Cheltenham Festival 2024 RECAP: Galopin Des Champs wins the 100th Gold Cup in a stylish victory for the second year running on a thrilling final day… but which trainer came out on top?
This was Mail Sport’s dwell weblog as we offered you with all the newest updates, outcomes, ideas and protection from day 4 of the 2024 Cheltenham Competition. It was Gold Cup Day, and Galopin Des Champs, Fastorslow, Corach Rambler had been all among the many runners for the Gold Cup at 3:30pm
What every week it has been!
Thrills, spills, and every thing in between – thanks for following together with our dwell protection on what has been a terrific 2024 Competition.
Why not evaluate the day’s motion?
And two extra private honours
The week’s Main Coach is who else however Mr 100, Willie Mullins, together with his stupendous 9 wins. It was his Competition, actually, and though the Skeltons difficult yesterday, his crushing dominance got here to the fore on the ultimate day – and with Galopin Des Champs, in some fashion.
Subsequently it is of zero shock that his jockey Paul Townend ends the week as Main Jockey for the third 12 months in row, together with his career-best six wins. Claiming his fourth Gold Cup additionally equals the document – which makes the prospect of a Galopin Des Champs triple bid subsequent 12 months all of the extra engaging.
Cheltenham Gold Cup Day’s outcomes: in full
Majborough – Mark Walsh – skilled by Willie Mullins
2.10pm – County Handicap Hurdle
Absurde – Paul Townend – skilled by Willie Mullins
2.50pm – Albert Bartlett Novices’ Hurdle
Stellar Story – Jack Kennedy – skilled by Gordon Elliot
Galopin Des Champs – Paul Townend – skilled by Willie Mullins
4.10pm – St James’s Place Hunters’ Chase
Sine Nomine – John Dawson – skilled by Fiona Needham
Limerick Lace – Keith Donoghue – skilled by Gavin Cromwell
5.30pm – Martin Pipe Handicap Hurdle
Higher Days Forward – Danny Gilligan – skilled by Gordon Elliott
What every week it has been for the Irish
As Irish declare a one-two-three-four within the ultimate race, and with it, one other emphatic win within the Prestbury Cup.
After yesterday’s false daybreak for the British, Cheltenham week ends…
Eire 18-9 Nice Britain
Martin Pipe Conditional Jockeys’ Handicap Hurdle: RESULTS
Higher Days Forward
Waterford Whispers
Quai De Bourbon
Reply To Kayf
Gordon Elliott speaks to Racing TV
I bought the most important kick out of that. To win the Martin Pipe, he is my idol.
They’re (the house owners) so good to me, and I have been making an attempt to get them a Cheltenham winner.
He is a giant chaser, completely delighted.
Higher Days Forward takes the Martin Pipe!
After turning on the after-burners simply over the ultimate bounce, and Waterford Whispers has no hope of matching that velocity, cruising into second – no higher.
Waterford Whispers leads with the flip
However right here comes Quai De Bourbon, shifting into third positon, however he is tracked intently by No Unusual Joe, forward of the ultimate flight.
Higher Days Forward sneaks ahead
In opposition to the rail shifting up into fourth, with Sonigino additionally making the operating and shifting properly.
Working down the hill, it is nonetheless very shut between the 2 entrance runners, however No Unusual Joe is trying sturdy right here.
Waterford Whispers takes the lead
It is after a mishap from Ocastle Des Mottes, who clatters the bounce, however he retains tempo as they head downhill.
He drifts in the direction of the skin and retakes the lead, and he is neck and neck with Waterford Whispers.
Ocastle Des Mottes opens up the lead
Adopted by Mel Monroe, Waterford Whispers and Quai De Bourbon, as they head up the house straight.
Shared is the back-marker, however they’re already making fairly a tempo, and retaining clustered shut collectively.
They’re away within the Martin Pipe Conditional Jockeys Handicap Hurdle
… After a false begin which sees them streaking away at racing tempo on the method.
The solar is shining brilliantly now, down on leaders Waterford Whispers and Ocastle Des Motts.
Runners and riders within the 5.30pm Martin Pipe Handicap Hurdle
Magic Tips – Charlie O’Dwyer
Hole Video games – Kieren Buckley
Sonigino – Freddie Gingell
No Unusual Joe – Aidan Kelly
Quai De Bourbon – Michael O’Sullivan
Higher Days Forward – Danny Gilligan
Jay Jay Reilly – Tristan Durrell
Yeats Star – Shane Fitzgerald
Reply To Kayf – John Shinnick
What’s Up Darling – Conor Stone-Walsh
Angels Breath – Dylan Johnston
Stuzzikini – Jake Coen
Waterford Whispers – Mike O’Connor
Ocastle Des Mottes – Kieran Callaghan
Sequestered – Jack G Gillian
Teddy Blue – NON-RUNNER
Mel Monroe – Ben Harvey
Bingoo – Patrick Wadge
Fiveonefive – E Walsh
Thanksforthehelp – David Pipe
Shared – Alice Stevens
Jason The Militant – Joe Williamson
Russian Ruler – Freddie Gordon
And similar to that… it is practically over
The Competition is ready to exit with a bang due to a packed home in our ultimate race of the assembly, the Martin Pipe Handicap Hurdle.
Man of the week Willie Mullins has received this race 4 instances and has a superb shot at claiming fifth due to the well-fancied Quai De Bourbon, however his latest kind hasn’t been half as sturdy because the favorite, Waterford Whispers. Henry de Bromhead has two winners this week, and this can be a good probability for his hat-trick.
Additionally worthy of word is Paul Nicholls’ Sonigino, the final horse of Sir Alex Ferguson’s, which may but hand him a Cheltenham treble, and Gordon Elliott’s Higher Days Forward.
Your odds with Paddy Energy are beneath:
Waterford Whispers – 5/2
Quai De Bourbon – 4/1
Higher Days Forward – 7/1
Whats Up Darling – 8/1
Ocastle Des Mottes – 17/2
Reply To Kayf – 10/1
No Unusual Joe – 12/1
Yeats Star – 16/1
Mel Monroe – 16/1
Bingoo – 16/1
Sonigino – 18/1
Jason The Militant – 25/1
Sequestered – 30/1
Jay Jay Reilly – 33/1
Angels Breath – 40/1
Magic Tips – 50/1
Shared – 50/1
Hole Video games – 66/1
Russian Ruler – 80/1
Stuzzikini – 100/1
Fiveonefive – 100/1
Retaining it within the household
Limerick Lace is a full sister to Gavin Cromwell’s winner yesterday, Inothewayurthinkin within the Kim Muir.
Full siblings have each taken honours on the Competition up to now, however on the identical assembly, it is a uncommon feat.
WATCH: Limerick Lace battles Dinoblue
One other sturdy displaying from JP McManues’ steady.
Mrs Paddy Energy Mares’ Chase: RESULTS
Limerick Lace
Dinoblue
Marsh Wren
Gavin Cromwell talks to Racing TV
She confirmed a little bit of coronary heart, did not she?
She was real. She was in entrance from a good distance out, and he or she had a battle.
On her pre-race friskiness:
She’s at all times like that. She’s in all probability properly improved from what she was like. A little bit madam. However she confirmed guts, dedication.
Limerick Lace wins the Mares’ Chase!
By a neck! It is a one-two for JP McManus, and Dinoblue appeared like she was going to energy into an unknown gear to outstrip the chief. However the Gavin Cromwell-trained horse clung on, and caught her neck out, and received.
One other nice bounce from Limerick Lace
Allegorie De Vassy is making good floor
However Limerick Lace is trying very sturdy as she kicks on to swipe the lead with one fence to go.
Climbing now…
And Marsh Wren is seeking to swipe the lead from Instit. Dinoblue is making strikes ahead now, tucked in the course of the pack in fourth as they make their means down the opposite facet of the hill.
Instit holds onto that lead
As they method the water bounce, which everybody pops over safely, however Harmonya Maker did not stick the langing and strikes again just a little.
Limerick Lace on the within is shifting ahead forward Kestrel Valley, who struggled with that penultimate ditch.
Over fence quantity six
Allegorie De Vassy stays the back-marker, with stablemate Dinoblue simply in entrance, in no rush in any way as they climb the hill.
It is actually coming down now.
Institut leads the pack
By the driving rain, as they make the sweeping flip downhill. Marsh Wren trails, with Kestrel Wren now positioned third, however they’re properly unfold early on.
Dinoblue hangs again, alongside Riviere D’etel.
The Mares’ Chase is underway
Because the mist comes down, the visibility has actually denigrated as we start our penultimate race of this pageant.
Runners and riders for the 4.50pm Mares’ Chase
Dino Blue – Mark Walsh
Allegorie De Vassy – Paul Townend
Harmonya Maker – Jordan Gainford
Brides Hill – NON-RUNNER
Carole’s Move – NON-RUNNER
Instit – Danny Mullins
Kestrel Valley – Sam Twiston-Davies
Limerick Lace – Keith Donoghue
Marsh Wren – Ciaran Gethings
Pink Legend – Charlie Deutsch
Riviere D’etel – Jack Kennedy
Simply two extra to go…
Earlier than we wave goodbye to this 12 months’s Cheltenham Competition, however there’s nonetheless plenty of enjoyable available, first up with the Mrs Paddy Energy Mares’ Chase.
A lot of the dialog comes all the way down to the 2 front-runners: Dinoblue versus Allegorie De Vassy. Each are Mullins-trained, with the previous making her first journey again to Cheltenham since 2022. She received a Grade One at Leopardstown in December, however the distance may show just a little troubling, as she has by no means received over 2m 1f – and we’re 2m 4f at this time.
Allegorie De Vassy additionally is available in off the again off an announcement win, and will probably be looking for revenge after coming second on this race final 12 months.
Dinoblue – 13/8
Limerick Lace – 3/1
Allegorie De Vassy – 3/1
Riviere D’etel – 11/2
Marsh Wren – 20/1
Pink Legend – 22/1
Instit – 28/1
Harmonya Maker – 50/1
Kestrel Valley – 70/1
A victory made in Yorkshire
Sine Nomine is skilled in Thirsk by Fiona Needham – who herself received the novice jockeys solely race 22 years in the past, and jockey John Dawson is Thirsk born-and-bred.
St James’s Place Hunters’ Chase: RESULTS
Sine Nomine
Its On The Line
Time Chief
John Dawson speaks to ITV Racing
I simply progressed on a regular basis. We have all believed in her, and I am happy for her.
Sine Nomine takes the Hunters’ Chase!
A wonderful spurt of energy after coming as much as problem simply earlier than the ultimate hurdle, and he holds off Its On The Line to nostril over the end line by a neck.
After the ultimate fence…
Its On The Line is making an attempt on the within, however Sine Nomine has glorious tempo to check final 12 months’s runner-up…
Time Chief streaks ahead with two to go
Its On The Line is giving chase, as Sine Nomine sprints for third.
Ferns Lock leads Time Chief
As Sine Nomine creeps up the sector, with Its On The Line, Premier Magic, and Shantou Flyer all additionally nonetheless in consideration.
Ramilies out of the race subsequent
Because the chief – Ferns Lock, Shantou Flyer and Billaway maintain their positions.
However with 5 fences to go, right here comes Time Chief, sneaking ahead alongside Shantou on the lookout for second place.
Its On The Line is on the skin
… in fourth as they not far away to cheers from the stands heading for a stretch earlier than turning left-handed.
Its On The Line strikes as much as third, with Premier Magic simply behind.
Samcro and Time Chief are on the within – and From The Coronary heart has been pulled up.
From The Coronary heart the back-marker
Ferns Lock does not look comfy with the lead, however retains maintain of it as they head down the hill, tracked by Shantou Flyer.
Ramilies and From The Coronary heart on the again look just a little off tempo on the again as they climb with 12 fences to go.
Premier Magic hangs on the skin
A wobbly second from Ferns Lock who leads the pack, after which has a troublesome second over the subsequent fence, straying onto the suitable.
He retains the lead now near the within, with Shantou Flyer and Its On The Line gaining floor.
The Hunters’ Chase is underway
With Samcro main the pack, alongside Its On The Line, Ferns Lock on the skin and Shantou Flyer tucked inside.
Getting their fingers on the Gold Cup
Two wins with Galopin Des Champs, was it?
Refresh your reminiscences on Mail Sport’s specialists’ opinion
Crack tipster Lizzie Kelly fancies Premier Magic, who received final 12 months, however Its On The Line has caught multiple eye among the many raft of Mail Sport predictors, together with that of Nationwide Hunt icon Peter Scudamore.
Runners and riders for the 4.10pm Hunters’ Chase
Billaway – P W Mullins
D’Jango – Immy Robinson
Ferns Lock – B O’Neill
From The Coronary heart – Natalie Parker
Its On The Line – Derek O’Connor
Premier Magic – Bradley Gibbs
Quintin’s Man – Darren Andrews
Ramillies – R James
Samcro – T Hamilton
Shantou Flyer – Olive Nicholls
Time Chief – Toby McCain-Mitchell
Sine Nomine – John Dawson
Onto the subsequent! It is the St James’s Place Hunters’ Chase
Tearing ourselves away from the emotional protection within the aftermath of that Gold Cup win for Galopin Des Champs, it is time to begin fascinated about the subsequent race this afternoon, going down in simply over 10 minutes.
It is On The Line got here shut final 12 months, and will probably be going for glory 12 months later for Emmet Mullins, and he is in rip-roaring kind, having received his final three outings this season.
You will discover all the percentages through Paddy Energy beneath.
It is On The Line – 11/8
Ferns Lock – 10/3
Billaway – 11/2
Premier Magic – 6/1
Sine Nomine – 9/1
Samcro – 20/1
Quintin’s Man – 30/1
Time Chief – 40/1
From The Coronary heart – 150/1
Shantou Flyer – 50/1
Django – 70/1
Ramillies -100/1
Relive that awe-inspiring win with Mail Sport’s evaluate of at this time’s showpiece race, now obtainable beneath.
Willie Mullins hints at a 3rd problem
I simply suppose he is put himself within the celebrity class, the way in which he did it – that unfastened horse.
I believe we have got to try to come again subsequent 12 months and get him a 3rd one. It is nearly retaining him sound.
He is solely eight years previous. May he bag three back-to-back wins? Arkle, eat your coronary heart out!
The metaphorical roof lifts…
As Galopin Des Champs is led in alongside Audrey Turley and Willie Mullins.
Paul Townend stands up in his irons to simply accept the applause from the grateful, awestruck punters.
Most likely only a few becoming a member of in from the bookies.
WATCH: Galopin Des Champs on the double
A staggering option to bag your 103rd Cheltenham win, Willie Mullins.
A fourth Gold Cup win for Paul Townend
He matches Arkle’s nice jockey, Pat Taaffe, with this win on Galopin Des Champs.
Absolutely, breaking that document is in sight after one more high quality victory.
Proprietor Audrey Turley is in tears, on ITV Racing
(Watching is) terrifying. I am sorry however it’s. I do not suppose it will get any simpler. I’ll benefit from the race later, after I know what is going on to occur.
I am simply so thrilled that everyone bought round – and Galopin received!
He’s so particular to us, we completely pretty. Once we go to the stables to fulfill him, he’s simply so pretty.
i simply need to snuggle him and cuddle him all day.
Paul Townend speaks to ITV Racing
Rode him fully completely different to final 12 months, and he was simply so courageous for me. We had been type of in between on the final.
He pulled out all of the stops.
What makes him a champion?
We took off his reserves there that solely the actually particular ones have.
Gold Cup: RESULTS
Galopin Des Champs
Gerri Colombe
Corach Rambler
Galopin Des Champs wins back-to-back Gold Cups!
That was a superb win, as Paul Townend streaks away from Gerri Colombe – and watching the unfastened horse – to cross the end line in fashion.
One other sturdy win for the double champion.
Galopin Des Champs has the lead
L’Homme Presse and Gerri Colombe lead
Moving into to the second-last, as Galopin Des Champs streaks ahead, however right here comes Corach Rambler from nowhere!
Fastorslow unseats JJ Slevin
With 4 fences to go, which provides just a little needle. Corach Rambler is making good floor on the again as they head over the fourth-last.
The unfastened Fastorslow remains to be among the many leaders, and hopefully he’s caught quickly, and safely.
Bravemansgame makes a transfer
He cannot achieve an excessive amount of floor as all of them head over the water-jump, however he trails Galopin Des Champs on the skin.
Corach Rambler is shedding floor and searching just a little pressured – however Fastorslow is out!
Reaching the midway stage
L’Homme Presse strikes ahead to problem The Actual Whacker on the entrance, to the sound of a roar from the group, because the horses flip to start out the final circuit.
Starting the descent
… Galopin Des Champs holds his place, retaining third, as Corach Rambler continues to path on the again.
Gerri Colombe sits simply alongside Fastorslow, nonetheless very a lot nestled among the many mid-pack.
L’Homme Presse kicks that bounce
And loses just a little floor, whereas Jungle Boogie struggles with the subsequent, earlier than all of them pop over the subsequent open ditch earlier than taking the flip.
Corach Rambler the back-marker now, as The Actual Whacker continues to steer regardless of an imperfect journey over that subsequent fence.
The Actual Whacker leads over the primary two
They’re clustered shut collectively as they flip away from the stands, and he is tracked by Galopin Des Champs on the skin, alongside L’Homme Presse.
Fastorslow is on the skin of Gerri Colombe as they pop over the subsequent fence, in the direction of the primary open ditch.
The Gold Cup is A-GO
Gentlemansgame and Monkfish each push for the lead forward of the primary of twenty-two fences.
Time for a well-lit parade
And regardless of the scattered gray clouds, the solar is shining via in vivid streaks because the horses are led up in entrance of a packed home on Gold Cup Day.
Don’t go completely anyplace – in three minutes, the Gold Cup will probably be underway.
Monkfish returns to Cheltenham
Winner of the 2021 Brown Advisory Novices’ Chase, the Willie Mullins chase returns to the course after a placing three-year absence.
What a comeback success within the Gold Cup might be.
Can Nassalam reap the benefits of the circumstances?
Whereas some horses have been scratched due to the going, Nassalam is a veritable mudlark, and appears in tip-top situation as he takes a flip within the parade ring.
Winner of the Welsh Grand Nationwide, the skin probability – 25/1 with Paddy Power – may make an each-way choose for the courageous.
Simply 10 minutes to go till we’re underway
As skies darken over Prestbury Park…
Runners and riders for the Gold Cup
Bravemansgame – Harry Cobden
Corach Rambler – Derek Fox
Fastorslow – JJ Slevin
Galopin Des Champs – Paul Townend
Gentlemansgame – Darragh O’Keeffe
Gerri Colombe – Jack Kennedy
Hewick – NON-RUNNER
Jungle Boogie – Rachael Blackmore
L’Homme Presse – Charlie Deutsch
Monkfish – P W Mullins
Nassalam – Niall Houlihan
The Actual Whacker – Sam Twiston-Davies
Galopin Des Champs goes for back-to-back wins
Something Al Boum Photograph can do, Galopin Des Champs can do higher? We’ll have to attend and see, however the Willie Mullins-trained horse seems to be the clear winner amongst a stacked forged, together with final 12 months’s runner-up Bravemansgame.
Paul Nicholls says that his hopeful may wrestle with the testing floor, and final 12 months’s Brown Advisory winner The Actual Whacker can be considered at an obstacle in present circumstances.
However control Fastorslow. He is carried out pleasant battle with Galopin Des Champs over this previous season, and has come off the higher two out of 3 times. Sufficient for him to do it on the most important stage? We’ll have to attend and see.
Paddy Energy has all the percentages as we gear up for the massive race, beneath.
Galopin Des Champs – 5/6
Gerri Colombe – 11/2
Fastorslow – 13/2
L’Homme Presse – 12/1
Nassalam – 25/1
Corach Rambler – 14/1
Jungle Boogie – 20/1
Monkfish – 16/1
Bravemansgame – 16/1
Gentlemansgame – 25/1
The Actual Whacker – 50/1
A Cheltenham Confidential refresh: Lizzie and Marcus’ ideas on the Gold Cup
Can Galopin Des Champs be dominated out? Not solely – however neither may El Fabiolo, earlier than his unprecedented mis-step within the Champion Chase.
Have a watch of at this time’s Cheltenham Confidential for Lizzie Kelly and Marcus Townend’s ideas on potential each-way nods, beneath.
It is lastly time – the Gold Cup will probably be underway in simply 25 minutes time.
It is by no means too late to brush up in your information forward of any potential decision-making – have a peruse of our Gold Cup lowdown, beneath.
Albert Bartlett Novices’ Hurdle: RESULTS
Stellar Story
The Jukebox Man
Dancing Metropolis
WATCH: Stellar Story on the final
A heartfelt efficiency from the Gordon Elliott-trained horse.
Sam Ewing will get his first Cheltenham winner, and talks to ITV Racing
Completely sensible. He is a horse who jumps very properly, loves that floor at this time, he battled very onerous for me. He was brillant. I can not imagine it.
The best way the week was going, you suppose it’s going to by no means occur. Unbelievable.
Truthful play to the horse. He caught his head out and tried onerous to the top of the road.
Agony for Harry Redknapp!
He was so near matching Sir Alex Ferguson together with his second winner of the week.
Stellar Story wins the Albert Bartlett!
The Jukebox Man crashes into the final hurdle however retains going – just for Stellar Story to energy ahead and inch forward on the final.
The Jukebox Man may need misplaced by a nostril right here, and Stellar Story pounces.
Rounding the final nook
Readin Tommy Unsuitable falls out of rivalry, however The Jukebox Man is trying actually sturdy now, and leads by an ideal three-four size distance.
Three extra hurdles to go
Stellar Story is chasing The Jukebox Man’s lead, however a pair make a mistake – together with the previous – over the third-last.
Johnnywho has moved into third as they head down the hill.
Captain Teague on the within gears as much as transfer ahead, however Readin Tommy Unsuitable is being jostled considerably.
Rounding the nook
They cross the stands earlier than heading via the midway stage, and obtain an enormous roar of encouragement from the group.
Stellar Story remains to be on the heels of The Jukebox Man, however the pack as bunched up as Readin Tommy Unsuitable and Chigorin are among the many contenders beginning to plot their transfer ahead over the fourth-to-last.
The Jukebox Man extends his lead
As they run down hill approaching the fourth hurdle, the chasing pack all content material to only preserve tempo earlier than heading up the hill.
Lecky Watson is a kind of hanging again, in addition to Gidleigh Park, Chigorin, and Readin Tommy Unsuitable.
The sphere steadies
The Jukebox Man nonetheless setting the tempo by three lengths, with Captain Teague within the midpack, simply forward of Readin Tommy Unsuitable on the skin.
The back-marker is Excessive Class Hero, nevertheless it’s fairly easygoing, with a long way to go.
The Albert Bartlett is underway
These novices have a punchy distance of three miles to cowl, and in testing circumstances, it might be an actual slog for the infants, with lots of them untested.
The Jukebox Man leads them off – owned by Harry Redknapp, who noticed a winner yesterday – adopted by Stellar Story and Dancing Metropolis.
His boss won’t be the one one to interrupt information this week
A private achievement for Paul Townend might be incoming – and aboard Galopin Des Champs in simply over 40 minutes, it seems like a lifeless cert.
Runners and riders for the two.50pm Albert Bartlett Novices’ Hurdle
Butcher Hole – NON-RUNNER
Captain Teague – Harry Cobden
Chigorin – Rachael Blackmore
Dancing Metropolis – Danny Mullins
Dripsey Moon – Ben Harvey
Gidleigh Park – Jonathan Burke
Excessive Class Hero – P W Mullins
Johnnywho – Jonjo O’Neill Jr
Lecky Watson – Brian Hayes
Readin Tommy Unsuitable – Paul Townend
Seek for Glory – Jack Kennedy
Shanagh Bob – NON-RUNNER
Unfold Boss Ted – Sean O’Keeffe
Stellar Story – Sam Ewing
The Jukebox Man – Kielan Woods
A good-looking favorite
Simply over ten minutes to go till we get underway in our third race of the day.
One other race, one other Mullins favorite
Neglect a green-wash, Cheltenham Friday may begin trying like a Mullins-wash ought to Paul Townend mount Readin Tommy Unsuitable dwell as much as his promise.
In his final outing he received a Grade One at Naas, beating Albert Bartlett contender Lecky Watson, and is unbeaten this season – a fearsome prospect amid a proficient area.
Paul Nicholls has named Captain Teague as his strongest prospect operating out at this time, and he makes an intriguing alternative because the third-favourite.
However you possibly can evaluate all the odds for the Novices’ Hurdle, courtesy of Paddy Power, beneath.
Readin Tommy Unsuitable – 15/8
Gidleigh Park – 5/1
Captain Teague – 7/1
Dancing Metropolis – 15/2
Chigorin – 12/1
Excessive Class Hero – 11/1
Johnnywho – 14/1
Lecky Watson – 12/1
Search For Glory – 18/1
The Jukebox Man – 22/1
Stellar Story – 35/1
Unfold Boss Ted – 40/1
Dripsey Moon – 200/1
Fast-thinking aboard Afadil
Paul Nicholls’ contender was greater than ignored going into the race, however Freddie Gingell knew precisely begin off on the suitable foot – earlier than staying, and staying, to say a spot.
Again to our repeatedly scheduled programming
That is two for 2 for Willie Mullins as he begins to tug away within the main coach standings. He now has eight winners, greater than the six he wanted final 12 months to win the accolade.
However what number of extra may he get at this time?
County Handicap Hurdle: RESULTS
Absurde
L’Eau Du Sud
Pied Piper
Magical Zoe
WATCH: A artful trip from Paul Townend
Paul Townend speaks to ITV Racing
Bought lots of satisfaction out of that one, to inform you the reality.
On profitable with the unfancied 12/1 prospect:
I will not repeat what the lads had been saying to me within the weight room, nevertheless it was good to exit and take an opportunity.
Absurde comes from nowhere to win the County Handicap Hurdle!
A terrific trip from Paul Townend, with L’Eau Du Sud already dreaming of the submit when Absurde picks his means via the leaders after the ultimate hurdle.
He activates the after-burners, and manages to get forward by the best of margins.
L’Eau Du Sud is popping out now
Descending the hill
Bialystok strikes ahead on the skin, seeking to make floor because the pack closes up on Afadil.
The run up in the direction of the final sees King of Kingsfield plot his transfer ahead, as does Absurde from the very again.
By Your Aspect the brand new back-marker
Petit Tonnerre makes a mini-mistake with 4 hurdles to go, after which on the subsequent, shedding floor.
Reaching the midway stage, Afadil continues to steer by a sizeable distance.
L’Eau Du Sud on the skin makes up some floor to maneuver ahead into the mid-pack.
Afadil lays down the gauntlet
Climbing in the direction of the ship hurdle, and he pops over with no hassle, earlier than rounding the nook.
He is tracked by Zenta and Media Naranja on the within, and intently adopted by Petit Tonnerre.
The County Handicap Hurdle is underway
Afadil begins with a five-length lead, and all clear the primary hurdle, with Absurde the back-marker for now.
Jack Kennedy on the turf in the beginning
He is requested concerning the going, and whether or not it is extra testing, and confirms:
… earlier than main King of Kingsfield again to the pack.
Paul Townend atop Absurde concurs.
Pictured: Horse and proprietor
… are gearing up for the County Handicap Hurdle. Gray Dawning was the primary Skelton gray to take victory on the Competition yesterday, however will he be the final?
Runners and riders for the two.10 County Handicap Hurdle
Pied Piper – Danny Gilligan
Zenta – Mark Walsh
Magical Zoe – A P Heskin
Encanto Bruno – NON-RUNNER
Hansard – NON-RUNNER
King of Kingsfield – Jack Kennedy
Westport Cove – Michael O’Sullivan
Bialystok – Danny Mullins
Absurde – Paul Townend
Threat Belle – Jody McGarvey
Aucunrisque – NON-RUNNER
Gin Coco – NON-RUNNER
Petit Tonnerre – Jonjo O’Neill Jr
Faivoir – Tristan Durrell
L’Eau Du Sud – Harry Skelton
So Scottish – Danagh Meyler
Parramount – NON-RUNNER
Samui – Sam Ewing
Mr Freedom – Marc Goldstein
By Your Aspect – Jake Coen
Afadil – Freddie Gingell
Media Naranja – Jordan Gainford
Uncommon Middleton – NON-RUNNER
One other Handicap win for the Skeltons?
It is onerous to miss L’Eau Sud, the closely backed favorite, within the County Hurdle – nor ought to his proprietor Sir Alex Ferguson’s luck this week be discounted. The Skelton-trained horse may add one more win to the yard’s haul amid a terrific Competition, however has numerous opponents to see off first – certainly one of whom is Gordon Elliott’s King of Kingsfield.
The horse has misplaced out of late solely to Slade Metal and Ballyburn – champions this week – final month, and on this Handicap area, may storm forward and declare the final word glory.
You realize the drill – Paddy Power has all the percentages beneath.
L’Eau Du Sud – 10/3
So Scottish – 4/1
King Of Kingsfield – 11/2
Faivoir – 7/1
Zenta – 17/2
Magical Zoe – 11/1
Petit Tonnerre – 11/1
Pied Piper – 14/1
Bialystok – 14/1
Threat Belle – 14/1
Absurde – 16/1
Mr Freedom – 20/1
By Your Aspect – 35/1
Afadil – 35/1
Westport Cove – 40/1
Samui – 40/1
Media Naranja – 100/1
British coach Nicholls has his first runner of the day with Afadil in 25 minutes, however lacking out on operating Uncommon Middleton after he was scratched earlier this morning.
You’ll be able to learn his ideas on the remaining horses taking to the turf, through Betfair, beneath.
JCB Triumph Hurdle: RESULTS
WATCH: A monster run from a monster horse
Cool, calm and picked up till it was time to beat out Kargese.
Willie Mullins is subsequent on the mic with ITV Racing
I am fairly shocked he wasn’t favorite. He was my choose for the day. Not the day, however the race.
I assumed a Gold Cup horse (when he arrived). Bodily, that is what he appeared like.
That’ll be a number of miles down the highway. We’ll let him go novice chasing first.
Mark Walsh talks to ITV Racing
He isn’t your typical juvenile hurdler. He is a giant chaser, so sturdy.
Little bit eager on me fingers earlier, however was pleased sitting and galloping.
I used to be delighted (when Kargese entered the race) as a result of there was one thing to goal at down the straight.
It is testing work on the market.
Majborough takes the Triumph Hurdle!
Kargese was trying so sturdy earlier than that ultimate hurdle, however pushing uphill in the direction of residence, Majborough’s energy carries and carries him, and he streaks in the direction of the end handy Willie Mullins his long-awaited (ha ha ha) a hundred and first Cheltenham winner.
Majborough and Kargese neck and neck
However during the last hurdle, Kargese struggles!
Kargese displaying now
Heading downhill, Moral Diamond comes from behind now into sixth. Fratas is out, because the entrance 5 – Bunting, Storm Coronary heart, Salver, Kargese, and Ithaca’s Arrow go for broke earlier than the final hurdle.
Majborough leaping properly
He strikes ahead into third earlier than the second-last, as Fratas comes beneath stress as Storm Coronary heart and Kargese additionally trying ahead to stepping into place with two to go.
Over flight quantity three
Nurburgring stays the back-marker.
Storm Coronary heart is starting to go ahead on the skin, whereas Kargese is content material with sixth, with a mile to go.
Bunting stays near stablemate Majborough
In the course of the pack, with Highwind, Moral Diamond and Nurburgring sitting again over the second hurdle.
They take the flip, with Salver nonetheless main the chasers forward of Ithaca’s Arrow, and Salver on the within line.
They’re off within the Triumph Hurdle
The primary race is underway with a roar as Salver leads earlier than the primary, with Moral Diamond simply popping that hurdle down.
We’ll be getting underway in a matter of moments
The countdown to Day 4 is ON!
Tony Bloom will hope for a greater morning
After watching Brighton exit on combination within the Europa League to Roma 4-1 on the Amex final evening.
His Bunting is the fourth-favourite with Paddy Energy at 5/1. Can he proceed the football-adjacent pattern this week?
Runners and riders for the 1.30pm Triumph Hurdle
Bunting – Sean O’Keeffe
Moral Diamond – Michael O’Sullivan
Highwind – Rachael Blackmore
Ithaca’s Arrow – Ben Ffrench Davis
Majborough – Mark Walsh
Mighty Bandit – James Bowen
Nurburgring – JJ Slevin
Peking Opera – NON-RUNNER
Salvator Mundi – Brian Hayes
Salver – Gavin Sheehan
Sir Gino – NON-RUNNER
Storm Coronary heart – Paul Townend
Fratas – Darragh O’Keeffe
Kargese – Danny Mullins
Lizzy Kelly’s choose for the Triumph Hurdle
Kargese, trying magnificent forward of her flip within the first race of the day.
You possibly can do loads, lot, worse than taking discover of our professional’s ideas. The wins proceed to stack up!
NON-RUNNERS within the 2.10pm Handicap Hurdle
Encanto Bruno
Hansard
Aucunrisque
Gin Coco
Parramount
Uncommon Middleton
Plus, Shanagh Bob and Butcher Hole have been scratched from the Albert Bartlett – the previous yesterday.
Right here comes the favorite…
… for the Triumph Hurdle, arising in 25 minutes, trying extraordinarily properly.
He leads two of his many, many stablemates from the Mullins yard.
Former Gold Cup winner Blackmore has her first trip of Cheltenham Friday on Highwind, and will probably be eager to get again into the winner’s enclosure after snaring two Grade Ones on Tuesday and Wednesday.
You’ll be able to learn all of her ideas on her horses, courtesy of Betfair, beneath.
First up, it is the Triumph Hurdle
A simple race in the beginning of the week, the Triumph Hurdle has opened up enormously within the wake of the withdrawl of Nicky Henderson’s Sir Gino – but when there’s one factor this race is prone to do, it is to place Willie Mullins on the board from the off.
The Irish coach has seven of the 12 runners lining up for the primary race – Peking Opera is the second non-runner – and his Storm Coronary heart is the romping favorite at 7/2.
Paddy Power has all the percentages on what must be a tantalising first race, beneath.
Storm Coronary heart – 7/1
Kargese – 9/2
Majborough – 13/2
Nurburgring – 13/2
Bunting – 9/2
Salver – 8/1
Salvator Mundi – 11/1
Mighty Bandit – 14/1
Moral Diamond – 28/1
Highwind – 33/1
Fratas – 40/1
Ithaca’s Arrow – 100/1
Martin Brassil’s Fastorslow has pulled a quick one (groan) on Galopin Des Champs in two of their final three encounters, and though the Gold Cup winner bought the higher of him of their final assembly, the eight-year-old stays an intriguing prospect this afternoon.
Mail Sport’s Dominic King caught up together with his jockey JJ Slevin earlier this week.
Iconic Gold Cup winners: Golden Miller
Galopin Des Champs will probably be hoping to enter an elite membership of a number of Gold-Cup winners this afternoon, together with Arkle, Greatest Mate, Kauto Star and stablemate Al Boum Photograph, however hitting the heady heights of Golden Miller stays a good distance off.
The bay is the one horse to have received the race a staggering sive instances, coming in consecutive years between 1932 and 1936 – and 1934 additionally noticed him change into the one horse to have ever received the Gold Cup and the Grand Nationwide in the identical 12 months.
His statue now watches over the parade ring on the racecourse.
With simply over an hour to go till we get underway within the Cotswold, why not have a flick thru Mail Sport’s ideas for all of Day 4’s motion.
Racing tipster Robin Goodfellow, Nationwide Hunt legend Peter Scudamore, and extra supply their two-penny’value, beneath.
All that glitters, et cetera, et cetera
It might be hailed because the jewel within the Nationwide Hunt crown, however the prize cash on supply for the winner pales compared to its rival for eyeballs, the Grand Nationwide.
At present’s winner will pocket £351,688 – duly divided between proprietor, coach, workers and jockey, in comparison with the £561,300 up for grabs at Aintree.
However each big-money prizes look shoddy in comparison with the riches obtainable in Flat racing – with Ascot’s Champion Stakes value £737,230 to the winner, and the Epsom Derby offering the most important purse on supply within the UK – with £892,160 going to the horse first previous the submit.
Recent turf on the Gold Cup circuit, at the very least
Issues aren’t fairly so muddy because the Heavy floor Dessie needed to endure 35 years in the past, however the persistent rain has made the Chase course Smooth, Heavy in locations forward of the day’s function race.
One constructive is that the turf is ultra-fresh, having been untouched by boot or hoof since final Could, and the Gold Cup is the primary Chase of the day.
St Patrick’s Thursday took on a contact of Cup Remaining day because the legendary gaffers claimed three out of seven races – each house owners profitable on the Competition for his or her first time.
Mail Sport’s Dominic King seems to be again on a day for football-lovers, beneath.
35 years since one of many Gold Cup’s most iconic winners
1989’s operating of the race noticed Desert Orchid, one of many sport’s best-loved horses, battle via the soupy circumstances to beat mudlark Yahoo on the final, and enshrine himself as some of the profitable – and in style – horses in Nationwide Hunt historical past.
Should you’ve by no means seen his miraculous profitable run – I implore you to observe the beneath clip.
Gold Cup Day’s schedule: in full
2.10pm – County Handicap Hurdle
2.50pm – Albert Bartlett Novices’ Hurdle
4.10pm – St James’s Place Hunters’ Chase
5.30pm – Martin Pipe Handicap Hurdle
We’ll be underway on Day 4 in simply over an hour and a half – ample time to peruse what our professional tipsters over at Paddy Energy should say on each one of many day’s races.
You’ll be able to learn their ideas in full, beneath.
The Prestbury Cup: an replace
Talks of a green-wash might but resurface as evening falls this night, however after a powerful Thursday, a rout topping final 12 months’s has been cancelled after a powerful flip from British trainers.
Which means the standings forward of Day 4 are: Eire 12-8 Nice Britain.
That is thanks in no small half to a heroic effort from Dan Skelton’s yard, with brother Harry aboard winners Protektorat, Monmiral, Langer Dan, and Gray Dawning.
For these seeking to again the red-hot coach’s runners at this time, control:
Faivoir and L’Eau Du Sud within the County Hurdle
Jay Jay Reilly within the Martin Pipe
L’Eau Du Sud has actually had his prospects boosted after a powerful Competition for the yard – Paddy Power has him because the favorite within the 2.10pm at 7/2.
CHELTENHAM CONFIDENTIAL: Marcus Townend and Lizzie Kelly share their ideas
Former Competition jockey Lizzie Kelly has been on hearth this week, and her predictions stay unmissable viewing.
She and Mail Sport’s Marcus Townend share their ideas on Galopin Des Champs, Triumph Hurdle prospect Kargese, and Readin Tommy Unsuitable within the Albert Bartlett Novices’ Hurdle.
Try all of their ideas beneath.
There it’s!
The afternoon’s resplendent prime prize, in all its glory, and no much less shiny for the grim gray skies overhead.
A brand new Gold Cup trophy is forged yearly, and it is value an estimated £10,000 – that is what 10 ounces of gold seems to be like, in your info.
Inopportune climate for The Actual Whacker
Final 12 months’s Brown Advisory Novices’ Chase winner steps as much as the massive one 12 months on, however as his coach Patrick Neville explains, the circumstances may but cease the horse from displaying his finest kind.
Situations are robust down over there. We’re delighted to be right here, and it is sensible to be operating within the Gold Cup.
There’s just one Gold Cup, so now we have to take our probability. Situations aren’t actually in our favour, however you by no means know.
Return of the defending champion
The Willie Mullins-trained Gold Cup winner is in great kind coming again into the competition he swept to victory in final 12 months, having crushed main rival Fastorslow of their final assembly at Leopardstown in February.
Mullins was denied the chance to tip over his 100-race milestone yesterday, however there’s little doubt he’ll add a number of extra winners to his Competition haul at this time – and maybe declare the most important prize of all.
The climate ought to maintain off till the Gold Cup
However then, usually, the heavens are set to open but once more. It has been a waterlogged week within the Cotswolds, and in consequence, we have been denied some key runners, together with Gold Cup prospect Hewick from John Hanlon’s yard.
Shishkin was additionally withdrawn earlier within the week, as a result of mysterious ailment that has decimated Nicky Henderson’s horses on the worst doable second.
Mail Sport columnist is trying ahead to a mouthwatering a centesimal anniversary celebration of the Gold Cup this afternoon, however earlier than that – a phrase on yesterday’s spectacular British fightback.
Issues had been trying abysmal for the hosts on Wednesday night, however after claiming 5 winners to Eire’s two on Thursday, some real needle has been injected again into the Prestbury Cup.
You’ll be able to learn extra from the ITV Racing host, beneath.
Going replace – HEAVY!
The rain started to fall as soon as once more on Cheltenham in the direction of the latter half of yesterday, and in a single day, there have been some biblical trying photographs of Cheltenham Excessive Road.
As such, yesterday’s Smooth, Heavy in locations going is up to date to Heavy on the Hurdle course and Smooth, Heavy in locations on the Chase course, as Clerk of the Course Jon Pullin explains beneath.
First up, it is our each day Cheltenham Breakfast bulletin, bringing you every thing you may need missed from a scintillating Day Three on the Competition.
It was a day for soccer managers, rank outsiders, and the British preventing again on St Patrick’s Thursday… and you’ll compensate for all of it, beneath.
Good morning!
Hi there and welcome to Mail Sport’s dwell protection of the massive one – it is Gold Cup Day at Cheltenham, with the function race going down in simply over 5 hours at 3.30pm.
We have got a raft of tempting contenders within the combine, corresponding to final 12 months’s winner Galopin Des Champs, final 12 months’s runner-up Bravemansgame, and Grand Nationwide winner Corach Rambler.
However the going may show a curveball for essentially the most coveted trophy in Nationwide Hunt racing, after but extra rain at a boggy Prestbury Park over evening.
Cheltenham Friday kicks off at 1.30pm, however earlier than then, we’ll carry you all the newest information, build-up, and Gold Cup data proper right here.
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Cheltenham Competition 2024 RECAP: Galopin Des Champs wins the a centesimal Gold Cup in a trendy victory for the second 12 months operating on an exciting ultimate day… however which coach got here out on prime?
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