Racing News
	Tuesday 13th March 2018

Biggest Cheltenham Gambles

One of the biggest and most famous festivals is underway as Cheltenham begins its four-day event. With multiple betting options, thousands are expected to attend and place their bets on the horses they think are bankers in the hopes of winning it big!

The Cheltenham race course is a two-mile track where the horses will have to navigate their way around whilst jumping eight hurdles, in order to become the winner! With so much at stake, we are reminded that nothing is certain in the sport of kings. Even a banker as good as Annie Power, who in was in the lead but fell at the last hurdle in 2015. The “£50 Million Fall”.

Though Annie has since retired, her jockey is still in the running for Cheltenham 2018- Ruby Walsh is heading the charge again this year, despite having just recovered from a broken leg. Will that effect his odds? You’ll have to check the board and see for yourself!

One race that has got everyone’s attention is the Champion Hurdle and the anticipated clash between last year’s winner Buveur D’Air and the upcoming challenger Faugheen. The latest Cheltenham betting odds on the race has Faugheen at 2/1 as shown by Paddy Power. Buveur D’Air has hardly run all season, which will play against his chances of winning. However, if he performs as admirably as he did last year, no horse in the race would be able to get near him, so he could be in the running to retain his title in 2018.

Faugheen on the other hand has only just returned this season after following a long break due to injury. He had only been beaten on a re-appearance by stablemate Nichols Canyon back in 2015. Just before his unfortunate injury, Faugheen ran an amazing 15 length victory over Arctic Fire at Leopardstown.

Tensions run high at the Festival as many cling on to hopes of winning it big, but as we learn from Annie Power, nothing is certain! Below is an infographic on the three biggest gambles in Cheltenham history: