It’s known as the greatest show on turf, and it has finally arrived. That’s right, the Cheltenham Festival is just hours away.
Across the next four days there will be agony and ecstasy on the track, but also plenty of fun off it.
Every morning Mail Sport will be dishing up a serving of Cheltenham Breakfast, taking a look at everything happening on and off the iconic racecourse in what is set to be another memorable week.
Always meet your heroes
There was another compelling argument to show the saying ‘never meet your heroes’ should be abolished in Cheltenham’s parade ring on Monday.
After a morning on the gallops, Rachael Blackmore had a slot in her diary to say hello to a group of schoolchildren, who had come to see behind the scenes at the course. On the eve of such a major sporting occasion, it can be commonplace for athletes to pay lip service to these kind of events.
But Blackmore made a point of speaking to every kid, posing for photos and leaving 10-year-old girls open-mouthed in amazement.
Blackmore has had an incredible impact on the amount of youngsters visiting Irish racecourses in the last two years, what a boost it would be if it happened here, too.
Rachael Blackmore left her young fans open-mouthed as she made a point of speaking to every kid
Royal representation at Cheltenham?
Ascot‘s link with the Royal family is indelible but Cheltenham have been frequent beneficiaries of having Royal attendance at the Festival down the years.
It always increases interest and, 12 months ago, one unwitting journalist walked through a gate to beat the crowds on Gold Cup only to be greeted by a phalanx of photographers, all poised with cameras in hands but all sporting faces of incredulity.
When said reporter asked their colleagues what the problem was, they were told – in not so many words – to turn around. There, 10 yards away coming through the same gate, was the Princess Royal. It goes without saying the person in the middle quickly beat a hasty retreat.
Given the title of Wednesday’s big race, the Queen Mother Champion Chase, it would be appropriate if there was Royal representation on course but the Buckingham Palace diary is not something that is ever publicly discussed, so we shall wait and see.
Cheltenham have been beneficiaries of having Royal attendance at the Festival down the years
Bookies fear Fact To File payout
Anxiety is growing amongst bookmakers about the damage that a potential victory for Fact To File in Browns Advisory Chase would inflict. Word has reached Cheltenham Breakfast that he is potential the best of all the JP McManus runners this week and big things are anticipated.
One sound judge in Ireland has even been talking about backing Fact Or File for the 2025 Cheltenham Gold Cup and, if he is as good as they say he is, then you could be set to witness something special.
But no race at The Festival is ever a procession and, in recent days, there has been growing support for Monty’s Star as a well-priced alternative. It’s significant to see that after a spell of 17 days without a winner, his trainer Henry De Bromhead had a winner at Naas and a double at Limerick.
Fact To File is potentially the best of all the JP McManus runners this week
Joe Donnelly’s host of outstanding chances
Always expect the unexpected when working in live television and Nick Luck again showed why he is one of the masters of his craft on Monday afternoon. During a dispatch for Racing TV, Luck tracked down Joe Donnelly, who was having dinner with Nicky Henderson.
Donnelly will have a host of outstanding chances this week, his colours being carried by quality animals such as Shishkin and Shanagh Bob. His main hopes, though, are State Man in today’s Champion Hurdle and Sir Gino, favourite for Friday’s Triumph Hurdle.
It is not out of the question that Shishkin might go close in the Gold Cup.
He’s been coaxed back to form by Henderson and, when delivering a eulogy to the trainer’s ability, Donnelly’s excitement saw him knock over a glass of water. Luck never flinched, helped pad down the table and continued broadcasting unflustered.
Thomas Costello shows size doesn’t matter
The common perception that you need to be small to be a jockey has been exploded by Thomas Costello. You won’t fail to miss him in the parade ring before the opening Supreme Novices Hurdle, as he will tower above everyone – he stands 6ft 4ins.
But an indication of his ability is the fact he has been booked by Willie Mullins to ride Asian Master for him. Costello said: ‘I’m not feeling nervous at the moment and I generally don’t suffer from nerves so I think I’ll be fine. I still can’t believe I’ve got a ride in the Supreme.’
Thomas Costello at 6ft 4ins will tower against the rest of his competition on Tuesday
Beat the Bookies on day one – The CHEAT SHEET!
Fancy making yourself a few quid and getting your Festival off to a flyer?
There’s always the fun of picking your horse based on scientific methods, such as their name or colours… by why not have a look at what the experts are saying?
Mick Fitzgerald, Ruby Walsh, Paddy Mullins, Matt Chapman and Nina Carberry offer up their tips for day one below.
MICK FITZGERALD
13:30 Supreme Novices’ Hurdle, 2m
FIREFOX is the only horse to have beaten Ballyburn. That was on soft ground and we’re starting on slow ground. He is definitely a player in this contest in Ballyburn’s absence. On the preview circuit, lots of people were getting excited about Tullyhill, but his jumping needs to be better.
14:10 Arkle Challenge Trophy, 2m
I’m going for a little bit of a surprise, HUNTERS YARN, who was very strong last time when winning at Fairyhouse. He looks a value bet.
14:50 Handicap Steeple Chase, 3m1f
It looks like connections have protected THE GOFFER’S mark all season as we didn’t see him until a two-mile stable yard ‘challenge’ race last month, where he ran out a convincing winner. He’s primed to go close.
15:30 Champion Hurdle Challenge Trophy, 2m
16:10 Mares’ Hurdle, 2m 4f
17:30 National Hunt Chase, 3m 6f
MATT CHAPMAN
13:30 Supreme Novices’ Hurdle, 2m
I have long been a fan of JERIKO DU REPONET (each-way) and we get a price because the Nicky Henderson stable is under a cloud. I’d be very disappointed if he’s healthy if he doesn’t finish at least in the first three.
14:10 Arkle Challenge Trophy, 2m
GAELIC WARRIOR is the most talented horse in this race. If he gets into a rhythm out in front I don’t think they will get near him.
14:50 Handicap Steeple Chase, 3m1f
I’ve long been a supporter of CHIANTI CLASSICO (each-way). I loved the way he kept on at Kempton against a course specialist and he will get an aggressive ride from David Bass ride.
15:30 Champion Hurdle Challenge Trophy, 2m
16:10 Mares’ Hurdle, 2m 4f
17:30 National Hunt Chase, 3m 6f
RUBY WALSH
13:30 Supreme Novices’ Hurdle, 2m
There are only 12 declared and none are real tearaway front runner so TULLYHILL’S jumping mightn’t come under as much pressure.
14:10 Arkle Challenge Trophy, 2m
A small each-way stake on MASTER CHEWY in what is a head-scratcher of a race.
14:50 Handicap Steeple Chase, 3m1f
The Paddy Power Chase winner MEETINGOFTHEWATERS is a young, progressive and exciting chaser.
15:30 Champion Hurdle Challenge Trophy, 2m
16:10 Mares’ Hurdle, 2m 4f
17:30 National Hunt Chase, 3m 6f
PADDY MULLINS
13:30 Supreme Novices’ Hurdle, 2m
MISTERGIF (each-way). He jumps like a gazelle and has lots of speed. Unexposed and over priced for the opening race of the Festival.
14:10 Arkle Challenge Trophy, 2m
GAELIC WARRIOR is the best horse in the race and the slow ground will help. The fact that he’s jumping fences rather than hurdles may help to negate his preference for jumping right-handed at the obstacles.
14:50 Handicap Steeple Chase, 3m1f
15:30 Champion Hurdle Challenge Trophy, 2m
16:10 Mares’ Hurdle, 2m 4f
17:30 National Hunt Chase, 3m 6f
NINA CARBERRY
13:30 Supreme Novices’ Hurdle, 2m
The race has been blown wide open with Ballyburn’s defection to Wednesday’s Gallaghers Hurdle. I like his stablemates MYSTICAL POWER & MISTERGIF to run big races now
14:10 Arkle Challenge Trophy, 2m
QUILIXIOS was back to form over fences in Naas and I think he’ll run a big race.
14:50 Handicap Steeple Chase, 3m1f
I fancy THE GOFFER, he’s back on form to repeat a good run from last year.
15:30 Champion Hurdle Challenge Trophy, 2m
16:10 Mares’ Hurdle, 2m 4f
17:30 National Hunt Chase, 3m 6f
