Cheltenham Breakfast delves into the big issues of the Festival and there is plenty to dissect on the final day of the meeting.
Today DOMINIC KING finds out about a how age has softened Sir Alex Ferguson, discovers Sir Anthony McCoy’s finest moment and takes a look into the thorny matter of profiteering in the town…
Fergie didn’t always love the races
Rare are the days when you don’t see Sir Alex Ferguson in the paddock when there is a big meeting.
Racing is proving to be a wonderful crux for British football’s greatest manager but his love for the turf wasn’t always so pronounced: just ask his old captain Bryan Robson.
Sir Alex Ferguson was jubilant after winning back-to-back races on the third day of the Festival
Bryan Robson (pictured left at Cheltenham) was once banned from Haydock Park by Ferguson
When Robson – who was at Cheltenham on Thursday – was Manchester United captain in the late 1980s, he used to enjoy a little excursion down the East Lancashire Road to Haydock Park. It was only 18 miles from his club’s old training ground and he could be there in no time at all.
It was a welcome distraction but when Ferguson got wind that, perhaps, Robson’s time could be better utilised of an afternoon, he took action as only he could – with an approach that was like taking a hammer to crack a nut.
Robson was banned by the Scot from setting foot in the place.
Fans are being priced out of town
Plenty of issues need to be addressed around Cheltenham racecourse – that much is clear. We cannot be in a situation going forward where one of the jewels in the British sporting crown runs the risk of its spectators needing tractor assistance to leave a car park. It simply isn’t on.
But step back from the course a moment and let’s have a look at the town itself. The Cheltenham Festival is worth £100million to Gloucestershire’s economy annually but the desperation of business to pursue pound signs is bordering on avarice.
Festival spectators were left in a muddy nightmare after heavy rain left vehicles stuck
This column learnt of one taxi passenger being charged £55 for an 18-minute journey. When asked why the fare was so high when the distance was so short, the driver explained it was because he could charge whatever he wants.
There is more to it, though. The Holiday Inn Express in town was charging £674 for a night this week but, again, we were told that no single night reservations were being accepted: so close to £1350 for two nights in a budget establishment. Is it any wonder the town centre was reported to be quiet?
Yes, the Jockey Club have got improvements to make – the main stand is starting to look all of its 45 years – but they were helpless about what happens across the perimeter fence. If attendances start to drop, it’s because people are being priced out of it.
O’Connor is a special talent
It will take something special to beat Derek O’Connor for ride of the week.
An amateur in name only, O’Connor’s guiding of Inothewayurthinkin to victory in the Kim Muir was a sight to behold: he was patient, sympathetic, beautifully balanced and allowed his horse to gain confidence.
You will look at the facts and see that a 13/8 favourite won by a dozen lengths but that gives no idea to what actually transpired. O’Connor is 41 now and has ridden more than 1300 winners in his career.
He rides Its On The Line in the Foxhunters today: enjoy him while you can.
Gold Cup sparks McCoy memories
Gold Cup day and memories will be stirred of all those glorious races from yesteryear.
Sir Anthony McCoy won it twice, in 1997 on Mr Mulligan and 2012 on Synchronised – and it is that victory, out of the staggering 4358 he achieved, that resonates most.
Sir Anthony McCoy celebrates after winning the Gold Cup with Synchronised in 2012
McCoy was the first jump jockey to be retained by an owner – JP McManus – and when he urged Synchronised up the hill for trainer Jonjo O’Neill in those green-and-gold colours, he felt it was the first time he had walked out of a racecourse having actually done what he was supposed to: deliver the Gold Cup.
Sign of the times
One final point about Willie Mullins and why he is dominating.
Fishery Lane was one of his runners in Wednesday’s Champion Bumper. He wears the orange silks of Bryan Drew, a jump racing enthusiast who will be represented by Bravemansgame in the Gold Cup.
Drew has historically always had horses with English trainers, such as Paul Nicholls. He also has runners with Harry Derham and Sophie Leech.
But he has actively chosen to send a promising young horse to Ireland rather than keeping it here. Gives you an idea why things are getting harder.
Bryan Drew (second right) will be represented by Bravemansgame in the Gold Cup
PADDY POWER’S CHEAT SHEET FOR DAY FOUR
There’s no point in pretending otherwise – it’s the final day of the Cheltenham Festival 2024 and all the amateur photoshopping in the world can’t obscure that reality.
We’ll do our best to dry those tears, refresh the bleary, bloodshot eyes to bright and sparkling, and maybe even turn that paunch into a six-pack if we have the time.
There’s still a smashing seven races before that curtain comes down and not even a royal hand can copy-and-paste over our excitement at what’s in store for Gold Cup day!
Willie Mullins has been creating his own version of reality all week as he crashed through the 100 Festival winners barrier and saddle reigning champ and big-race favourite, Galopin Des Champs. With Fastorslow and Gerri Colombe also heading the Irish raiders, the home side need big performances from L’Homme Presse and Corach Rambler to salvage some pride in the feature race of the week.
Courtesy of Paddy Power News, their pundits Mick Fitzgerald, Ruby Walsh, Paddy Mullins, Matt Chapman and Nina Carberry offer up their tips for day four below…
1.30 JCB TRIUMPH HURDLE
Mick Fitzgerald
STORM HEART (9/2 at Paddy Power) is the alternative in the absence of the NJH’s ante-post favourite Sir Gino.
Matt Chapman
NURBURGRING (each-way) was a fine third last time in a Grade 2 at Leopardstown behind Kala Conti with the useful Kargese in second. I suspect he has strong each- way claims now.
Paddy Mullins
STORM HEART was slightly unlucky last time at Leopardstown and might have more room for improvement than Kargese.
Ruby Walsh
I’ll go with BUNTING (each-way) as there’s not much between all Willie Mullins’ runners and he’s a nice price.
Nina Carberry
I’m going with BUNTING who should run a big race.
Galopin Des Champs bids to join a group of horses to have won the Gold Cup more than once
2.10 BETMGM COUNTY HURDLE
Mick Fitzgerald
Willie Mullins saddles five in this and ZENTA (each-way) has a serious chance. PIED PIPER (11/1) was chinned for second last year and can go close again.
Matt Chapman
KING OF KINGSFIELD will be very hard to keep out of the places. The Gigginstown runner was third behind the class Ballyburn and Supreme hero Slade Steel at Leopardstown last time and a handicap mark of 140 might be very generous.
Paddy Mullins
ABSURDE ran well last time. The slow ground is a concern but he has the class to be better than his handicap mark.
Ruby Walsh
Zenta is Willie Mullins’ best chance but I’m with LEAU DU SUD. Dan Skelton told me he really fancies him, as he did with Unexpected Party who bolted up on Wednesday, so I’ll side with him!
Nina Carberry
ZENTA is a very unexposed mare who had a great run last year.
2.50 ALBERT BARTLETT HURDLE
Mick Fitzgerald
READIN TOMMY WRONG is a powerful stayer and will have no problems with the 3m trip. CAPTAIN TEAGUE could be best of the home brigade.
Matt Chapman
CAPTAIN TEAGUE (each-way) has been gagging for a step up in trip and this is his chance to shine.
Paddy Mullins
READIN TOMMY WRONG settles, jumps and is faster than everything else in the race. He’s my NAP.
Ruby Walsh
READIN TOMMY WRONG is the classiest horse in this race but keep an eye on DANCING CITY, who finished second behind Ballyburn and ahead of Slade Steel at Punchestown last year.
Nina Carberry
DANCING CITY was brilliant in previous runs and there’s more to come from him.
Harry Fry’s unbeaten Gidleigh Park (R) leads the British challenge in the Novices’ Hurdle
3.30 THE GOLD CUP
Mick Fitzgerald
At the prices, I’m going with last year’s Grand National winner CORACH RAMBLER as an each-way alternative to the likely winner and reigning champ GALOPIN DES CHAMPS.
Matt Chapman
There’s no doubt GALOPIN DES CHAMPS, the defending champion, is the most talented horse in the race and he comes into this in great form.
Paddy Mullins
GALOPIN DES CHAMPS is the best horse in the race and is in great form at home. The reigning champ is an easier ride this season too for Paul Townend.
Ruby Walsh
I’ve been with GALOPIN DES CHAMPS for a long time and I like everything about him. Fastorslow will most likely chase him home. Corach Rambler or Gerri Colombe will likely be third.
Nina Carberry
I have to go with the reigning champ GALOPIN DES CHAMPS. You just can’t get away from him.
4.10 ST JAMES’S PLACE HUNTERS’ CHASE
Mick Fitzgerald
The seven-year-old ITS ON THE LINE can follow up connections earlier win with Corbetts Cross this week in the Hunters’ Chase for amateur riders.
Matt Chapman
ITS ON THE LINE was runner-up in this last year and while he’s a character who can do some odd things on the way round, I expect him to go one place better this time.
Paddy Mullins
BILLAWAY always turns up and runs his race. He sets the standard on form but hold on tight!
Ruby Walsh
I’d be lying if I said I had a really strong fancy in this but I’ll side with ITS ON THE LINE for Emmet Mullins. He’s won his last three and he’ll relish the stamina test.
Nina Carberry
I was very impressed with ITS ON THE LINE at Naas and he can go very close. He was recently bought by JP McManus.
Jockey JJ Slevin feels he has major chance of Gold Cup glory with Fastorslow
4.50 MRS PADDY POWER MARES’ CHASE
Mick Fitzgerald
This could be a very good day for owner JP McManus as he has DINOBLUE and Limerick Lace racing in his silks in the Mares’ Chase. The former can win it.
Matt Chapman
Many believe Dinoblue is a good thing in this but I like her stable companion ALLEGORIE DE VASSY. Paul Townend is on top and she only has 3lb on ratings to find with the favourite.
Paddy Mullins
ALLEGORIE DE VASSY is working fantastically and can right last year’s wrong.
Ruby Walsh
Allegorie De Vassy has improved considerably but DINOBLUE is the standout. She’s got rock solid form and she’ll be hard to beat.
Nina Carberry
ALLEGORIE DE VASSY can go one better this year after finishing runner-up last season.
5.30 MARTIN PIPE HANDICAP HURDLE
Mick Fitzgerald
WATERFORD WHISPERS was second in a Novice Handicap Hurdle over this trip at the Dublin Racing Festival and is still very lightly raced, so there’s plenty room for improvement still. QUAI DE BOURBON ‘could be anything’ for the Mullins’ stable.
Matt Chapman
TEDDY BLUE is a massive price for Niall Houlihan and Gary Moore but I think he might defy the odds. This season he hasn’t been disgraced in the Lanzarote at Kempton or when fourth behind Mothill at Ascot last time.
Paddy Mullins
QUAI DE BOURBON only does what he has to. He’s a handicapper’s nightmare and a jockey’s dream for the final race of Festival 2024.
Ruby Walsh
QUAI DE BOURBON could be ahead of the handicapper. His Mullins’ stablemate OCASTLE DES MOTTES makes each-way appeal as he will show improvement from stepping up in trip to 2m 4f.
Nina Carberry
I’m going with WATERFORD WHISPERS. His form has been good all season.
