Cheltenham’s first race totally made up of Irish-trained runners is a possibility next week after only four British-trained entries were left in Thursday’s Turners Novices’ Chase
- There could be an all Irish-trained race for the first time at Cheltenham this year
- Only four British-trained entries are left in Thursday’s Turners Novices’ Chase
- They include Paul Nicholls-trained Bravemansgame who may have other targets
- Fergal O’Brien’s Imperial Alcazar has a first-choice Festival handicap option
The first Cheltenham Festival race totally made up of Irish-trained runners is a possibility next week after only four British-trained entries — all with likely other targets — were left in Thursday’s Turners Novices’ Chase.
Paul Nicholls-trained Bravemansgame is heading to the Brown Advisory Novices’ Chase run 24 hours earlier and that race is being considered by Venetia Williams for L’Homme Presse.
The other two British entries — Donald McCain’s Presentandcounting and Fergal O’Brien’s Imperial Alcazar — have a first-choice Festival handicap option on Thursday.
Paul Nicholls-trained Bravemansgame is heading to the Brown Advisory Novices’ Chase
Turners Novices’ Chase entries are headed by Henry de Bromhead’s Bob Olinger and Willie Mullins’ Galopin Des Champs.
Both of those were winners at the meeting last year over hurdles.
Meanwhile, Brian Hughes, on course to regain his champion jump jockey crown this season, reached 1,500 career winners with victory on She’s A Rocca at Newcastle on Friday.
Brian Hughes reached 1,500 career winners with victory on She’s A Rocca at Newcastle today
The fans will return in their thousands as the Cheltenham Festival gets underway on March 15
