Cheltenham Pageant 2024: State Man triumphs in Champion Hurdle – stay | Cheltenham Pageant 2024

Key occasions

It seems to be chilly and moist at HQ, however there’s no method that’s going to cease punters heading to Prestbury Park. Tomorrow, it’s Fashion Wednesday, slightly than Girls’ Day.

On this Fashion Wednesday, classic garments are inspired and “sluggish trend fashion awards” are awarded to one of the best dressed.

Robinson just isn’t impressed. “For me, it’s nonetheless Girls’ Day. We are attempting to get our girls to look pretty much as good as they’ll. I don’t assume that’s the suitable day for secondhand trend. We wish everybody of their finery, not in secondhand garments.”

The previous Tory tradition secretary Nadine Dorries was furious, describing it as “some kind of woke nod”.

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5.30 Maureen Mullins Nationwide Hunt Problem Cup odds

Embassy Gardens 7/4

Corbetts Cross 13/5

Apple Away 6/1

Mr Vango 10/1

Salvador Ziggy 12/1

Kilbeg King 18/1

Henrys Good friend 22/1

Odds by way of Oddschecker

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5.30 MAUREEN MULLINS NATIONAL HUNT CHASE CHALLENGE CUP

No matter else could have unfolded earlier within the day, Willie Mullins will clearly be very eager to see Embassy Gardens acquit himself nicely in a race named after the coach’s late mom, who was a mainstay of each the Mullins household and their coaching operation for a lot of a long time earlier than her dying final month on the age of 94. He has shortened up within the betting this morning, transferring to the pinnacle of the market at round 15-8 maybe on account of the rain, which is able to play to his strengths. The earlier favorite, Corbetts Cross, nonetheless has a really apparent likelihood, nevertheless, and is simply 5-2 to make up for a really unlucky exit when nonetheless travelling nicely in a race at Fairyhouse final month. The mare Apple Away, who has run nicely in Grade Two firm on her final two begins and appears positive to understand this step up in journey, is a contender too for the Lucinda Russell secure – one in all only a few British yards to have loved a lot success at this assembly in latest season – whereas Salvador Ziggy, the runner-up within the Kerry Nationwide off a mark of 150 again in September, is a barely under-the-rader various, having been given time to recuperate from a visit to the US for a useful hurdle occasion at Far Hills in New Jersey.

SELECTION: SALVADOR ZIGGY.

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Joseph O’Brien, coach of Lark In The Mornin, chatting with Racing TV: “To have a winner right here this week may be very particular. We had a dialog final night time whether or not to run or not, fortunately we determined to.”

JJ Slevin gave {that a} cracking journey for his cousin. That was a plot landed, off a slightly wholesome mark.

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Cheltenham 4.50 end result

1 Lark In The Mornin (J J Slevin) 9-1

2 Eagles Reign (T P Harney) 80-1

3 Ndaawi (J W Kennedy) 12-1

4 Harsh (C Stone-Walsh) 40-122 ranAlso: 10-3 Fav Milan Tino

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Up to date at 13.02 EDT

Lark In The Mornin wins the Boodles Juvenile Handicap Hurdle!

The Fred Winter in previous cash, this one. And so they go at a lick from the begin to the hurdle. Mordor is in the back of the sector. Latin Verse is up on the entrance. Liari, a fancied horse, is in there, too. Milan Tino, backed off the boards, is sluggish to point out however is nicely in contact. There’s a really heavy fall on the again, together with Mordor, one in all three to go. Vibrant Legend has a lead. Roaring Legend is struggling on the again. On the third final, there’s loads of possibilities. Ndaawi. Lark In The Morning in there. Latin Verse is handed by Lark In The Morning. He clears the final, and takes it underneath JJ Slevin, it’s a Joseph O’Brien winner. Eagles Rain is in second.

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Up to date at 12.57 EDT

On Lossiemouth, Willie Mullins needs to take Lossiemouth to the Champion Hurdle subsequent 12 months: “She was nice – she’s a Champion Hurdle mare, all of us assume. As soon as once more, Paul was very cool on her and she will be able to enhance one other 12 months on, when she’s a bit older. Working like that, in that floor, she’s obtained all the pieces. We made the suitable choice (to not go for the Champion Hurdle this 12 months). She didn’t get a grueller like if she’d been within the Champion Hurdle, she’s solely 5 and getting a grueller within the Champion Hurdle just isn’t what you need.”

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4.50 Boodles Juvenile Handicap Hurdle odds

Milan Tino 4/1

Liari 15/2

Lark In The Mornin 10/1

Batman Girac 12/1

Eagle Fang 12/1

Latin Verse 14/1

Ndaawi 16/1

Ose Partir 16/1

Vibrant Legend 16/1

Nara 16/1

BAR 18/1 – 24 runners

Odds from Oddschecker

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Greg Wooden

CHELTENHAM 4.50 BOODLES JUVENILE HANDICAP HURDLE

The primary of the Pageant hurdle handicaps, and as fiendish as they arrive, with 22 runners as a result of go to submit and a pell-mell sprint round Cheltenham in prospect. Frankly, you don’t want me to let you know that it’s a horribly tough puzzle to unravel, and all of the extra in order four-year-olds can enhance markedly from one race to the following, not least when they’re being ready with a tilt at this one in thoughts. Winners since 2017 have included an 80-1 likelihood, two extra at 33-1 and one other at 18-1 and it must be approached on the idea of virtually sure disappointment, however that has not stopped punters latching on to Milan Tino, within the well-known JP McManus colors and hailing from Noel George and Amanda Zetterholm’s yard in France. He has did not notch a win in 4 makes an attempt however ran nicely to complete third behind Sir Gino, the favorite for Friday’s Triumph Hurdle, on the New course right here final time. A really lengthy checklist of alternate options consists of one other maiden over hurdles in Joseph O’Brien’s Lark In The Mornin,and Gordon Elliott’s Ndaawi, a winner at Naas final time, whereas the Willie Mullins yard fields Batman Girac, fourth in a Grade Two final time. Different attention-grabbing sorts embrace William Durkan’s Eagle Fang – punters could recall Screaming Colors profitable final 12 months’s Midlands Nationwide for his small Irish secure – however that is going to be my try and put it out of the park, or into the primary row of seats not less than, on day one, by way of Syd Hosie’s Latin Verse. He has truly shortened considerably available in the market since being priced up at 28-1 a few weeks in the past, however nonetheless seems to be truthful worth at round 14-1 to again up a formidable success in a strongly-run race on his handicap debut at Ludlow in February.

SELECTION: LATIN VERSE

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Up to date at 13.07 EDT

Cheltenham 4.10 end result

1 Lossiemouth (P Townend) 8-13 Fav

2 Telmesomethinggirl (Rachael Blackmore) 22-1

3 Hispanic Moon (D J O’Keeffe) 40-111 ranAlso: 18-1 Lantry Woman 4th

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Up to date at 12.22 EDT

Paul Townend speaks to ITV once more: “She was superb, there was a query mark over her stamina. I needed to settle her. However she was settled sufficient. It’s simple to journey if you’re on a superb one. I understand how privileged I’m.”

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Lossiemouth wins the 4.10 Mares’ Hurdle!

The 97th win for Mullins at Cheltenham

This one is a peaceful begin, and so they go away simply sufficient over two and half miles. You Put on It Nicely goes off within the lead, and there’s not a lot motion as they pace previous the stands. Theatre Glory is in there. Lossiemouth is sat deep as they flip into the nation. Ashroe Diamond leads however there isn’t a kind of tempo. Telmesomethinggirl is up with the leaders. Love Envoi makes a transfer at 5 out. Lossiemouth strikes to the skin as they climb to the highest of the hill. Telmesomethinggirl is in second. Lossiemouth remains to be within the pack as they head to the second final. She’s getting nearer. Telmesomethinggirl leads, and Lossiemouth chases them to the final and goes over. She wins by a mile. Townend, Mullins, the Mares’, the same old deal.

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Up to date at 12.39 EDT

Wealthy Ricci has given his views on Lossiemouth: ““That is the one we thought our greatest likelihood of the week so hopefully she does it. The camp may be very assured. Allow us to see how she goes.”

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Market Movers from Oddspedia

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Greg Wooden

CHELTENHAM 4.10 MARES’ HURDLE PREVIEW

One other odds-on favorite from the Willie Mullins secure right here in Lossiemouth, final 12 months’s Triumph Hurdle winner, although the precise value she units off at most likely is dependent upon how her yard fares earlier on the cardboard. Within the (unlikely however not *that* unlikely) occasion that she is bidding to finish a five-timer for her coach, the one hope for the bookmaking fraternity is that her stamina is not going to maintain out on the rain-softened floor, as this shall be her first begin past 17 furlongs, however there’s little signal of serious concern from the Mullins camp and even when she falters on the hill, her secure companion Ashroe Diamond is the runner probably to chase her down.

SELECTION: LOSSIEMOUTH

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4.10 Shut Brothers Mares’ Hurdle odds

Lossiemouth 4/5

Ashroe Diamond 17/2

Love Envoi 10/1

Gala Marceau 11/1

Lantry Woman 16/1

Maries Rock 16/1

Echoes In Rain 18/1

Telmesomethinggirl 22/1

You Put on It Nicely 25/1

Hispanic Moon 40/1

Theatre Glory 100/1

Odds from Oddschecker

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One other celebration from the mullet and Ray-ban stylist that’s Wealthy Ricci with Gaelic Warrior. We’re certain to listen to from him quickly sufficient if Lossiemouth is available in on the Mares’ Hurdle.

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Up to date at 12.00 EDT

Greg Wooden

How’s your luck at the moment? There’s at all times tomorrow, with Greg Wooden’s betting information.

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Cheltenham 3.30 end result

1 State Man (P Townend) 2-5 Fav

2 Irish Level (J W Kennedy) 9-2

3 Luccia (James Bowen) 33-18 ranAlso: 22-1 Zarak The Courageous 4th

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Willie Mullins on Structure Hill and his new Champion Hurdler: “To win a Champion Hurdler, you gotta flip up. And we turned up.”

Additionally to ITV Sport from the now 96-timer on the competition: “Paul rode him so nicely – I didn’t dream he can be fifth or sixth leaping the fourth-last however he rode him with supreme confidence. He most likely thought the bottom would take it out of the horses in entrance of him. If you’re using with confidence, you are able to do that.”

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Up to date at 11.46 EDT

No Structure Hill, no downside for Paul Townend, who takes his first Champion Hurdle, Willie Mullins’ fifth: “He’s a quite simple horse to journey. He deserves his day within the solar. It was the one I used to be lacking right here. Again in my youthful days I had an affiliation with Hurricane Fly so it’s good.”

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Up to date at 11.49 EDT

State Man wins the Champion Hurdle!

Over the hill they go, Iberico Lord dropping to the again of a decent pack. State Man unhappy idly with Luccia, and so they start to move downhill. Nemaean Lion leads them over the third final. Not So Sleepy is heading backwards. State Man is sat and poised as is Irish Level. State Man goes for it with Irish Level, and so they go during the last. There is no such thing as a reply to Mullins, Townend and State Man, and this time he takes it.

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Up to date at 11.52 EDT

3.30 Champion Hurdle

Extra nerves as they edge to the end. All eyes on State Man, Not So Sleepy dwelling as much as his identify. They take a flip and trot to the end. They go off with State Man on the lead, ridden alongside. The tempo is excessive regardless of the bottom. Zarak The Courageous – purported pacemaker – is sat on the again. Nemean Lion is amongst a pair of leaders with Not So Sleepy. Irish Level lurks with intent. Not a substantial amount of motion because the decision-making begins for the ultimate few furlongs.

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3.30 Champion Hurdle odds

State Man 2/5

Irish Level 5/1

Iberico Lord 12/1

Nemean Lion 14/1

Zarak The Courageous 28/1

Luccia 40/1

Not So Sleepy 40/1

Colonel Mustard 60/1

Odds by way of Oddschecker

Market Movers by way of Oddspedia

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Up to date at 11.25 EDT

Unhealthy, determined information on Highland Hunter, who suffered a fatality for the Fergal O’Brien workforce within the Ultima. There’s no different solution to look on such occasions because the darkish aspect of a sport that in any other case brings a lot pleasure, and enjoyable, particularly from the O’Brien secure, some of the relatable and enjoyable round.

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Up to date at 11.24 EDT

Greg Wooden

CHELTENHAM 3.30 CHAMPION HURDLE PREVIEW

With out final 12 months’s winner, Structure Hill, within the discipline to defend his crown, this 12 months’s renewal of the timber championship was at all times more likely to really feel a bit like turning up for a West Finish present to seek out that the headline star has a sore throat and their understudy is filling in. State Man, although, has a stage of type that will make him a really worthy favorite in most years, and his solely defeat over hurdles when finishing got here by the hands – or hooves – of Structure Hill on this race final season. Testing floor might complicate issues considerably for the favorite, although, and whereas he has a couple of kilos in hand of the sector on Timeform scores, there are some stout stayers in opposition who will certainly got down to make this an actual check. Irish Level is foremost amongst them, having been rerouted to this race from the Stayers’ Hurdle on Thursday, when he would have been one of many market leaders, whereas Iberico Lord, who was supplemented by Nicky Henderson, Structure Hill’s coach, when his secure star was dominated out, might additionally entice some help. He received the ultra-competitive Betfair Hurdle at Newbury final outing and may be very a lot within the early phases of his hurdling profession with simply 9 runs within the e book, however is making his Grade One debut right here and does have loads to seek out with each State Man and Irish Level on scores.

SELECTION: IRISH POINT

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Up to date at 11.28 EDT

Veteran coach Kim Bailey wins this race for the primary time in 25 years. He misplaced Trelawne in the beginning however is completely satisfied to report his different horse is “sound”. “David’s ridden a incredible race. It’s enormous for the yard. We imagine within the horse.”

The proprietor of Chianti Classico was Sir Francis Brooke, who additionally occurs to be chairman of Ascot Racecouse.

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Highland Hunter, who was to the fore, went down on the chase to the end underneath Paddy Brennan. Let’s hope for excellent news. Trelawne obtained again up.

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Cheltenham 2.50 end result

1 Chianti Classico (David Bass) 6-1

2 Twig (Beau Morgan) 28-1

3 Meetingofthewaters (M P Walsh) 6-1

4 Well-known Bridge (Sean Quinlan) 25-121 ranAlso: 9-2 Fav The Goffer

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David Bass, the profitable jockey: “The rain come this morning and I believed I used to be on the incorrect one. What a beautiful horse. There’s an enormous race in Liverpool I’d wish to journey in subsequent 12 months. The bottom is dangerous however he’s accomplished it nicely. He’s obtained a contact of sophistication.”

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Up to date at 11.24 EDT

Chianti Classico wins the Ultima Handicap Chase!

Monbeg Genius nonetheless not recovered as they around the stands. Eldorado Allen is trying method off, as Bustleton is pulled up. The Goffer sat again in thirteenth. Highland Hunter leads 5 out. Victorrino is pulled up. Chianti Classico trying sturdy as he chases down Highland Hunter. He goes into the lead from Twig. He’s over the second final in a transparent lead. It’s an awesome journey for the Kim Bailey horse. There’s one for the Brits. Twig chased him down and it seemed as if he Chianti Classico may get caught after he knuckled down on the final. What a win!

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Up to date at 11.16 EDT

2.50 Ultima Handicap Chase

It’s an enormous discipline – 22 runners – that takes to the course. Once more, edgy in the beginning. They’re being requested to relax. They go off first time. Trelawne goes on the first. And that appears nasty. It could imply the race is redirected. Monbeg Genius is amongst these making errors. Eklat de Rire is main underneath Rachael Blackmore. The Goffer makes a mistake. Trelawne is up, excellent news, so they may be capable of soar the final. Highland Hunter is to the fore with 11 to leap. Victorrino, the Venetia horse, is a way again as they go previous the stands.

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There’s been a going change.

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2.50 Ultima Handicap Chase odds

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Up to date at 10.47 EDT

CHELTENHAM 2.50 ULTIMA HANDICAP CHASE

For the primary time this week, let’s sound the Stat Klaxon for one of many extra unlikely Pageant Information. Willie Mullins has received 95 races at this assembly, greater than some other coach in historical past, and that complete additionally consists of 11 handicaps. However not a kind of victories was a handicap chase, leaving a bizarre hole on his Cheltenham Pageant cv which Meetingofthewaters will try to shut right here. The seven-year-old was put in as favorite when the weights have been revealed a fortnight in the past, however is sort of simple to again at the moment, having drifted out to 7-1 within the face of cash for Gordon Elliott’s The Goffer, who completed fourth in one of many strongest ever renewals of this handicap 12 months in the past and is 2lb decrease within the scores this time round. Simply forward of him in third final 12 months was Monbeg Genius, within the colors of Doug Barrowman and Baroness Michelle Mone, who was not included within the freezing order utilized to £75m of his house owners’ property again in December and is subsequently free to take a tilt on the £70k first prize at the moment. Stumptown, a winner on the New 12 months’s Day assembly right here, is one other attention-grabbing runner, however this can be a race that has proved extremely immune to Irish stables, whilst they’ve steadily swamped their British counterparts lately. With that in thoughts, I’m fairly eager on the possibilities of Kim Bailey’s two runners, Chianti Classico and Trelawne, and whereas David Bass, the secure’s primary jockey, is aboard the previous, it’s laborious to argue with Harry Cobden as a deputy aboard the latter, whose progressive profile and distinguished working fashion look nicely suited to this check.

SELECTION: TRELAWNE

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Some controversy over Quilixios and Rachael Blackmore, who clearly thought that was a false begin. It wasn’t, and Matata, who ran a cracker for Sam Twiston-Davies, and Gaelic Warrior have been lengthy gone by the point she obtained her mount underway.

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Cheltenham 2.10 end result

1 Gaelic Warrior (P Townend) 2-1 Fav

2 Discovered A Fifty (J W Kennedy) 13-2

3 Il Etait Temps (D E Mullins) 7-210 ranAlso: 22-1 Matata 4th

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A masterclass from Townend, who saved the horse out of bother after which gunned the engine that Gaelic Warrior possesses. “He was eager however higher, it’s pretty much as good a journey as I’ve obtained off him. Stamina got here into play and we all know he stays. Simply level him the suitable method. It’s a stress week, the monkey’s off the again.”

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Gaelic Warrior wins the two.10 Arkle Chase.

That’s the one they needed. Mullins and Townend on the mark.

All of the jockeys watching Gaelic Warrior as he’s identified to leap proper. Chaos. It’s edgy on the market, and so they go, with Quilixios six lengths behind. Authorised Pace goes on the second, a faller the outsider. Matata leads them previous the stands, and Gaelic Warrior sits in second. He’s jumped tremendous to date and appears settled. All is forgiven? He seems to be to wish to go nicely clear. Il’ Etait Temps makes a mistake on the open ditch as Mutata and Gaelic Warrior lead. Il Etait Temps makes one other mistake. Mutata making a courageous transfer. Quilixios is method off and being pushed together with three to go. Discovered A Fifty is within the lead now, and Gaelic Warrior has work to do. However he will get to the final, and he jumps clear for his first Cheltenham win on the third try.

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Up to date at 10.35 EDT

Unhealthy information for Gaelic Warrior backers is the horse getting heat within the paddock. He didn’t just like the hood, and all of a sudden the chances are lengthening. Paul Townend seems to be a bit apprehensive as they mill round in the beginning.

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Henry de Bromhead, profitable coach of the Supreme with Slade Star, spoke to the BBC: “It’s superb. It’s the first time we’ve got received this race. Rachael gave him an excellent journey and I’m delighted. I believed he can be higher on nicer floor however he has at all times been a pacey horse. It’s nice to get one on the board as he’s one in all our large hopes this week.”

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That Blackmore win raised cash for a particular trigger, donated by Betfair for each one in all her wins. She’s obtained a stay on within the subsequent with Quilixios.

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2.10 Arkle Chase odds

Gaelic Warrior 5/2

Il Etait Temps 4/1

Hunters Yarn 15/2

Quilixios 8/1

Discovered A Fifty 8/1

JPR One 14/1

My Mate Mozzie 16/1

Grasp Chewy 16/1

Matata 25/1

Authorised Pace 100/1

Odds by way of Oddspedia

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Up to date at 09.57 EDT

Greg Wooden

CHELTENHAM 2.10 ARKLE CHASE PREVIEW

One other sizable posse from the Mullins secure right here, together with a heat 2-1 favorite in Gaelic Warrior who leaves me very chilly. He has a good report at this assembly, having completed second in each the Boodles in 2022 and the two-and-a-half mile novice hurdle final 12 months, however his newest run behind his very helpful secure companion Truth To File – he was miles adrift when unseating on the final – is hardly what you’d wish to see in a Pageant favorite. He’s not fairly prime of the Timeform scores, both – he’s 1lb behind one other Mullins runner, Hunters Yarn, whereas Il Etait Temps, the winner of the Irish equal of this race at Leopardstown in February, additionally arrives with higher latest type. Quilixios, the Triumph Hurdle winner 4 years in the past, is one other with particular claims having seemed to be reaching one thing near his hurdles type over the largest obstacles when profitable at Naas in January, whereas Discovered A Fifty, who was solely run out of it late by Il Etait Temps at Leopardstown, additionally deserves shut consideration. The British problem, in the meantime, is led by Joe Tizzard’s JPR One, who was just one unlucky slip away from a formidable course-and-distance win in November, though he did end solely third when upped to Grade One firm for the primary time in December. My cash, for what it’s price, shall be using with Hunters Yarn, who bounced again from a fall on his chasing debut in December to report a extremely spectacular success at Fairyhouse in January, type that provides him an actual likelihood to outrun his value of round 7-1 if he can overcome his relative inexperience.

SELECTION: HUNTERS YARN.

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What does that each one imply? The Mullins quadpot is already sunk and people questioning about Seven Barrows type could also be involved about what occurred to Jeriko Du Reponet. De Bromhead and Blackmore – a golden couple at Cheltenham.

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Cheltenham 1.30 end result

1 Slade Metal (Rachael Blackmore) 7-2

2 Mystical Energy (M P Walsh) 10-3

3 Firefox (J W Kennedy) 11-211 ranAlso: 11-4 Fav Tullyhill, 16-1 Asian Grasp 4th

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Rachael Blackmore speaks: “I didn’t wish to be in entrance leaping the final however he took me there and battled laborious. I like this place, it’s superb to be coming right here and using these sorts of horses.”

It was received on the final, and Slade Metal was requested for an enormous one. Mystical Energy misplaced his pace as they climbed to the end, having jumped in entrance.

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Up to date at 09.41 EDT

Slade Metal wins the Supreme!

It’s Rachael and Henry de Bromhead once more!

The horses shunt round as they search for one of the best begin attainable. Will there be a false begin? The Cheltenham roar goes up, however then halts. The monitor seems to be like a paddy discipline, it’s extraordinarily moist. It’s an edgy begin, and a false begin. Again we go. The roar goes up on the second try. We’re racing. Tullyhill takes an early lead. Jeriko Du Reponet tracks the leaders as they go previous the primary stands. Slade Metal, backed in, is up there too. Supersundae is the again marker. It’s not a speedy tempo. Tullyhill continues to be up there, Tellherthename is up within the vanguard too, as they swing right down to the enterprise finish. It’s a bunched discipline on the third final. Slade Metal in there. Tullyhill leads over the second final, and to the final. Slade Metal takes on Tullyhill and jumps the final, and Mystical Energy seems to be to have it, just for Slade Metal to remain up, and win. Rachael Blackmore has accomplished it once more! Beating the Annie Energy horse!

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Up to date at 10.36 EDT

1.30 Supreme Novices’ Hurdle

Tullyhill 3/1

Mystical Energy 7/2

Slade Metal 9/2

Firefox 15/2

Jeriko Du Reponet 10/1

Mistergif 14/1

Asian Grasp 20/1

Tellherthename 25/1

Favour And Fortune 33/1

Supersundae 100/1

Kings Hill 200/1

Odds by way of Oddspedia

Market movers:

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Up to date at 09.22 EDT

It’s all about Willie Mullins this week, although that is the primary 12 months he received’t have his mom, Maureen, round.

As we speak’s final race, the novice chase for novice jockeys, has been renamed in her honour.

Everybody in our organisation has that ambition to be on the prime,” he says. “If some space just isn’t going nicely it’s hopped on instantly and put proper. We’re at all times in search of new methods and we tinker and alter and maintain our breath. Generally it really works, generally it doesn’t. It runs proper by way of the yard, to the grooms and riders, and I like them shopping for into it.

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Greg Wooden

Preview: CHELTENHAM 1.30 SUPREME NOVICES’ HURDLE

A race that would nicely set the tone for the afternoon, as Willie Mullins sends out the primary of a military of favourites this week in Tullyhill, with backup from the unbeaten Mystical Energy, who’s one essentially the most impressively-bred horses ever to set foot on Prestbury Park. His sire was the late Galileo, who is usually agreed to have been the best Flat stallion of the final 50 years not less than, whereas his dam, Annie Energy, received the Champion Hurdle. Mystical Energy is unbeaten in three begins, whereas Tullyhill has received twice since ending second on his first begin over timber, and both might find yourself going off as favorite (Tullyhill is presently shading it at 3-1, with Mystical Energy at 7-2). They’re, to some extent, the B workforce, nevertheless, as Mullins’s Ballyburn would have been a red-hot favorite for this had he not been re-routed to the opening race tomorrow, over an additional half-mile, and because it occurs, Slade Metal, who was seven lengths behind Ballyburn in a Grade One at Leopardstown final month. That type places Henry de Bromhead’s runner very near the market leaders – he’s 1lb clear on the prime of Timeform’s scores, in reality – and I reckon he might get Rachael Blackmore off to an ideal begin on the assembly. Gordon Elliott’s Firefox, who truly beat Ballyburn in a maiden hurdle at Fairyhouse in December, is the opposite main member of a particularly sturdy Irish workforce, whereas anybody in search of a British-trained winner will most likely begin with Nicky Henderson’s Jeriko Du Reponet, who’s unbeaten in three together with a Grade Two at Doncaster final time. He has but to submit something near the extent of type that the market leaders can boast, nevertheless, and there are additionally these nagging issues concerning the total wellbeing of the Henderson string – 4 of his final 10 runners have been pulled up.

SELECTION: SLADE STEEL.

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Up to date at 09.22 EDT

Right here’s at the moment’s schedule of races.

13:30 – Sky Guess Supreme Novices’ Hurdle, 2m 1/2f

14:10 – My Pension Knowledgeable Arkle Problem Trophy Novices’ Chase, 2m

14:50 – Ultima Handicap Chase, 3m 1f

15:30 – Unibet Champion Hurdle Problem Trophy, 2m 1/2f

16:10 – Shut Brothers Mares’ Hurdle, 2m 4f

16:50 – Boodles Juvenile Handicap Hurdle, 2m 1/2f

17:30 – Maureen Mullins Nationwide Hunt Chase (Novices’ Chase, novice jockeys), 3m 6f

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A reminder of the primary day final 12 months, possibly some tips that could this 12 months in there.

Marine Nationale, Sky Guess Supreme Novices’ Hurdle

El Fabiolo, Sporting Life Arkle

Corach Rambler, Ultima Handicap Chase

Structure Hill, Unibet Champion Hurdle

Honeysuckle, Shut Brothers Mares’ Hurdle

Jazzy Matty, Boodles Juvenile Hurdle

Gaillard Du Mesnil, Wellchild Nationwide Hunt Chase

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Breakfast might be a no-go. For lunch, I attempt to have a sandwich then have one thing like a pasta-based dinner, nothing too heavy. I attempt to drink loads of water and keep away from sugary drinks. Chocolate and fizzy drinks are my responsible pleasures. It’s tough to not, however I strive to not snack because it doesn’t swimsuit me in any respect.

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Sadly, the climate could not have helped the possibilities of a late show-up on the competition. As we speak, not less than. The primary 12 months again after Covid was bedlam, the second far emptier. Often go Champion Chase day, this 12 months going to the Gold Cup, however it’s important to ponder whether Cheltenham’s dominance of the remainder of the UK scene – Eire has its Dublin Pageant and likewise Punchestown – has ultimately harm the blue-riband occasion itself.

After all, the post-Covid years haven’t been simple on the pocket, both, the place in March 2022 there was a whole lot of saved-up money and pent-up frustration to exert. There could, although as favs are normally beloved at Prestbury Park, be one thing of a Max Verstappen/Manchester Metropolis impact happening with the Mullins workforce.

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Extra on that heavy floor. Bottomless?

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John Brewin

John Brewin right here, slightly glad I’m not at HQ at the moment. The climate seems to be, nicely, unpromising. And will have an enormous say in what occurs at the moment.

Right here’s Greg’s betting information for the primary day.

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Preamble

Greg Wooden

Good morning from Cheltenham, the place a moist and soggy begin to the opening day of the Pageant assembly has seen the happening the Outdated course deteriorate to comfortable, heavy in locations and left Wednesday’s Cross-Nation Chase hanging within the steadiness.

There was 6mm of rain in a single day, considerably greater than the 2mm-4mm that had been forecast, and it’s nonetheless raining, with one other 4mm-6mm anticipated in all at the moment earlier than the circumstances (hopefully) begin to brighten up round lunchtime. The Cross Nation course, in the meantime, shall be inspected at 6am GMT tomorrow, and if the race can’t be staged in its typical slot, the monitor will look into shifting it to Friday’s Gold Cup card.

Any point out of heavy within the going description on day one is a definite rarity nowadays – it’s extra widespread for the monitor to be placing water on within the fortnight earlier than to make sure that it’s on the comfortable aspect of excellent. And it might make for a way more attention-grabbing race for the Champion Hurdle at 3.30pm, since it would play to the strengths of the stayers, like Irish Level, and doubtlessly blunt the pace of the odds-on favorite, State Man.

State Man is only one amongst a complete host of market leaders from Willie Mullins’s secure on the opening card, and he’ll hope to make a big dent within the half-dozen wins he must be the primary coach with 100 on the Pageant. Tullyhill and Mystical Energy – a son of the Champion Hurdle winner, Annie Energy – are more likely to set off as first- and second-favourites for the opening Supreme Novice Hurdle, and he additionally has three of the highest 4 within the Arkle betting and one other odds-on shot, Lossiemouth, within the Mares’ Hurdle.

That mentioned, there are stay runners from different yards in many of the races and fairly a couple of of them appealed after I put my ultimate choices collectively yesterday. That, in fact, could or might not be excellent news for the person from County Carlow.

As ever, each market transfer, millimetre of rain and focal point shall be dissected right here on the weblog because it occurs, at the moment and every single day at racing’s showpiece occasion, so let’s take a deep breath and get on with the giddy journey!

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