3 Furlongs Out - Festival Focus by 3 Furlongs out

3.DOUVAN FEATURE 4.FESTIVAL FEVER 6.MONEY RIDER 7.JP TIPPING 8.GETBIRD 10.UN DE SCEAUX 12.THE PERTEMPS 13.ALBERT BARTLETT 15.BRUCE BETTING 16.THE STAYERS 18.THE GOLD CUP 20.TIGER ROLL 21.THE GLENEAGLE 22.MONEY RIDER 23.BET EAST 24.EQUINE ROLE GLOBEL 26.EQUINE MEDIRECORD 34.PIONEER RACING

28.DONAL MCINNERNEY 30.PRESTBURY CUP 33.BRUCE BETTING 35.RYANAIR PREVIEW 36.BRIAN HUGHES INTERVIEW 38.BRUCE BETTING 39.ALTIOR FEATURE 40.RACING TRACKER 42.BETSKILL 43.BETSKILL FESTIVAL ODDS 45.MONEY RIDER 46.FOXHUNTERS PREVIEW 47.SCRATCH & REVEAL 48.SCOBIE WAN KENOBI 49.BET EAST 50.TOP OF THE HILL PROMO 51.INSPIRE SYNDICATE 52.FANTASY CHELTENHAM 54.MONEY RIDER

DOUVAN “THE LONG ROAD TO REDEMPTION” BY JAMIE LINDSEY

With the sands of time running thin now that the Cheltenham Festival is just around the corner, as usual the questions are being asked and are waiting to be answered on the hallowed turf at Prestbury Park. One of the most eagerly awaited runners at the blue riband meeting will be Douvan The two-time Festival winner had a nightmare in the Champion Chase last year when he finished far behind the leaders when running lame. And, since then we haven’t seen the exciting chaser on a racecourse. A couple of intended engagements have had to be aborted, such as Gowran Park a few weeks ago. Willie Mullins has stated that he is confident that the 2016 Arkle winner will be running at the festival, due to the injury that has kept him out of action this season not being as serious as first thought. That has given the punters themselves some confidence as Douvan (who was out of the betting picture for Cheltenham), is now as low as 7-2 for the Champion Chase and 4-1 for the Ryanair Chase a day later. In what race will the Mullins and Ricci combination run the awaited Douvan in? Judging by history, Douvan will run in the two-mile Queen Mother Champion chase, a distance in which he has never ran further. However, with owner Rich Ricci having Min as a strong contender, they may opt to go down the Ryanair route. While that would not be my preferred choice, it probably would be the correct decision for Douvan in my eyes, as the ultra-fast pace of a Champion Chase on his seasonal debut could see him simply rushed off his feet. It really would be another special and unbelievable training performance from Willie Mullins if Douvan was able to win at Cheltenham.

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FESTIVAL FEVER WITH HORSE RACING FANATIC NEIL WATSON The flame may have been extinguished in Pyeong Chang for now until the Winter Paralympics begin and while South Korea will be worried about getting the next gas bill fans of winter sports will be reliving many memories of the past couple of weeks many times no doubt. For fans of all National Hunt racing, the ultimate winter sport that is, the countdown is on for what many describe as the Olympics of jump racing, The Cheltenham Festival. Four days of some of the finest chasers and hurdlers will descend upon Gloucestershire from the four corners of the land plus the masses from over the Irish Sea not to mention the many thousands of punters who will make their way from across the country by plane, ferry, rail, car, coach or if you have the money then helicopter to meet up and join in the party with many pints of various ales being supped and lots of notes getting sucked into bookmakers satchels which appear to have more room than Mary Poppins' bag come Although to be fair the Ascot Stakes and the Queen the last race on the Friday depending on how the Alexandra do help the jumping mob become part of results have gone in the battle between punter and the occasion. bookie Year after year the meeting never fails to produce Now as strange as this may sound with this being a magazine about the Cheltenham Festival and races that tug at the heart strings or leave one gasping in amazement with it making you shed the myself like many being a huge fan of jumps racing but I've never actually been to a day of the Festival odd tear or five. in my life, sounds odd I know but with things such But it's not just the principle races like the as having a proper job it means my days off are Champion Hurdle, Champion Chase, Stayers' limited plus with living in Greater Manchester it Hurdle or the Gold Cup that make the Cheltenham makes it more convenient for me to commute to Festival what it is. Aintree which also saves on trains and hotel bills so I have to settle with repeats when I get home I myself love watching although sometimes not and Five Live which is a essential with well-timed necessarily backing the winners of races like the Foxhunters Chase, Cross County, Kim Muir or the comfort breaks! Four Miler, it's these races that make the Festival The betting front can make or break a good what it is. Festival too, over the years I've sort of turned a Not many top-class racing events would ever dare profit at the end of the week, my best days for finding winners over the years seem to be the to have races for Amateur riders or Conditional Tuesday and Thursday, recently i do have a good ones but Cheltenham does and is happy to let it strike rate in long distance hurdles so I guess the happen which is how it should be, Could you imagine Royal Ascot having a race for Amateurs? Pertemps Final and Stayers will be my lucky races as in recent times.

FESTIVAL FEVER WITH HORSE RACING FANATIC NEIL WATSON

About five or six years ago I remember having a shockingly bad one, I couldn't pick a winner for toffee, it was so bad that i was waving the white flag by Thursday but carried on like a glutton for punishment, during the week I won two tickets for the Midlands National at Uttoxeter but oddly after some horrendous punting the last thing I wanted was to be at a racecourse. Come the day itself I did travel to Uttoxeter but never went racing, got off the train and ran to the car park, sold the tickets for ÂŁ20 and got the return train back to Crewe and promptly went to see Crewe best Swindon Town instead. Over the years I've landed some good bets by my moderate staking, some haven't been massive but as someone pointed one, it's not about the money to paraphrase Jessie J but finding a winning horse in races that others would struggle with, one such race was the Pertemps final when Holywell went in at 20 -1, I would have done handstands like a gymnast but I only had ÂŁ1 on due to my spreading of bets in certain races. For the owners, trainers and staff it's a different ball game, despite being upwards of 50,000 people on course every day they are the ones who feel the most isolated when the race is on, one fall and the whole game changes as the lad or lass dashes like crazy to attend their pride and joy who have a bond that cannot be bought at any price, many horses will get up and walk back to the stables with their head down like a naughty school child in disgrace but sadly some don't and when this happens the last place the devoted groom wants to be is on a racecourse regardless of the event. As for the jockeys it's the one week that matters the most, the next few days or so sees the riders being just that little bit extra careful so to avoid an unwanted visit to the stewards room and end up being given some unwanted time off work, every rider in the game wants to have a chance at the big time, a big race win on the ITV cameras can lead to more opportunities with their name in sporting immortality forever. Around Cheltenham, Gloucester and the surrounding villages and towns the hotels and pubs will be doing a roaring trade as racegoers wake up in the morning for a good breakfast to start the day, many may have a slightly different drink than tea, coffee or orange juice to go with it. People who want to avoid the traffic will head to Tewkesbury and go back in time with a ride on the GWR railway that runs direct to the course on The Cheltenham Flyer, Horsepower of a different kind but no doubt more relaxing than the annual battle on Mersey rail when leaving Aintree on Ladies Day. So as we slowly tick of the remaining days to the big event, as usual the Monday before it will be the longest day of the year and certainly not the summer solstice as anyone else would have you believe all we can do is hope the horses and jockeys comeback safe and sound, that all bets will be winning ones and that somehow the bookies end up having to phone up various loan companies to pay out.

GETABIRD“THE FORM HORSE IN THE SUPREME“ - RORY FITZGEARLD

The Moscow Flyer Novice’s Hurdle at Punchestown is a race that Willie Mullins and Rich Ricci have targeted in the past as a spring board to better things for some of their star novices. Mikael D’haguenet (2009) and Min (2016) are both former winners of this race while Vautour and Douvan were victorious in 2014 and 2015 respectively, before going on to win the Supreme Novice’s Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival.

However, it soon came to light that the son of Getaway had picked up an injury in his victory at Gowran that would rule him out of Cheltenham, and the rest of the season.

Getabird would make his highly anticipated hurdling debut on the 10th of December in a maiden hurdle at Punchestown over 2 miles and 4 furlongs. He jumped and travelled well in the hands of Paul Townend and went on to record a facile 7 length Getabird was the choice of the Closutton handler to success. The form of that contest has worked out lead his charge for this year’s renewal of the 2 mile extremely well with the second (Impact Factor) Grade 2 contest at the Kildare track. scoring nicely last time out and the third (Beyond A point winner at Largy over 3 miles when trained The Law) winning his next two starts by an by Colin Bowe, he was quickly snapped up by aggregate of 44 lengths. It looked for all the world Willie Mullins’ agent Harold Kirk for a whopping that Getabird wanted a trip and as a result, the 200,000 euros and would run in the colours of Rich Ballymore and the Albert Bartlett were muted as his most obvious engagements come March. However, Ricci. An impressive winner on his first start in a bumper the crafty old fox Mullins had other ideas. at Fairyhouse, bookmakers reacted immediately Heads were scratched when Willie Mullins decided and some firms went as short as 4/1 for the to drop Getabird back to the minimum trip to Cheltenham Champion Bumper. His second start, contest the Moscow Flyer Novices Hurdle. A Grade at Gowran Park the following month, he just got the 2 in name, he was to do battle with Gordon Elliott’s better of the Gordon Elliott trained Hardline in what Grade 1 winner Mengli Khan who won the Royal was more of a workmanlike display. It left many Bond at Fairyhouse before crashing through the people slightly confused and bewildered, as rails of the second last flight in the Future Getabird failed to show the sparkle and class that Champions Novice Hurdle when travelling he seemed to have in abundance at Fairyhouse. smoothly.

GETABIRD “THE FORM HORSE IN THE SUPREME“ - RORY FITZGEARLD

Mengli Khan, who was formally a very good horse on the flat for Hugo Palmer and whose speed is one of his main attributes, would surely have too much toe for a former point to point winner. Punters weren’t convinced however, and Willie Mullins’ unbeaten gelding was sent off the even money favourite to claim the trainers 7th success in this race in the last 10 years. As the starter called them into line, Patrick Mullins (deputising for the injured Ruby Walsh and Danny Mullins, and the suspended Paul Townend) had one thing in mind, he was going to make it a test of stamina and run the finish out of Mengli Khan in what looked a match on paper between the two market principles. It was a display of sheer and utter dominance. To draw comparison to Rich Ricci’s previous superstars who have won this race, he jumped as accurately as Vautour and travelled as powerfully as Douvan. With his rider still seemingly pulling the proverbial double handful turning for home, he had the rest of the field well and truly at his mercy. They just couldn’t live with Getabird. Giving the final flight possibly a shade too much air, Mengli Khan got to within 3 lengths and it looked for a split second that Gordon Elliott’s charge was not totally out of things. It was however, only a split second. As soon as Mullins gave his mount a squeeze, he was away and gone. He had just destroyed a horse that was favourite for the Supreme Novices Hurdle for so long, and done it with so much authority that the 9 length margin of victory possibly flattered the runner up. It was a performance that had social media awash with praise for what they had just witnessed. Willie Mullins was equally as impressed, telling RTE “He jumped fantastic and way better than on his first run. I was a bit worried whether he would be able to jump at the speed they would be going here. He jumped out, made his own running, and jumped very well. I’m very happy to have won that race with him” Regarding his plans for Cheltenham, the man who has been crowned top trainer at the festival 5 times said, “Jumping the way he did, that brings the Supreme into the picture. After his first run I was a little bit worried, but certainly the way he was there he’d be well able to jump with any novice. The speed he showed was very good. He got a nice bunch of horses off the bridle and we’re on the way up, I think. I don’t know yet if he’ll go straight to Cheltenham. We’ll see how he comes out of it.” With the plans seemingly still up in the air, it might be worth having a punt on Getabird for both the Supreme (5/2) and the Ballymore (4/1) with most of the major bookmakers offering NRNB. I’m going to put my head on the line here and say that he is Supreme bound. The home team don’t seem to have a particularly strong hand this year with the Harry Fry trained If The Cap Fits and Nicky Henderson’s Claimantakinforgan looking the best they have to offer on what we have seen so far. I’m confident that Getabird can take the curtain raiser of Cheltenham 2018, and give the thousands of Irish fans who travel to the Cotswolds something to smile about.

UN DE SCEAUX “THE IRON HORSE” BY JOE SMITH After another success this past

January to add to his growing roll of honour, Un De Sceaux heads into the Cheltenham festival once again as the favourite. With festival talk reaching fever pitch, I think we may be underestimating “The Iron Horse” once again. This enigmatic bay gelding has always had his doubters. I for one was very much in that camp at one point. A lot of that was down to my love and admiration for Sprinter Sacre. I was somewhat blinded you might say and I'm sure I wasn’t the only one. So when the Black aeroplane retired, I somewhat stripped the form down from a neutral perspective and thought to myself “ yea, this Un De Sceaux is a pretty decent animal. After all, coming runner up to possibly the greatest two mile chaser ever isn’t a bad thing. In his early days he always seemed to play second fiddle to the so called marquee horses from the Mullins yard. Would he of ran and won a champion hurdle if was at another yard? Most probably yes! Would he of won last years champion chase? Most probably yes! All the talk from Closutton in recent times has always been about Faugheen, Annie Power,  Hurricane Fly, Douvan, Min and Yorkhill. 

16 WINS 2 FALLS 3 2NDS

While others have had injuries and been wrapped  in cotton wool, Un De Sceaux has been the complete opposite. He’s performed and delivered whenever asked time and time again. If Willie Mullins needs a confidence boost or if Ruby needs a smile putting back on his face then UDS has been the go to horse.

react after being beaten comprehensively in his last two big races on UK courses. Again there were doubters. How dare they send the lesser horse Un De Sceaux instead of Douvan for this lucrative race were the thoughts. Well on this day I was blown away by his toughness and desire to win. Ruby was magnificent in the saddle but the way he dug in to regain the lead from Sire De Grugy was war horse like. Next up was the Clarence House Chase. Ascots loss due to weather was Cheltenham's gain as this Grade 1 chase was rescheduled for a week after on Festival trials day.

So poor UDS travelled over to Ascot only to be returned to Ireland the same day. Back on the ferry a week later to Cheltenham to run. Many horses Arriving at would of wilted under such strain. Not this lad last years though as he jumped around Cheltenham with aplomb and came away with ease. He can win dirty Tingle but he can also win with class. Creek chase, Momentum was gathering behind UDS and Willie had attention turned towards the Cheltenham festival. sent his Douvan was the yards Champion chase horse so it Iron Horse was off to the Ryanair for UDS. into battle. How would he

UN DE SCEAUX “THE IRON HORSE” BY JOE SMITH

“2 and a half mile? Will he stay? Will he handle the predicted quicker ground? “You bet he will” Many will argue but for me this was the performance of the week. If you had to choose a race to showcase national hunt racing and all that it involves then this would be it! From UDS pinging every fence bowling along in front. To the smile on Ruby's face post race.

day and continue to do as I write this now. May I remind people that 2 miles is obviously not his best trip days and he never seems to be impressive mid season.

So amidst all the talk of the “next big thing”. Samcro, Getabird, Footpad, Apples Shakira, Might Bite etc. We may be forgetting about a horse who has been there and done it and there is no horse at the Cheltenham Festival who you would rather stand When he took the lead after two fences, the side by side with in a battle. I for one cannot wait for question was asked if he would burn out up the hill. the Ryanair and to see UDS take it up after only two There was no burning out and the jump at the last fences and watch him bound around Prestbury showed he had plenty left in the tank. “ He’s a Park! He deserves so much more respect and cracking little horse” Ruby's says after passing the admiration. Un de Sceaux has many strings to his winning line. bow. The call for 3 miles wont be far away and I wouldn't put it past him. Two falls, two losses to Fast forward to this season and it began Sprinter, travel dramas, ground issues and his no business as usual with a 25 length victory at Cork over 2 miles. That followed with his chance to make prisoner way of running and jumping. He takes it all in his stride. Un De Sceaux really is an Iron Horse! history and win the Clarence House Chase for the 3rd consecutive year. The front running tactics that He must be a dream to own and train. The team at have served him so well through the years were put Willie Mullins have had and still do have some amazing horses who have wrote their name into on the back burner for this race and it seemed to national hunt folklore. hinder his jumping slightly in my eyes. None of those factors were a concern though as ultimately ” the result was the same and UDS ran out a comfortable winner to make history. Many people in racing slated the performance this

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ALBERT BARTLETT PREVIEW BY SHANE MCEVOY The Grade 1 Albert Bartlett Novices Hurdle is a race for four-year old’s and upwards and is run over a testing three miles. It is often a fiercely contested affair and it takes a tough horse to win a race of this nature. Last year’s winner, Penhill, came from Willie Mullins stable and was ridden by Paul Townend. Townend gave the horse a lovely ride that day and kept him wide and out of trouble before pouncing to overtake Monalee at the last. Interestingly enough, Penhill was brought in from the flat racing sphere and was a four-time winner for Luca Cumani before joining Mullins in early 2016. He had seven runs over timber for Mullins before the Albert Bartlett and had won five of the seven. In all, the horse had made 25 career starts between both codes and was highly his stablemate but has Grade 2 winning form over experienced and battle hardened. three miles and although his last run was Horses aged six or seven have won the last 10 disappointing at Leopardstown, where something running’s of this race, the exception being was clearly amiss, if you can forgive him that he Unowhatimeanharry, who won it as an would have to be of interest. Mullins record in the eight-year-old, so it pays to look at the younger race isn’t great by his high standards, having had horses in the field. Irish trained horses have won 28 runners in this race over the years and only five of the past nine renewals. Being a proven winning it once and having five horses place, but I stayer is also quite an advantage as 10 horses who quietly fancy this one to outrun his likely odds of have won the race since its initial running had won 25/1. Ballyward would be another to note if taking over three miles previous. And perhaps the key up his entry. The last horse I want to mention is point for punters is not to be put off if the horse you Mr Whipped. A five-year-old gelding who ticks most fancy seems to be a massive price. The last four of the boxes regarding trends and who represents a winners of the race have gone off at prices ranging powerful trainer who always needs to be respected from 11/1 to 33/1. with his novice hurdler’s. The Henderson stable may have more pressing and obvious claims with The first horse I would like to mention here is Santini, and while I think he is very impressive and Gordon Elliott’s Cracking Smart. He is a should make a very exciting stayer, he has only six-year-old gelding by Great Pretender and is already a winner of a listed race over three miles at had two previous runs over hurdles and the lack of Cork. His last two runs have been over inadequate experience may cost him. Mr Whipped has an official rating of 146 and has the benefit of four trips and both times he finished a staying-on hurdling starts. It is hard to assess how he will cope second to Next Destination, closing the gap with the hustle and bustle that this race is sure to between the pair on the last occasion with cheekpiece’s applied for the first time. He looks like entail with all of his runs coming in fields of 10 or the further the trip the better he will become and his less, but his stable has no shortage of talent to scope from and he has to be respected at odds of only previous from on good ground was a bumper 14/1. Albert Bartlett Trends at Fairyhouse last April which he won by 13 lengths. Whilst he is not a double figure price I still 13 / 13 Ran in either a Class 1 or 2 last time out 13 think he represents some value at odds of around / 13 Had previously contested in either a Grade 1 or 7/1, as if Next Destination doesn’t show up, he will 2 13 / 13 Had recorded at least 2 wins in the last go off much shorter. My advice is to get involved 365 days 13 / 13 Ran in a race with no more than now with some of the NRNB firms. Another horse 11 runners last time out 13 / 13 Ran off a break of that I think could be interesting if he turns up is at least 27 days 13 / 13 Had previously contested in Closutton inmate Fabulous Saga. This Willie at least 2 races at a left handed track 13 / 13 Had Mullins trained six-year-old fits the profile previously previously contested in at least 3 hurdle races suggested having won four of his seven starts over 12 / 12 Held an official rating of at least 135 obstacles. He didn’t come from the flat scene like

THE PERTEMPS ”MY STRONG FANCY” BY RORY FITZGEARLD

ultimately no match for his stablemate, finishing a well beaten third. It was at Limerick over Christmas when Delta Work first caught my eye. In his first try over 3 miles, he finished a good second to Willie Mullins’ Fabulous Saga in the Grade 2 Guinness Novice Hurdle, finishing ahead of some nice types including Burren Life and Minella Fair. It was a highly promising run from the then 4 year old against older and more experienced rivals, and it marked him down as one to keep an eye on going forward. The Dublin Racing Festival at Leopardstown in February would be the next time we got to see him on a race track in the William Fry Handicap Hurdle, Champagne Classic claimed victory in last in which Gold Cup hopeful and Ladbrokes trophy year’s Martin Pipe Handicap Hurdle at the winner Total Recall made a mockery of his hurdles Cheltenham Festival, and despite Michael mark of 125 (his chase mark was 156). Delta Work O’Leary’s seemingly ongoing assessment that finished just under 4 lengths back in fourth, and English handicapper Phil Smith harshly treats given the fact he had to concede 8lbs to the winner, Irish horses, he could have had no argument it was tremendous effort to get that close to him. It here. was however, a qualifier for the Cheltenham finale He went on to beat the Albert Bartlett winner Penhill that was run at Punchestown two weeks ago that on his next start in the Grade 1 Irish Daily Mirror highlighted Elliott’s plans for his charge. Novice Hurdle at the Punchestown Festival, which made his mark of 138 given to him by Smith for the Presenting Percy came into last years Pertemps Final on the back of a comfortable success at Martin Pipe race look incredibly generous. Fairyhouse two weeks prior to Cheltenham, a I tend to believe that when a trainer or owner has victory that would prompt Phil Smith to raise an annoyance about a mark that their horse Patrick Kelly’s stable star a whopping 16lbs (which receives, it’s usually because connections know was still not enough to derail him). I wonder did that the handicapper has got it spot on. Messrs Elliott and O’Leary have this in the back of Gordon Elliott and the powerful Gigginstown their mind when Delta Work ran in his qualifier. brigade may well have another one that has snuck Already on a handicap mark of 139, which would under the nose of the handicapper and has a have been a high enough rating to get in to the similarly progressive profile to that of Champagne race, he did well to finish a close third behind Classic. Kilfenora having made a total mess of the last The Pertemps final is a race that 5-year-olds have hurdle. an abysmal record in. It meant that he qualified for the final at Only Pragada, back in 1988 won this race as a 5-year-old, but I’m quite hopeful that this trend will not be enough to stop my selection here.

Cheltenham, and his mark would not suffer to the extent it would have had he been victorious. He has not encountered ground with good in the description since he won his maiden hurdle at PunchDelta Work was pitched in to deep waters on his first start of the season in the Grade 3 Fishery Lane estown at the backend of last season. While he has performed admirably on soft and heavy going all Hurdle at Naas, when he finished just over 6 season, it may be the return to a better surface that lengths behind the Joseph O’Brien trained Early will see him show his true colours. His future may Doors. That was over 2 miles, and the fact that he well lie over fences, but I think his mark has been was staying on again at the death proved that this son of Network would be seen in a much better light cleverly handled this season by connections, and after been allotted a lovely racing weight of 10-10 when he stepped up in trip. He then faced the after the weights were revealed today, he must go daunting task of trying to lower the colours of Samcro at Navan in the Monksfield Novice Hurdle. to Cheltenham with a serious chance of giving He performed with credit on this occasion, but was Gordon Elliott his first victory in the race.

THE PERTEMPS “THE RACE WITH MANY ANGLES” - BY NEIL WATSON It's time to take a look at one of my favourite races, The Pertemps Final. Run over three miles on the Thursday it may be contain horses of lesser quality than the Stayers' Hurdle, but it is a popular series with qualifiers all over the country. Currently at the top of the market is the Gordon Elliot trained Glencoe, a 7yo with three runs to his name this season he qualified when third at Leopardstown over Christmas, lightly raced he would have a say in this should he turn up although the stable might have more bigger fish to fry during the four days. Jonjo O'Neill likes to target races like this and Forza Milan ran in the Aintree one in November and hasn't been sighted since December when running at Newbury, he has the look of a plot job and isn't one to dismiss lightly. One trainer whose had a top season is Dan Skelton and I was mightily impressed with Tommy Rapper when he romped home under a patient ride from Bridget Andrews when landing the Haydock qualifier last month, a horse with more to offer he will go close and this track will suit the same hold up style. Nicky Henderson has one with course form in Thomas Campbell who looked to be a horse to follow when taking the Cheltenham leg at the October meeting on the Old Course then followed up at the November meeting, two further runs in Graded company haven't proved to be as fruitful and might be in the handicapper’s grip. Theo's Charm is a model of consistency but struggles to win, he does have good form in big field handicaps mainly at Haydock which is ok, Course form is always a bonus but how a horse begins and gets raced during the season can often be fascinating to look at and with that in mind Alan King has certainly prepared Who Dares Wins differently than most, Third in last season’s Coral Cup he then took in

the Chester Cup and Ascot Stakes on the flat getting top four finishes in both, after a summer break he returned after a pipe opener at Chester by landing the Cesarewitch Trial at Newmarket before coming 10th in the real thing but that race has produced plenty of winners in big races over hurdles and on the level, back over hurdles he was third in the Kempton qualifier and hasn't been spotted since, I can see him going close. I was very much impressed with Tommy Rapper at Haydock and if in the same form and with more improvement to come I can see him running a big race, around 16-1 he is a fine each way bet. Forza Milan is well fancied, currently second favourite for the race he has been kept for this and will be a sound chance on the day.

THE STAYERS HURDLE “THE FULL RACE PREVIEW” - BY JOE SMITH The Stayers hurdle will never be as lucrative or prestigious as the Gold Cup, Champion Hurdle, Champion Chase or The Arkle. How many trainers or jockeys do we hear say “One day I would love to win the Stayers”. Its unheard of. Every year it gets frowned upon as the weakest grade 1 of the week. Opinions may change this year though as this year’s renewal has caught the imagination of myself and many others I hope. At first glance it may still lack the “superstar” quality but what it has attracted is some national hunt stalwarts, some young pretenders and some straight up enigmas. It really is a field that could conclude with many different scenarios and outcomes. Stayers hurdle 17-18 really is one of the most intriguing races of the week.

SUPASUNDAE •

8-year-old

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Last year’s Coral Cup winner

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Warmed up for this years festival with a win over Faugheen over two miles.Ran Apples Jade close the race before that over 3 miles.

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Seems to handle any ground but has failed to put back to back wins together since 2014.

SAM SPINNER •

6-year-old

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The young pretender in the field

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Long walk winner but did others underperform?

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Will he cope with the predicted faster conditions?

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His style will make his task harder that’s for sure!

YANWORTH

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Very smart Aintree victory last season but he was all out to win this day.

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3 attempts at festival glory have brought no fruits of glory.

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My main concern would be whether he can grind it out over 3 miles over this course.

PENHILL •

7-year-old

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Last years Albert Bartlett winner

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Hasn’t been seen all season which is a major negative for me is.

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A very good horse in his own right but surely to big an ask first time out.

L’AMI SERGE •

8-year-old

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The enigma of the field

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When a race falls right for him he is up there with the best of the horses in training.

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8-year-old

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Can sometimes fail to find for pressure.

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His sites have changed to hurdling after chasing all season. I find that slightly off putting with a horse like him who was just starting to show signs of improvement in his much analysed jumping.

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Festival record is 4-3-2-??? Pattern?

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Will tank through the race and look for Daryl or whoever rides to play him as late as possible.

THE STAYERS HURDLE “THE FULL RACE PREVIEW” - BY JOE SMITH THE NEW ONE •

10 year old

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The national hunt treasure of the field.

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4 time Champion Hurdle winner which saw him finish no better than 3rd.

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This trip offers expected improvement even at his age.

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No harder and gutsy horse in the field.

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Is this race two years to late for win purposes.

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Will his much talked about hurdling hold up to keep in the race?

UNOWHATIMEANHARRY •

10 year old

BACARDYS

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Heart-breaking defeat in last season’s renewal after such a fruitful 2 seasons going unbeaten. Many including myself feel he didn’t see his race out this day.

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7 year old

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Been chasing all season but jumping has been very suspect.

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Ultra consistent

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Has never been this far since his bumper days but way he races and finishes off his races suggests it wont be a problem.

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Talk on Bacardys has been very quiet of late so maybe doubtful he turns up here.

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Didn’t let that defeat affect him when a gutsy winner at the Punchestown Festival.

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Below par this season so far. Seems to of lost some of his zest.

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Been given a nice break though, which will do him the world of good.

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4 wins and a 3rd at Cheltenham

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Only a year ago he was rated the best in the division so dangerous to write off.

WHOLESTONE •

7 year old

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Second horse belonging to the in form Munir/Souede ownership in this race.

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Has never finished out of the frame at Cheltenham in 7 races winning 4 of those.

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Slight suspicion he is better over 2 and a half miles.

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Very classy on his day but this by far his toughest task to date.

PREDICTION If all goes swimmingly then the potential to have 6-7 horses jumping the last within strides of each other is a distinct possibility. With Sam Spinner bravely clinging to his lead flanked by Supasundae and the hard driven The New one (Off the bridle since 2 out). L’ami Serge and Yanworth shadowing them poised to pounce with Unowhatimeanharry half a length back with Barry just about to ask him to go win his race. Penhill and Wholestone a further 2 lengths behind the pack seemingly beaten. The race for victory is now on as the jumping is out the way. L’ami Serge sticks his neck out, Unowhatimeanharry is plugging away, Bacardys is finishing well and is into 3rd place, The New One is trying so hard to get involved and the rest are just playing for pride. It’s a thriller and Claims the Stayers hurdle.

THE GOLD CUP “THE MAIN PREVIEW” - BY JASON GALBRAITH This year’s Timico Cheltenham Gold is a fascinating renewal. It has been a rollercoaster ride from the start of the season just getting to this stage, as the usual scenario of horses being injured and the “will they wont they” make it back to full fitness in time for the Blue Riband event. The place to start must be Might Bite. The winner of last years RSA chase, he was set to win comfortably until making a mistake at the last fence and then veering violently right. He was headed a furlong out by Whisper and managed to rally again around half a furlong out to get up to win on the nod. He has won his next 3 starts since including again, accounting for Whisper at Aintree and winning this years King George when some of the main market rivals had underperformed enormously. He also done the same thing in a novice hurdle at Cheltenham in April 2015 when in front he hung right and ran on again to win by around a length, for that reason he has to be opposed as he will need a perfectly timed ride from Nico de Boinville to be delivered to the front as late as possible and, if he shows any signs of temperament in a race of this nature he may well throw the race away when he seemingly has it at his mercy. Our Duke was a brilliant winner of the Irish Grand National last year even though he made a number of jumping errors and has had his problems this season. He was pulled up on his seasonal reappearance at Down Royal in the JN Wine Chase and scoped abnormally. It later emerged that he had a back problem and he needed surgery to rectify was is known as a kissing spine. He then returned in the Irish Gold Cup where he had every chance until again making a significant mistake at the second last flight costing him any chance of winning. The decision was taken by the owners and the trainer to run over an inadequate trip of 2miles 4furlongs in the Red Mills Chase at Gowran Park, there he came up against the highly promising Novice Presenting Percy. Our Duke won by around a length, but again very noticeably he made a bad mistake 4 fences from home. Looking back on his form, in every race he has run over fences he has made a mistake that would most certainly cost him any chance of winning a race like the gold cup where, on the whole you must put in a foot perfect round of jumping to be in contention and it is enough for me to look elsewhere

THE GOLD CUP “THE MAIN PREVIEW” - BY JASON GALBRAITH

Native River ran well to be 3rd in the race last year and although he did have a hard season last year before coming to Cheltenham, he is very much like Djakadam in that most horses who ran in the race previously and were beaten tend to simply not be good enough and are beaten again, therefore it is easy to dismiss them both here. As a 9-year-old Djakadam would appeal if he were rerouted to the Ryanair chase. Road to Respect is an improving 7-year old who bolted up in the Brown Advisory Plate at last years festival and has since gone on to win the Christmas Chase at Leopardstown this year. He has been kept fresh for this race by Noel Meade and at 9/1 looks a solid EW player, however his tendency to jump slightly out to his left the way he did when beating Yorkhill at Fairyhouse at last years Irish National meeting would concern me as if he is trapped wide and unable to grab an inside position, he may find himself jumping across rivals and may be leaving himself vulnerable to a mistake. The least exposed of these runners over fences is undoubtedly Killultagh Vic. The gold cup will be only his 4th start over fences and there may be some improvement left to come from him. He ran 3rd in a Largy Point to Point back in 2013 and in his only start over 3miles since then he managed to take the noticeable scalp of Thistlecrack at the Punchestown festival in their Novice Season. However, he always seems to have jumping issues as well, demonstrated most recently in the Irish Gold Cup at Leopardstown when upsides jumping the last he took a crashing fall and was down for some time afterwards. He also made a horrific mistake in the Grade 2 Coral.ie Novice Chase last year when pitching at the last and coming to a complete standstill, with Ruby Walsh losing an iron he miraculously gathered his mount up and rallied to regain the lead a few strides from the line. As previously stated you need to be foot perfect in the Gold Cup and for this reason Killultagh Vic is opposable. This leads me to the selection, Sizing John. Back to back winners of the Gold Cup are few and far between. Indeed only a hand full of winners have managed to retain the title of the best staying chaser in the land, and in a list that includes Golden Miller, L’Escargot and Best Mate to name but a few, Sizing John will have to be firing on all cylinders and in tip top shape following a disappointing run last time out. There were a few conspiracy theories being thrown around after the Christmas meeting at Leopardstown after a number of high profile horses including Sizing John, massively underperformed. Nothing has since come to light in the time between then and now and the only thing that connections have blamed the poor performance on is running the horse just 18 days after his seasonal reappearance over 2m4f in the John Durkan at Punchestown on heavy ground. He has since had a break since 28th December and goes to the showpiece event fresh and well, and I have no worries about him being fit as he will be well tuned up by the master trainer that is Jessica Harrington. His current price at the time of writing of 6/1 seems very generous, if you are willing to put a line through his last run which I certainly am.

“ ”

TIGER ROLL “THE SWISS ARMY HORSE ” - BY JOE SMITH

Back in the day in my teens the Swiss Army knife was all the rage. Everyone seemed to have one. I kept one in my fishing box for the days by the river with my mates. Someone always had one on them during those summer camping trips. They were also a common item used when building dens in the school holidays. The glory of Swiss Army knifes was that they could do anything. It had a tool for every job. Rarely seen now with the world we live in but the definition has stayed the same. Where am I going with this I hear you ask? If I told you that a horse could win a Triumph hurdle, 4 mile chase and a cross country chase all at the Cheltenham Festival you would probably laugh me all the way up Cleeve Hill. Well the prospect of winning the 3rd and completing the rare treble is very much upon us. Back in 2014 as a sprightly 4 year old, Tiger Roll ran away with the Triumph hurdle under Davy Russell. A race which is all speed over 2 miles and the ability to jostle and hold position is crucial in such a race. 22 runs and 3 years later Tiger Roll would test his festival credentials in the 4 mile chase. A race which is all stamina and the ability to jump is put under huge pressure. He comprehensively beat the field under a cool ride by Lisa O’Neill. He returns this year and lines up in the cross country chase. Not a race for everyone but I find it enthralling. Its just different! As I mentioned earlier, to gain his festival wins to date he has shown speed, stamina, jumping prowess and ability to jostle and hold positions. Two very different styles but traits he still possesses. Its quite ironic that to win a cross country you need to have a bit of everything. Tiger Roll has shown he has everything. “A tool for every job” If he was to pull off this unique treble then he very much deserves his place in Cheltenham’s hall of fame. He hasn’t always been the most straightforward but when he’s right and firing he can do anything. He will never be an Altior, Faugheen or Sizing John but he has been and still is one of the most versatile horses in training. A successful horse more importantly. On Wednesday 14th March we could witness history. To win at 3 festivals alone is a massive achievement itself but to do it in 3 events which are so different is just incredible. Don’t turn your nose up at the Cross country this year. Instead take notice and cheer home Tiger Roll. The Swiss army horse.

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“YOUR BEST BET FOR HORSE RACNG” The Cheltenham Festival

NON RUNNER NO BET

Have you been struggling to find the staff you need? Or are you frustrated with the lack of staff available locally for your yard or business? Equi Role Global is the new global equine industry recruitment app. The app ‘matches’ employers and candidates worldwide, by looking at the industry and available role type of the employer and the chosen industries, skills and role choices of candidates. It then goes on to automatically ‘match’ the employer to the candidate and both can scroll through their ‘matches’ until they find someone suitable. Employers can shortlist candidates and candidates can apply for jobs. Interviews can also be offered through the app as well as job offers too.

Candidates are joining the app every day, looking for work in Ireland, UK as well as further afield. There were 1,107 downloads in the 43 days since our launch. 88% of those registered are candidates looking for work. 144 are looking for work in Ireland alone, 183 are looking for work in the UK. There are 9 live roles. They are looking for a range of roles in a range of industries - see end of article for details. Improvements Each month we will let you know about new features and bug fixes, so that you can see what we are improving on based on your feedback. We want to be open and honest with the industry, so that we can continue to improve the app to meet the industry needs. New Features We are currently adding the ability for Candidates to choose multiple job types and an option to ‘see all jobs.’

Candidates upload their CVs to the app and upload photos and videos that showcase their skills, so that We are currently adding the ability of Employers to employers can see skills before shortlisting. ‘see all candidates’ so that they can browse through all candidates and see the staff that are available on The app is most importantly for ALL job types in all the app. equine industries worldwide, not just yard The android app is coming soon - this is a point jobs - there have been a significant number of both employers and candidates have raised, lots of people looking for work in feed companies, equine candidates have come forward asking for the anproduct companies, equine insurance, colleges, droid app. It will allow even more candidates to join bloodstock sales, media, advertising, bookmakers the app and an even greater choice for employers. etc as well as in all the equitation sectors. We are working on that as quickly as possible. Sign up to our website (below) to be kept up to date on product release dates etc. “Employers must create a role to be able to see potential candidates.”

January/ February bug fixes:

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Website bug - CVs not pulling through to

website. Solution in progress and should be fixed in the next couple of days.

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Facebook invite friends not working -

Unfortunately Facebook recently changed their requirements for ‘inviting friends’ to be for gaming apps only, which has affected the sharing of our app through social media. There is currently no workaround so we are advertising heavily on social media and through other outlets. Push notifications (i.e. to phone home screen) on new match, application, interview acceptance and job acceptance, rather than having to go into app to check notifications. Feedback received & being actioned

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Image skewed in Employer registration - resolved

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Phone number pulling through incorrectly to preview screen - resolved

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Too cumbersome for employers to set up. We are deleting some of the fields Employers have to fill

in in when registering, to save them time.

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Should not have to create a role image. We are changing the app to allow for the employer logo to

pull through as the role image.

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Arrow for experience field linked incorrectly - resolved.

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CV and photos/ videos of skills mandatory for Candidates - resolved.

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App archaic because it includes an industry match requirement. We included this so that e.g. a

racing yard rider role would not be matched with e.g. riding school rider candidates, but we will remove it at the request of current users. Over time as more and more users join the app, we may turn the industry match requirement back on. What are your thoughts?

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Shouldn’t have to offer interviews. We will keep this in as it is a recruitment app, but we will also add

a contact now button. It should be free. We invested considerable sums in building the app on both iOS and Android and so we cannot offer it for free. It is always free for candidates. We kept the price as low as physically possible £9.99 per month (no contract) for unlimited vacancies, or 12 months for the price of 10 (allowing your roles to stay ‘live’ for longer). If you are interested in our app and want to discuss how it could help you, please contact us via the email jobs@equiroleglobal.com and we will arrange a suitable time to chat. We want to thank those in the industry who have supported us in the early weeks of our new venture some top flat yards, eventing yards, dual purpose yards, showing yards and studs are currently advertising roles. If you are an employer in need of staff, please join the app and remember you need to create a role to see potential staff.”

You can download the app from the app store, search Equi Role Global in the App Store.

EQUINE MEDIRECORD “READY TO REVOLUTIONISE RECORDS OF THOROUGHBREDS” The award winning Equine MediRecord – www.equinemedirecord.com is founded by Trinity College, Dublin graduates Pierce Dargan and Simon Hillary, who are prepared to revolutionise the multi-billioneuro horse racing industry by digitising the medical regulatory records of its thoroughbred. The exciting tech business targets a previously unmet need by allowing proper, timely recording of all regulatory medicines records and vaccinations administered to bloodstock. “Our system has been well received and is already in use by trainers and vets and has been deemed an acceptable alternative by racing regulators. It is easy to use and keep up to date. It provides vital information to trainers and allows technology to assist in horses’ welfare.” insists Pierce Dargan, CEO of Equine MediRecord. The mastermind concept behind Equine MediRecord is that they sell and maintain a mobile application, website and database to allow proper, timely recording of the many medicines and vaccinations that are regularly administered. Existing medicines registers, which must be kept up to date for each racehorse under a trainer’s care, currently are physical books that require trainers and vets to input data by hand on a day-by-day basis. But these books are easily misplaced or damaged, and, because racehorses and the many people that manage them travel frequently, the process can be time-consuming and laborious. Additionally, different racing jurisdictions across the globe have different rules regarding the medications that are permitted, but there is no central database or system to easily check specific regulations. Equine MediRecord resolves these problems as records can be updated easily and securely in real time as medicines and vaccinations are administered. It is the first system to be deemed an acceptable alternative to the current Medicines Register system by the Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board. Additionally, all records are securely stored in the cloud, so that they cannot be lost or damaged; users will receive notification updates automatically when regulations around certain medications change, so that it is far easier to comply with regulations; horse locations are updated when they move to vets or other stables, so that it is easier to track their whereabouts; complete medical records are easily exported as data files, so that there are no grey areas regarding a horse’s history; and alerts are provided automatically to trainers regarding treatments and upcoming vaccinations. Many trainers and vets have helped the company from its inception to develop a very user-friendly system..

EQUINE MEDIRECORD “READY TO REVOLUTIONISE RECORDS OF THOROUGHBREDS”

Many well-known racing figures have spoken out about their approval of the concept that is certain to immensely improve the thoroughbred industry in countless ways. “The system is easy to use and will make my life a whole lot easier” insisted Noel Meade’s assistant trainer Emma Connolly. ‘It’s a progressive initiative with an easy to use system which will help trainers save time while keeping their records up-to-date and secure” added trainer William T Farrell. “it’s easy to use and the list of drugs that autofill is great and saves time” stated Siobhain O’Sullivan, Assistant Trainer at Michael O’Callaghan Racing. “I have been very impressed with this programme which combines a very user-friendly platform for both trainer and veterinary surgeon with the ability to accurately record medication and treatment details of the racehorses under their care. This is vital in today’s increasingly regulatory environment. I am very confident that this program will be an essential tool that can be run from phones or laptops.” insisted Hugh Dillon, veterinary practitioner & Partner at Troytown Equine Hospital. Michael Grassick, Chief Executive of Irish Horseracing Trainers Association also added “From the first conversation with Pierce Dargan and Simon Hillary I always felt it was a good idea. With more Regulations from the Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board, regarding medical record books states it is imperative that we keep records up to date. Using Equine MediRecord solves these problems. It gives you added security and peace of mind.” Equine MediRecord passion and determination has been celebrated as their drive has already seen them winning numerous awards and competitions, including two important recent successes at the IrishThoroughbred Breeders Association Expo, which concluded this week. Well-regarded Classic-winning Trainer, John Oxx has quoted “Their idea is innovative, useful and will be a great asset for all those striving to keep and share accurate records.” which speaks volumes about the potential of this company which you will be hearing plenty more about in the forthcoming months and years. “A wise man adapts himself to circumstances as water shapes itself to the vessel that contains it.” And that comparable reasoning can be related to Pierce Dargan and Simon Hillary, who unquestionably have the work ethics and know how to help others in the thoroughbred industry and beyond.

For more information about Equine MediRecord, see: https://www.equinemedirecord.com/ or email info@equinemedirecord.com

DONAL MCINNERNEY “THE INTERVIEW” - BY RORY FITZGEARLD

The 5th of February 2017 is a date that will live

“I got my P2P licence when I was 17. It was a great experience but I never felt like there was a Just two days after gaining his pro licence, he had future in it for me. his first ever ride in public aboard the Enda Bolger trained Auvergnat, and it was an opportunity that A lot of that experience helped me to get to where I am today and I’m happy I did it”. That experience Donal would grasp with both hands. may well be what the 23 year old uses to help him He partnered the JP McManus owned 7yo to keep motivated today, and while he is a jockey in victory in the P.p. Hogan Memorial Cross Country demand, the National Hunt calendar in Ireland Chase at Punchestown, and while that would be doesn’t present young jockeys with huge amounts his only winner of that campaign, his rise to of opportunities. prominence this season has made many in the “I always keep myself motivated and try not to let game stand up and take notice. anything get to me, I think everything happens for Donal (known as Donie to everybody throughout a reason and what will be will be. You’re always the industry) has very fond memories of when he going to have quiet weeks but you just have to first starting out on his rise to stardom, a journey stay focused”. that began in a small town in his native home of “A very cool head on such young shoulders” Co. Limerick. “I started doing riding lessons in Hillcrest in Galbally, Co. Limerick when I was 10. I Enda Bolger has been the man credited with started doing a bit of hunting and going into Pat giving McInerney his pathway into Horse Racing O’Donnell’s when I was off school. I then went to and his help behind the scenes does not go Enda Bolger’s when I was 15 and that’s when it all un-noticed. started”. From giving a then 15 year old his first job in the For one reason or another, his P2P career never sport, to providing him with his first winner 7 years really took off. He wasn’t getting the amount of later, his guidance has been a key factor in rides that he would have liked, and as a result, the nurturing the development of the talented jockey. trips to the winner’s enclosure were few and far between. However it’s not a venture he looks back on with any regrets. long in the memory of Donal McInerney.

DONAL MCINNERNEY “THE INTERVIEW” - BY RORY FITZGEARLD He recorded the first double of his young career at Kilbeggan on the 8th of September last year when he steered home Rock On Fruity in the colours of JP McManus and Rosie Alice, both of whom trained by Charles Byrnes, a trainer who enjoys incredible success when using the skilled pilot.

most 25% (13 wins from 56 rides) when the pair team up together, the Limerick duo seem to have formed the perfect bond. “JP McManus and Frank Berry have been very good to me this season.

JP McManus is one of the biggest owners in National Hunt racing, and the 5 pound claimer has formed a very successful partnership with the man whose famous green and gold colours are synonymous with the sport. The biggest win of his career came in these silks aboard Ballyoisin in a Grade B handicap chase at Cork last October. Travelling smoothly throughout, and jumping to the front 2 out, Ballyoisin went on to record a comfortable success and McInerney thinks very highly of this son of Presenting, “Ballyoisin has been my biggest winner to date.

I wouldn’t be having the season I’m having without them”.

It’s very nice to ride the likes of him. I ride a lot of

It’s great to be riding in them colours and especially getting a few winners in them too.

Already amassing an impressive total of 27 winners this campaign, (two clear of JJ Slevin in the race for the conditional jockey’s title) this is a sport where it can all change so quickly. The life of a National Hunt jockey is a dangerous one and cannot be taken for granted, “If I could stay sound for the rest of the season and keep improving myself, I’d be very happy”. The race for the conditional jockey’s title looks to be hotting up and McInerney has a little eye on capturing that in what would cap off a tremendous first full season in the professional ranks, “I’d like to bring the conditional title with me” he says with a cheeky grin. One thing is for sure though, if you are still unaware of the sublime talents this young man possesses, I guarantee you that before too long, everybody will know the name Donal McInerney. “Enda Bolger has been the biggest help to me giving me my first ride as a professional, a winner was a great kick start”. He’d always point out if you did something wrong or something I needed to improve on”. Speaking about that dream start, he says, “Auvergnat was the start I was praying for, I was actually surprised that I got the ride on him. I knew from his work at home he’d be very close and thankfully it all went to play thank god”.

nice horses between Enda’s and Jessie’s but I’d have to say Ballyoisin (Is the best horse I have ridden). I think he’s a horse with a good future when he gets a bit of nice ground”. He could well be one to keep on the right side of come spring time. His association with JP McManus this season has been a major part of his development and its one that he is immensely proud of. A strike rate of al-

When the Limerick man is not riding out in Enda Bolger’s yard (which he does 3 mornings of the week) he spends 2 mornings in Jessie Harrington’s Co.Moone stable. Behind every good jockey is a hard working agent, and McInerney puts a lot of his success down to his agent Gary Cribbon. “I couldn’t ask for a better agent than Gary Cribbon, he’s easy to work with and doesn’t put any pressure on me. He’s done a brilliant job for me this season and I can’t thank him enough”.

IRELAND V ENGLAND â&#x20AC;&#x153;THE KEY CLASHESâ&#x20AC;? BY SHANE MCEVOY

Over the last couple of years the Irish have held all the aces regarding winning horses at the festival. Last year we recorded our largest ever win in the BetBright Prestbury Cup, winning by a landslide margin of 19 Irish trained winners to just nine English trained. With Nicky Henderson having assembled what looks to be his strongest Cheltenham team for quite some time, with the current favourite for each of the Champion Hurdle, the Champion Chase, the Gold Cup and the Triumph Hurdle, along with many other nice horses with big chances among his ranks, will the Irish be able to maintain the vast superiority shown last season. Here, I will have a look at some of our leading chances in some of the biggest races across the water on the biggest stage of them all. Supreme Novices Hurdle Getabird is the hot favourite for the opener, the Supreme Novices Hurdle. I don't think many can deny he seems to have the best form on offer, but is very short, as short as 5/4 in places. Willie Mullins stating the horse was suited by the rain before the Moscow Flyer would be a concern, as the ground is likely to be a lot firmer here than on that particular day. Next in the betting include Next Destination, Apples Shakira, Duc Des Genievres and Laurina, all of which look almost sure to go elsewhere. Mengli Khan will more than likely go for this but has a bit to prove and Willie's other horse Sharjah has been confirmed. Sharjah looked to be going well at Leopardstown over Christmas before coming to grief and could be way overpriced at 16/1,but there is no denying the best chance for Ireland in this is Getabird, who looks to hold his English challengers on all known form. Verdict: Getabird (Irish) Racing Post Arkle Chase The Irish again dominate the market here and I cannot see anything but the green white and gold flag being raised above an Irish horses head in the winners enclosure. Footpad has done very little wrong and probably deserves his favourites status, but discount Petit Mouchoir at your peril. This horse had a nice comeback run behind Footpad at Leopardstown and will almost certainly come on for the run. The English have some nice horses in the shape of Saint Calvados, Sceau Royal and Brain Power, but to be honest I couldn't see them lay a glove on the Irish pair. Petit Mouchoir for me, but it would be no shock if Footpad continued his impressive winning ways. Verdict: Petit Mouchoir (Irish) Champion Hurlde Ireland have plenty of nice horses entered in this, Melon, Yorkhill and not least the once brilliant Faugheen. Whilst it would be foolish to dismiss any of them, it looks like Nicky Henderson's Buveur D'Air is the Champion Hurdler in waiting once again. He has not put a foot wrong since his win in the race last year and looks to once again be the class act. If Faugheen was to be lit up by the surroundings of Cheltenham as he has been in the past, and recapture some of his best form, he would certainly be a worthy opponent, but at the ripe age of 10 its hard to envisage him improving past Buveur D'Air Verdict: Buveur D'Air (British)

IRELAND V ENGLAND â&#x20AC;&#x153;THE KEY CLASHESâ&#x20AC;? BY SHANE MCEVOY OLGB Mares Hurdle The mares hurdle sometimes seems to be the forgotten Grade 1 on day one of the festival, but has produced some lovely mares over the years. Ireland seem to have a very strong hand again this year with five of the first six in the betting being trained in the Emerald Isle. Apple's Jade from the Elliot yard is the odds on favourite for this and for me, should win this readily. She has improved in the past for a run and that may be a slight concern but she is all class and should have enough to account for Let's Dance, Benie Des Dieux, Vroum Vroum Mag and Augusta Kate, none of which are sure to even run here. Of the British trained horses La Bague Au Roi and Cap Soleil are nice mares but again, I couldn't see them troubling Gordon's mare here and Apple's Jade should again have the Irish in the winners enclosure. Verdict: Apples Jade (Irish) Ballymore Novices Hurdle Samcro looks sure to be a warm order here and is considered by many to be the Irish banker for the week. He has certainly looked very impressive in what he has done in Ireland so far. Gordon Elliot has stated he thinks Samcro will need to improve again to win at Cheltenham, but that improvement is absolutely possible and I would expect him to take all the beating here. Next Destination is next in the betting at 7/2 and is also a classy looking horse. Nicky Henderson's On The Blind Side though, could be the selections biggest danger, having won all three starts this campaign and crucially having already won at Cheltenham. From a betting perspective he's the most obvious one at 5/1 to chase Samcro home, but I can't oppose this fella and think he will get the job done. Verdict: Samcro (Irish) RSA Chase British readers of this are probably pulling their hair out by now but I'm afraid its more of the same here. Presenting Percy and Monalee look to be two outstanding novices and whilst the British have some lovely horses in this themselves, including the prolific Black Corton, it is very hard to envisage the Irish not winning this one. Presenting Percy is, in my humble opinion, the most exciting of them all and is my selection here under Davy Russell for Pat Kelly. His close second to Our Duke looks the best from on offer and has already shown he handles Cheltenham with a commanding win in the Pertemps last year. He's the one for me, but is sure to be pressed hard by Monalee. Verdict: Presenting Percy (Irish)

IRELAND V ENGLAND â&#x20AC;&#x153;THE KEY CLASHESâ&#x20AC;? BY SHANE MCEVOY

Queen Mother Champion Chase Before Altior's comeback run at Newbury, I had previously done an article on this race for 3FurlongsOut called Min The Merciless. In that article I had stated that Min had a brilliant chance to beat him. Whilst I still think Min has every chance, if Altior doesn't experience the dreaded bounce factor, he will be extremely hard to beat. Henderson has stated his delight after the comeback run and how he's come out of the race. He has a high cruising speed, he jumps very economically, he seems to have endless amounts of gears, and has all the attributes of a Champion Chaser. Whilst I am still hopeful for Min, I have to say Altior is the most likely winner. Verdict: Altior (British) Ryanair Chase Willie Mullins dominates the top of the betting for this Grade 1 and at the head of it is last years champion, Un De Sceaux. This horse was super impressive last year and was admirable in the way he stayed on after tanking his way through the race. He will need to settle much better and the ground will more than likely be that bit firmer than ideal, but is he talented enough to get away with it in what doesn't look the strongest race? Douvan and Min are both in this but are more likely to go the Champion Chase route, and with doubts over Waiting Patiently's participation, it doesn't leave too many challengers. Cue Card and Top Notch are both nice horses with chances, but at the present time, Un De Sceaux looks the likely winner. Verdict: Un De Sceaux (Irish) Stayers Hurdle This looks like a great renewal with some quality entries. Sam Spinner and Yanworth, along with The New One who finally runs in the race much to jockey Sam Twiston-Davies delight, make up the best of the English runners. Ireland have some high quality entries as well, not least Jessica Harrington's Supasundae. A previous Cheltenham winner and the most solid of the Irish contenders, this fella could make them all go some to catch him. There are slight stamina concerns though and at 4/1 he doesn't look the best value in the race. I'm willing to take a chance on The New One in this. He is as tough as they get and there won't be any concerns with stamina. For value, he is the one at around 10/1 in places. Verdict: The New One (British) Triumph Hurlde Nicky Henderson's Apple's Shakira is all the rage here, a general 5/2 chance. She is a solid contender and has been impressive but again, way too short in the market. Redicean of Alan King's looked very impressive in the Adonis Hurdle and most certainly shouldn't be twice her price. The Irish have a couple of decent looking entries in the shape of Mr Adjudicator and Stormy Ireland, both very impressive winners last time out and Farclas of Gordon Elliot's, who finished second to Mr Adjudicator at Leopardstown. I'm leaning towards the British horses here slightly and again for a value selection, Redicean at 5/1 looks the bet. Verdict: Redicean (British) Cheltenham Gold Cup This is the one they all want to win, and while I would love to say Ireland hold the key here, I feel that over the past number of weeks Might Bite's appeal has only got stronger. This horse has kept doing everything right whilst others around him continue to blot their copy books. He is, no doubt, quirky and could easily produce another moment of madness like he did in last years RSA, but is most certainly this years horse in terms of preparation and what he has done so far. Road to Respect definitely deserves a mention, as does last years winner Sizing John, who I have previously tipped up as an each way selection. He is solid and will run his race, but for all Might Bite's flaws, he has a serious engine and if his jumping improves ever so slightly, he will be the one to beat here. Selection: Might Bite (British)

THE RYANAIR CHASE PREVIEW BY JAMIE LINDSEY

Un De Sceaux: What better place to start than with the defending champion. Un De Sceaux, like last year is coming into this race on the back of a win in the Clarence House Chase over 2m. It looks like he is facing an even tougher assignment this year. If he gets out in front and can jump as good as last year, then he will take some catching. Great chance again. Waiting Patiently: The obvious place to start is with the favourite. He has rose through the ranks quite remarkably this season, with his Grade 1 win at Ascot being the highlight. He goes on any ground and will take a lot of beating here. He is progressing so fast that we may even see a better horse at Cheltenham. I think he is the one to beat. Top Notch: Nicky Henderson and Simon Munir have made a very successful combination this season. And one of their star horses this season has been the popular Top Notch. He is 2/4 this season, however he ran way below par last time behind Waiting Patiently at Ascot. Making a bad mistake a few fences from home. We know he has the talent to win this, and he runs well at Cheltenham. Shortlist. Douvan: The case with Douvan is, if only horses could talk. He isnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t an absolute certainty to be on the boat to Cheltenham. This will be a tough ask on his first race in exactly 12 months. Douvan is at odds of 8/1 with some betting firms, so he could be an e/w steal. I know that he is one of the best horses around, but this might be a bridge too far on his seasonal bow. Willie Mullins will have him fit as a button though. Balko Des Flos: One of the most interesting runners is the Galway Plate winner Balko Des Flos. The Henry De Bromhead trained horse is one of a handful of Gigginstown possibilities for this contest, although I would say Balko Des Flos is a confirmed runner here. He has got the form in the book, with a good second behind Road to Respect in the Christmas Chase a standout bit of form. A little give in the ground would be a boost for his chances, and priced at 8-1 with some firms, this could be another good e/w angle. Cue Card: He might be 12 but Cue Card showed at Ascot last time out that there is life in the old dog yet. Colin Tizzard has preferred this race to the Gold Cup for his stable star. He will run his race again, but he is vulnerable to a younger rival. At decent odds, he is another e/w bet for the punters.

BRIAN HUGHES “THE IRISH JOCKEY DESTINED FOR BIG THINGS”

“What’s for you, won’t go by you” is the positive mindset of in-demand South Armagh born jockey Brian Hughes, who will attempt to maintain the momentum of a great season at the upcoming Cheltenham festival. Newtownhamiltion born Hughes is a past pupil of St Pauls High School in Bessbrook, though education was never really his strong point, “I wasn’t fond of school, but I am very grateful to the careers teacher for pointing me in the right direction”. As a 16-year-old Hughes started his apprenticeship on the flat with Curragh based trainer Kevin Prendergast, though the flat racing was never the code he saw himself doing as there are low weight restrictions in place, that meant he was wasting regularly and that was not a sensible option as he was required to be at his strongest to be seen in the best light, so jumps racing was the only way forward. Markethill based trainer James Lambe was a significant figure in the beginning of his career and gave him chances when others wouldn’t .Hughes recalls fondly the first time he properly got hooked on the jumps racing was at Down Royal racecourse when he went to ride track work the morning after the James Nicholson Chase day “I presumed we’d be going around on the Flat but when we got out onto the track we suddenly seemed to be showing the horses a fence and the rest was history, I loved it”. Hughes took a massive gamble almost two decades ago when he decided to relocate to the north of England although in the beginning that didn’t look to be the right decision, he even considered returning home but on the knowledgeable advice of his father he remained a jockey, “My father said being a jockey was something that I was half good at and needed to stick at it” added Hughes. Early mornings and late nights were something Hughes had to do to show the trainers and owners he was a jockey that was capable of riding to the best of his ability and willing to learn on their advice, thankfully his father’s wise words worked out to be the best piece of advice he had ever received. He also pays credit to the ones who helped him find his feet including trainers Alan Swinbank, John Wade, and Malcom Jefferson, and in his first season in the UK, he got the recognition for his determination and became the champion conditional jockey, this got him taken more serious by other trainers who were keen to book him for their horses because of his strength and style in the saddle. Hughes appreciates the importance of his booking agent Richard Hales in his recent success “Richard decides what I ride, recommends me where to go and gets it right more than he gets it wrong. Nine times out of ten it’s his decision and I go along with it, we talk twice a day about different rides and he inevitably has the last word. Without him I wouldn’t be in the happy position I am today”.

BRIAN HUGHES “THE IRISH JOCKEY DESTINED FOR BIG THINGS”

One memorable day which Hughes won’t forget anytime soon is his astonishing five winners at Musselburgh racecourse a few years ago, he claimed victories in the first four races on the card with Mitcd, Thank you Very Much, Mondlicht and Blue Kascade then landed the final event with Smart Ruler and for good measure Hughes was also runner-up in two of the other races on the card , but the modest jockey tells us “A lot of lads in the weighing room would win on the horses I won on, so I am fortunate to have ridden them and I am very thankful for the opportunity”, he also joked “I’m a bit embarrassed about all the attention if I’m honest”. The most significant victory of his career was when he rode Waiting Patiently to an easy success at Ascot recently, it was an emotional victory as the trainer of the horse Malcom Jefferson had recently passed away “it was lovely to get this victory for a man that gave him so much support” added Hughes. When asked about where Waiting Patiently will go next Hughes quickly answered, “Not Cheltenham anyway, perhaps Aintree as he would be more suited to that track unless the going got bad at Cheltenham then things could change”. With the Cheltenham festival less than two weeks away it would be foolish not to ask this well-regarded jockey what horses he thinks will go well, to which he responded “Altior is flawless and looks unbeatable. The Jessica Harrington trained Supersudae will be hard to beat as his victory recently over a shorter trip looked impressive and suggest the longer trip would make him a banker” What horse ridden by Hughes is likely to do well at the festival? “Cloudy Dream is a 16/1 shot presently and I feel he should out-run them odds and go close”. This past few seasons Hughes has been going from strength to strength and there has been so much talk about the prospect of becoming English champion jockey now the likes of the great AP McCoy has retired, he replied “Of course people talking in terms of me becoming Champion jockey does boost your confidence but It’s a case of the more winners you have the more people want you, and that’s a great situation to be in and one that I will keep trying to do”. On a concluding note, how does Hughes unwind away from horse racing? “I don’t have any other hobbies and seldom have any spare time but when I do I enjoy spending time with my wife and my son but as I said racing takes up a lot of my time” replies Hughes.

ALTIOR “ALL SYSTEMS GO FOR THE CHELTENHAM FESTIVAL” BY JAMES DORAN

Lambourn based trainer Nicky Henderson has stated “Altior is exactly where I want him to be at”, ahead of the Queen Mother Champion Chase in a few weeks at the Cheltenham festival. Altior has been winner at the last two Cheltenham Festivals, in the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle and Arkle Trophy, though was forced to miss the first half of this season having undergone a minor breathing operation but seems none the worse from that extortion. “He has got three bits of work to do between now and then and a couple of schools. He likes his jumping and it keeps his eye in” insisted Henderson “At Newbury was as good as one could possibly have dared hoped for. The timing of the race was fantastic. It is again just fingers crossed now. Henderson then added: “To his credit, he held on to his condition well. If you take a fit horse and go from training to zero in one move you don’t let it down, you are stopping on one date and that was it for a month and very often they will fall to pieces on you. “He looked great and we could crack straight on. Nico (de Boinville) gave him a great ride at Newbury and Sam (Twiston-Davies) gave us a great lead” “One minute we thought he was going to go very quick and test us and the next minute we thought they weren’t going to make it at all. I just like the way he dropped his bridle and he was just very sensible the whole way” He raced sweetly and jumped beautifully. You couldn’t dare write the script “added

CHELTENHAM SELECTIONS BY Over the last couple of years the Irish have held all the aces regarding winning horses at the festival. Last year we recorded our largest ever win in the BetBright Prestbury Cup, winning by a landslide margin of 19 Irish trained winners to just nine English trained. With Nicky Henderson having assembled what looks to be his strongest Cheltenham team for quite some time, with the current favourite for each of the Champion Hurdle, the Champion Chase, the Gold Cup and the Triumph Hurdle, along with many other nice horses with big chances among his ranks, will the Irish be able to maintain the vast superiority shown last season. Here, I will have a look at some of our leading chances in some of the biggest races across the water on the biggest stage of them all. Supreme Novices Hurdle

form. Verdict: Getabird (Irish)

Getabird is the hot favourite for the opener, the Supreme Novices Hurdle. I don't think many can deny he seems to have the best form on offer, but is very short, as short as 5/4 in places. Willie Mullins stating the horse was suited by the rain before the Moscow Flyer would be a concern, as the ground is likely to be a lot firmer here than on that particular day. Next in the betting include Next Destination, Apples Shakira, Duc Des Genievres and Laurina, all of which look almost sure to go elsewhere. Mengli Khan will more than likely go for this but has a bit to prove and Willie's other horse Sharjah has been confirmed. Sharjah looked to be going well at Leopardstown over Christmas before coming to grief and could be way overpriced at 16/1,but there is no denying the best chance for Ireland in this is Getabird, who looks to hold his English challengers on all known

Racing Post Arkle Chase The Irish again dominate the market here and I cannot see anything but the green white and gold flag being raised above an Irish horses head in the winners enclosure. Footpad has done very little wrong and probably deserves his favourites status, but discount Petit Mouchoir at your peril. This horse had a nice comeback run behind Footpad at Leopardstown and will almost certainly come on for the run. The English have some nice horses in the shape of Saint Calvados, Sceau Royal and Brain Power, but to be honest I couldn't see them lay a glove on the Irish pair. Petit Mouchoir for me, but it would be no shock if Footpad continued his impressive winning ways. Verdict: Petit Mouchoir (Irish) Champion Hurlde Ireland have plenty of nice horses entered in this, Melon, Yorkhill and not least the once brilliant

CHELTENHAM SELECTIONS BY OLGB Mares Hurdle The mares hurdle sometimes seems to be the forgotten Grade 1 on day one of the festival, but has produced some lovely mares over the years. Ireland seem to have a very strong hand again this year with five of the first six in the betting being trained in the Emerald Isle. Apple's Jade from the Elliot yard is the odds on favourite for this and for me, should win this readily. She has improved in the past for a run and that may be a slight concern but she is all class and should have enough to account for Let's Dance, Benie Des Dieux, Vroum Vroum Mag and Augusta Kate, none of which are sure to even run here. Of the British trained horses La Bague Au Roi and Cap Soleil are nice mares but again, I couldn't see them troubling Gordon's mare here and Apple's Jade should again have the Irish in the winners enclosure. Verdict: Apples Jade (Irish) Ballymore Novices Hurdle Samcro looks sure to be a warm order here and is considered by many to be the Irish banker for the week. He has certainly looked very impressive in what he has done in Ireland so far. Gordon Elliot has stated he thinks Samcro will need to improve again to win at Cheltenham, but that improvement is absolutely possible and I would expect him to take all the beating here. Next Destination is next in the betting at 7/2 and is also a classy looking horse. Nicky Henderson's On The Blind Side though, could be the selections biggest danger, having won all three starts this campaign and crucially having already won at Cheltenham. From a betting perspective he's the most obvious one at 5/1 to chase Samcro home, but I can't oppose this fella and think he will get the job done. Verdict: Samcro (Irish) RSA Chase British readers of this are probably pulling their hair out by now but I'm afraid its more of the same here. Presenting Percy and Monalee look to be two outstanding novices and whilst the British have some lovely horses in this themselves, including the prolific Black Corton, it is very hard to envisage the Irish not winning this one. Presenting Percy is, in my humble opinion, the most exciting of them all and is my selection here under Davy Russell for Pat Kelly. His close second to Our Duke looks the best from on offer and has already shown he handles Cheltenham with a commanding win in the Pertemps last year. He's the one for me, but is sure to be pressed hard by Monalee. Verdict: Presenting Percy (Irish

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PERSONAL TEXT-A-BET SERVICE PRICE MATCH ALL HIGH STREET BOOKIES NRNB FOR THE CHELTENHAM FESTIVAL BEST ODDS GUARENTEED

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KEY CHELTENHAM ODDS PRICES CORRECT AT TIME OF PRINT

Supreme Novices Hurdle – NRNB Arkle Chase –NRNB Getabird 7/4

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Footpad 6/4

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Kalashnikov 9/2

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Petit Mouchoir 2/1

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Mengli Khan 11/1

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Saint Calvados 7/2

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Summerville Boy 11/1

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Brain Power 7/1

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Claimantakinforgan 12/1

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North Hill Harvey 16/1

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Paloma Blue 14/1

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Invitation Only 25/1

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Duc Des Genievres 14/1

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Montalbano 33/1

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Sharjah 16/1

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Tombstone 40/1

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Vision Des Flos 25/1

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Kemboy 40/1

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Reel Steel 25/1

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Tycoon Prince 50/1

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First Flow 25/1

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Asthuria 50/1

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Scarlet Dragon 5/1

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Robinshill 80/1

Others on Request

EW Terms: 3 Places 1/5 Odds:

EW Terms: 3 Places 1/5 Odds Ryanair Chase – NRNB

Stayers Hurdle – NRNB

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Un De Sceaux 2/1

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Supasundae 4/1

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Waiting Patiently 7/2

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Sam Spinner 9/2

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Min 5/1

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Yanworth 5/1

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Douvan 5/1

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Penhill 8/1

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Top Notch 11/2

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Lami Serge 10/1

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Balko Des Flos 7/1

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Bacardys 10/1

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Cue Card 7/1

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Unowhatimeanharry 12/1

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Yorkhill 8/1

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The New One 12/1

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Benie Des Dieux 9/1

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La Bague Au Roi 14/1

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Killultagh Vic 11/1

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Wholestone 16/1

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Cloudy Dream 12/1

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The Worlds End 20/1

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Djakadam 12/1

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Lil Rockerfeller 25/1

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Frodon 14/1

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Colins Sister 25/1

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Sub Lieutenant 6/1

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Lets Dance 25/1

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Bachasson 16/1

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Augusta Kate 25/1

Others on Request

EW Terms: 3 Places 1/5 Odds

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KEY CHELTENHAM ODDS PRICES CORRECT AT TIME OF PRINT

Cheltenham Gold Cup – NRNB

Others on Request

EW Terms: 3 Places 1/5 Odds

Top Trainer

Prestbury Cup

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Willie Mullins 11/8

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Great Britain 11/8

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Gordon Elliot 7/4

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Ireland 8/11

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Nicky Henderson 9/4

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Tie 8/1

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Paul Nicholls 25/1

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Might Bite 4/1

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Native River 5/1

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Sizing John 6/1

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Our Duke 9/1

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Road To Respect 8/1

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Killultagh Vic 10/1

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Definitly Red 14/1

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Total Recall 16/1

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Edwulf 20/1

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Triumph Hurdle – NRNB • Apples Shakira 11/4 • Redicean 9/2 • Mr Adjudicator 7/1 • Stormy Ireland 7/1 • We Have A Dream 7/1 • Farclas 8/1 • Sussex Ranger 16/1 • Mitchouka 25/1 • Sayo 25/1

THE FOXHUNTERS â&#x20AC;&#x153;THE

RACE WITH MANY TWISTSâ&#x20AC;? - BY NEIL WATSON For all the Point to Point and Hunter Chase aficionados the foxhunters has it all .

spectrum. Foxrock has been a model citizen since being switched to Hunter Chases but missed last season race to take in the Irish National where he got pulled up, now he resides in the care of trainer Ran over the full course and distance as the Cheltenham Gold Cup thirty five minutes earlier it's Alan Fleming and warmed up for this with a pipe a race which always produces thrilling finishes and opener at Thurles in January behind Gilgamboa, he has had great stories most notably the one of a few will be one to keep an eye on and can have a say. years ago when Olympian Victoria Pendleton rode No longer with Paul Nicholls but now at Rose on the race to be a fantastic fifth behind On The Fringe when rallying up that famous hill. So where Loxton's yard is the fairy decent Caid Du Berlais, to begin, well at the moment thirty two horses have like many he has clearly been aimed at this race and has been having his three warm up runs in the entires in this race but only twenty four will make the cut come declarations time. At the head of the Point to Point circuit winning two at Larkhill and one market we find Burning Ambition trained by Pierce at Badbury Rings all at odds on, he does boast Michael Power, a winner of two points this season Festival form such as a second in the 2013 Fred Winter and third in the 2014 Martin Pipe behind he warmed up for this with agood second behind Gilgamboa over 3m1f at Punchestown. Just a mere Don Poli and looking through that race it had many quality horses in behind like Virak and Vieux Lion 7yo which is quite young for this type of race he has potential and should he win well then expect many of the bigger high profile owners come in and start something of a football style transfer to running fully under rules, he may be lightly raced but clearly he is held in high regard to go for this. 1983 was the year of the Michael Dickinson Famous Five and trainer Paul Nicholls could be thinking about something similar here as he could potentially saddle four high quality chasers all of who have excellent chances. First up Wonderful Charm, runner up last season in this he has taken the same route near enough as last year by landing the Musselburgh Hunter Chase in February, he has solid course form at Cheltenham which will help and can go close. Next up last seasons victor Pacha Du Polder, he took this under the stewardship of a certain Bryony Frost, subsequently was fourth in the Aintree one and had a fair pipe opener at Doncaster a few weeks ago and despite not showing much he will strip fitter for this. Everyone loves a grey and Unioniste brings some quality form to the table and he won't lack for fitness with three runs this year winning two of them at Wincanton and Fontwell, despite not fully reaching the top over fences this grade of racing has brought him into a new lease of life, my main worry is Cheltenham might not be his course and could be rerouted to the Aintree one but he has the class which helps.Finally we have Virak, I was at Haydock last month when he took the Walrus over the shorter trip of 2m6f and he had to be ridden to land it following up from his previous Ludlow win, another one with classy chase form he could go well and like the other Nicholls' runners he has been aimed at this division of the chasing

Rouge. The last one we shall take a look at is a fair each way shout in Wells Du Lune, trained by Mickey Bowen after previously being in the care of Charlie Longsdon he has had two starts in February winning one at Ffos Las but that race has three fences per circuit omitted due to the ground, still relatively lightly raced he has only had eight runs over fences in which three have been winning ones. So to sum up in what looks a high quality and wide open renewal it's hard to put up a firm selection, Burning Ambition has clearly been aimed for this and could be one with a bigger future ahead of him should he hack up but at around 3-1 and a lack of experience in big races like this do leave him vulnerable. Previous form can count such as Pacha Du Polder last year so I'm sticking with the Paul Nicholls yard and going for Wonderful Charm who has show on form a lot better than last years winner and can do a Denman/Kauto reversal on that form as they meet up to face off for a second time.

We recently had the privilege of an exclusive insight into SCRATCH AND REVEAL, a new and exciting horse racing concept – www.scratchandreveal.co.uk/ Tell us about your company? We are the first UK racecourse scratch away poster! We are founded by a passionate racehorse owner who shares the same emotion and adrenalin as the race-goer. How did you start it up? I made the poster for my own use, to track where we have been and with each racehorse we have owned. We are on a mission to get around all 60!. What makes your company different? We are one of a kind…. there is no one, who offers a racecourse scratch away poster. We are delighted that so many people have been searching for a product like ours for years and have now finally got one. Plan for the future? To create an Irish racecourse scratch&reveal poster and potentially move onto British Eventing tracks Favourite horse? Of course, we are bias as we own the gorgeous Ice Tres. My childhood favourite was the warrior, Best Mate. I have many a painting of him. Favourite racetrack? Haydock, although where we get our first winner as an owner will become our favourite. We hope this will be soon. Where do you see your company in three years’ time? I see us with a wide product range in the equestrian industry attending all major open days / events/ trade shows. We are already very proud of what we have achieved. Away from work how do you unwind? Alongside working full time as an International Account Manager, I enjoy spending time in Devon with our racehorse and travelling. I have a wonderful partner, Chris and Patter jack dog called Ralph who certainly keeps me on my toes. Any other spare time is spent on the golf course, show jumping circuit or in the garden!

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