- CHELTENHAM FESTIVAL TIPS – DAY TWO : The best bets for Wednesday’s races
- Willie Mullins runs favourite El Fabiolo in the Queen Mother Champion Chase
- Mail Sport runs through some of the other stories ahead of day two
Willie Mullins and Paul Townend dominated the first day of action at the Cheltenham Festival.
The trainer and jockey secured a hat-trick of wins, which was clinched with Lossiemouth’s victory in the Mares’ Hurdle.
El Fabiolo is among Mullins’ favourites on Wednesday – 11/25 currently with Paddy Power, as he nears a historic 100 Cheltenham Festival wins – now standing at 97.
Tuesday’s action though saw two equine fatalities, while there is uncertainty whether one of the races will go ahead on Wednesday because of heavy rain.
Mail Sport takes a look at some of the headlines going into day two at the Festival.
Paul Townend and Willie Mullins dominated on day one of the Cheltenham Festival
Festival may be forced to POSTPONE a race
An 8am inspection will decide whether this afternoon’s Cross Country Chase can be run after more rain than anticipated led to parts of the circuit in the centre of the course to be waterlogged yesterday.
The BHA and Jockey Club are working on a contingency which would see the Cross Country Chase run on Friday’s Gold Cup card if it has to be postponed.
Wednesday’s Cross Country Chase could be postponed to Friday’s Gold Cup card
Two equine fatalities on Day One
There were two equine fatalities on day one. Highland Hunter sustained a fatal injury in the Ultima Handicap Chase while Ose Partir died after being brought down in the Boodles Juvenile Handicap Hurdle.
A Cheltenham track spokesperson said: ‘Highland Hunter was immediately attended by expert veterinary professionals in the concluding stages of our third race but sadly passed away.
In the sixth race, Ose Partir sustained an injury and was humanely put to sleep. Our heartfelt condolences are with the connections of both horses.’
Horses Highland Hunter (left) and Ose Partir sustained fatal injuries on day one
Doubt over Banbridge
Trainer Joseph O’Brien, successful in the Boodles Juvenile Handicap Hurdle with Lark In The Mornin, will assess the track before giving Banbridge the green light to run in tomorrow’s Ryanair Chase.
Banbridge is best on drier ground and O’Brien said: ‘I really would like to run if we can, but it is a concern.’
Banbridge trainer Joseph O’Brien will assess the track before giving him the green light to run
Corbetts Cross a 2025 Gold Cup contender?
Paddy Power make the Emmet Mullins-trained Corbetts Cross a 14-1 shot for next season’s Gold Cup after he romped to a 17-length win in the Maureen Mullins National Hunt Chase.