Soft start expected for the Cheltenham Festival
PREMIER racing at this year’s Cheltenham Festival is expected to be under a cloud or two following heavy rain and snow with more predicted to fall after racing opens this Tuesday 14 March.
Energumene and Edwardstone are each favoured to win the Queen Mother’s Champion Chase at Cheltenham Racecourse
The gloomy forecast and soft start to the ground forecasting a change to heavy hasn’t stopped the pundits from picking favourites and racegoers aren’t expected to avoid the track at Prestbury Park. Across the Irish Sea from Cheltenham UK, the Irish are expected to dominate because the majority of entries in novice and bumper races are based there.
Blazing Khal is a top contender in the Stayers Hurdle at Cheltenham
Ahead of the Gold Cup on Friday 17 March Energumene and Edwardstone are favoured in the Champion Chase. Last year’s winner Energumene is favoured in spite of a recent poor showing while Editeur Du Gite is expected to battle well.
Top Irish jockey Rachel Blackmore will be back for the Gold Cup aboard A Plus Tard
Gold Cup contender Galopin Des Champs is the one to watch following his win at the Irish Gold Cup. He will be taking on 2021 winner Minella Indo, A Plus Tard in 2022, King George standout Bravemansgame and Grand National winner Noble Yeats. Last year’s winner A Plus Tard will return with Irish jockey Rachel Blackmore aboard, aiming to win against current favourite Galopin Des Champs.
Reports are mixed for weather at the Cheltenham Festival, the going soft changing to heavy with rain expected to fall
Keep up with all the racing from the Cheltenham Festival online at https://www.skysports.com/ and at https://cheltenham.attheraces.com/.
Tags: Arts & Culture
Image credits: Sky Sports
