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RTÉ News
12-05-2025
- Sport
- RTÉ News
Retiring Rachael Blackmore 'didn't just break glass ceilings, she painted the sky'
Jane Mangan and Ruby Walsh have paid tribute to the retiring Rachael Blackmore, "the greatest female jockey the world has ever seen". The Tipperary woman today called time on a hugely successful 16-year career in the saddle that saw her become the first woman to win an Aintree Grand National or Cheltenham Gold Cup, among many other achievements. " My reaction initially was sad, but I'm so grateful that she can go out on her own terms, because it brings to a close an unprecedented journey," said RTÉ Racing analyst Mangan. "This has never been done by a woman before what she has achieved. Put it this way, if I said to anybody in 2018 that a woman would ride 18 Cheltenham Festival winners, including a Gold Cup, including a Stayers' Hurdle, a Champion Chase, and two Champion Hurdles, you'd probably laugh. "And then if I told you we'll throw in an Aintree Grand National for good measure, then you'd definitely roll your eyes. "Rachel Blackmore's story has been out of this world. She has made what has been abnormal seem normal, and she has made what seemed impossible, not that long ago, achievable. "She has remained completely unchanged despite all of her accolades and in terms of transcending sport." "It brings to a close an unprecedented journey. This has never been done by a woman before, what she has achieved. A hero on and off the track." - @jane_mangan pays tribute to Rachael Blackmore, who has announced the end of her glittering career as a jockey — RTÉ Sport (@RTEsport) May 12, 2025 Mangan said Blackmore had "redefined what it means to be a female jockey" and inspired future women riders. "You have proved that gender doesn't define who you are or what you can achieve or how high you can fly. "She has inspired generations. She proved [late trainer] Ginger McCain wrong, and she's been the greatest female jockey in the world has ever seen. "I think all of us can only consider ourselves lucky to have witnessed her achievements in our lifetime. "She didn't just break glass ceilings. She actually painted the sky. "National Hunt racing won't be the same without her name in the race card, but it's all the better for having had her there. Rachel Blackmore is an icon, a hero, on and off the track." Ruby Walsh, one of the few jockeys of recent times to have won even more than Blackmore, told 2fm's Game On: "Rachel Blackmore is unique. We keep saying the first but she is the only woman to have won a Grand National, a Gold Cup, a Champion Hurdle, a Stayers' Hurdle, a Champion Chase. The only woman to be leading rider at the Cheltenham Festival. "She did what all top sports people do. She made very few mistakes and that's the difference. She was very cool under pressure, calculated under pressure and just didn't get it wrong. "Rachael was able to make fewer mistakes and that's what made her so good." "Rachel Blackmore was able to fall and get up quicker than most men, and that's what made her different. She was like an elastic band" Walsh said he particularly admired ability to handle a fall and recovery from a serious neck injury to complete the sweep of Cheltenham championship races on Bob Olinger this year. "Being a National Hunt jockey is not an easy life," he said. "It's a tough sport and Rachel was unique. "Men and women do get to compete on a level playing field but it's the physicality: the falling, the thumps off the ground, the speed of the impacts and being able to pick yourself up "Rachel Blackmore was able to fall and get up quicker than most men, and that's what made her different. She was like an elastic band. "So resilient, so tough. Whilst she broke the glass ceiling and proved women can do it, I don't know how many there are like Rachael. "To win a Grand National is incredible but to watch her come back from a pretty horrific hip injury... and then this year she proved more to me about herself than any of those victories. "She got a fall in Killarney she described as a neck injury but when a National Hunt jockey walks around for three months in a neck brace you can be damn sure there's something broken. "Being a jockey, you play for pay, if you're out there's no salary. She worked herself back into the position that was hers and came back to Cheltenham this year and won. "With all she had achieved, she still had to start again and she did and got herself back to the very top. To take that dent in confidence and get back to where you were, I admire that."
The Independent
13-03-2025
- Sport
- The Independent
Cheltenham Festival tips: Gold Cup odds, experts' best bets and 13 horses to watch on day four
The Cheltenham Festival is back, and neither snow nor rain will keep the horses from running. Races continue as we gear up for the weekend, with one of the most hotly anticipated races of the event coming in the shape of Friday evening's Gold Cup, where Galopin Des Champs is eyeing up a history-making third title. He would be just the fifth horse to manage the feat. Day three was not short of entertainment as Bob Olinger took an unlikely win in the Paddy Power Stayers' Hurdle and rank outsider Air Of Entitlement was first over the line in the day's opening race. Friday, though, promises to be among the best of the weekend so far. The last race of the day will see one of the Festival's highest-rated horses in Kopeck de Mee vie for a first title of the weekend in the Martin Pipe Conditional Jockeys' Handicap Hurdle. The Gold Cup will, of course, be the event of the day, though the question will be whether Galopin Des Champs can be upset by the likes of Banbridge and Inothewayurthinking. Our racing expert Sam Turner will be at Cheltenham all week, plus legendary former jockey Ruby Walsh has shared his tips with Paddy Power while Oli Bell and Ed Chamberlin have given their Thursday picks to Sky Bet: Day four, Gold Cup – Friday, 14 March 1.20: JCB Triumph Hurdle (Grade 1) Race conditions: £150,000 | 2m1f | 8 hurdles | New Course Ruby Walsh's tip: East India Dock (2/1) 'Willie Mullins has 11 runners in this race and Paul Townend has opted for Lady Vega Allen. He's the top one for Willie but I fancy East India Dock. I really liked his win on Cheltenham Trials Day. I love the way he jumps, I love his attitude and the way he tries. He's gutsy, he's tough and he can get the better of Lulamba.' Sam Turner's tip: East India Dock (2/1) 'A larger field than in recent years with Willie Mullins saddling nearly two thirds of an 18-strong contingent. Britain provides just six of the runners, but they look to boast a stranglehold with East India Dock and Ascot winner Lulamba both holding strong claims. The former gains the nod as he was a highly talented flat performer when trained by James Fanshawe and he has carried that level on to his new vocation, winning twice in highly impressive fashion at today's venue, including by 10 lengths last time. Of those at bigger prices, recent Gowran scorer Blue Lemons could outrun his odds.' Ruby Walsh's tip: Ndaawi (14/1) 'I expect the winner to come from one of the five-year-olds like Lark In The Mornin, Kargese, Ndaawi and Ethical Diamond. I can see why Paul has gone for Kargese and while he could go close, the price is gone unfortunately. Gordon Elliott's Ndaawi is a bigger price and he offers more value. He's five and he looks ahead of the handicapper.' Sam Turner's tip: Valgrand (13/2) 'Kargese has been well found in the market – her price collapsed as soon as Paul Townend was confirmed as rider – but her form in last year's Triumph Hurdle and at Aintree behind Sir Gino makes her an enticing prospect off her current mark. Last year's winner Absurde wouldn't be out of place in a Champion Hurdle, while another Closutton inmate, Ethical Diamond, has been well touted for this race. Willie Mullins or Dan Skelton have won nine of the last 10 runnings so the lightly raced Valgrand narrowly gains the vote providing the ground remains on the good side. Given the form of Gary & Josh Moore and with bookmakers offering enhanced place terms, Hansard also catches the eye with the cheekpieces applied.' 'I'm with Dinoblue but I'm not massively confident! This could be another race where we get a bit of a surprise.' Sam Turner's tip: Dinoblue (11/10) 'Dinoblue sets a good standard here and ought to atone for her narrow defeat in this event 12 months ago. She was ridden to see out the trip on that occasion and arguably gave Limerick Lace a little too much rope at the head of affairs. She warmed up for Cheltenham with a snug defeat of Allegorie De Vassy at Naas and must surely go close again. Limerick Lace has been struggling to recapture last year's form but the cheekpieces maybe the catalyst to an improved showing.' 3.20: Albert Bartlett Novices' Hurdle (Grade 1) Race conditions: £150,000 | 3m | 12 hurdles | New course Ruby Walsh's tip: Jasmin De Vaux (8/1); Argento Boy (each way) (12/1) 'Jasmin De Vaux needs to improve but the track will help with his jumping. He has a great chance and Argento Boy could be worth keeping on side at a bigger price. Rachael Blackmore rides and he wasn't that far behind The Big Westerner in a maiden hurdle at the end of last year. He's an each-way play but the race should shape up perfectly for Jasmin De Vaux.' Sam Turner's tip: Jet Blue (6/1) 'The Big Westerner has a pedigree to win this given she is a half-sister to 2023 winner Stay Away Fay and she was highly impressive in graded company at Limerick on Boxing Day. However, racing experience can be a valuable attribute in this race so Jet Blue gains the vote as he won with a degree of authority here on his debut for new connections, improving markedly for the step up to three miles. Intense Approach is another with abundant experience and he relishes good ground so could prove a threat with Sean Bowen on board.' Oli Bell and Ed Chamberlin's tip: Derryhassen Paddy (17/2) Oli Bell: 'My bet of the day comes in the Albert Bartlett trained by Lucinda Russell, who's already a winner here at Cheltenham with Myretown. I love Derryhassen Paddy – I love this horse, I think his run at Windsor when he won was really good cause I don't think he handled the track and he's a big price. I think he'll run well. Lucinda Russell does brilliantly with these types of horses. He's my big, big fancy on Gold Cup Day, which should be like the rest of the week here at Cheltenham, absolutely incredible.' Ed Chamberlin: 'Day 4, best bet of the day. I don't agree on many things with Oli Bell – he could be like an annoying younger brother, but unfortunately I do on this, and that's Derryhassen Paddy in the Albert Bartlett. I think Lucinda Russell thinks this horse might be the best she's ever had. She's had some very good horses – looks a decent price.' Ruby Walsh's tip: Galopin Des Champs (8/15) 'I hope Galopin Des Champs wins as he's an incredible horse. Inothewayurthinkin is the danger to him as he's guaranteed to stay and he'll come home well. Galopin Des Champs should win as he should have far too many gears for the rest of these. A forecast of Galopin Des Champs to beat Inothewayurthinkin could be an extra value pick.' Sam Turner's tip: Galopin Des Champs (8/15) 'A week ago, the prospect of a soft surface and a real test at the trip looked to be perfect conditions for Galopin Des Champs to complete an historic hat-trick in the blue riband event. However, a dry forecast and the likelihood of spring ground have enhanced the chances of King George hero Banbridge seeing out today's trip, while the supplemented Inothewayurthinkin, seven lengths behind Galopin Des Champs at Leopardstown, has added further depth to a race which looked a little thin on competition a fortnight ago. The reigning champion should still have too much class for this field as he is so tactically versatile and jumps brilliantly in the main, although after some of the high- profile jumping failures this week, nothing is taken for granted. The best outsiders look to be Ahoy Senior, who is reported in good shape following a wind operation, and The Real Whacker who wasn't disgraced behind Banbridge on Boxing Day at Kempton. Backing them each-way in the markets without the favourite could be the way to go.' Oli Bell's tip: Galopin Des Champs (8/15) Oli Bell: 'Friday at Cheltenham, Gold Cup Day, the blue ribbon of the week where Galopin Des Champs is hoping to make history and win three Gold Cups. I think he'll do it – I love the horse, and I think he deserves his place in the pantheon of Cheltenham greats.' 4.40: St James's Place Hunter Chase (Listed) Race conditions: £50 | 2m4½f | 17 fences | New Course Ruby Walsh's tip: Angels Dawn (NAP) (10/3) 'Angels Dawn's form at Cheltenham is outstanding. She won the Kim Muir a couple of years ago and she would have placed in last year's race if she didn't fall two out. I'll keep her on side.' Sam Turner's tip: Fairly Famous (10/1) 'Another big field for backers to sift through, but the vibes for previous Festival scorer Angels Dawn are strong and she arrives here in great form again having won both her starts in points this term, including a decisive defeat of the well-regarded Ryehill who reopposes. The drier ground will play to the strengths of the progressive Willitgoahead who impressed with his jumping at Thurles last time, while a sounder surface should also showcase the abilities of Fairly Famous who is unbeaten in two starts at this venue and could spring a mini surprise for his talented trainer/rider.' Ruby Walsh's tip: Kopeck De Mee (9/4) 'Kopeck De Mee is better than a 136 horse but it's hard to know how good he actually is! All of his form in France has been on soft ground though. The question is how much better than a mark of 136 does he need to be to win this race. He has a great mentality and he'll be an easy ride. I'm not going to go against him.' Sam Turner's tip: Doyen Quest (28/1) 'Punters must wait until the final race for one of the biggest hype horses of the meeting, Kopeck De Mee. The five-year-old has yet to race outside of France but has accumulated a strong body of work in his native country prior to joining Willie Mullins, with the perception being he is a very well-handicapped horse. Wodhooh has had this race as her target since a smooth course and distance success before Christmas where the talented duo Joyeuse and Take No Chances were among her victims. Others which catch the eye in a highly competitive affair include No Questions Asked and The Enabler with the latter expected to improve for the return to today's trip. Doyen Quest also looks hugely overpriced with the cheekpieces applied given he beat Gowel Road comfortably here before Christmas.'
The Independent
13-03-2025
- Sport
- The Independent
Cheltenham Festival 2025 tips: Experts' best bets and horses to watch on day three
The Cheltenham Festival is back and the 2025 edition has reached the halfway stage. A barnstorming opening day saw Golden Ace as a surprise winner of the Champion Hurdle after Constitution Hill and State Man both fell. Day two was a more emotional affair as victories for Marine Nationale and Jazzy Matty provided a fitting farewell to jockey Michael O'Sullivan who passed away in February. Day three promises more thrills with the Stayers' Hurdle and Ryanair Chase the big races highlighting a packed schedule. Chasing a first win of the festival, Rachael Blackmore will hope Envoi Allen rolls back the years to challenge hot favourite Fact To File in the Ryanair while Harry and Dan Skelton will hope Protektorat can back up his victory from last year. In the Stayers' Hurdle, Gordon Elliott's Teahupoo leads the way with pre-race odds of 3/2 and three victories out of four from his last four outings. The Wallpark, also from Elliott's stable, and Nicky Henderson's Lucky Place look set to be his closest rivals in the champion race. Day three – Wednesday, 12 March Ruby Walsh's tip: Air Of Entitlement (each-way) 16/1 Paul Townend has gone for Aurora Vega over Maughreen, probably because she has more experience. I like Air of Entitlement for Henry de Bromhead. Her form from Down Royal on St Stephens' Day is pretty strong. She's a strong stayer and you need stamina on the New Course. Sam Turner's tip: Sixandahalf 3/1 A huge field which means that confidence in Sixandahalf is tempered a little as she has only tackled one hurdle race to date. Although light in jumping experience, the selection impressed at Fairyhouse and has a substantial body of work on the level to commend her chance. With Paul Townend keen to eschew Maughreen in favour of Aurora Vega, the progressive Jubilee Alpha may prove the primary danger. She clocked a smart time at Windsor last time and had previously dismissed the talented Hollygrove Cha Cha in a Listed affair at Taunton so ought to be on the scene. Oli Bell's tip: Galileo Dame 7/2 My best bet of the day is in the Mares Novice and the horse in question is Galileo Dame. She hasn't won yet, but her form in defeat when she's finished second has been very strong. Her trainer Joseph O'Brien is already on the board at the Cheltenham Festival, and I think she wins the Mares Novice on Thursday. 2.00: Jack Richards Novices' Chase Ruby Walsh's tip: Answer To Kayf and San Salvador (each-way) 20/1 Asian Master is well found in the market. You want to be looking for a graded horse to win the race. The class horse, if the penalty doesn't stop him, is Answer To Kayf and I like San Salvador each-way at a price. He's plenty of experience and had a couple of runs at Cheltenham. He's crying out for a trip. Sam Turner's tip: Springwell Bay 7/1 The form of Springwell Bay took a significant boost when Jango Baie, who beat the selection by six lengths here before Christmas, landed the Arkle in dramatic circumstances on day one. A subsequent triumph by nine lengths on New Year's Day earned the eight-year-old a 9lb rise in the handicap so his task won't be easy, but he won with plenty in hand that day so should give another bold account. Expensive purchase Caldwell Potter was third in that Cheltenham event and could be on the scene if the ground doesn't dry out too markedly, while Nurburgring has been campaigned interestingly in the three chase starts required to earn a handicap mark and may prove a threat to all. 2.40: Pertemp Handicap Hurdle Ruby Walsh's tip: Karl Des Tourelles 18/1 It's an open-looking contest. Will The Wise won the last qualifier and has his chance. I've never been in love with Jeriko Du Reponet. Win Some Lose Some for Mark Walsh has a great chance but I like one at a good price. Karl De Tourelles is only a five-year-old but I think that age group are pretty well handicapped and I'm hoping this fella falls in the same boat. He has a lot of weight but his mark of 139 might be workable. Sam Turner's tip: Feet Of A Dancer 9/1 Feet Of A Dancer travelled like a dream in a Leopardstown qualifier for this race and, although beaten that day, remains of interest here. She was probably produced a little too soon, hitting the front before the last, and was worn down late on. However, if she is ridden a little colder she could have a huge hand in the finish. Zain Nights will be a sizeable price after a couple of subdued efforts but the form of his six-length third here in October to The Wallpark (fancied for the Stayers' Hurdle) reads very well and he could be a flyer at a price. Of the more fancied, Jeriko Du Reponet has been targeted at this race all season and wears cheekpieces for the first time, while stablemate Doddiethegreat also makes some appeal. Ed Chamberlin's tip: Shanagh Bob 20/1 The best bet for day three of the Cheltenham Festival is Shanagh Bob in the Pertemps Hurdle. I've followed this horse, and I thought he was going to be a brilliant chaser, but that hasn't worked out. We're now back over hurdles and I think he's well-handicapped and will go well. Ruby Walsh's tip: Jungle Boogie 12/1 Fact To File will be the hardest to beat but his price is plenty short. I've thought for a long time Jungle Boogie is the each-way shout. He ran a cracker in last year's Gold Cup but didn't stay. Going left handed suits him better than right and he's very lightly raced for an 11-year-old. Sam Turner's tip: Fact To File 11/8 Fact To File is regarded as one of the bankers for the week by many and it is easy to see why given he beat Galopin Des Champs at Punchestown earlier in the season and has chased home the reigning Gold Cup champion twice at Leopardstown subsequently. There should be plenty of pace in this race courtesy of the trail-blazing Il Est Francais which should help Mark Walsh settle the favourite and he won't mind Tuesday's snow either! On his day, Djelo is a very talented chaser, and he arrives on the back of a confidence boosting win at Newbury so ought to go well at a price. Oli Bell's tip: Fact to File 5/4 The super boost horse in the Ryanair Chase is Fact to File and I think he's got a great chance. I'm delighted he's in this race as I think he's the best horse in this race and I think he will win. Ruby Walsh's tip: Teahupoo 6/4 I'm not Teahupoo's biggest fan, but I've looked this race up and down for six weeks and I can't find a horse to oppose him. Sam Turner's tip: The Wallpark 13/2 Reigning champion Teahupoo has undergone the same preparation as last year and his form took a boost yesterday when his Morgiana Hurdle conqueror, Lossiemouth, hacked up at the third successive Festival. Home By The Lee runs in this event for the fourth time and it is probably asking a lot for him to win it at the age of 10, so the younger legs of The Wallpark and Lucky Place could be the ones to trouble Teahupoo. The Wallpark narrowly gains the nod having won over three miles on the Old Course last October and he was unsuited by a sluggish gallop at Ascot last time. There should be no such issues with Gowel Road in the field today. 4.40: TrustATrader Festival Plate Handicap Ruby Walsh's tip: Ginnys Destiny 11/1 I like Ginny's Destiny. I like his running style for this race as he races close to the pace. He's come down enough in the weights and he was bordering on a graded horse last year. Sam Turner's tip: Gemirande 12/1 It often pays to race prominently in this race on the New Course with the last six winners ridden that way so Gemirande could prove the answer if he doesn't face too much pace pressure from the likes of Ginny's Destiny, Personal Ambition and Conflated. The selection's last run can be forgotten as he was held up which were an unusual switch of tactics, and he boasts plenty of course form so should give backers a good run if finding an early rhythm at his fences. Jagwar has been rerouted here from the novices' handicap chase and is respected by the bookmakers along with the classy Jordans who's stable are always to be feared at this meeting. 5.20: Kim Muir Handicap Chase Ruby Walsh's tip: Walking On Air 9/2 Sa Majeste was a lucky winner last time out. Walking On Air looked unlucky to me at Doncaster as he fell at the last when he was going to win. He's the one for me. Sam Turner's tip: Midnight Our Fred 8/1 In contrast to the previous race, there looks fewer front-runners and that could play to the strengths of Midnight Our Fred who ran a blinder at Leopardstown over Christmas. His jumping data was phenomenal on that occasion and his speed at these fences could make him a tough horse to peg back. Johnnywho was a big mover in the betting for this event once Derek O'Connor was booked and he looks to have his entire campaign centred around this meeting. Walking On Air is another to consider as he would have arguably won at Doncaster last time when crashing out and his yard are in great form at present.
The Independent
12-03-2025
- Sport
- The Independent
Cheltenham Festival 2025 tips: Experts' best bets and 14 horses to watch on day three
The Cheltenham Festival is back and the 2025 edition has reached the halfway stage. A barnstorming opening day saw Golden Ace as a surprise winner of the Champion Hurdle after Constitution Hill and State Man both fell. Day two was a more emotional affair as victories for Marine Nationale and Jazzy Matty provided a fitting farewell to jockey Michael O'Sullivan who passed away in February. Day three promises more thrills with the Stayers' Hurdle and Ryanair Chase the big races highlighting a packed schedule. Chasing a first win of the festival, Rachael Blackmore will hope Envoi Allen rolls back the years to challenge hot favourite Fact To File in the Ryanair while Harry and Dan Skelton will hope Protektorat can back up his victory from last year. In the Stayers' Hurdle, Gordon Elliott's Teahupoo leads the way with pre-race odds of 3/2 and three victories out of four from his last four outings. The Wallpark, also from Elliott's stable, and Nicky Henderson's Lucky Place look set to be his closest rivals in the champion race. Our racing expert Sam Turner will be at Cheltenham all week, plus legendary former jockey Ruby Walsh has shared his tips with Paddy Power: Day three – Wednesday, 12 March Ruby Walsh's tip: Air Of Entitlement (each-way) 16/1 Paul Townend has gone for Aurora Vega over Maughreen, probably because she has more experience. I like Air of Entitlement for Henry de Bromhead. Her form from Down Royal on St Stephens' Day is pretty strong. She's a strong stayer and you need stamina on the New Course. Sam Turner's tip: Sixandahalf 3/1 A huge field which means that confidence in Sixandahalf is tempered a little as she has only tackled one hurdle race to date. Although light in jumping experience, the selection impressed at Fairyhouse and has a substantial body of work on the level to commend her chance. With Paul Townend keen to eschew Maughreen in favour of Aurora Vega, the progressive Jubilee Alpha may prove the primary danger. She clocked a smart time at Windsor last time and had previously dismissed the talented Hollygrove Cha Cha in a Listed affair at Taunton so ought to be on the scene. Ruby Walsh's tip: Answer To Kayf & San Salvador (each-way) 20/1 Asian Master is well found in the market. You want to be looking for a graded horse to win the race. The class horse, if the penalty doesn't stop him, is Answer To Kayf and I like San Salvador each-way at a price. He's plenty of experience and had a couple of runs at Cheltenham. He's crying out for a trip. Sam Turner's tip: Springwell Bay 7/1 The form of Springwell Bay took a significant boost when Jango Baie, who beat the selection by six lengths here before Christmas, landed the Arkle in dramatic circumstances on day one. A subsequent triumph by nine lengths on New Year's Day earned the eight-year-old a 9lb rise in the handicap so his task won't be easy, but he won with plenty in hand that day so should give another bold account. Expensive purchase Caldwell Potter was third in that Cheltenham event and could be on the scene if the ground doesn't dry out too markedly, while Nurburgring has been campaigned interestingly in the three chase starts required to earn a handicap mark and may prove a threat to all. 2.40: Pertemp Handicap Hurdle Ruby Walsh's tip: Karl Des Tourelles 18/1 It's an open-looking contest. Will The Wise won the last qualifier and has his chance. I've never been in love with Jeriko Du Reponet. Win Some Lose Some for Mark Walsh has a great chance but I like one at a good price. Karl De Tourelles is only a five-year-old but I think that age group are pretty well handicapped and I'm hoping this fella falls in the same boat. He has a lot of weight but his mark of 139 might be workable. Sam Turner's tip: Feet Of A Dancer 9/1 Feet Of A Dancer travelled like a dream in a Leopardstown qualifier for this race and, although beaten that day, remains of interest here. She was probably produced a little too soon, hitting the front before the last, and was worn down late on. However, if she is ridden a little colder she could have a huge hand in the finish. Zain Nights will be a sizeable price after a couple of subdued efforts but the form of his six-length third here in October to The Wallpark (fancied for the Stayers' Hurdle) reads very well and he could be a flyer at a price. Of the more fancied, Jeriko Du Reponet has been targeted at this race all season and wears cheekpieces for the first time, while stablemate Doddiethegreat also makes some appeal. 3.20: Ryanair Chase Ruby Walsh's tip: Jungle Boogie 12/1 Fact To File will be the hardest to beat but his price is plenty short. I've thought for a long time Jungle Boogie is the each-way shout. He ran a cracker in last year's Gold Cup but didn't stay. Going left handed suits him better than right and he's very lightly raced for an 11-year-old. Sam Turner's tip: Fact To File 11/8 Fact To File is regarded as one of the bankers for the week by many and it is easy to see why given he beat Galopin Des Champs at Punchestown earlier in the season and has chased home the reigning Gold Cup champion twice at Leopardstown subsequently. There should be plenty of pace in this race courtesy of the trail-blazing Il Est Francais which should help Mark Walsh settle the favourite and he won't mind Tuesday's snow either! On his day, Djelo is a very talented chaser, and he arrives on the back of a confidence boosting win at Newbury so ought to go well at a price. 4.00: Stayers' Hurdle Ruby Walsh's tip: Teahupoo 6/4 I'm not Teahupoo's biggest fan, but I've looked this race up and down for six weeks and I can't find a horse to oppose him. Sam Turner's tip: The Wallpark 13/2 Reigning champion Teahupoo has undergone the same preparation as last year and his form took a boost yesterday when his Morgiana Hurdle conqueror, Lossiemouth, hacked up at the third successive Festival. Home By The Lee runs in this event for the fourth time and it is probably asking a lot for him to win it at the age of 10, so the younger legs of The Wallpark and Lucky Place could be the ones to trouble Teahupoo. The Wallpark narrowly gains the nod having won over three miles on the Old Course last October and he was unsuited by a sluggish gallop at Ascot last time. There should be no such issues with Gowel Road in the field today. 4.40: TrustATrader Festival Plate Handicap Ruby Walsh's tip: Ginnys Destiny 11/1 I like Ginny's Destiny. I like his running style for this race as he races close to the pace. He's come down enough in the weights and he was bordering on a graded horse last year. Sam Turner's tip: Gemirande 12/1 It often pays to race prominently in this race on the New Course with the last six winners ridden that way so Gemirande could prove the answer if he doesn't face too much pace pressure from the likes of Ginny's Destiny, Personal Ambition and Conflated. The selection's last run can be forgotten as he was held up which were an unusual switch of tactics, and he boasts plenty of course form so should give backers a good run if finding an early rhythm at his fences. Jagwar has been rerouted here from the novices' handicap chase and is respected along with the classy Jordans who's stable are always to be feared at this meeting. 5.20: Kim Muir Handicap Chase Ruby Walsh's tip: Walking On Air 9/2 Sa Majeste was a lucky winner last time out. Walking On Air looked unlucky to me at Doncaster as he fell at the last when he was going to win. He's the one for me. Sam Turner's tip: Midnight Our Fred 8/1 In contrast to the previous race, there looks fewer front-runners and that could play to the strengths of Midnight Our Fred who ran a blinder at Leopardstown over Christmas. His jumping data was phenomenal on that occasion and his speed at these fences could make him a tough horse to peg back. Johnnywho was a big mover in the betting for this event once Derek O'Connor was booked and he looks to have his entire campaign centred around this meeting. Walking On Air is another to consider as he would have arguably won at Doncaster last time when crashing out and his yard are in great form at present.
The Independent
11-03-2025
- Climate
- The Independent
Cheltenham Festival LIVE: Tips, odds and results as racing gets underway on Day 1
The 'greatest show on turf' kicks off today with 'Champion Day', with non-stop action over the next four days as the best jockeys, trainers and horses descend on the 2025 Cheltenham Festival. Today's opener will be followed by Style Wednesday, St Patrick's Thursday and finally the showpiece event, Gold Cup Day, which brings the Festival to its close on Friday 14 March. Fans can look forward to 28 races across the four days and a compelling battle between British and Irish trainers as they vie for supremacy. Last year, Willie Mullins ' Galopin Des Champs took the Gold Cup honours and, with jockey Paul Townend, won the prestigious race for a second consecutive year. He's the favourite to claim a hat-trick of three straight wins this year but, before then, Mullins has the chance to open his 2025 Festival account with Lossiemouth, who has made a last-minute switch from Tuesday's Unibet Champion Hurdle to race the Close Brothers Mares' Hurdle on the same day. The full race card and Festival schedule is here, and we'll be bringing you all the action as the Festival unfolds. Cheltenham Festival weather forecast and ground prediction The weather can be crucial to results, with punters studying the going days and hours out from each race. If the course is heavy, then expect a real test of the horse's stamina, though the forecast currently suggests a quicker track due to a dry spell just before and throughout the festival. The forecast looks good during the week: the BBC shows light cloud and a gentle breeze on day one, sleet and a gentle breeze on day two, sunny intervals and a gentle breeze on day three and day four for the Gold Cup. Cheltenham Festival weather: Latest forecast including Gold Cup day Could rain disrupt this year's Festival? Punters will be aware of how the forecast will impact the horses' chances each day Flo Clifford11 March 2025 07:30 Ruby Walsh's tips for Day 1 at Cheltenham Festival The legendary Ruby Walsh has shared his Cheltenham Festival Day 1 tips with Paddy Power: 4.00: Unibet Champion Hurdle (Grade 1) Race conditions: £450,000 | 2m½f | 8 hurdles | Old Course Ruby Walsh - Brighterdaysahead (Champion Hurdle) – 15/8 She [Brighterdaysahead] blew me away in Leopardstown – I was watching it thinking, you're going too fast, you're going too fast, you're going too fast the whole way, and all of a sudden, they were going too fast for the pacemaker, he falls in a hole going to the third last, King Of Kingsfield, the next minute the mare picks up, heads on to the second last and away with her off the bend again. It's the one hurdle performance this year that you went 'Jesus.' 4.40: Boodles Fred Winter Handicap Hurdle (Grade 3) Race conditions: £80,000 | 2m½f | 8 hurdles | Old Course Ruby Walsh - Beyond Your Dreams (Fred Winter) – 6/1 'I'll have to go for a price so I'll go for Beyond Your Dreams [in the Fred Winter]. I think the obvious ones early in the card – Kopek Des Bordes [Supreme], Majborough [Arkle] but look if you're going for something at some bit of a price.' Flo Clifford11 March 2025 07:15 Cheltenham Festival race card, dates, start times and full four-day schedule With seven races per day the action is non-stop at Cheltenham. Fans will look out for 13 of the races run at Grade 1 standard, while five are run as Grade 2s, six Grade 3s and the other four are Listed. Here's the full race card, start times, and schedule for the Festival: Cheltenham Festival 2025 race card and full four-day schedule The Cheltenham Festival is back with the coveted Gold Cup the highlight of the four-day event Flo Clifford11 March 2025 07:00 Cheltenham tips for day one Our experts give their best bets and 10 horses to watch on day one: Cheltenham Festival tips, best bets and horses to watch on day one Bravemansgame returns to Cheltenham looking to improve on last year's runners-up placing in the Gold Cup, while Fastorslow and Gerri Colombe are also tipped to compete with favourite Galopin Flo Clifford11 March 2025 06:45 Full schedule: Tuesday, 11 March - Champion Day Here's the full schedule for Day 1, with the first race of the Festival kicking off at 1.20pm. 1.20pm : Sky Bet Supreme Novices' Hurdle (Grade 1) Race conditions: £150,000 | 2m½f| 8 hurdles | Old Course 2.00pm: My Pension Expert Arkle Novices' Chase (Grade 1) Race conditions: £200,000 | 2m | 13 fences | Old Course 2.40pm: Ultima Handicap Chase (Grade 3) Race conditions: £150,000 | 3m1f | 20 fences | Old Course 3.20pm: Close Brothers Mares' Hurdle (Grade 1) Race conditions: £120,000 | 2m4f | 10 hurdles | Old Course 4.00pm: Unibet Champion Hurdle (Grade 1) Race conditions: £450,000 | 2m½f | 8 hurdles | Old Course Flo Clifford11 March 2025 06:30
