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| Cheltenham Festival News 2011 |
cheltenham festival / news
Back-to-Back Ryanair Wins for Admirable Albertas Run
21/03/11
Some horses were simply born to run at the Cheltenham Festival and the high-class Jonjo O’Neill-trained Albertas Run is definitely one of those horses.
Oiseau De Nuit Springs Surprise in Grand Annual 18/03/11
The pain of Cue Card's defeat in the Supreme Novices' Hurdle will be a distant memory for Colin Tizzard as Oiseau De Nuit stormed up the hill to win the Johnny Henderson Grand Annual Chase, the final race of the 2011 Cheltenham Festival.
Sir Des Champs Comes from the Clouds to Win Martin Pipe 18/03/11
Sir Des Champs put up an unbelievable performance to pluck the Martin Pipe Conditional Jockeys' Handicap Hurdle from out of the clouds.
Zemsky Cruises to Foxhunter Chase Win 18/03/11
Zemsky ran out an easy winner in an eventful race for the Christie's Foxhunter Chase at Cheltenham.
Long Run Jumps to Gold Cup Glory 18/03/11
Long Run signalled the new dawn of steeplechasing by winning a thrilling renewal of the totesport Cheltenham Gold Cup to give Nicky Henderson his first success in the race.
The Albert Bartlett Novices’ Hurdle 18/03/11
Bobs Worth and Mossley gave Nicky Henderson a notable one-two in the Albert Bartlett Novices' Hurdle at Cheltenham for his first winner of the meeting.
Ruby Steers Final Approach to County Hurdle Victory 18/03/11
Ruby Walsh and Final Approach (10-1) foiled a massive gamble on Get Me Out Of Here to deny close friend Tony McCoy in a thrilling finish to the Vincent O'Brien County Hurdle.
Zarkandar Triumphs for Nicholls 18/03/11
Zarkandar gave champion trainer Paul Nicholls a second success in the JCB Triumph Hurdle when landing an emphatic triumph in the opening race on the final day of the Festival.
Can Shoegazer Give David the Martin Pipe Hurdle? 18/03/11
David Pipe sent out two winners on day three of the Festival on Thursday with Buena Vista and Junior, and would no doubt love to win the race bearing his father’s name, the Martin Pipe Conditional Jockeys’ Hurdle, on Friday.
Grand Annual Glory Awaits Mister Stickler 18/03/11
Well, here we are, the final race of the 2011 Cheltenham Festival and it you haven’t found a winner so far, this is your last chance.
Ski Sunday Could Land County Hurdle 18/03/11
The Vincent O’Brien County Handicap Hurdle is invariably a minefield for punters – one of the toughest puzzles to solve at the Cheltenham Festival.
Third Intention to Compensate Connections in Triumph 18/03/11
The final day of the 2011 Cheltenham Festival and we begin what will be a challenging card with the JCB Triumph Hurdle.
Midnight Chase Can Win the Most Open Gold Cup in Years 18/03/11
What a race we have on our hands once again, Three former champions lining up to take each other on, with a whole host of other Grade 1 winners looking to spoil the party or mark their arrival at the very top of the chasing game.
Cheltenham Gold Cup 2011 Preview 18/03/11
With most bookmakers going 4-1 the field, this is one of the most open-looking renewals in modern times.
Cecil Takes St Patrick’s Day Derby Spoils 17/01/11
Henry Cecil was the toast of departing punters at Cheltenham as the Flat maestro saddled the Lorna Fowler-ridden Plato to land the St Patrick's Day Derby on day three of the Festival.
Junior Leads Home Pipe One-Two in Kim Muir 17/03/11
Junior ran out a wide-margin winner of the Fulke Walwyn Kim Muir Challenge Cup to give David Pipe a second winner of the day at the Cheltenham Festival.
Byrne Group Plate Springs a Legend 17/03/11
Holmwood Legend sprang a 25-1 surprise to lift the Byrne Group Plate at Cheltenham for trainer Pat Rodford and 3lb claimer Keiran Burke.
Big Buck's World Hurdle Hat-Trick 17/03/11
Big Buck's completed a hat-trick of victories in the Ladbrokes World Hurdle at Cheltenham after a thrilling battle involving all the race's big guns.
Albertas Run Flies Home in Ryanair 17/03/11
Albertas Run recorded back-to-back victories in the Ryanair Chase at Cheltenham under a powerful ride from Tony McCoy.
Buena Vista Doubles Up in Pertemps 17/03/11
The remarkable Buena Vista, ridden by Conor O'Farrell, made virtually all in an amazing repeat of his Pertemps Final win last year.
Noble Prince Crowned Jewson King 17/03/11
Noble Prince gave Tony McCoy his first winner at this year's Festival, and his 200th of the season, by taking the opening Jewson Novices' Chase on day three at Cheltenham.
Big Bucks to Dampen the Fizz of Grands Crus 17/03/11
The World hurdle looks one of the easier races to unravel this week at Cheltenham. Not because it is uncompetitive, that, it certainly is, its just that there are fewer competitors in the race that can win it.
Hollo Ladies Can Strike in Byrne Group Plate 17/03/11
Northern trainer Ferdy Murphy has proved adept at successfully preparing a horse for the Cheltenham Festival in recent years, and I reckon he can strike again with Hollo Ladies in the Byrne Group Plate.
Poquelin to Gain Ryanair Title from Albertas Run 17/03/11
Poquelin looks set fair to take this titiel from Albertas Run who attempts to land the double on the third day of the Festival.
Loosen My Load for the Jewson? Wishfull Thinking!! 17/03/11
The race looks to be fought out by the form yards and horses Both Noble Prince and Loosen My Load get maximum respect but there is a wall of noise about Wishful Thinking we will not ignore.
Nina Carberry to Win the Kim Muir for Ferdy Murphy 16/03/11
The Kim Muir is a staying handicap for amateurs and it is notable that the last two victors have shouldered the maximum weight of 11st 12lb. Other stats to throw in early include no Irish winners in the past 10-years and a general lack of success for horses wearing any kind of headgear.
Horse by Horse Guide to the Ladbrokes World Hurdle 16/03/11
The heart says Grands Crus, but the head says Big Buck's. Had there been more cut in the ground, Grands Crus and Irish raiders Fiveforthree and Mourad would have been greatly feared.
Henderson’s Lush Life to Win Pertemps Final 16/03/11
The Pertemps Final on the Thursday begins life as one of those puzzles that are devilishly difficult to solve but after a bit of research, I find my selection easy to come by.
What A Charm Wins Fred Winter for Townend First 16/03/11
What A Charm gave Paul Townend his first ever Cheltenham Festival success with a narrow victory in a thrilling renewal of the Fred Winter Juvenile Handicap Hurdle.
Carlito Brigante Blasts Home in Coral Cup 16/03/11
Carlito Brigante gave Gordon Elliott his second ever Cheltenham Festival success, and his second of the day, with an impressive display in the Coral Cup.
Sizing Europe Storms Home in Champion Chase 16/03/11
Sizing Europe, trained by Henry de Bromhead and ridden by Andrew Lynch, won the sportingbet.com Queen Mother Champion Chase, the highlight on day two of the Festival.
Bostons Angel Divine in RSA Chase 16/03/11
Jessica Harrington's Bostons Angel ground out victory in the RSA Chase at Cheltenham under a jubilant Robbie Power.
First Lieutenant Earns Salutes in Neptune 16/03/11
First Lieutenant pulled victory from out of the fire with a narrow verdict over Rock On Ruby in the Neptune Investment Management Novices' Hurdle.
Chicago Grey Grabs National Hunt Glory 16/03/11
Chicago Grey was given a fine waiting ride by Derek O'Connor before coming out on top in the National Hunt Chase at Cheltenham.
Three Former Winners Head 14 for Cheltenham Gold Cup 16/03/11
The last three winners of the totesport Cheltenham Gold Cup are among the 14 horses declared for Friday's renewal of the blue riband.
Horse by Horse Guide to the Queen Mother Champion Chase 16/03/11
If back to his best Master Minded would win, and win well. However, Big Zeb looked pretty good when winning this race last year and it's not hard to envisage him retaining his crown. Somersby will be a major threat if they go hell for leather in the early stages, while French Opera is a fairly appealing each-way option.
Time for Rupert in the RSA Chase 16/03/11
There are few punters seeing past Paul Webber's Time for Rupert for the RSA Chase at 2.40. Indeed the 7yo is many an experts banker of the week, but perhaps there is opposition with Gordon Elliot saddling Jessies Dream or Paul Nicholls' Aiteenthirtythree.
Ruby Walsh for More Cheltenham Glory Aboard So Young 16/03/11
The Neptune Investments Novices Hurdle features a strong Irish Challenge, with Willie Mullins deciding on this option for So Young and given the yard’s double achievement yesterday, it is easy enough to side with the market favourite.
Chicago Grey & Alfa Beat Chase National Hunt Glory 16/03/11
In recent years Irish raiders have been well touted for the National Hunt Chase Challenge Cup, the opening race on the second day of the Cheltenham Festival.
Quevega Lands Mares’ Hurdle Hat-Trick 15/03/11
Quevega once again proved a different class to her rivals as she secured a third successive victory in the David Nicholson Mares' Hurdle at Cheltenham.
Sizing Australia Heads Irish 1-2-3 in Cross Country 15/03/11
Sizing Australia hung on gamely from Garde Champetre in a tight finish to maintain the Irish stranglehold on this specialist event.
Hurricane Fly Storms to Champion Hurdle Victory 15/03/11
Hurricane Fly stormed to victory in the Stan James Champion Hurdle at Cheltenham after a great battle with Peddlers Cross.
Bensalem Bags Stewart Chase Glory 15/03/11
Bensalem avenged his luckless defeat of 12 months ago with victory in a thrilling Stewart Family Spinal Research Handicap Chase at Cheltenham.
Captain Chris Grabs Arkle Glory 15/03/11
Captain Chris collared long-time leader Finian's Rainbow at the last to land a fast and furious race for the Irish Independent Arkle Challenge Trophy at Cheltenham.
Ruby Steers Al Ferof to Supreme Win 15/03/11
Al Ferof (10-1) was given a brilliant ride by Ruby Walsh to claim glory in the Stan James Supreme Novices' Hurdle.
Somersby to Win the Queen Mother on Wednesday 15/03/11
The Queen Mother Champion Chase is of course the highlight of the Wednesday and after today, the dividing line between those who think Master Minded is a true great and those who think that he is perhaps a waning power, will be breached on one side or the other.
Horse by Horse Guide to the Stan James Champion Hurdle 15/03/11
With the news that Binocular will miss the Stan James Champion Hurdle on the first day of the Cheltenham Festival on Tuesday, we know that a new king will be crowned. Let’s take a look at each of the contenders.
Bookmakers Keen to Take On Cue Card in the Supreme Novices
15/03/11
Cue Card, for many the banker of the meeting, is surprisingly being pushed out in the market by a number of leading firms.
Oscar Whisky an Able Deputy for Binocular in Champion Hurdle
14/03/11
The Stan James Champion Hurdle takes pride of place on day one of the festival and just as last year, we have seen a dramatic twist take place in the days leading to up to the hurdling pinnacle.
Huge Shock as Binocular Misses Champion Hurdle 14/03/11
Fans and backers of Nicky Henderson’s long-time ante-post favourite Binocular woke up to a massive shock on Sunday morning with the news that last year’s winner will miss Tuesday’s Stan James Champion Hurdle.
Maximum Field of Eleven for Champion Hurdle 14/03/11
The late withdrawal of Binocular means that there will only be a maximum of ten runners lining up for the highlight of the opening day of the Cheltenham Festival, the Champion Hurdle.
Supreme Novices’ Hurdle 14/03/11
The Stan James Supreme Novices’ Hurdle is one of the most popular races held at the Cheltenham Festival and the race this year is very highly anticipated, not least because of the presence of the extremely well liked Cue Card.
Razor Royale Could be Sharp at 33/1 in the Stewart Handicap Chase
13/03/11
The first of the festival handicaps and whilst I am always wary of trends, it is definitely worth taking on board that the last ten winners have carried 10st 12lb or less.
Ghizao Primed for the Arkle but Medermit the Class Option 13/03/11
The Irish Independent Arkle brings together the top 2 mile novice chasers and this year’s renewal looks quite open at the front of the market. The most notable trend for this race concerns the market as all of the past 10 winners have won at a single figure SP.
Binocular Misses Champion Hurdle Defence 12/03/11
Nicky Henderson has been dealt a hammer blow with the news that Binocular will miss Tuesday's Stan James Champion Hurdle at Cheltenham.
Grandouet Leads JCB Triumph Hurdle Charge 12/03/11
Ante-post favourite Grandouet features among 28 entries for Friday's JCB Triumph Hurdle at Cheltenham following the latest forfeit stage.
Time for Rupert Favourite for RSA Chase 12/03/11
The RSA Chase is one of the most popular races at the Cheltenham festival with punters finding the three-mile course with nineteen fences an enjoyable and potentially profitable affair.
Voy Por Ustedes Added to Ryanair Field
11/03/11
Voy Por Ustedes is a fascinating supplementary entry for the Ryanair Chase at Cheltenham on Thursday.
Motion Chance Hinges or Rain Arriving at Cheltenham 11/03/11
You suspect that if Emma Lavelle could be granted one wish a little over a week ahead of the bid by her Court In Motion to land the Grade 1 Albert Bartlett Novices' Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival, it would almost certainly be that the heavens above Prestbury Park would open and deposit copious amounts of rain on the turf.
Time For Rupert On Course for RSA Chase 09/03/11
Ante-post RSA Chase favourite Time For Rupert was recently put through his paces in a final piece of work prior to his date with destiny at the Cheltenham Festival on March 16.
Riverside's Cheltenham Bid is Off 09/03/11
Riverside Theatre is the latest big name challenger to be scratched from the Cheltenham Festival.
Neptune Trouble for Henderson 09/03/11
One of the more surprising records in a particular race at the Cheltenham Festival is that of Nicky Henderson in the Neptune Investment Management Novices' Hurdle.
Captain's Blog - Champion Hurdle Pocket Guide 09/03/11
Here is a brief pocket guide to the Champion Hurdle with a quick look at the leading contenders. I have no set view on the race but these thoughts may help you crystalise your thoughts.
Cue Card Backed to Get Festival Favourite Backers off to Winning Start 09/03/11
Cue Card is 2-1 (from 9-4) favourite with
for next week's Supreme Novices' Hurdle, after last year's Festival Bumper winner was well-backed to get favourite backers off to a winning start at Cheltenham.
Aerial Team Resist Cheltenham Festival Temptation 08/03/11
Exciting French import Aerial has been scratched from both the Centenary Novices Chase on Tuesday's opening day of the Cheltenham Festival and is also absent from the list of runners for the Byrne Group Festival Plate next Thursday.
Will Irish Eyes be Smiling at Cheltenham? 08/03/11
In the build up to any Cheltenham Festival there is always plenty of talk surrounding the age old rivalry that has exists between the stables of Ireland against those in the UK.
Divers Promoted to Centenary Favouritism 07/03/11
Following his appearance on Channel 4's 'The Morning Line' on Saturday and his suggestion that Divers is his best chance of landing a winner at the forthcoming Cheltenham Festival, trainer Ferdy Murphy's charge has been promoted by most firms to ante-post favouritism for the Centenary Novices Chase.
Cheltenham Festival Latest 05/03/11
The start of the Cheltenham Festival is less than two weeks away and the composition of the races are slowly starting to take shape.
Tullamore Not to be Overlooked in Centenary Chase 04/03/11
Although he still holds entries in three races at the forthcoming Cheltenham Festival, Nick Gifford's Tullamore Dew is reported to be most likely to run in the Centenary Novices' Handicap Chase, the closing event on the opening day of the four-day fixture.
Final Festival Entries Revealed 03/03/11
Entries for all 27 races at The 2011 Festival at Cheltenham have now been released following yesterday’s publication of those engaged in the £70,000 Grade Two David Nicholson Mares’ Hurdle, the £55,000 Grade One Weatherbys Champion Bumper and the £35,000 Christie’s Foxhunter Chase.
Punchestowns Misses Cheltenham Festival 03/03/11
Punchestowns, a one-time candidate for honours in the totesport Cheltenham Gold Cup and also a potential challenger for the Ladbrokes World Hurdle, will almost certainly miss this month’s Cheltenham Festival after failing to please handler Nicky Henderson.
Nigel Twiston-Davies Looks Forward to Cheltenham 02/03/11
Nigel Twiston-Davies is in a confident mood ahead of The Festival which starts in two weeks time.
Henderson Awaiting Bellvano Cheltenham Decision 01/03/11
Nicky Henderson took potential Irish Independent Arkle Chase challenger Bellvano to Kempton on Saturday to gallop before racing and school over a few fences, but no decision has yet been taken as to whether the former smart novice hurdler will take his chance in the two-mile novice chasing championship race.
Stan James Champion Hurdle – Khyber Kim 01/03/11
Khyber Kim is something of a forgotten horse in the context of the Stan James Champion Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival on March 15 – the gelding can be backed at 25-1 with a number of firms – but his trainer, Nigel Twiston-Davies, feels that his charge is being underestimated.
Henderson Confident About Long Run but Fears Kauto Comeback
28/02/11
Nicky Henderson has revealed that he believes his new star chaser Long Run represents his best chance ever of landing the coveted Cheltenham Gold Cup, one of the few major races to elude the hugely popular Seven Barrows handler.
Bet365 Go Non Runner No Bet on All Festival Races 28/02/11
Bet365 are the first popular bookmaker to go non runner no bet on every race at the 2011 Cheltenham Festival so any bets placed with Bet365 between now and the end of the Cheltenham Festival on Friday March 18th can be placed in the knowledge that if your fancied horse doesn't run, you won't lose your stake.
Nicky Henderson Looking Strong for Cheltenham 25/02/11
Nicky Henderson goes into The Festival 2011 with a strong team and he is pleased that the horses are running well.
Entries Revealed for Festival Handicaps 25/02/11
The countdown to The Festival steps up another gear with the publication of entries for the 11 handicaps, all of which promise to be ultra-competitive affairs once again.
King Confidence Behind Medermit 25/02/11
Trainer Alan King has highlighted novice chaser Medermit as his best chance of success at this year's Cheltenham Festival.
Boylesports Paying Out Big Bucks 24/02/11
Boylesports.com, Ireland’s largest independent bookmaker, are paying out on Big Buck’s for the World Hurdle. Paul Nicholls’ star hurdler has won the last two World Hurdles and is unbeaten in 10 races over the smaller obstacles in Britain.
Fascinating Novice Contests Taking Shape at The Festival 23/02/11
Fascinating races are in prospect for the novice contests at The Festival following the scratchings deadline, details of which are revealed today, Wednesday, February 23.
King Unveils Powerful Cheltenham Team 22/02/11
Trainer Alan King believes that Medermit, who is being aimed at The Irish Independent Arkle Trophy Chase, offers his best chance of a winner at The Festival this year but unveiled a powerful Cheltenham supporting cast yesterday at his Barbury Castle Stables in Wiltshire.
Nicholls Unveils Cheltenham Squad 22/02/11
Trainer Paul Nicholls described this year’s totesport Cheltenham Gold Cup as the “most interesting renewal for a long time” as he bids to land chasing’s Blue Riband for a record-equalling fifth time.
AP McCoy to Partner Starluck in the Arkle 22/02/11
Trainer Alan Fleming has secured the services of one AP McCoy for his stable star, Starluck, who is an intended runner in the Arkle next month at Cheltenham.
Grandouet Can Triumph for Henderson 22/02/11
Nicky Henderson appears to hold a very strong hand in the four-year old hurdlers department this season, and it will come as a surprise if the winner of the Triumph Hurdle is not housed at Seven Barrows.
Kauto Star to Have Racecourse Gallop Ahead of Gold Cup Bid 21/02/11
Kauto Star may have a racecourse gallop as part of the two-time Cheltenham Gold Cup winner’s preparation for another tilt at jump racing’s blue riband at the Festival on March 18.
Long Run Considered a Serious Contender for the Gold Cup 20/02/11
After Riverside Theatre put in such a good display in the Betfair Acot Chase, the form of Long Run has to be considered again when trying to decipher the most open Gold Cup in several years.
Lavelle Has Fingers Crossed for More Festival Glory 17/02/11
Emma Lavelle has twice enjoyed the unique emotions that accompany victory at The Festival and the Hampshire trainer is hoping to arrive at Cheltenham in March with her team primed for the season’s greatest challenge.
Henderson Within Sight of Walwyn’s Record at The Festival 17/02/11
Nicky Henderson enjoyed three winners at The Festival in 2010, enabling him to claim the Thomas Pink Leading Trainer Award for the eighth time.
Big Guns Remain on Course for Championship Contests 16/02/11
The countdown to The Festival 2011 intensifies today with the unveiling of the acceptors for the five main championship contests at The Festival.
Zaarito out of Ryanair Chase Injured – Poquelin Favourite 14/02/11
Zaarito, Colm Murphy's 9 year old gelding will once again miss Cheltenham this year after suffering a setback and injury, with the damaged ligaments that caused him to miss the MCR Hurdle at Leopardstown last month.
Punters Look Forward to the 141st Year of the National Hunt Chase Challenge Cup 11/02/11
As the title suggests, this is the oldest race run at the Festival and the longest covering over 4 miles. Many of the leading contenders that are quoted at the moment have other Festival engagements and this will be a race that takes shape nearer the time.
Henderson Primed for Triumph Hurdle Hat-Trick 11/02/11
The Grade One Triumph Hurdle is the leading race in the National Hunt calendar for four year old horses in the country.
King Pair the Ones to Beat in 2011 William Hill Trophy at Festival 10/02/11
The William Hill Trophy is one of the most popular betting races of the entire Cheltenham Festival and is often one of the most exciting.
Leading Festival Jockeys 10/02/11
Ruby Walsh made history in 2010 when becoming the most successful jockey ever at The Festival, surpassing the record of the late Pat Taaffe.
AntePost - Stan James Supreme Novices Hurdle 10/02/11
It's the traditional curtain opener; the first race on the card on the first day of the Festival and the one where the big cheer signals the start of the weeks festivities at Prestbury Park at the foot of Cleeve Hill.
Watamu Bay Out of 4-Miler & Early Value on the Mares’ Hurdle 10/02/11
Watamu Bay, a leading fancy for the four-mile National Hunt Chase at Cheltenham, has been put down after suffering a serious injury on the gallops.
Irish hopes high for So Young & Garde Champetre at Cheltenham
10/02/11
The Cheltenham Festival is getting very close now it seems and a couple of Irish hopefuls impressed in winning their respective prep-races on Wednesday.
Somersby Heads for Queen Mother Champion Chase 08/02/11
Speaking to Matt Chapman on At The Races yesterday, Oxfordshire based trainer Henrietta Knight confirmed that last years Arkle runner up will be going for the Queen Mother Champion Chase alongside Master Minded and Big Zeb, rather than stepping up in trip for the Ryanair.
Nicholls Team Taking a Breather 07/02/11
Paul Nicholls is having another tremendous season and has plenty to look forward to at the Cheltenham Festival next month.
Oscar Whisky Bound For Champion Hurdle 07/02/11
Ffos Las supremo Dai Walters is keen to let his Oscar Whisky take his chance in the Stan James Champion Hurdle at Cheltenham next month.
Albert Bartlett Novices’ Hurdle - Analysis 04/02/11
The seventh running of the Grade One Albert Bartlett Novices’ Hurdle over three miles has attracted a bumper 103 entries, including 33 trained in Ireland.
Neptune Novices’ Hurdle - Analysis 04/02/11
The Grade One Neptune Investment Management Novices’ Hurdle (2.05pm) over two miles, five furlongs on Wednesday, March 16, has in recent times produced two horses that went on to win five Stan James Champion Hurdles between them - the great Istabraq (1997) and Hardy Eustace (2003).
JCB Triumph Hurdle – Analysis 04/02/11
This year’s Grade One JCB Triumph Hurdle (1.30pm) on Friday, March 18, has attracted 77 entries, including 23 trained in Ireland and one potential French raider.
Stan James Supreme Novices' Hurdle – Analysis 03/02/11
The Grade One Stan James Supreme Novices’ Hurdle kicks off The Festival at 1.30pm on Tuesday, March 15, and the extended two-mile contest has attracted 86 fantastic entries, including 36 trained in Ireland.
Peddlers Cross Suffers Setback; Pride Of Dulcote Favourite for Hennessy 03/02/11
Peddlers Cross, who was set to line up in either the Contenders Hurdle at Sandown or the Welsh Champion Hurdle at Ffos Las this weekend, will not be contesting either race after suffering a setback.
Lorna Fowler to Ride Plato in the St Patrick’s Day Derby 02/02/11
Lorna Fowler will ride the Henry Cecil-trained Plato in the St Patrick’s Day Derby at The Festival, in aid of Cancer Research UK. Plato, owned by the Niarchos Family, won his maiden at Newmarket in August, 2010 and looks a progressive stayer in the making.
McCoy Fears Fly Most of All in Champion Field 01/02/11
Tony McCoy believes that Hurricane Fly is the biggest danger of all to his mount Binocular retaining the Champion Hurdle title.
Commander Cheltenham Build-Up Bang on Target 01/02/11
Trainer Nigel Twiston-Davies reports that his Cheltenham Gold Cup winner Imperial Commander is bang on target to make a successful defence of his title at Prestbury Park on March 17.
Vincent O'Brien County Handicap Hurdle Race Facts 31/01/11
This race is probably the most competitive of all of the events run over the four days with the pace fast and furious from the off. Numerous winners have made up seemingly impossible amounts of ground after the turn into the straight to get their noses in front on the line.
Stan James Champion Hurdle Challenge Trophy Race Facts 28/01/11
The highlight of the first day of the Cheltenham Festival and the most prestigious hurdle race of the entire National Hunt season – the roll of honour for this race reads like a who's who of hurdling history.
Entries for Cheltenham Festival Novice Chases 28/01/11
Entries have been revealed for the four novice chases at The Festival – The Irish Independent Arkle Trophy Chase, the RSA Chase, the 141st Year of the National Hunt Chase and the Jewson Novices’ Chase.
Denman Exciting Connections Ahead of Gold Cup 27/01/11
When the Paul Nicholls-trained Denman lowered the colours of his superb stable companion Kauto Star to win the 2008 Cheltenham Gold Cup the talk was of a horse who might go on to be one of the all-time greats.
Oscar Whisky Cheltenham Warm Up 25/01/11
At the moment Oscar Whisky is expected to challenge for the Stan James Champion Hurdle but the horse may yet be entered in the Ladbroke World Hurdle instead.
Cheltenham World Hurdle Pointers 25/01/11
The second of the two Grade One events run on the third day of the Cheltenham Festival makes sure that although Thursday does not have one of the blue riband events it lacks nothing in interest or quality.
The Arkle Challenge Trophy 2011 24/01/11
Fast and furious is the way to describe the first steeplechase of the meeting - the Arkle – named after the legendary Irish horse who achieved much of his success at Cheltenham. The race named in his honour is over 2 miles and was first run in 1969 to commemorate his three Gold Cup wins (1964-66).
Hurricane Fly and Realt Dubh Underline Festival Credentials 24/01/11
The Willie Mullins-trained Hurricane Fly produced a polished display in the BHP Insurances Irish Champion Hurdle at Leopardstown on Sunday and has been trimmed in the betting for the English equivalent at the Cheltenham Festival in March by most firms.
Big Buck’s Heads 46 Entries for Ladbrokes World Hurdle 21/01/11
Dual winner Big Buck’s features among a superb entry of 46 for this year’s £260,000 Grade One Ladbrokes World Hurdle, one of the feature races on the third day of The Festival, St Patrick’s Day, Thursday, March 17.
Ladbrokes World Hurdle - Analysis 21/01/11
Big Buck’s heads a bumper 46 entries for this year’s £260,000 Grade One Ladbrokes World Hurdle, one of the highlights on the third day of The Festival, St Patrick’s Day, Thursday, March 17.
Bleu Adds Another String to Nicholls’ Triumph Hurdle Bow 20/01/11
Paul Nicholls didn’t enjoy the happiest of weeks last week but the victory on Wednesday of his French import Cedre Bleu will surely have brought a smile back to the face of the champion trainer.
Reigning Champion Binocular Heads 31 on Course for Stan James Champion Hurdle 20/01/11
Binocular heads 31 entries for the 2011 renewal of the £370,000 Stan James Champion Hurdle, the highlight of Centenary Day at The Festival on Tuesday, March 15.
Stan James Champion Hurdle 2011 - Analysis 20/01/11
Binocular heads a superb entry of 31 for this year’s £370,000 Grade One Stan James Champion Hurdle, the feature race of the first day of this year’s Festival, Tuesday, March 15.
The 12 Riders Taking Part in the St Patrick’s Day Derby 17/01/11
Cheltenham Racecourse today announced the names of the 12 riders that will take part in the St Patrick’s Day Derby at The Festival, in aid of Cancer Research UK. The Flat race, over one mile and five furlongs, takes place on Thursday, March 17.
Long Run a Serious Contender for Cheltenham Gold Cup 17/01/11
That is the view of jockey Sam Waley-Cohen after he triumphantly partnered Long Run to victory in the King George VI Chase at Kempton on Saturday afternoon.
Binocular and Long Run Stake Cheltenham Claims 16/01/11
Despite Saturday’s card at Kempton being star-studded in equine terms, there was one star that most of the huge crowd that descended on to the Sunbury venue wanted to see shine: Kauto Star.
Classy Entry for Ryanair Chase 14/01/11
This year’s Grade One Ryanair Chase, which carries record prize money of £260,000, has attracted a classy entry of 46. The two-mile, five-furlong contest is a highlight of the third day of The Festival, Thursday, March 17.
21 Contenders for Queen Mother Champion Chase 14/01/11
Dual winner Master Minded heads a superb entry of 21 for this year’s £320,000 sportingbet.com Queen Mother Champion Chase, highlight of the second day of The Festival, Wednesday, March 16.
Triumph Hurdle Winner Soldatino Ready to Run 10/01/11
The eagerly anticipated return to action of last season's JCB Triumph Hurdle winner Soldatino looks to be just around the corner following the news that trainer Nicky Henderson intends to run the grey in Haydock’s Champion Hurdle Trial on January 22nd.
Cue Card on Course for Supreme Novice Bid 07/01/11
The Colin Tizzard-trained Cue Card might have lost his unbeaten record when finishing second to Menorah in the Grade 2 International Hurdle at Cheltenham last month, but he still remains market leader and a highly popular choice for honours in the opening race of the 2011 Cheltenham Festival, the Supreme Novices Hurdle.
Knight Pass Stakes Champion Bumper Claim 06/01/11
Knight Pass was undoubtedly impressive when winning the bumper at Southwell on Wednesday and the Warren Greatrex trained 4-y-o has become all the rage for the Champion Bumper at the Cheltenham Festival in March.
Cheltenham Festival Betting Update 05/01/11
We're a little over two months away from the greatest National Hunt meeting of them all, the Cheltenham Festival, so what better time to have a look at some recent market movers in our Cheltenham Festival betting.
Dunguib to Return at Naas 03/01/11
Dunguib still has the Champion Hurdle as his target although trainer Philip Fenton has warned that the Limestone lad Hurdle at Naas on January 15 might come a little soon for his stable star; the weather having interrupted his preparation.
Sportingbet to Sponsor The Queen Mother Champion Chase 03/01/11
Cheltenham Racecourse have announced that a major sponsorship deal has been agreed with leading online bookmaker sportingbet.com.
Pandorama Puts on the Style at Leopardstown 31/12/10
Pandorama confirmed himself one of Ireland’s main Cheltenham 2011 hopes and banished the memory of a dismal effort at Newbury last time out with a stylish victory in the Grade 1 Lexus Chase at Leopardstown.
Big Buck's Cruises in at Newbury 29/12/10
Tony McCoy was a mere passenger as he steered Big Buck's to an effortless victory in the race named in his honour, the AP Wins Sports Personality Long Walk Hurdle at Newbury.
Totesport Cheltenham Gold Cup to be Worth £1/2 Million 16/12/10
Cheltenham Racecourse today announced that two of the biggest races at The Festival will be worth more than ever before in 2011.
Hurricane Fly Shows His Champion Hurdle Credentials 16/12/10
Hurricane Fly made an impressive seasonal bow to edge out Solwhit in a thrilling finish to the Bar One Racing Hatton's Grace Hurdle at Fairyhouse. Trainer Willie Mullins had a great haul at the meeting, sending out 3-winners and already looks to have a strong hand for the Cheltenham Festival in March.
Medermit Not Convincing Back to Winning Ways 14/12/10
Some smart hurdlers take easily to jumping fences, whilst others just never appear at ease over the larger obstacles. Alan King's Medermit seems to fall into the latter category and despite making it two from three as a novice chaser with a win at Plumpton on Monday, I can't see him making Cheltenham Festival standard.
2011 Champion Hurdle Latest Prospects 07/12/10
At one time it appeared that the 2011 Champion Hurdle might end up being a two horse race between reigning champion, Binocular and Irish raider, Hurricane Fly.
Cheltenham Gold Cup Next for Denman 27/11/10
Diamond Harry showed all of his class to win the Hennessey Gold Cup on Saturday with a pretty faultless front-running performance. The biggest cheer was reserved for a gallant Denman though, who ran a tremendous race in concession of 26 lb to finish third.
Peddlers Cross Too Much for Binocular to Bear 27/11/10
Peddlers Cross made the transition from novice company to the top table in the best possible style with a superb victory in the stanjames.com Fighting Fifth Hurdle at Newbury.
Imperious Commander Returns 20/11/10
If Imperial Commander still had anyone doubting that he is one the very finest chasers of recent years, surely he does not now after an imperious victory in the £200,000 Grade One Betfair Chase at Haydock Park on Saturday.
Nicholls Duo the Biggest Market Movers Following Open Meeting 15/11/10
The status of the Cheltenham Open meeting continues to grow year on year and its reputation as the best three days racing outside of the Festival in March is a consensus that anyone in attendance at Prestbury Park over the weekend would agree with.
Menorah Menacing in Greatwood 14/11/10
Menorah announced his arrival on the Stan James Champion Hurdle stage with a career-best performance under top-weight in the £100,000 Greatwood Handicap Hurdle.
Cue Card Enhances Reputation at Cheltenham 12/11/10
A sight to gladden the hearts of Jump-racing fans came at Cheltenham on Friday when four-year-old Cue Card retained his unbeaten record in exciting fashion.
Kauto Star Back in Business 06/11/10
Kauto Star returned to action with a hard-fought victory in the JNwine.com Champion Chase at Down Royal.
Cue Card Favourite for Supreme Following Winning Debut Over Hurdles 25/10/10
William Hill have cut Cue Card from 10-1 to 7-1 favourite for the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle following his debut win over hurdles at Aintree on Sunday afternoon.
Jewson Novices’ Chase is Added to Cheltenham Festival Card 07/10/10
Cheltenham Racecourse has announced that there will be a new race at The Festival in March 2011, taking the total number of races at the meeting to 27.
Starluck Fighting Fit for Stan James-Sponsored Hurdling Target on the Road to Cheltenham 30/09/10
Starluck could head to the Grade One StanJames.com Fighting Fifth Hurdle at Newcastle on Saturday, November 27 en route to another crack at the Grade One Stan James Champion Hurdle at The Festival on Tuesday, March 15, 2011.
Cheltenham Announces Exciting Additions to Pertemps Handicap Hurdle Series 16/09/10
Cheltenham Racecourse has announced that leading recruitment company Pertemps Group has renewed its sponsorship of the Pertemps Handicap Hurdle Series and added seven new qualifiers for the 2010/11 season.
