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RacingBetter News |
| Monday 17th March 2025 | |
Four talking points from the 2025 Cheltenham Festival
The Cheltenham Festival always generates plenty of memorable moments and the 2025 edition of the prestigious meeting did not disappoint.
For punters who love to bet on horse racing, the National Hunt showpiece is the undisputed number one betting event of the year.
Several fancied horses have delivered the goods for bettors, but there have also been a handful of fancied runners who have failed to live up to expectations.
Read on as we look at four talking points from the Cheltenham Festival, starting with a double calamity on the opening day.
Constitution Hill and State Man fluff their lines
The Champion Hurdle was the undisputed highlight on Day One and provided enough major talking points to fill a book.
Constitution Hill was the odds-on favourite the regain the two-mile hurdling crown, but he suffered a crashing fall at the fifth flight under jockey Nico de Boinville.
His exit from the race handed 2024 winner State Man the chance to retain his title, and he was on course to get the job done after storming clear around the final bend.
However, jockey Paul Townend’s decision to go for a big leap at the last hurdle proved costly as State Man hit the deck to hand Golden Ace an unlikely victory.
Blackmore showcases her quality in the saddle
Jockey Rachael Blackmore went into the Cheltenham Festival in poor form, but a big-race double on the third day put the smile back on her face.
She produced a stunning ride to guide Air of Entitlement to victory in the Mares’ Novice Hurdle, before following up win another win on Bob Olinger in the Stayers’ Hurdle.
Blackmore was ice-cool aboard the latter, smuggling him into the race around the home bend before overhauling reigning champion Teahupoo on the run-in.
She has now won each of the big four races at the meeting. Townend is the only other jockey currently riding who has achieved the feat.
Mullins gets a couple of big calls correct
Top Irish trainer Willie Mullins is a master of picking the right races for his horses and he showcased that ability again with two big calls this year.
Lossiemouth had been trained with the Champion Hurdle in mind, but Mullins decided to run her in the Mares’ Hurdle and the decision was vindicated with an impressive win.
It was a similar story with Fact To File, who was initially touted as a Gold Cup prospect before being switched to the Ryanair Chase over a shorter trip.
After the horse cantered to an easy victory, Mullins confirmed he could head down the Gold Cup route next season now he has more experience under his belt.
Marine Nationale and Caldwell Potter claim memorable victories
Marine Nationale and Caldwell Potter delivered perfect tributes to people formerly connected to them by winning their respective races at the meeting.
The former’s victory in the two-mile Champion Chase was a fitting tribute to his former jockey Michael O’Sullivan, who tragically died last month.
Caldwell Potter was a poignant winner of the Jack Richards Novices’ Limited Handicap Chase, roaring to an emphatic success in the colours of the late John Hales.
He was a massive supporter of National Hunt racing and would have been thrilled to see the horse jump for fun at the head of the field under jockey Harry Cobden.
