Cheltenham Gold Cup Memories: Desert Orchid

Henry Ford once said of his cars: ''You can have one in any colour, as long as it is black.'' Thank the Lord he didn't breed racehorses! Where would we have been without ''Dessie''? 

It is difficult to put a finger on it, but there is something special about grey horses. Even from afar they eclipse the bays, chestnuts and their like. Lady luck invites us to bet on the grey. No one asks: ''Which one's mine?'' And when they win... it's like watching Pegasus without wings. You know, I believe one grey horse was truly magical. Why? Because if you ask someone to name a grey I bet they will give one reply. Such elegance, beauty, captured in a gritty determined winning style. I'm convinced he was born a unicorn but some vagabond stole his magical horn leaving him with a story which foretold one day you will run like the wind, fly over fences and be crowned a champion racehorse. His name was Desert Orchid. 

Born on the 11th April 1979, this son of Grey Desire, out of the mare Flower Child, became an icon of National Hunt racing. With his front-running style and iron will this much-loved horse was simply the peoples' champion. 

His greatest victory came in the 1989 Cheltenham Gold Cup. 

Desert Orchid, trained by David Elsworth and ridden by Simon Sherwood, had been in superb form leading up to this race where he was made 5/2f. Running over 3m 2f, jumping 19 fences in heavy ground, would be a remarkable test for a horse who was once thought a two-miler at a course he did not favour. This noble grey jumped well, leading to the 14th fence, he was left in the lead 3 out, only to be headed by the brave mud-loving Yahoo. Over the last fence it looked as though Desert Orchid was beaten. 

The crowd watched in awe as racing commentator Peter O'Sullivan echoed those famous words: ''Desert Orchid is beginning to get up.'' He won by one and half lengths beating Yahoo, with Charter Party finishing third. 

Simon Sherwood said: ''I have never known a horse so brave. He hated every step of the way in the ground and dug as deep as he could possibly go.'' Dessie was without question the peoples' champion. 

A quote from a race fan remembering this day detailed what so many felt. 

''When Peter O'Sullivan started to say Desert Orchid was beginning to get up it sent shivers down my spine. It was like watching England win the World Cup. I wanted to streak up the road I was so delirious'' 

Few race meetings capture the anticipation, excitement and passion of the Cheltenham Festival. The Gold Cup the pinnacle of equine star. Which horse captures your imagination like Dessie? What's your idea of a good horse racing bet? Bring sports alive with the best odds available at Bet Victor.

Top Tips for the Festival

March is the one month that all horseracing lovers look forward to and it's simply because the Cheltenham Festival roars into life yet again.

We are just a few weeks away from the Festival, but the hype has already reached dizzy heights from all over the world. From the first day to the last, there will be some interesting highlight races most punters are looking forward to. As such, we share with you some festival tips on which horses we think are the main action to finish in the revered first positions.

Day 1 (National Hunt Steeple Chase Challenge Cup)

The highlight race of Day 1 is the National Hunt Steeple Chase Challenge Cup. The biggest draw to this event is that it is considered an unpredictable and tough one; featuring amateur riders and novice chasers. Therefore, historical data does not really come in handy during the race. Nonetheless, over the years the race has provided great entertainment and the same is expected this year. This year’s National Hunt is slightly different from previous races in that it features one jockey who had remarkable success over the past 3 years. Gordon Elliot won two of the last three National Hunt races and features again for the fourth time. This year, he will ride Sutton Place. Sutton finished 2017 strongly winning his last five races in a row and with Gordon Elliot, he comes with a tried and tested jockey as the favourite before the race.

Day 2 (Queen Mother Champion Chase)

The Queen Mother Champion Chase is one of the most anticipated races of the Festival. Its popularity is evidenced by the fact that race bets are placed as early as the early to mid-December when the Ladbrokes Winter Carnival closes. There are two headliners for this event this year, Altior and Douvan. Both of them have not entered into any race this year, but will go into the Festival in good shape. Douvan injured himself in this same race last year at the Festival, only returning to action towards the end of the year. He did put in a great shift while Altior swept almost everything in front of him capping it off by winning impressively the Arkle. The rivalry between these two will be one to watch.

Day 3 (JLT Novices Chase)

On the opening race on Day 3, the JLT Novices Chase is the one to look out for. The race is in some sorts is similar to the National Hunt in that it features novice chasers, is relatively longer (though shorter in comparison to the National Hunt) and traditionally features amateur riders. However, even though dominated by first-timers, it provides top-class entertainment. The favourite for the race is Benatar boasting a flawless record to date with 3 wins in 3 races. Going into the Festival, Benatar looks to maintain his record along with Gary Moore; a jockey who has what it takes to succeed at the highest level.

Day 4 (Cheltenham Gold Cup)

The Gold Cup is the biggest of all races and all eyes will be focused on this year's event. As the norm, classy lists of horses look forward to winning the prestigious Timico Gold Cup and last year’s winner Sizing John is this year’s hot favourite. After scooping the big prize last year, Sizing John has all the right moves where he managed to finish in the ‘Show’ places in all of his races. The momentum is definitely on Sizing John’s side, but he faces some stiff competition from Native River, Might Bite, and Djakadam.

3:30 Cheltenham Racing Tips (18th March) TIMICO CHELTENHAM GOLD CUP CHASE (Grade 1) (CLASS 1) (5yo+)

For many, the highlight of Cheltenham comes with the Gold Cup Chase. This Grade 1 race over 3m 2f 70y is run on good going. 

Who do you fancy to win? 

Its inaugural winner, Red Splash, came in 1924, trained by Fred Withington in the silks of Major Wyndham.  

The greatest of all National Hunt horses have won this contest. Do you know the horse with the most wins? In a period of five years Golden Miller won five times (1932 - 1936). 

Other historic winners not to be forgotten include Vincent O'Brien's Cottage Rake (1948 - 50). L'Escargot, The Dilker & the incredible mare Dawn Run (1986). In this modern era, who could forget Best Mate, a three-time winner (2002 - 04), dual winner Kuato Star & Denman (2008). Last year saw Mark Bradstock's Coneygree prevail, ridden by Nico de Boinville at 7/1SP. With Coneygree out with injury, nine horses ply their trade. 

The betting suggests six horses have claims here with Gigginstown Stud fielding two runners Don Cossack & Don Poli for Gordon Elliott and Willie Mullins respectively. The latter trainer has Djakadam and outsider On His Own. 

So who are we going for here? Cue Card - an Irish son of King's Theatre -  is no stranger to success and total earnings just under £1M. Fifth place or better would achieve that incredible goal. Colin Tizzard's ten-year-old is, perhaps, coming to the end of his glory days but you wouldn't doubt this gelding on his last three starts. Connections will be hoping this step up in distance and differing tactics will see a bold attempt and at each way prices is worth a small bet. 

Cheltenham Festival 2016 Ante Post Racing Tips

The 2015/16 jumps season is nearing a close which can only mean one thing, the road to Cheltenham is not far away. Those who count down the days to the start of the flat season don’t have long to wait either, with the Lincoln and first of the English Classics all in sight in an exciting part of the year in horse racing.

The Festival is the biggest week of the year in jumps racing and here are some of the best bets for the 2016 meeting.

Cue Card – Cheltenham Gold Cup

The Cheltenham Gold Cup this year could be one of the best in a long time with a number of novice chasers taking their chances against the more experienced horses.

One of the runners with a wealth of experience at this level and in this division is Cue Card. Colin Tizzard’s runner won the biggest race of his career on Boxing Day when he got the better of Vautour by a head at Kempton in the King George. The victory brought up his third win of the season as he has also scored in the Charlie Hall Chase at Wetherby among others.

The now 10-year-old has proven his stamina over the 3m trip and showed a fluent round of jumping on all three of his starts this season. Cue Card is definitely worth a bet on the Gold Cup with Paddy Power where he is 13-2 to win the race for the first time.

Annie Power – Champion Hurdle

The whole complexion of the Champion Hurdle was shaken up when Faugheen was ruled out of the opportunity to defend his crown in the race through injury. Trainer Willie Mullins has therefore had to shuffle his pack and it is thought that he will supplement Annie Power for the premier 2m hurdle contest this season rather than run her in the Mares’ Hurdle or the World Hurdle.

Barring a last hurdle blunder in 2015, Annie Power would have won the Mares’ Hurdle at the Festival by a large distance. She made up for that error by winning at the Punchestown Festival in May, while more recently she also scored in Ireland in her preparation run for Cheltenham.

This year’s Champion Hurdle looks much weaker without Faugheen in the field so Mullins clearly thinks his runner can become only the fourth mare in history to win the race where she is 2-1 to do so.

Outlander - JLT Novices Chase

Mullins has the strongest stable he has ever brought over to the UK for the Festival this year. One of the horses which isn’t quite getting as much attention as his recognised superstars is Outlander who is set to run in the JLT Novices Chase where he is 5-1 to win the race.

The eight-year-old has had a faultless campaign with three wins from three in his opening campaign over fences. His latest success was in a Grade One contest at Leopardstown where he finished ahead of Monksland and Pont Alexandre. He looks good enough to add to Mullins’ tally at the Festival this year.

Cheltenham 2015 Top Race Previews

Of all of the fixtures featuring in 2015's racing calendar, there are few as well-anticipated or more enjoyed than the Cheltenham Festival, taking place between March the 10th and 13th at Cheltenham Racecourse. As with any big meeting, wagering will be top of the agenda for many excited attendees; last year some £600,000,000 of bets were taken in by bookmakers. The Festival certainly has a great number of top class races under it's belt, so what are they? Which horses have previous revelled in the events' previous glories?

Tuesday 10th

The race kicking off the festival is the Supreme Novices' Hurdle, a frantic two mile run featuring a truly big field, all engaging in a satisfying mix of hurdling and chasing that spectators find irresistible! Last year, five year-old Vautour, trained by W Mullins and jockeyed by R Walsh, came out on top of the Grade 1 race, although Irish banker Douvan could assume the title this March.

Fans wanting to bet on the biggest race of Tuesday will be looking forward to the Champion Hurdle, however. Deciding the champion of the hurdling division over a two mile slog, Jezki (trained by J Harrington and ridden by B Geraghty) was 2014's winner, and may yet rise back up to first place this year.

Wednesday 11th

Wednesday kicks off with the National Hunt Steeple Chase, a demanding novice horse and amateur jockey race that can truly put the strain on the contenders. With the prospect of injury an ever-present fear, punters should make sure they keep track of all the latest news via Coral's sports app; any slip-ups and one's picks could be in need for drastic last-minute alterations! Last year 9 year-old Midnight Prayer beat the odds and came out on top.

The Queen Mother Champion Chase is the top fixture of Wednesday though, a top class race that dictates who is the best chaser in the two mile division. Last year Sire De Grugy won a tense race, ridden excellently by J Moore.

Thursday 12th

Fans of chases will enjoy Thursday's Ryanair Chase, a two mile, five furlong race for five year old horses and older that are always the more lofty equines in the competition! Last year Dynaste, jockeyed by J Tizzard and traned by D Pipe, came first in the Grade 1 race, although this year's winner may well be a newcomer.

Feature event for Thursday is the Ladbrokes World Hurdle; three miles long, last year's winner was More Of That, ridden by B Geraghty, in what was an electrifying race! This year's picks include Zarkandar and Saphir Du Rheu, but it's likely to be a close one!

Friday 13th

Finally, the ultimate day of the festival sees the County Hurdle, one of the most difficult handicaps to solve at the festival. Quick, exciting and nail-biting in equal measure, last year's race saw Tiger Roll come first place.

Then it's the big one; the Cheltenham Gold Cup. Last year saw Lord Windermere (D Russel and J Culloty) come first at this most important event, although this year Holywell, Bobs Worth and Many Clouds are all strong contenders- this is going to be an excellent watch!

The Cheltenham Gold Cup 2015: It's A Road To Riches

The Cheltenham Gold Cup is one of the biggest and most popular events in the horse racing calendar. This famous steeplechase is held at Prestbury Park run over 3 miles 2 1/2 furlongs with 22 fences to jump. The Cheltenham Festival is a race meeting that excites horse racing fans across the globe and brings with it thousands of Irish supporters who look forward to their annual pilgrimage to challenging the best National Hunt horses. Come the 13th March, 2015 riders, trainers, punters and horses will be chomping at the bit. This could be a good time to bet on the Cheltenham Gold Cup. 

So what are we to make of this year's betting at Paddy Power? Well, looking at the prices it is a pretty open race as far as the betting is concerned. Silviniaco Conti heads the field at 3/1 favourite. Bar Paul Nicholls hope all other horses are priced at double-figure odds with the exception of the Irish-trained Road To Riches. 

This Irish bred son of Gamut - a talented Group 1 winning sire who raced over the Flat for Sir Michael Stoute - has crept under the radar for this year's Gold Cup. 

There's one thing you can guarantee, the talent of this bay gelding, owned by Gigginstown House Stud, is no surprise to Noel Meade. With fifteen races under rules he has won eight times. This bay may have fell on his debut but his performances since have been pretty much unblemished. The last six races saw four wins and two narrow defeats by less than one length. In less than a year this eight-year-old has risen 22lbs in the official handicap and although needing to improve to win at the highest grade this rapid rise to fame could see a bold show when competing at Cheltenham for the first time. A horse who could hold each-way claims and keep those Irish eyes smiling.  

Does the King George Give Any Pointers to the Cheltenham Gold Cup?

The King George VI chase at Kempton Park on Boxing Day is the racing highlight of the Christmas National Hunt calendar. Racegoers will flock in their thousands to the south-west London track to revel in the Christmas spirit – and hope to back a few winners along the way!

There has been many fine champions of this prestigious race - most notably - Kauto Star, who racked up an incredible five King George victories in his stellar career. Silviniaco Conti is the current King George market leader but how significant is this festive showpiece race in regard to the blue riband Cheltenham Gold Cup? Here we will look into the recent results of the Boxing Day spectacle, and see how those outcomes reflect towards the March festival.

Favourites’ race

In recent seasons, the King George has been a safe haven for favourite backers as eight of the last twelve renewals of the great race have been won by the jolly. Edredon Bleu sprang a 25/1 shock back in 2003, but this race is likely - according to statistics - to be won by a horse that is at the head of the market. It must be said that three of the last four renewals have been won by a non-favourite to redress the balance – but those three recent winners have all returned at odds of no bigger than 9/2.

Age no barrier

Most age trends to a specific race tend to congregate around a certain bracket, but that cannot be said for the King George. Three six-year old winners, Kicking King (2004), Kauto Star (2006) and Long Run (2010) have all proven that youth can conquer experience in the race. It could be argued that Long Run was effectively a five-year old as the 2010 renewal was actually run in January 2011 due to bad weather over the festive period.

The three mentioned above also won the race as seven-year olds, together with Best Mate (2002) and Silviniaco Conti from last season. Kauto Star (2008-2009) is the only eight, and nine-year old winner in the last twelve runnings, while Edredon Bleu and Kauto Star yet again in 2011, proved that age was no barrier by entering the winners’ enclosure at aged 11.

Experience is key

Other notable statistics are that nine French bred horses have passed the post in first place in the last 12 years, while the other three winners are Irish bred. Every winner of the King George during that twelve year period has also won a Grade One chase previously, which can be classed as a negative sign for the inexperienced Champagne Fever.

Tough task

So, how does all this information work towards the Cheltenham Gold Cup? From 1990 onwards, there have been just four horses who won the King George, and then went on and claimed the Gold Cup in March. Best Mate (2003), Kicking King (2005), Kauto Star (2007, 2009) and most latterly Long Run in 2011, all completed the seasonal double. That quintet are arguably the four finest staying chasers in recent history, which proves the thought of winning both titles in the same season is a very tough task that only the finest equine talent have achieved.

Conclusion

If you are looking for the winner of the King George, then the sensible option is to look towards an experienced horse, who has already won at Grade One level – and is relatively short in the betting. Form tends to hold up year on year in the race, so Silviniaco Conti must have excellent claims to return to the winners’ enclosure once again. However, if the Paul Nicholls trained gelding was to triumph at Kempton this Christmas, is he capable of winning the Gold Cup as well? I’ll leave that decision up to you.

Silviniaco moves a step closer to Gold Cup glory

The Paul Nicholls-trained Silviniaco Conti put up an impressive performance to get the better of last month’s Betfair Chase winner Cue Card in a tremendous renewal of the Grade 1 King George VI Chase at Kempton Park on Boxing Day and now looks a genuine contender for top honours in March in the Cheltenham Gold Cup.

Third on his seasonal return at Haydock behind the Colin Tizzard-trained Cue Card, the French bred seven-year-old had clearly come on a good deal for his first run of the term and he was the only horse able to stay with Cue Card as last term’s Ryanair Chase hero set a searching gallop in testing ground at the Sunbury track.

By the final turn, only Silviniaco Conti remained as a danger to Cue Card, former champion Long Run having failed to respond to first-time blinkers while Dynaste failed to make the grade.

Al Ferof plugged on to take third, but up front it was Silviniaco Conti under a fine ride from Noel Fehily who leaped into the lead at the penultimate fence and eventually came away to score by three-and-a-half-lengths as the gallant Cue Card finally ran out of gas.

Punters reacted quickly to the impressive victory with Silviniaco Conti being slashed to a top price of 4.9 favourite on Betfair having traded at double figures prior to his Kempton victory. Bobs Worth, the defending champion is now a 5.9 shot in the latest odds, while Ireland’s Sir Des Champs, runner-up to Bobs Worth in the blue riband contest last season, now offered at 7.4.

Cue Card (9.8) is expected by many to head for a repeat bid for the Ryanair Chase over a shorter trip and is a clear 4.7 ante-post favourite on Betfair to land the two-mile-five –furlong event once again.

Cue Card trumps them all in thrilling Betfair Chase

Colin Tizzard’s high-class Cue Card proved the ace in the pack in an outstanding renewal of the Grade 1 Betfair Chase at Haydock on November 23 and has now emerged as a genuine contender for top honours in the Cheltenham Gold Cup at the home of National Hunt racing on March 14, writes Elliot Slater.

By general consent this was the best ever renewal of the Betfair Chase, a contest that long ago established itself as a serious trial for the Cheltenham Gold Cup and has been won by some of the top British steepelchasers of recent times. With last year’s winner Silviniaco Conti in the race alongside reigning champion Bobs Worth, former champion Long Run, last season’s star novice Dynaste, and others, Cue Card (9/1) was far from the punters’ main fancy in a race that simply oozed class.

Trainer Colin Tizzard instructed his son Joe to take the bull by the horns aboard Cue Card, a horse who had never previously raced over the distance of three-miles-one-furlong. Clearly believing last year’s Ryanair Chase winner would stay, the pair set off at a good gallop and one by one the big names started to crumble, Bobs Worth, the favourite being one of the first beaten.

Approaching the final fence Cue Card was under strong pressure as he was all but joined by both Silviniaco Conti and Dynaste, but showing tremendous determination and bags of class, he stayed on powerfully on the Haydock run-in to score a superb victory, leaving behind the disappointment of finishing only third at Exeter on his seasonal bow.

Slashed from a pre-race 27 to just 8.8 on betfair.com for the Cheltenham Gold Cup in the spring, Cue Card may next bid for the King George VI Chase at Kempton Park on Boxing Day where he could lock horns again with a number of his defeated rivals from the Haydock contest.

The 2013 Cheltenham Festival: Get Your Bets On

With every day the 2013 Cheltenham Festival is drawing closer. The anticipation. Excitement of a waiting crowd. Trainers, owners, jockeys at the ready. Focused. Inspired. Dreams nurtured in winter months become a racing certainly. 

Past winners striving to write their names in equine history, battle-hardened campaigners primed to settle old scores, while dark horses tantalize the mind...

Of one thing we can be sure - this sport of kings will find no more loyal a servant than race fans across the country who await the pulsating action of the 2013 Cheltenham Festival. 

Let the action begin:


Day 1 (12th March)

Champion Hurdle

The highlight on the opening day. This most prestigious hurdle race in the National Hunt calendar is for horses aged four years and older. It is run on the old course over 2m 110 yard, with eight hurdles to jump. It has been won by a number of exceptional horses: Dawn Run (1984), See You Then (1985 - 87) & Istabraq (1998 - 2000). Who will win this year?

Hurricane Fly? Rock On Ruby? Binocular...


Day 2  (13th March)

Queen Mother Champion Chase 

This Grade  1 National Hunt chase over 2 miles is open to horses aged five years and older and the feature event of the second day of the Festival. Named in the year of the Queen Mother's 80th birthday (1980) it recognised her support to jump racing.

The most successful horse to have won this race is Badsworth Boy (1983 - 1985). 

But what are we to make of this year's contest?

Sprinter Sacre, trained by Nicky Henderson, is presently 2/5f after winning his last seven races. He's a true Cheltenham favourite. Can he beat stablemates Simonsig or last year's winner Finian's Rainbow? Irish raider Sizing Europe proved victorious in 2011 while others take their chance...


Whether hunting for ante-post value or betting on the day visit Betting Online At The 2013 Cheltenham Festival With William Hill . Don't forget to join now and get a £25 Free Bet.  


Day 3 (14th March)

World Hurdle       

This Grade 1 National Hunt race is open for horses aged four years or older and run over 3 miles with twelve hurdles to jump. This is the leading long-distance hurdle event in the calendar & feature of day three at the Cheltenham Festival. It was formerly known as the Stayers' Hurdle. In previous contests this race has been about one horse - Big Bucks who won this contest on no fewer than four occasions (2009 - 2012). Unfortunately, he will not contest this year's event after suffering an injury in December. 

However, in what looks a competitive race we see a great line up. Leading hopes include Oscar Whisky, Quevega, Reve De Sivola, Monksland & Tidal Bay.


Day 4 (15th March)

Cheltenham Gold Cup    

This Grade 1 National Hunt horse race is run over 3 miles 2 1/2f with 22 fences to be jumped. A steeplechase open to horses five years or older it is the most prestigious of all National Hunt races. This Blue Riband event has a roll of honour featuring household names such as Arkle, Best Mate, Golden Miller, Kauto Star & Mill House. It is the most valuable non-handicap chase in Britain. 

The Cheltenham Gold Cup was first run in 1924 by a horse called Red Splash. In the 1930s Golden Miller won five consecutive races and still proves the most successful horse in the race's history. Other multiple winners include Cottage Rake, trained by Vincent O'Brien, from 1948- 1950. In the 1960s Arkle dominated this event over the new course to win three times. He still remains shortest-priced winner at odds of 1/10f.  

The most remarkable feat for any trainer came in 1983 when Michael Dickinson had the first five horses home. 

Dawn Run and legendary grey Desert Orchid are among my all-time favourites. 

Best Mate, trained by Henrieta Knight, was the last horse to win three consecutive races (2002 - 2004). While in recent years Kuato Star captured the heart of a nation being the only horse to regain the Gold Cup in 2009. 

What a race we have in store for this 2013 Gold Cup.

Presently, Bobs Worth heads the betting, trained by Nicky Henderson. Sir Des Champs is on a recovery mission for Willie Mullins after recently losing his unbeaten record. While Long Run tries to make this a memorable day after tasting victory in 2011. 

A truly spectacular event.

For the latest prices visit Betting Online At The 2013 Cheltenham Festival With William Hill.           

   

    

Who will write their name into racing history in 2013?

The Cheltenham Gold Cup is a rare opportunity for a racehorse to go down in history as one of the greatest, with many incredible stories over the years. Best Mate, Kauto Star, Denman and Arkle are just some of the iconic winners of this great race, with a number of contenders expected to challenge for a place on the roll of honour.

The full list of entries for the 2013 Cheltenham Gold Cup are as follows:

• Bobs Worth
• Bog Warrior
• Bold Sir Brian
• Calgary Bay Cape Tribulation 
• Captain Chris
• Champion Court
• China Rock
• Finian's Rainbow
• First Lieutenant
• Flemenstar
• Grands Crus
• Hey Big Spender
• Hunt Ball
• Imperial Commander
• Jessies Dream
• Joncol
• Junior
• Katenko
• Kauto Stone
• Knockara Beau
• Long Run
• Mail De Bievre
• Monbeg Dude
• Prince De Beauchene
• Quel Esprit
• Quito De La Roque
• Riverside Theatre
• Roberto Goldback
• Silviniaco Conti
• Sir Des Champs
• Sizing Europe
• Sunnyhillboy
• Teaforthree
• The Giant Bolster
• Tidal Bay
• Wayward Prince
• Weapon's Amnesty
• What A Friend
• Wyck Hill

While the final field has still to be decided, the Cheltenham Gold Cup winner will be one of the horses on the above list. The early favourites to triumph are Bobs Worth (10/3), Sir Des Champs (5/1), Long Run (7/1) and Silviniaco Conti (15/2). These horses are gathering significant early support, boosted by the unfortunate injury to Al Ferof who had previously been one of the favourites for the Cheltenham Gold Cup race.

While these are the horses thought to be most likely to succeed, Cheltenham Festival history has many examples where the underdog has triumphed and punters lucky enough to be on a long shot have had cause to celebrate long into the night. With this in mind, former Gold Cup Winner Imperial Commander is available at 66/1 with a number of bookmakers and could be worth a small wager in the hope of something special.

Cheltenham Gold Cup Day

The Gold Cup is the feature race of Cheltenham Gold Cup Day, the final day of the festival and always an extremely special occasion. The iconic race is the highlight of the day, but there are also six other races for fans to enjoy and place their wagers on.

The full schedule for Cheltenham Gold Cup Day is as follows:

Scheduled time	Race name
13:30	Triumph Hurdle
14:05	County Hurdle
14:40	Albert Bartlett Novices Hurdle
15:20	Cheltenham Gold Cup
16:00	Foxhunter Challenge Cup
16:40	Conditional Jockey's Hurdle
17:15	Grand Annual Chase

The atmosphere on Gold Cup day is unlike anything else in the sport, and there is sure to be plenty of support for the contenders in all of the races on offer. There is always a huge contingent of Irish betting fans present throughout the festival, and especially on Gold Cup Day itself. Special bets are available on the winner of the Gold Cup to be Irish trained, currently available at a best price of 2/1, although there will certainly be more racing specials revealed once the race itself draws closer and the festival gets underway.
The countdown to Cheltenham 2013 is well and truly underway, with just a few short months between punters and the most exciting week of the year. Whoever comes out on top in the Gold Cup, whether it be one of the favourites or an underdog writing their name into the annals of racing history, you can be sure their legacy within the racing world will be secured forever.

Your Guide to betting at the Cheltenham 2013 Festival

Popular online bookies’ Paddy Power have given us the lowdown on what’s hot and what’s not in the build-up to the 2013 Cheltenham Festival with a wide range of Ante-post betting markets to choose from (currently not available to US residents, unfortunately).

Ante-post betting can prove a double-edged sword; it’s benefits are obvious – you generally get a much better price if you back a horse months before the event, before his price is eased towars the day of the race. On the flip side, if the horse is withdrawn from the race, your bet is deemed a losing bet, so wise judgement is required before delving into the ante-post market at Cheltenham in particular – there’s a lot of great value to be found, yet many of the racecards are still undecided, prior to the declarations being made. So with that in mind, we’d hate to outline the hope without explaining the rules of the game, here’s our early picks, or tips if you like, for the 2013 Cheltenham betting:

Supreme Novices Hurdle (March 12th) – Jezki looks good value @ 4/1

Arkle Chase (March 12th) – Simonsig is the formidable choice, not great Ante-post value however at @ 4/5

Champion Hurdle (March 12th) – Some great recent form suggest Darlan @ 4/1 could be the one to beat 

OLBG David Nicholson Mares’ Hurdle (March 12th) – Quevega is hotly tipped around these parts, again, not much value in a 4/6 shot, however!

Neptune Investment Novices Hurdle (March 13th) – We like the look of the much fancied The New One @ 10/1

Queen Mother Champion Chase (March 13th) –To lay Sprinter Sacre or not – that is the question! If you do, you could do worse than backing one of our favourite all-time horses, Sizing Europe @ 7/1, which brings us to the big one…

2013 Cheltenham Gold Cup (March 15th) – Bobs Worth is receiving some excellent backing on the exchanges, currently 3/1 whist Silviniaco Conti looks decent value @ 7/1, particularly if the mercurial Ruby Walsh takes the reins. The list of potential winners here is endless, although we’ll keep it at three, with the inclusion of the fiery Flemenstar @ 11/1 for good measure.

Whoever you go for this March, whether you back ‘em Ante-post or No Runner No Bet, a little closer to the festival, we wish you all the best of luck! Please feel free to drop us a line to let us know your tips for the 2013 Cheltenham Festival – We Here You… your guess is as good as ours!