Cheltenham Festival 2013: Day Two Preview

DAY one wasn’t bad, was it? The highlights? The site of little Hurricane Fly tearing up the hill lifted the heart. The way Quevega cut through the pack like a knife through butter made the hairs on my neck spring to attention. And the maturity of young Brendan Powell’s ride on Golden Chieftain was incredible. …[Read More]

Cheltenham Festival Countdown: Latest news

FOUR days to go until that mighty roar… It’s hard to keep up with all the build-up, the countless preview evenings and column inches dedicated to the Cheltenham Festival. So here’s a bite-sized version of some of the latest news. John Ferguson has confirmed that COTTON MILL will run in the County Hurdle and not …[Read More]

Ante Post Focus: John Oaksey National Hunt Chase

THE 4m National Hunt Chase at the Cheltenham Festival is traditionally one of the toughest to predict. The marathon distance normally sorts out the wheat from the chaff, so stamina is essential. But just as crucial is securing the services of a top amateur rider. The last seven winners have all been ridden by crack …[Read More]

Tofino Bay shakes up RSA Chase betting

AMID racing’s weekend whiteout there were a couple of telling Cheltenham Festival clues at Naas. One was Un Atout’s facile victory, while the other was TOFINO BAY’S gritty display in the Grade 2 novices chase. Dessie Hughes’ chaser outstayed the promising AUPCHARLIE and was given quotes ranging from 16/1 to 20/1 for the RSA Chase. …[Read More]