Racing world prepares for Cheltenham

There are still several weeks before the flat racing season gets underway, but the jump season is in full swing. And with a definite feeling of spring in the air, that can only mean one thing – the Cheltenham Festival is right around the corner.

Cheltenham is one of the highlights of the National Hunt season, and is expected to attract well over 200,000 horse racing fanatics over the course of four days in mid-March. Gamblers will wager a mind boggling £500 million on the 28 different races that make up the festival.

What’s happening when at Cheltenham?

Each day of the festival has its own unique appeal, and will see seven races taking place, with the first starting at 1:30 and the last getting underway at 5:15. From Champion Day on Tuesday to Gold Cup Day Friday, this year’s festival will feature some of the most iconic races in the sport. Let’s have a taster of what to expect, and more to the point, which horses to back, each day.

Tuesday: Champion Day

The action gets underway with the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle, which is followed by the Arkle Challenge, named after the most famous horse in racing history, and one whose name is still uttered in revered tones around Cheltenham. But the biggest race on Tuesday comes at 3:20 in the form of the Champion Hurdle. The entries have recently been revealed, and last year’s winner, Buveur D’air, is the odds-on favourite to retain the trophy at 8/11 in a list of 23 runners.

Wednesday: Ladies Day

If you attend the racing to bet on the biggest events, go on Gold Cup day. If, however, you want to soak up the tradition and dress up in all your finery, then there is only one choice, and that is Ladies Day. If you can find your way past all the hats to get a look at the racing, the showpiece event of the day is named in honour of a lady who loved horse racing for all of her 102 years. The Queen Mother Champion Chase is at 3:20, and the even money favourite is Alitor. Like Buveur D’air, the horse is trained by Nicky Henderson.

Thursday: St Patrick’s Day

The third day of the festival is all about having fun, with the pomp and finery of Ladies Day swapped for Irish music and pints of Guinness. The racing is completely serious, however, with the JLT Novices Chase getting things started, and the showcase race being the Stayers Hurdle. Jedd O’Keeffe’s Sam Spinner is the early favourite at 4/1, but that is liable to change as the day draws closer.

Friday: Gold Cup Day

All that comes before it is in preparation for the Cheltenham Gold Cup. This is not just the biggest race of the festival, but one of the most important of the entire year. Last year’s winner, Sizing John, will be back to defend his title, but many think that Might Bite, yet another horse trained by Nicky Henderson, will be the strongest on the day.