CHELTENHAM NH FESTIVAL 2021 FRIDAY 19th MARCH [GOLD CUP DAY]

Would usually be expecting a full house of 70,000 racegoers on Gold Cup Day but not this year ! The final day of The 2021 Cheltenham Festival as history could be made in the Magners Cheltenham Gold Cup as Al Boum Photo goes for a hat trick of wins last achieved by the legendary Best Mate. Plenty of high quality action to end this years meeting though, hope you have enjoyed the week safely at home. Meeting is shown live on ITV channel in Uk.

 
Day Four - 19th March 2021
Weather - A settled day, cloudy with occasional light rain and becoming milder max temp 10C.
Official Going Report - Chase and Hurdle: Good to soft (Good in places).  

13:20  JCB Triumph Hurdle (Grade 1)
2m 179y  [8 runners]
The final day traditionally gets underway with three hurdle events before the Gold Cup, the Triumph is always competitive won last year by Burning Victory after Goshen unseated Jamie Moore at the last flight with the race at his mercy. A field of eight 4yo's line up for this latest renewal, Adagio [David Pipe] still finding improvement and should prove hard to peg back, while Haut En Couleurs has now joined Willie Mullins and is the stable selection (also runs Tax for Max). Tritonic has long been fancied for this impressed when winning at Kempton and with Zanahair head the market but I am siding with the wonderful Rachael Blackmore ride Quilixios from the successful Henry De Bromhead stable.

Result - 1st : (4) Quilixios @2/1 [Rachael Blackmore].

13:55  McCoy Contractors County Handicap Hurdle (Grade 3)
2m 179y  [26 runners]
The County hurdle is a huge field and big betting heat usually, 26 runners will need some luck in running as this 2m event usually run at a fast and furious pace. Field led by 10yo Petit Mouchoir who's jockey will take off a useful 7lbs and this one is likely to be up there from the front early. Very consistent but likely to find something better handicapped today. 

Edwardstone looks a little overpriced at 20/1 for Alan King, ran well recently in a huge field when placed at Newbury, Champagne Gold is another to make note of for the all conquering De Bromhead / R Blackmore combination this week. While Strong Glance just gets into the handicap with a low weight and 25/1 another I would want to back in the place markets in this since the ground has come back nearer 'Good' rather than the heavy ground encountered last time.

Result - 1st : (26) Belfast Banter @33/1 [KC Sexton].

14:30  Albert Bartlett Novices' Hurdle (Grade 1) (Registered As The Spa Novices' Hurdle)
2m 7f 213y  [17 runners]

Tricky hurdle event now as 17 runners face a near 3m trip, where Barbados Buck's (Paul Nicholls) in the same famous colours worn by the likes of Big Bucks so any similarity to him should be very close over this trip having won his last three starts over hurdles. 

Alaphillppe is another ex Irish pointer who has taken well to the smaller obstacles here too, eased to win by 14L last time and will have plenty of support. The Irish challenge appears to rest with the likes of Stattler (W Mullins) and Torygraph (D Foster).

Result - 1st : (17) Vanillier @14/1 [M P Walsh].

AL BOUM PHOTO Winner of the 2019 / 2020 Gold Cups

15:05  WellChild Cheltenham Gold Cup Chase (Grade 1)
3m 2f 70y  [12 runners]
Time for the feature event of the day and indeed for many the entire week, last years winner Al Boum Photo returns again having had a similar preparation and must be taken seriously though there are several here with strong chances too. Frodon is likely to have his supporters but this is a step up in class really and the King George winner might well try and make all but will be a target for all the principals. Champ is another that is stepping up again on all known form, also liable to make mistakes and you cannot afford to do so in this. 

Native River (winner in 2018) and Santini usually battle out things together, chances in what really is quite an open Gold Cup though something usually comes along to test the water and that could well be Royale Pagaille this year, Venetia Williams 7yo winner of three races this year, clearly on the up and if there are any chinks in the armour in the market leaders wouldn't be far away.

All that said I cannot really see past Al Boum Photo making it three Gold Cups.

Result - 1st : (9) Minella Indo @9/1 [JW Kennedy].

15:40  St. James's Place Festival Challenge Cup Open Hunters' Chase
3m 2f 70y  [18 runners].
Usually known as the 'Amateur's Gold Cup' but with the BHA announcing that no amateur riders will be at this years festival it will be interesting to learn what happens with this today. Paul Nicholls has saddled winners of this in the recent past so his Bob And Co a winner of his last three Hunter Chases has to be the one to beat. While there are winners from last couple of seasons to consider 2020 winner It Came To Pass hasn't been in great form this term but could still have a say while 2019 champion Hazel Hill is now 13yo and expected to find a few too strong here. 

JP McManus has two runners in his famous colours, Staker Wallace / Stand Up And Fight both trained by E Bolger could have been prepped for a crack at the festival their double figure odds make some appeal in an open renewal.

Result - 1st : (11) Porlock Bay @16/1 [Lorcan Williams].

16:15  Mrs Paddy Power Mares' Chase (Registered As The Liberthine Mares' Chase) (Grade 2)
2m 4f 127y  [11 runners]

A field of 11 for the penultimate contest in this years festival, headed by four from Willie Mullins yard and Colreevy has won her last three so looks the no1 pick with Paul Townend taking the ride. Elimay (MP Walsh), Salsaretta (B Hayes) and Cabaret Queen (R Blackmore) make up that quartet.

Lively Outsider - Cut The Mustard (Paul Nicholls) 33/1 shot.

Result - 1st : (1) Colreevy @9/4 [Paul Townend].

16:50  Martin Pipe Conditional Jockeys' Handicap Hurdle
2m 4f 56y  [24 runners]
And so we finish off 2021 Cheltenham with a conditional jockeys handicap was hoping for a run from one of my friends horses Calva D'Auge, but hasn't appeared in the final declarations today sadly. One that has crept in though is Langer Dan (Dan Skelton) who won the Imperial Cup last weekend at Sandown and therefore comes here to try and pick up the £50,000 bonus on offer by Paddy Power, good luck to all connections. - just missed out on the bonus finishing 2nd.

Elsewhere in the field we like the chances of Fire Attack for his well heeled owners and connections while David Pipe must be desperate to win a race named after this father and has three entries here Leoncavallo (was a late non runner in the Imperial Cup), First Lord de Cuet (Wincanton winner) and Martinhal the 6yo gets in with a lightweight and may well be the most dangerous of the trio.

Result - 1st : (5) Galopin Des Champs @8/1 [SF O'Keeffe].

And sadly that's the lot for this years 2021 Cheltenham Festival, we will update results later today when I can. More racing throughout the season of course virus' and political cancellations permitting naturally, including the Grand National meeting at Aintree, plus the beginning of the turf flat season.

CHELTENHAM NH FESTIVAL 2021 THURSDAY 18th MARCH [STAYERS HURDLE]

 

The racing on Day Three features the Ryanair Chase and the latest renewal of The Paddy Power Stayers’ Hurdle which was won last year by 50/1 shot Lisnagar Oscar trained by Rebecca Curtis and ridden by jockey Adam Wedge. We will also see the great Paisley Park try to regain his title back too, should be a fascinating day. Some big field handicaps too along with the Ryanair Chase to enjoy as well. 

Congratulations to jockey Aidan Coleman who was successful on board Put The Kettle On in the Queen Mother Champion Chase yesterday another big race winner for trainer Henry De Bromhead who is having a great festival so far.

Day Three - 18th March 2021
Weather - Very cloudy day, very little rain forecast, and a high of 11c by the time racing begins today.
Official Going Report - Chase and Hurdle: Good to soft.

13:20  Marsh Novices' Chase (Grade 1) (Registered As The Golden Miller)
2m 3f 168y  [8 runners]
Our opening event features surely the banker of the meeting as the unbeaten ENVOI ALLEN seeks to take his record to 12 straight wins across all NH codes. Champion bumper winner in 2019, he returned to take the Ballymore Hurdle last year and is going to be a warm order to win his Novice Chase championship race this time. 

If there are any mistakes then perhaps FUSIL RAFFLES has won twice here but put in a poor run in-between, so SHAN BLUE is our selection to place here.

Result - 1st: (3) Chantry House @9/1 [Nico de Boinville].

13:55  Pertemps Network Final Handicap Hurdle (Grade 3) (Listed)
2m 7f 213y  [24 runners]
A big price winner on the opening day's big handicap (Jeff Kidder 80/1) so anything is possible here, field is headed by The Bosses Oscar, the 6yo is used to large fields but top weight might prevent success here. Unowhatimeanharry is a winner here but at 13yo would be surprised if Harry Fry's horse would be able to repel some of the younger / better handicapped types. 

Dandy Mag was successful in one of the qualifiers at Leopardstown and must be shortlisted for Willie Mullins, surprised he's only got the one runner in this, while David Pipe has another contender in Brinkley while support for Imperial Alcazar would be interesting as he easily accounted for a decent field in another of these heats and has always been considered a quality type. 

Come on Teddy is my main selection for this, landed a bit of a gamble for us at this course in December and was placed again in January looks ready to strike again off a handy weight and should find the hill no problem, likely to be running on at the finish - did well to stay on for the place, 3rd 10/1.

 
Result - 1st: (16) Mrs Milner @12/1 [BJ Cooper].

14:30  Ryanair Chase (Registered As The Festival Trophy) (Grade 1)

2m 5f  [14 runners]

Last years winner MIN returns to try and defend his crown and should be in the mix at the sharp end of affairs, isn't getting any younger (10yo) though and there might be one or two with a little less millage on the clock. ALLAHO [Won 3/1] is one to keep an eye on as the step up in trip seeks to bring out further improvement. IMPERIAL AURA has long been touted as a future star for Kim Bailey and would have been strongly fancied but for the latest unseated effort at Kempton.

Lively Outsider - Dashel Drasher (25/1) front runner, jumps well, progressive as hurdler and continued that improvement over fences, will need to kick on again but place certainly a possibility - Sadly reported as a [Non Runner] this morning.

Result - 1st: (1) Allaho @3/1 [Rachael Blackmore].

Lisnagar Oscar 50/1 winner of last season's Stayers Hurdle

15:05  The Paddy Power Stayers’ Hurdle (Grade 1)
2m 7f 213y  [15 runners]
A shock win last year for Lisnagar Oscar (pictured above) he'll be returning to try and score again, might not be so fortunate this year as he's not been in great form so most likely to oppose. Paisley Park attempts to get his stayers title back (7th last year) and has been impressive winning the Long Walk Hurdle at Ascot in good style, would be a great story and his owner Mr Andrew Gemmell is a great advert for racing too. 

Three runners for trainer Mrs Denise Foster who of course has taken the licence from banned trainer Gordon Elliott, Fury Road, Sire Du Berlais, The Storyteller the latter of that trio would be one of my selections though tempted to ignore all three given the circumstances. 

Lively outsider - If The Cap Fits (22/1) carries famous colours and was a talented hurdler prior to a chasing campaign, interesting that he comes back to the smaller obstacles and his rating over hurdles would put him right up there with some of the market leaders in this field.

Result - 1st: (3) Flooring Porter @12/1 [D E Mullins].

15:40  Paddy Power Plate Handicap Chase (Grade 3)
2m 4f 127y  [23 runners]
Another big field handicap, where an old friend Mister Whitaker makes some appeal, proven at the track, was not disgraced in this last year and a couple of prep races should see him bang there (hopefully) with Mick Channon still keeping his small string of NH horses while also chasing Classic's. 

Farclas won the Triumph a few years back, now with stand in trainer Mrs D Foster, has been highly tried in handicaps since but very capable of putting in a big run again. Bit short in the market though so we prefer the each chances of Oldgrangewood (20/1) was fourth in this and usually jumps well despite recent lapse is still one I would place my faith in today. We will also keep a close eye on The Shunter who is chasing a £100,000 bonus after winning the Morebattle at Kelso earlier in the month. YES well done to the connections and collect the big bonus on offer. 

Result - 1st: (14) The Shunter @9/4f [J C Gainford].

16:15  Parnell Properties Mares' Novices' Hurdle (Grade 2) (Registered As The Dawn Run Mares' Novices' Hurdle)
2m 179y  [15 runners]
Just the fifteen now, with Willie Mullins supplying four of them, and maybe top one Gauloise is the pick of those. The Irish trainers appear to dominate this race today so fresh from her win in the Champion Hurdle on Tuesday maybe Telmesomethinggirl (WON @5/1) can go in for Rachael Blackmore she was placed in a big field at Leopardstown and a three time winner this season, while The Glancing Queen sits dangerously for Alan King a winner of an Aintree bumper and has picked  up a few hurdle events, the connections are very familiar to success here.

While JP O'Brian runs Mighty Blue who he was successful with on the flat and has been highly tried over hurdles so far but would not be a surprise to see a big run here at decent odds (placed 3rd @12/1).

Result - 1st: (14) Telmesomethinggirl (IRE) @5/1 [Rachael Blackmore].

16:50  The Fulke Walwyn Kim Muir Challenge Cup Handicap Chase
3m 2f  [24 runners]
This event is usually for Amateurs only but with the BHA deciding that only professional jockeys will ride this year I await to see if this race is replaced or changed to allow any rider. Seems that the race is now open to all and with a huge field of 24 this won't be easy. 

Field is headed by Double Shuffle [Non Runner] who has talent as a chaser but top weight might find him out, should get around but fancy others in the field today. Storm Control has won twice around here this season but then something amiss last time needs to bounce back so again we look elsewhere. Mick Channon knows the route to winning at the festival with his relatively small number of jumpers, he has Hold The Note here was placed at the festival last year could well surprise (placed 4th). 

Outsider to note - Musical Slave [P Hobbs] @20/1 successful hurdler and runs in the colours of JP McManus, ran on to be placed at Ascot and the step up in trip might well see him in a different light.

Result - 1st: (3) Mount Ida @3/1f [JW Kennedy].

All the best for today and we'll be back for the final day of this season's meeting featuring of course the Cheltenham Gold Cup. Results to appear later...

CHELTENHAM NH FESTIVAL 2021 WEDNESDAY 17th MARCH [QUEEN MUM CHAMPION CHASE]

 

The gates remain closed on Day Two, as we remain at home to enjoy another seven races of the festival, including The Betway Queen Mother Champion Chase. Victory last year for the talented Politologue and Paul Nicholls, usually an open race and was hoping that we might still see Altior again but sadly he was withdrawn on Monday by his trainer so we pray he can recover. We also have the Cross Country chase to enjoy on a high class card where dual Grand National winner Tiger Roll will dual it out with last year's winner Easysland. 

Congratulations to all connections of Champion Hurdle winner Honeysuckle, especially superstar jockey Rachael Blackmore. Superb win. 

Day Two - 17th March 2021
Weather - A settled day, cloudy with occasional light rain and becoming milder.
Official Going Report - Good to soft [heavy in places on cross country course].

13:20  Ballymore Novices' Hurdle (Registered As The Baring Bingham) (Grade 1)
2m 5f  [7 runners]
Our opening event on day two of the festival is a Grade 1 novice hurdle, the market really features three protagonists; 

Bob Olinger 6yo Trained in Ireland by Henry De Bromhead is a smart novice, making it 2-3 when convincing winner of Grade 1 Lawlor's at Naas (2m4f) by 6½l from Blue Lord. Sure to go well again with more in the pipeline. Next we have fellow Irish trained Gaillard Du Mesnilh 5yo top prospect from the powerful yard of Willie Mullins. An ex-French gelding who has made rapid progress in his three runs over hurdles, hooded when easily bagging Grade 1 novice at Leopardstown (2m6f) last time.

Bravemansgame this Paul Nicholls 6yo improver who completed his hat-trick in fine style in Newbury's Challow Hurdle winning by 10l from Star Gate. Another top-class prospect and clear pick of the home contingent.

Also strongly considering Bear Ghylls a 6yo trained by Nicky Martin, unbeaten in 4 starts, rated about 10lb inferior to the three market leaders though now steps up in trip having completed his hat trick over hurdles last time at Exeter, this trip should be in his favour and further progress is not out of the question. Dangerous to dismiss, shame it's only two places available with just the seven runners declared at this stage.

Result - 1st: (2) Bob Olinger @6/4f [Rachael Blackmore].

13:55  Brown Advisory Novices' Chase (Registered As The Broadway Novices' Chase) (Grade 1)
3m 80y  [6 runners]
Six here and a short priced favourite with MONKFISH, unbeaten over fences and ought to be hard to oppose Willie Mullins who just needs another clean round of jumping to take this. 

No question that Sporting John is talented and JP McManus' colours should be seen in the winners enclosure plenty this week but maybe not this one, so I feel that The Big Breakaway could be the main one to follow the favourite home.

Result - 1st: (4) Monkfish @1/4f [P Townend].

14:30  Coral Cup Handicap Hurdle (Grade 3)
2m 5f  [26 runners]
Time for a big field handicap, the Coral Cup is usually a big betting heat, and with 26 runners you will need a little fortune in running too. Nicky Henderson has done well in this event in recent times and saddles four the best of which I feel is MONTE CRISTO, is only a 5yo and already looks like there are further big races in him, winner in France, most recently beat a large field in a Kempton handicap on Boxing Day. 

Gary Moore trains BOTOX HAS and this 5yo has a great record at this course, although beaten in handicaps this season is given an opportunity to find another big run in him with plenty of time on his side too. 

Outsider to note - SHAKEM UP'ARRY 7yo gelding owned by Harry Redknapp, staying on through beaten horses in the Betfair hurdle, 25/1 interesting and was runner up in the Tolworth hurdle.

Result - 1st: (15) Heaven Help Us @33/1 [R J Condon].

Politologue winning 2020 Champion Chase

15:05  The Betway Queen Mother Champion Steeple Chase (Grade 1)
2m  [10 runners]
Expecting to see a fascinating renewal with Politologue taken out of the field at the last moment failing to defending his crown against some old rivals and newcomers. Two time winner Altior had already been ruled out of this now by Nicky Henderson which is a big miss hopefully he will recover. so now we will have to look at the likes of FIRST FLOW to have a big interest in for the future and could give Kim Bailey another crack at top class races since his days of Master Oats and Alderbrook.
 
The Irish challenge not surprisingly comes from Willie Mullins in the shape of his exciting 9yo chaser CHACUN POUR SOI who has been cleaning up over in his native Ireland, wins at Cork and Leopardstown though this is another big test of his class, will be a short price and a banker for many.

Result - 1st: (10) Put The Kettle On @17/2 [Aidan Coleman].

15:40  The Glenfarclas Cross Country Steeple Chase
3m 6f 37y  [14 runners]

A repeat of last years event where EASYSLAND managed to beat the twice winner TIGER ROLL, the latter then going onto win Aintree Nationals, but will not be going for his third this season and is not in the same form as previous years to be strongly fancied for this. I think it's likely that Easysland will be successful again though this doesn't tend to be a race I will be involved in. 

KINGSWELL THEATRE could feature as a lively each way type (33/1) having won over this course but consistency is an issue but Tom Scudamore should get his charge round once more. My idea of an each way chance is BALKO DES FLOS a high class chaser and might well take to this unique cross country course (Fell) .

Result - 1st: (13) Tiger Roll @9/2 [K M Donoghue].

16:15  Johnny Henderson Grand Annual Challenge Cup Handicap Chase (Grade 3)
2m  [20 runners]
Another big field to test everyone, headed by Duc Des Genievres from Paul Nicholls yard, winner of the Arkle chase two years ago but hasn't added to that success since and top weight might be a struggle against some of these, stable also has Ashutor here but I can't see either of these obliging. The Irish challenge is led by Joseph O'Brien with three runners, two head the betting market Embittered / Entoucas while Us and Them is also declared, they have plenty of potential but haven't yet shown their best for their owners and look too short a price for me in this competitive affair. 

Going to side with IBLEO (V Williams) winner of his last two chases and looks to be improving at the right stage in his career, while ZANZA (P Hobbs) is our other choice against the field despite his fall last time out was travelling well and closing when coming down, previously a decent hurdler and given a chance to atone for that mistake.

Result - 1st: (5) Sky Pirate @14/1 [Nick Schofield].

16.50  The Weatherbys Champion Bumper (Standard Open NH Flat Race) (Grade 1)
2m 87y  [15 runners]
We end Wednesday with the Champion Flat Race "Bumper" a contest that the Irish trainers such as Willie Mullins (10 wins) in particular used to pick up almost every year in the past since it was first run in 1992. Mullins won this last year with Ferny Hollow and has five of the fifteen declared in the field today. 

• Cool Jet [B Hayes]
• Kilcrut [P Townend]
• Ramillies [BJ Cooper]
• Sir Gerhard [Rachael Blackmore]
• Grangee [DE Mullins]

I'll side with Sir Gerhad in the mini race amongst his five runners.

The home challenge seems to begin with ELLE EST BELLE (Dan Skelton) a twice winner at Aintree and Cheltenham so looks decent, while the Twiston Davies pair of I LIKE TO MOVE IT / SUPER SIX the former could be interesting in the place market at 33/1.

Result - 1st: (9) Sir Gerhard @85/40 [Rachael Blackmore].

Good luck once again today, still praying that all animals and jockey's come back safe and sound, lets find a winner or two as well. Results will be updated here too later in the day with the rest of the week's action to follow as well. Have a great Festival and keep safe.

CHELTENHAM NH FESTIVAL 2021 TUESDAY 16th MARCH [CHAMPION HURDLE DAY]

 

Welcome to the opening day of the 2021 Cheltenham Festival, the Gloucestershire course would usually be expecting over 250,000 people over the duration of the meeting, but sadly not this year due to the Corona-virus which should have curtailed last years meeting. Still we have a racing event to enjoy via TV and let's get on with it. It's the best meeting in the country and top class NH Racing anywhere just lacks the roar that you associate with this and loads of Irish people everywhere. The Irish appear to have this years Ante Post favourite in the Champion Hurdle with Honeysuckle who won for us here last year, the reigning champion Epatante is next in the market along with the highly rated Goshan.

Day One - 16th March 2021
Weather - A settled day, cloudy with occasional light rain and becoming milder a max temperature of 13C.
Official Going Report - Chase and Hurdle: Soft [Good to soft in places].

We kick start The Cheltenham Festival with seven races on the opening day, the usual 'roar' will be missing though I hear they planning to mimic this for the tv audience at home. As always the Supreme Novices' Hurdle will start us off and today's feature race is the iconic Unibet Champion Hurdle due to go off at 15:05. The 2020 renewal led to success for the JP McManus owned mare Epatante and she is expected to line up once again to try and defend her crown.

13:20  Sky Bet Supreme Novices’ Hurdle Race
2m 87y  [8 runners]
And we get underway with the traditional opener, a smaller field than usual, only eight declared but should still have a fascinating contest. The market is led by Willie Mullins APPRECIATE IT who having won two grade 1 events at Leopardstown will surely be a banker for many. Defeated Ballyadam in that latest contest and they line up again while the home challenge appears to come from METIER, Harry Fry's 5yo is currently unbeaten with the Tolworth hurdle at Sandown a decent level of form winning by 12L.

Result - 1st: (1) Appreciate It @8/11f [P Townend].

13:55  Sporting Life Arkle Challenge Trophy Novices' Chase
2m  [5 runners]
Another small field for the next race, six declared headed by ALLMANKIND for trainer Dan Skelton. Winner of all three of his chases so far and a good front runner will surely make this a good test and bound to be successful as he gets older, his win at Sandown was impressive and proves the hill should have no fears. However the main reason for the small field will be the presence of the Nicky Henderson trained SHISHKIN who has been foot perfect and cruised to keep his unbeaten record intact. Winner of the Supreme Hurdle last year and has quickly made up into Timeform's highest-rated novice chaser, easily winning all 3 starts this term.

If either of the main two mentioned fail to fire then it could help the chances of CAPTAIN GUINNESS to chase them home, although a faller at Leopardstown last time has looked a good chaser for the future and Rachael Blackmore who could again have an exceptional festival.

Result - 1st: (6) Shishkin @4/9f [Nico de Boinville].

14:30  The Ultima Handicap Chase
3m 1f [16 runners]
Big field now, ALNADAM steps up in trip now having taken a Sandown chase for the Skelton team, that was over 2m 4f but no obvious reason to see that this extra trip will be a problem. OK CORRAL doesn't have a lot of mileage on the clock for an 11yo and JP McManus' silks are a familiar sight in the winners enclosure here. Those will be our two against the field for the win today. 

Nietzsche is an each way chance at 20/1, runs solid races over all types of conditions, mixes flat and NH codes well and even as an 8yo is consistent. Probably too much to ask for the win but a place possibility and hopefully all 16 will stand their ground for the four places on offer.

Result -- 1st: (9) Vintage Clouds @28/1 [Ryan Mania].

Epatante winner of the 2020 Champion Hurdle

15:05  Unibet Champion Hurdle Challenge Trophy (Grade 1)
2m 87y  [10 runners]
The feature race for Day One of the festival is the Champion Hurdle, already mentioned the chances of last years winner EPATANTE along with ante post favourite HONEYSUCKLE, though could well battle it out up the hill but I wouldn't discount GOSHEN either, should have won last year's Triumph Hurdle when falling at the last (miles clear) has been given plenty of time and easily won the Kingwell hurdle last time out. 

Each way options, JAMES DU BERLAIS a smart hurdler for Robert Collet in France, winning 3 times at listed/Graded level ended his time over there with close second in Auteuil Grade 1 in November joining Willie Mullins powerful yard and immediately aimed at more top class glory. Might find the principles too hot but certainly should run his race, place claims at 20/1+.

Result - 1st: (10) HONEYSUCKLE @11/10f [Rachael Blackmore].

15:40 Close Brothers Mares' Hurdle (Registered As The David Nicholson Mares' Hurdle)
2m 3f 200y  [11 runners]
CONCERTISTA has progressed again this term and can notch a second Festival success and provide her trainer with a tenth win in this race. Biggest danger would be ROKSANA who won this back in 2019 and despite her advancing years is still a big threat. 

Willie Mullins has loads of ammunition for the festival and his dual purpose mare GREAT WHITE SHARK (won the Cesarewitch at Newmarket and third in Martin Pipe hurdle last year) is one to consider as a win/place candidate. Capable of running a big race and although disappointed in Grade 2 hurdle her success at Galway prior to that Cesarewitch win shows her trainer has more than one dangerous mare in this.

Result - 1st: (1) Black Tears @11/1 [JW Kennedy].

16:15  Boodles Juvenile Handicap Hurdle (Registered As The Fred Winter)
2m 87y  [22 runners]
Wide open handicap hurdle next up, huge field and some luck in running might be needed too, headed by the Gary Moore inmate NASSALAM who stepped up from lower calibre events at Fontwell to run well in defeat to Adagio (Chepstow) and Monmiral (Haydock) will be fine on softened ground and chance here despite the weight burden.

JP O'Brien runs duo DRUID'S ALTAR plus BUSSELTON and the yard won this in 2019 (Band of Outlaws) the latter might be of interest having moved recently over from France where he had a decent level of form over hurdles winning at Auteuil.

HER INDOORS (25/1) A fairly useful Flat winner who has made a positive start over hurdles, runner-up twice before taking Doncaster listed in January, Alan King can certianly prepare one for the festival and looks a big price here, also of interest is another decent ex flat horse TINNAHALLA 25/1 (O Murphy) previously with Jamie Osborne and a nice low weight here [Non Runner].

Result - 1st: (21) Jeff Kidder @80/1 [SW Flanagan].

16:50  Sam Vestey National Hunt Challenge Cup Novices' Chase
3m 5f 201y  [13 runners]
Finale on day one a staying chase where GALVIN looks to be very interesting having won his last four races while trained by Gordon Elliott now with I Ferguson still a novice and should be very hard to beat. Opposition includes NEXT DESTINATION an ex Willie Mullins inmate now with Paul Nicholls along with REMASTERED (David Pipe) who stayed on strongly to win the Reynoldstown chase at Ascot.

Big Priced Outsider - The Mighty Don (33/1).

Result - 1st: (3) Galvin @7/2 [JW Kennedy].

Good luck today, hopefully all animals and jockey's come back safe and sound, lets find a winner or two as well. Results will be updated here too later in the day with the rest of the week's action to follow as well. Have a great Festival and fingers crossed we can go racing ourselves fairly soon.

CHELTENHAM NH FESTIVAL 2020 FRIDAY 13th MARCH [GOLD CUP DAY]

With an expected full house of 70,000 racegoers on Gold Cup Day for the final day of The Cheltenham Festival as racegoers prepare to be part of history being made in the Magners Cheltenham Gold Cup. Legends are created on Gold Cup Day with another seven extraordinary races, and 2019 was no different. Willie Mullins finally got his hands on The Magners Cheltenham Gold Cup for the first time as Al Boum Photo flew up the Cheltenham Hill under Paul Townend for the Irish team. 
Day Four - 13th March 2020
Weather - A settled day, cloudy with occasional light rain and becoming milder max temp 10C.
Official Going Report - Chase and Hurdle: Soft, Good to soft in places.  

13:30  The JCB Triumph Hurdle
2m 1f  [13 Runners]
Three hurdle events before our feature chases, we kick off with the 4yo 'Champion' event the JCB Triumph. There are many here with a big chance, coming over the last expecting 3-4 to be battling hard. My first fancy is Goshen from the Moore stable, has a massive engine for a young horse, unbeaten over hurdles and also has winning flat form prior to that so whatever does get past this one (if anything) will win. Allmankind is a strong front runner but this is hard to win from the front and might set it up for something, Paul Nicholls really likes Solo and also runs Sir Psycho here too while JP O'Brien sends the pair A Wave Of The Sea and Cerberus over the Irish Sea.
Result - 1st : Burning Victory 12/1.
Goshen should have won that, was already well clear of the field when stumbling over the final flight, hopefully a big prize can still be won with this exciting prospect.

14:10  The Randox Health County Handicap Hurdle Race
2m 1f  [26 Runners]
Hugely competitive handicap now and it's time to get the lucky pin out really to give us a clue, we like the looks of Oakley (Richard Johnson rides) as one that could pop up at a massive price here, has been competitive in his races though might need to be raced little more prominently here. While the Mullins yard runs five in all with Saint Roi (win) the pick of Barry Geraghty.
Result - 1st : Saint Roi 11/2.

14:50  The Albert Bartlett  Novices’ Hurdle Race
3m  [19 Runners]
Many here are trying 3m for the first time so lots of unknown quality around, Fury Road [3rd] though does stay this trip on Soft ground and already a Grade 2/3 winner so one for the short list. Latest Exhibition [2nd] is another too having beaten Fury Road in a Grade 1 event at Leopardstown. The likes of Monkfish [Won] and Thyme Hill should also be thereabouts.
Result - 1st : Monkfish 5/1.

AL BOUM PHOTO AFTER WINNING 2019 GOLD CUP

15:30  The Magners Cheltenham Gold Cup Steeple Chase
3m 2½f  [12 Runners]
Time for the feature event of the day and indeed for many the entire week, last years winner Al Boum Photo returns again having had a similar preparation and must be taken seriously though there are several here with strong chances too. The Dual King George winner Clan Des Obeaux came back to form in the latest renewal to score by 21L. Has been given a different preparation this time, could well be a different proposition this year and shouldn't discount Paul Nicholls. The one for me is Delta Work and already has a very good Festival record won the Pertemps Hurdle prior to finishing third in last year's RSA. Needed the outing on reappearance, since taken the two Grade 1's (Savills Chase/Irish Gold Cup) jumps and stays well, very much one for the shortlist.
Result - 1st : Al Boum Photo 10/3.

16:10  The St. James’s Place Foxhunter Steeple Chase Challenge Cup
3m 2½f  [24 Runners].
And now for the "Gold Cup for Amateur riders" in the shape of the Foxhunters Chase, last years winner Hazel Hill returns again and looks likely to play a leading role in this contest. Paul Nicholls sent out Pacha Du Polda to win this a couple of times and relies on Alcala this time around. Willie Mullins presents Billaway for PW Mullins to ride, and another from Ireland to take an interest is would be Stalker Wallace (E Bolger / JP McManus) lightly raced here having had three years off, so that they persevere with him is worthy.
Result - 1st : It Came To Pass  66/1.

16:50  Johnny Henderson Grand Annual Handicap Chase
2m ½f  [20 Runners]
Greaneteen bettered his useful hurdles form by going unbeaten in three starts over fences easily confirming the promise shown in first two starts last time. 12lb above his last winning mark fine chance for four-timer. This was won last year by a 66/1 shot Croco Bay, he returns again and shaped as though he retained all his ability despite his age at Doncaster, now 5lb higher than last year it's hard to see him following up but is still an each way price. Jan Maat is another to consider each way in a wide open affair.
Result - 1st : Chosen Mate 7/2.

17:30  Martin Pipe Conditional Jockeys’ Handicap Hurdle
2m 4½f  [24 Runners]
And so we finish off 2020 Cheltenham with a conditional jockeys handicap where Column of Fire looks the pick from Gordon Elliott's yard, Front View can win in the JP McManus colours and was runner up to festival winner Envoi Allen. Personally a race to watch and close the festival with it's not really one for us to bet in.
Result - 1st : Indefatigable  25/1.

And sadly that's the lot for this years 2020 Cheltenham Festival, we will update results later today when I get back in. More racing throughout the season of course virus' and political cancellations permitting naturally.

CHELTENHAM NH FESTIVAL 2020 THURSDAY 12th MARCH [STAYERS HURDLE]

Are you ready for the craic on Day Three, also known as St Patrick's Day, at The Cheltenham Festival? Thursday 12 March will be full of the Irish flair, as the Ryanair Chase and Paddy Power Stayers' Hurdle take centre stage. The Irish set the scene for an extraordinary atmosphere that sees racegoers come together to watch history being made in seven excellent races.

The racing on Day Three last year in 2019 will be remembered for years to come as one of the greatest Festival days. The atmosphere was electric as the strong crowd roared home Frodon under Jockey Club Racecourse Ambassador, Bryony Frost in the Grade 1 Ryanair Chase. Bryony became the first female jockey to win a Grade 1 over fences at The Festival. The emotions didn’t stop there however, as Paisley Park justified favouritism in The Paddy Power Stayers’ Hurdle to win for trainer Emma Lavelle and owner Andrew Gemmell.

Day Three - 12th March 2020
Weather - Light showers changing to sunny intervals by lunchtime.
Official Going Report - Chase and Hurdle: Soft-Good to soft in places. 

13:30  The Marsh Novices’ Chase (Grade 1)
2m 4f  [12 Runners]
Interesting to see how Faugheen fairs in the betting ring, a machine over hurdles in his pomp wasn't 100% sure that going novice chasing would have been his sphere at the age of 12yo although he has won three in a row including a Grade 1 at Leopardstown last time. Stablemate Bapaume and the likes of Samcro have yet to reach the giddy heights of Faugheen but are talented and on a going day have strong claims. The home challenge includes the likes of Mister Fisher and Itchy Feet in a race that I think is Faugheen's to lose.
Result - 1st: Samcro 4/1

14:10  The Pertemps Network Final (A Handicap Hurdle Race) (Listed)
3m  [26 Runners]
Wide open contest here and the first one I see is The Storyteller who has been a good servant for us in the past and there's no reason to give up on him now and he can score again. The other two I'll have against the massive field would be Welsh Saint and at a much larger price is Rapper who did already take one of the qualifying heats for this. 
Result - 1st: Sire Du Berlais 10/1 

14:50 The Ryanair Steeple Chase (Grade 1)2m 5f  [8 Runners]
Last years' winner Frodon adores Cheltenham and is contesting the Ryanair Chase for the third successive year (fifth in 2018, and a brave rallying winner in 2019); back on song with a solid front-running display in the Grade 2 Silviniaco Conti at Kempton latest and will be popular for rider Bryony Frost. A Plus Tard won here last year and then put in a career best in beating Chacun Pour Soi in a Grade 1 at Leopardstown (2m1f, soft) over Christmas. Looking for an each way shot Saint Calvados is a talented horse, and two half miles should show him in a better light than races over two miles (seventh in Champion Chase last year) -- 2nd 16/1.
Result - 1st: Min 2/1.

PAISLEY PARK WINNING THE STAYERS HURDLE LAST SEASON

15:30  The Paddy Power Stayers’ Hurdle (Grade 1)
3m  [15 Runners]
Paisley Park is going to be a very short price to win this again, but he should do so, and you have to go back two years ago to find his last defeat here in the Albert Bartlett hurdle, to say he's come on a bit since then is an understatement. If the short price favourite is beatable (unlikely) then perhaps Apple's Jade can take advantage as she is a tremendous mare who has won 10 Grade 1's. Won the Mares' Hurdle and took another Grade 1 win at Leopardstown in December. Blinkers on and is good enough if at her best and 20/1 looks big and a place bet is strongly recommended.
Result - 1st: Lisnagar Oscar 50/1.

16:10  The Brown Advisory and Merriebelle Stable Plate (A Handicap Steeple Chase) (Grade 3)
2m 5f  [26 Runners]
Three huge fields to end the day with the first of which sees Mister Whitaker [3rd 22/1] return for us he was a big Festival winner (2m4½f) for us back in 2018 managed to win twice last season at Carlisle (2m4f; Listed) and at Cheltenham (2m5f; Grade 2) but hasn't been able to back that form up since. Does need to bounce back but is still a favourite of ours and still considered. Siruh Du Lac managed to complete a four-timer last season, culminating with victory in this race by a comfortable ¾L. Pulled up on his only start this year, in the BetVictor Gold Cup in November. 9lb higher than 12 months ago but could well have been targeted for a repeat bid and Lizzie Kelly would boost the profile of the female jockeys along with Bryony Frost and Rachael Blackmore with further Cheltenham winners.
Result - 1st: Simply the Betts 10/3f.

16:50  The Festival Mares Novices’ Hurdle (Grade 2)
2m 1f  [22 Runners]
A mares hurdle now and Minella Melody maintained her unbeaten hurdles record when taking a Fairyhouse (2m2f, soft) Grade 3 to complete a hat-trick in a race that has proved a good guide to this race. Travels strongly, open to further progress, first try at two miles over hurdles and holds a very strong chance. Willie Mullins has four here and Yukon Lil [4th 20/1] might be his pick of those while support for Nicky Henderson's Floressa should be noted, the yard in flying form already this festival.
Result - 1st: Concertista 9/2.
17:30  The Fulke Walwyn Kim Muir Challenge Cup Handicap Steeple Chase
3m 2f  [26 Runners]
And we end with another race for the Amateur riders so will always aim to go with ones that have experienced jockey's on board. That brings together two course winners too with Le Breuil and The Young Master with very good jockey bookings too. Champagne Platinum is a lightly raced 6yo for Nicky Henderson and ridden by Derek O'Connor who is an exciting amateur with a lot of talent.
Result - 1st: Milan Native 9/1.

All the best for today and we'll be back for the final day of this season's meeting featuring of course the Cheltenham Gold Cup. Results to appear later...

CHELTENHAM NH FESTIVAL 2020 WEDNESDAY 11th MARCH [QUEEN MUM CHAMPION CHASE]

The gates open on Day Two, as we welcome racegoers to enjoy another seven races, including The Betway Queen Mother Champion Steeple Chase. Altior (4/11 favourite) returned to emotional scenes and two spontaneous rounds of 'three cheers' after possibly the most dramatic win of his career to date. Update -- Altior has been withdrawn lame, and quite right too. Tiger Roll put in an extraordinary performance in the Glenfarclas Cross Country Chase to finish well clear of the field and to follow up on his success in this race last year for jockey Keith Donoghue, and trainer Gordon Elliot.

Gates will open at 10:30 and our first race is due off around 1.30pm
Day Two - 11th March 2020
Weather - A settled day, cloudy with occasional light rain and becoming milder..
Official Going Report - Soft-heavy in places on cross country course.  

13:30  The Ballymore Novices' Hurdle Race
2m 5f  [12 Runners]
Our opening event on day two of the festival is a Grade 1 Novice Hurdle where last years' Champion Bumper winner Envoi Allen puts his unbeaten record on the line. Won't be much of a price but should be a banker for today (perhaps even for the meeting). While both Sporting John and The Big Breakaway are also unbeaten they don't have the same calibre as the Gordon Elliot runner. At 20/1 Easywork could be interesting for Rachael Blackmore and another from the Elliott stable.
Result -- 1st:  Envoi Allen 4/7F.

14:10  The RSA Insurance Novices' Steeple Chase
3m ½f  [10 Runners]
A race where I'd like to see Champ win but his latest effort when falling two fences from home here in the Dipper Chase does temper enthusiasm quite a bit. Minella Indo won last years Albert Bartlett over 3m and therefore staying shouldn't be an issue, while Easy Game was unable to keep tabs with Faugheen though but should find this opposition a bit easier.
Result -- 1st:  Champ 4/1.

14:50  The Coral Cup Hurdle (A Handicap Hurdle Race) (Grade 3)
2m 5f  [26 Runners]
A huge handicap now and good luck finding a winner here, Top Moon (JP O'Brien) should enjoy this trip far more than at Leopardstown last time when behind some of these, prior to that event had looked progressive and at 33/1 looks a good each way prospect. Traffic Fluide is another each way option as a course and distance winner and then ran a race full of promise before hitting and falling at the last at Ascot last time looked to be staying on best and not out of this if that fall hasn't taken much out of him.
Result -- 1st:  Dame De Compagnie 5/1 f.

ALTIOR - DUAL WINNER OF THE CHAMPION CHASE

15:30  The Betway Queen Mother Champion Steeple Chase (Grade 1)
2m  [7 Runners]
The feature race on day two of the festival and this really should have been a race to watch the mighty Altior win a third Queen Mother Champion Chase but having been reported as lame only three days ago even with the skills of trainer Nicky Henderson it's unlikely he'll be 100% fit enough now. I would not expect him to line up as I write this, he owes them nothing and to risk a bigger injury would seem unforgivable. (he has now been withdrawn from this years race) This is now likely to mean a match between the likes of young contenders Chacun Pour Soi and Defi Du Seuil in opposition. At a huge price we have Sceau Royal who ran Altior and Politologue close in this last year and wouldn't be surprised if they have place chances again.
Result -- 1st:  POLITOLOGUE 6/1.

16:10  The Glenfarclas Cross Country Steeple Chase
3m 6f  [16 Runners]
A big field but all eyes will be on Tiger Roll here this is his traditional preparation race for the Aintree Grand National and is a class above these. The opposition to the favourite would appear to start with the French Easysland in the JP McManus silks a course and distance winner here and a winner of 6 Cross Country style events. Yanworth also carries the same colours and was once thought of as a Champion Hurdler and future Gold Cup Chaser, but still of interest having won at Punchestown.
Result -- 1st:  Easysland 3/1

16:50  The Boodles Juvenile Handicap Hurdle Race (Grade 3)
2m ½f  [22 Runners]
Paul Nicholls has two with big chances in this handicap the top weight Mick Pastor (Barry Geraghty) and Thyme White (Harry Cobden) and it's difficult to pick the best of these pair let alone the 22 strong field. The David Pipe yard also know how to ready a handicapper too and Night Edition is a lightly raced 4yo who could be well in based on his easy win last time out and was runner up in a Grade 2 in January here on only his second start.
Result -- 1st:  Aramax 15/2.

17.30  The Weatherbys Champion Bumper (A Standard Open NH Flat Race) (Grade 1)
2m ½f  [23 Runners]
We end Wednesday with the Champion Flat Race "Bumper" a contest that the Irish trainers such as Willie Mullins (9 wins) in particular used to pick up almost every year in the past since it was first run in 1992, although there have been recent 'home' successes and even Cue Card took this back in 2010 as a 4yo. Mullins looks to have the favourite here with Appreciate It, and also has Ferny Hollow as a decent 2nd string too. The home challenge is likely to come from The Glancing Queen (Alan King) and Panic Attack (David Pipe) but in reality this race is often wide open, and usually gives up better clues for what is to come in the future over hurdles and fences so perhaps a race to watch and take notes.
Result -- 1st:  Ferny Hollow 11/1

Good luck once again today, still praying that all animals and jockey's come back safe and sound, lets find a winner or two as well. Results will be updated here too later in the day with the rest of the week's action to follow as well. Have a great Festival.