Cheltenham Festival
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Apologising now, but I truly am depressed it's all over so here's a look back at this years festival and what we have to look forward to next year ... all opinions and discussions welcome!
Tuesday
Supreme - Never really warmed to ALTIOR before the festival but there's no denying his ability now. Would be surprised if he's not a Champion Hurdle contender next year. Also look forward to future plans for MIN, no doubt disappointed many on the day and I imagine chasing will be on the agenda.
Arkle - DOUVAN didn't win as easily as I thought he might but he still won comfortably enough. Surely the Champion Chase awaits next year? Will be very disappointed if either of the Mullins stablemates (Douvan/UDS) are kept apart next year, but it's never as simple as we all know.
Champion Hurdle - Over the moon that ANNIE POWER finally got her Cheltenham win. The big question is, what next for her? As much as I would love to see her get the chance to defend her Champion Hurdle crown, theres absolutely no chance they'll run her against Faugheen (assuming he comes back the same horse). Couldn't believe my eyes when I saw THE NEW ONE go off at 7/2 for this, madness. Surely now connections will aim for World Hurdle next year?
Mares Hurdle - VROUM VROUM MAG completed the day one treble nicely enough. Is she their new Quevega? So many different options for her and that's before taking into consideration Limini is a potential candidate for this race next year.
4 Miler - MINELLA ROCCO defied the big drift to win well for Derek O'Connor. Bet he was a relieved man to see Native River behind him after switching rides. Not sure what's next for him. Possibly follow the Cause Of Causes route and go for the National/Kim Muir?
Wednesday
Neptune - Having backed YANWORTH I was praying that YORKHILL went for the Supreme. A lot of people weren't happy with the ride Geraghty gave Yanworth and I wouldn't disagree with them, however Ruby didn't have the easiest of times up the inside either and in all honesty I'm still not convinced Yanworth would have got the better of him even if they jumped the last together, Yorkhill looks a monster. Interesting to see where they both go next year. Champion Hurdle now surely on the agenda for Yorkhill but I think it's more likely he goes chasing. Mullins said after the win "Ruby got off him and said he would win the Arkle next year with his mouth open", they've started the games already. Really not sure what the plan will be for Yanworth, again likely chasing.
RSA Chase - I'll openly admit I had this race down to a straight match between NO MORE HEROES (who we sadly lost) and MORE OF THAT (found to be bleeding from both nostrils after the race). I couldn't have been more wrong. Fair play to Blaklion, gutsy performance and Gold Cup surely on next years agenda. Also a special mention for SHANESHILL who ran an absolute blinder in 2nd.
Champion Chase - No words needed here. Unbelievable. This was my first time attending Cheltenham and was actually waiting on UN DE SCEAUX for a few quid but the goosebumps and atmosphere when SPRINTER SACRE came alongside back on the bridle, simply breathtaking. I'm sure even fellow UDS backers like myself were roaring SS on from then on, this is what makes our sport as special.
Champion Bumper - Last years bumper worked out incredibly well this season. The bumper included 15 future hurdle winners. Not sure how this one will work out as it didn't look as strong as last year but I always look at this race as a guide to next years novice hurdlers. AUGUSTA KATE always faced a huge task given mares record in this race but she's the one I'll be taking from it with a view to next season, potentially the Mares Novice Hurdle that Limini won could be the target.
Thursday
JLT - Come on, admit it. Who questioned Mullins decision to put BLACK HERCULES in this? Both my hands are up anyway. As frustrating as it is at times for ante post backers, you simply can't not admire Mullins placement of horses. I took Black Hercules at double figure prices for the 4 miler and thought my only danger was him going for the RSA. Interesting to see where he goes next year.
Ryanair - After licking my wounds from the news that VAUTOUR was heading for this and not the Gold Cup, I was fully expecting Vautour to be an unbackable price. After hearing Ricci say days before Cheltenham that "If Vautour doesn't run in the Gold Cup, he will be left at home in his box" it also made me question why he was trading at 5/4 on the day. It almost seemed too good to be true. Looking back now, he was arguably bet of the festival and it's clear now that Ruby is the real boss in the yard. Surely has to go Gold Cup next year. But at the same time, are they going to ever get better ground than they would have got this year? Will they turn away another penalty kick at a Grade 1 in the Ryanair? Who knows and to be honest after all the headaches and debate this year, it's not worth thinking about. If I had to make a prediction right now, they'll drop Djakadam back in trip for the Ryanair and aim Vautour amongst others for the Gold Cup.
World Hurdle - THISTLECRACK. Simply brilliant. Before trials day, the question was, would he handle Cheltenham? Before the festival, the question was, would he handle the better ground? Both answered with a resounding yes. Joe Tizzard, Assistant Trainer has already said they've schooled him over fences and both trainer/owners are keen on a crack at the Gold Cup next year. I truly do hope to see him as effective over fences next year, he's the one that I'm most excited about. Also a special mention to ALPHA DES OBEAUX who ran an absolute cracker in 2nd.
Mares Novice Hurdle - LIMINI an impressive winner of this new race. I thought she jumped a lot better than her first 2 runs and looked as though she appreciated the better ground. Has been suggested that she could be aimed at flat races in the summer, interesting to see what comes of that. Although I have her down as a potential candidate for next years Mares Hurdle and have AUGUSTA KATE down as a potential candidate for this race. Will they end up there? Who knows.
Friday
Triumph - IVANOVICH GORBATOV proving the money behind him was coming from the right people. The only other horse I'll be taking from this race is APPLE'S JADE. Apple's Jade caused the upset on debut in heavy ground when well backed. This was a very good run in 2nd and proves that better ground and Cheltenham is not an issue. Interesting ones for next year anyway.
Albert Bartlett - Never a huge fan of this race but a nice ride from Fehily on the winner UNOWHATIMEANHARRY. Has clearly improved all season since joining Harry Fry and a nice prospect for next season, unsure whether they plan to go over fences next year or not. Same applies to BARTERS HILL who was disappointing but far from disgraced in 4th.
Gold Cup - Having backed Vautour, I was sitting it out with regards to a bet in the race. As a racing fan, the disappointment when CUE CARD came down at the 3rd from home was devastating. I'm certain we were in for a thrilling finish up the hill. DJAKADAM ran another good race in 2nd and while certain many will disagree with me, I have the feeling he will be running in next years Ryanair. Can't decide if DON POLI was given far too much to do or if he is simply not quick enough for a Gold Cup. He's one I would like to see more prominent in a Grand National though. But fair play to Bryan Cooper and DON COSSACK, very deserving and big win. Still doesn't answer the debate whether he would have won the King George had he stayed on his feet. Infact it only changes the debate to, would Cue Card have won the Gold Cup had he stayed on his feet? All going well, next years Gold Cup promises to be a thriller. Hoping Coneygree comes back at the same level and Thistlecrack can step up over fences to add to the excitement.
Tuesday
Supreme - Never really warmed to ALTIOR before the festival but there's no denying his ability now. Would be surprised if he's not a Champion Hurdle contender next year. Also look forward to future plans for MIN, no doubt disappointed many on the day and I imagine chasing will be on the agenda.
Arkle - DOUVAN didn't win as easily as I thought he might but he still won comfortably enough. Surely the Champion Chase awaits next year? Will be very disappointed if either of the Mullins stablemates (Douvan/UDS) are kept apart next year, but it's never as simple as we all know.
Champion Hurdle - Over the moon that ANNIE POWER finally got her Cheltenham win. The big question is, what next for her? As much as I would love to see her get the chance to defend her Champion Hurdle crown, theres absolutely no chance they'll run her against Faugheen (assuming he comes back the same horse). Couldn't believe my eyes when I saw THE NEW ONE go off at 7/2 for this, madness. Surely now connections will aim for World Hurdle next year?
Mares Hurdle - VROUM VROUM MAG completed the day one treble nicely enough. Is she their new Quevega? So many different options for her and that's before taking into consideration Limini is a potential candidate for this race next year.
4 Miler - MINELLA ROCCO defied the big drift to win well for Derek O'Connor. Bet he was a relieved man to see Native River behind him after switching rides. Not sure what's next for him. Possibly follow the Cause Of Causes route and go for the National/Kim Muir?
Wednesday
Neptune - Having backed YANWORTH I was praying that YORKHILL went for the Supreme. A lot of people weren't happy with the ride Geraghty gave Yanworth and I wouldn't disagree with them, however Ruby didn't have the easiest of times up the inside either and in all honesty I'm still not convinced Yanworth would have got the better of him even if they jumped the last together, Yorkhill looks a monster. Interesting to see where they both go next year. Champion Hurdle now surely on the agenda for Yorkhill but I think it's more likely he goes chasing. Mullins said after the win "Ruby got off him and said he would win the Arkle next year with his mouth open", they've started the games already. Really not sure what the plan will be for Yanworth, again likely chasing.
RSA Chase - I'll openly admit I had this race down to a straight match between NO MORE HEROES (who we sadly lost) and MORE OF THAT (found to be bleeding from both nostrils after the race). I couldn't have been more wrong. Fair play to Blaklion, gutsy performance and Gold Cup surely on next years agenda. Also a special mention for SHANESHILL who ran an absolute blinder in 2nd.
Champion Chase - No words needed here. Unbelievable. This was my first time attending Cheltenham and was actually waiting on UN DE SCEAUX for a few quid but the goosebumps and atmosphere when SPRINTER SACRE came alongside back on the bridle, simply breathtaking. I'm sure even fellow UDS backers like myself were roaring SS on from then on, this is what makes our sport as special.
Champion Bumper - Last years bumper worked out incredibly well this season. The bumper included 15 future hurdle winners. Not sure how this one will work out as it didn't look as strong as last year but I always look at this race as a guide to next years novice hurdlers. AUGUSTA KATE always faced a huge task given mares record in this race but she's the one I'll be taking from it with a view to next season, potentially the Mares Novice Hurdle that Limini won could be the target.
Thursday
JLT - Come on, admit it. Who questioned Mullins decision to put BLACK HERCULES in this? Both my hands are up anyway. As frustrating as it is at times for ante post backers, you simply can't not admire Mullins placement of horses. I took Black Hercules at double figure prices for the 4 miler and thought my only danger was him going for the RSA. Interesting to see where he goes next year.
Ryanair - After licking my wounds from the news that VAUTOUR was heading for this and not the Gold Cup, I was fully expecting Vautour to be an unbackable price. After hearing Ricci say days before Cheltenham that "If Vautour doesn't run in the Gold Cup, he will be left at home in his box" it also made me question why he was trading at 5/4 on the day. It almost seemed too good to be true. Looking back now, he was arguably bet of the festival and it's clear now that Ruby is the real boss in the yard. Surely has to go Gold Cup next year. But at the same time, are they going to ever get better ground than they would have got this year? Will they turn away another penalty kick at a Grade 1 in the Ryanair? Who knows and to be honest after all the headaches and debate this year, it's not worth thinking about. If I had to make a prediction right now, they'll drop Djakadam back in trip for the Ryanair and aim Vautour amongst others for the Gold Cup.
World Hurdle - THISTLECRACK. Simply brilliant. Before trials day, the question was, would he handle Cheltenham? Before the festival, the question was, would he handle the better ground? Both answered with a resounding yes. Joe Tizzard, Assistant Trainer has already said they've schooled him over fences and both trainer/owners are keen on a crack at the Gold Cup next year. I truly do hope to see him as effective over fences next year, he's the one that I'm most excited about. Also a special mention to ALPHA DES OBEAUX who ran an absolute cracker in 2nd.
Mares Novice Hurdle - LIMINI an impressive winner of this new race. I thought she jumped a lot better than her first 2 runs and looked as though she appreciated the better ground. Has been suggested that she could be aimed at flat races in the summer, interesting to see what comes of that. Although I have her down as a potential candidate for next years Mares Hurdle and have AUGUSTA KATE down as a potential candidate for this race. Will they end up there? Who knows.
Friday
Triumph - IVANOVICH GORBATOV proving the money behind him was coming from the right people. The only other horse I'll be taking from this race is APPLE'S JADE. Apple's Jade caused the upset on debut in heavy ground when well backed. This was a very good run in 2nd and proves that better ground and Cheltenham is not an issue. Interesting ones for next year anyway.
Albert Bartlett - Never a huge fan of this race but a nice ride from Fehily on the winner UNOWHATIMEANHARRY. Has clearly improved all season since joining Harry Fry and a nice prospect for next season, unsure whether they plan to go over fences next year or not. Same applies to BARTERS HILL who was disappointing but far from disgraced in 4th.
Gold Cup - Having backed Vautour, I was sitting it out with regards to a bet in the race. As a racing fan, the disappointment when CUE CARD came down at the 3rd from home was devastating. I'm certain we were in for a thrilling finish up the hill. DJAKADAM ran another good race in 2nd and while certain many will disagree with me, I have the feeling he will be running in next years Ryanair. Can't decide if DON POLI was given far too much to do or if he is simply not quick enough for a Gold Cup. He's one I would like to see more prominent in a Grand National though. But fair play to Bryan Cooper and DON COSSACK, very deserving and big win. Still doesn't answer the debate whether he would have won the King George had he stayed on his feet. Infact it only changes the debate to, would Cue Card have won the Gold Cup had he stayed on his feet? All going well, next years Gold Cup promises to be a thriller. Hoping Coneygree comes back at the same level and Thistlecrack can step up over fences to add to the excitement.
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Also forgot to mention and congratulate VICTORIA PENDLETON on not only completing the Foxhunters, but finishing a remarkable fifth. And dare I say it, with a slight bit more confidence she may well have been challenging for the win. Fair play to her.
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great write up and literally every race had a major talking point or potential superstar.
Think we witnessed the greatest ever training performance in my life time (im 29) bringing SS back from being the best jump horse ive ever seen, by a decent margin (the frankel of the jumps world) to being beaten by horses who wouldnt get within a fence of him to that move arund the top bend when he went by UDS, he left him dead in 2 strides RACE OVER. I was screaming and crying. This is why flat (and im a flat man) can never touch jumps we get so attached to these warriors. Never been the biggest NH fan but amazing to get him back. I like may wanted him retired. Thistlecrack i got on the bandwaggon late but was fully on it last 3 races and that is possible the best ever WH performance theres ever been? Just preying they get him back ver hurdles if fencing doesnt look like its working out. DON COSSACK, was huge. Finally shutting up all the end of season form doubters up. OMG this animal is a complete monster. Was gutted CC fell and i no we cant say definitely but i can say as certain as i can to anything there was no horse in training going past that monster up the hill. Just cos BC was niggling people think CC was traveling better but its just because hes so big he needs that. Then in 2 strides (like SS did to UDS) race was done over WOW has anyone done that to DJAK other than DC in ireland (shows form was never end of season form as they ran to a v similiar level) Hats of to BC i was certain most of the horses mistakes came when he was crowded and thats what happened in KG (kempton too tight will never be his track) and last year in RA. Not sure whos decsion but to keep him wide and give him space was exactly what the horse needed and he only made 1 mistake. The mares AP, VVM and LIMINI where very special in terms of performance and in redemption in AP. Hate them or love them RW and WM are unbelievable, they place there horses so well (black hercules) and they get them all there in top shape. When i first started watching CHELT i was always told by respected people, the short ones always get beat dont worry to much about them at chelt, think casing year was when MOSCOW FLYER got beat and maybe BARACOUDA was it? Maybe 4 shhorties looked unbeatable think all where beat. But the last 2 years WM and RW have changed this the certainties win and win easily! Mentions to IG that i took on in the place market, some performance (agrre with op regarding 2nd. BHill how brave was he and deserves os much credit for still being there fighting on. YORKILL wow hes got it all (yanworth poor ride but never beating that) The RSA was a brutal race this year one i didnt particularly enjoy for obvious reasons but hats of to BLAKLIOn horse has some guts! How blessed are we next year CONEYGREE, DON COSSACK, CUE CARD, DJAKADAM, VAUTOUR, SPRINTER SACRE, UDS, YORKILL YANWORTH, MIN, ALTIOR, DOUVAN!!! ANNIE, LIMINI, VVM, THISTLECRACK, possibly IVANOVICH G!!!! I've probably missed a few! Have we ever had a year with so much talent!?These all are or could be superstars! AND the best bit WM cant keep them all apart next year unless the make new races for them hes got to many!!! So excited hope they all keep sound! VAUTOUR say what u want reg decison come here but watching that horse flow is unreal, i want to see the horse we saw for 90per cent of KG not the later struggling, hes unbeatable over 2m 5f and just because past has told us the GC is the be all and end all, in 20 years i doubt the gap is that big in terms of prestige. Reminds me of ppl/trainers trying to make every 3y0 sprinter into a miler for guineas/ then after trying to settle them for a year go back to trying to make them a sprinter. You ruin them, i just want to see that horse go out gallop and jump its a beautiful sight. That KG performance had too great horses in CC and DC in all sorts of trouble. Then look at end of race that tells you all you need to no reg V and his strong suit. MOST IMPORTANTLY TO THOSE WE LOST! RIP, LONG DOG, MONTDRAGON, PONT ALEXANDRE, THE GOVANESS, REZORBI. NICEONEFRANKIE, NO MORE HEROES, you'll all be missed but not forgotten. Hurts so much, and this is the only part of our great sport that i would do anything to change. |
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Douvan a potential Gold Cup horse, anyone reckon?
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^Snowballs chance in hell springs to mind.
 Douvan is a cross between Sprinter Sacre and Best Mate - which is very high praise. Unless it's really soft I expect Yorkhill will end up in the JLT much like Vautour in his novice season. Faugheen and Annie's will go for the Champion - could be an interesting dilemma for Ruby. With Limini surely pencilled in for next years mares hurdle I expect VVM will be aimed at the World Hurdle. Shaneshill and Black Hercules can go for the Ryanairvso surely Vautour goes for the Gold Cup. |
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What did people make of the 40 minutes gap between races? Did it, as was apparently the intention, make it easier to visit the bar, toilet and betting ring?
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^^^^
Yes, seemed about perfect time for toilet/bar combo. Also useful if you wanted to welcome one in or view them in the parade or pre-parade. |
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Timings ok,if we believe the media hype, only introduced to allow the layers to pay out
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they pay round the back ,dosent affect betting on next race.tote could be the reason.
there is massive queues if a fancied on wins. |