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!
