliott 3
Henry de Bromhead 2
Willie Mullins 1
Paul Nicholls 1
Kim Bailey 1
David Bridgwater 1
David Cottin 1
Britain 7
Ireland 6
France 1
Nicky Henderson has managed three Grade One wins already this week and that’s even with Altior being lame. Santini in the Gold Cup is the shortest priced of his remaining runners. Gordon Elliott has got himself another Festival handicap and he’s also had five placed runners in the handicaps so far. Willie Mullins has found it tougher going but, for him, there’s always the Bumper. He’s saddled five favourites in the 14 races so far and they were all turned over.
Top trainer betting:
Gordon Elliott Evens
Nicky Henderson 11-8
Willie Mullins 5-1
Henry de Bromhead 16-1
Paul Nicholls 33-1
Furlongs, fancy hats – and a few face masks – for Ladies’ Day at the Cheltenham Festival. This great gallery of shots including some from colleague Tom Jenkins at the races is well worth a look ...
Updated
Today's races and our tips
1.30 Marsh Novice Chase
Faugheen (nb) 9-2
2.10 Pertemps Handicap Hurdle
Relegate 13-2
2.50 Ryanair Chase
A Plus Tard 7-4
3.30 Stayers Hurdle
City Island 12-1
4.10 Brown Advisory Plate Handicap Chase
Simply The Betts (nap) 7-2
4.50 Mares Novice Hurdle
Concertista 5-1
5.30 Kim Muir Handicap Chase
Just A Sting 33-1
This could be the day when Ireland asserts, or at least I’m hoping so, having put them down for wins in both the centrepieces races and three others as well. Simply The Betts is proving popular after we all saw the form boosted by Imperial Aura on Tuesday. Concertista halved in price during Wednesday, which was a bit disappointing but shows the market isn’t completely sold on Minella Melody. I’m surprised there’s not more interest in Just A Sting, given that he was a popular choice the last day in what used to be the Racing Post Chase.
The Betfair Cheltenham Festival tipping competition
Congratulations to FillyManilli, who won Wednesday’s competition on a final score of +17, having picked Ferny Hollow (11-1), Champ (4-1) and Politologue (6-1). Robertkeen was second on +16, a valiant effort. Filly, we’ll be in touch with you by email about your prize towards the end of the week.
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, don’t despair. You’ll have one more shot at our Cheltenham competition tomorrow (Friday).
Preamble
The third day of the Festival felt a little like the meeting’s poor relation when it moved from three days to four in 2005, and for a few years, Thursday was the least popular of the week in terms of attendance. But it jumped past the opening day in 2008, when the second day was lost to high winds, and has roared ahead in recent years, relegating Wednesday to a clear last place in attendance and, as often as not, pulling in the second-best crowd of the week behind Gold Cup day.
It’s only a hunch, but my guess would be that plenty of racegoers who can’t handle (or afford) four days in Gloucestershire are coming for the last two days instead, and an afternoon like last year’s Stayers’ Hurdle day, when Bryony Frost and Frodon took the Ryanair and then Paisley Park landed the feature, can only persuade them that they’ve got the balance right.
Anyone who has been tempted to give Thursday a try by last year’s excitement, meanwhile, will be delighted that today’s card not only offers the chance of a repeat performance, but also has the added twist of the old favourite Faugheen, a former Champion Hurdle winner, attempting to win a Grade One novice chase at the age of 12.
The Faugheen-Frodon-Paisley Park treble is currently on offer at around 55-1, so it’s a big ask, but it might be worth a couple of pounds just in case.
The action switches to the New course for the final two days, the sun is out at Cheltenham and the official going for this afternoon’s card is soft, good-to-soft in places. Chris Cook’s tips for the seven races are here – including a 14-1 pick to beat Paisley Park – and the action is under way at 1.30pm GMT.
