News & Media

Cheltenham Eve is upon us and excitement is at fever pitch ahead of the latest renewal of the greatest show on turf.

The final preparations are being made by trainers, jockeys and stable staff in the #GreenTeam and beyond, ahead of day one, ‘the roar’ and everything else that comes with it.

Here’s our round-up from around the course with a day to go…

Mullins liking chances of Il Etait Temps

Danny Mullins won the Irish Arkle on Il Etait Temps at Leopardstown last month and fancies his chances of doubling up on Tuesday.

“It’s a very competitive race, there’s often a standout horse in the Arkle but this year I think anyone of four or five could win and I think this fella could be one of them,” he told Fran Berry and Bernard Jackman as part of Horse Racing Ireland’s Live from the Gallops coverage.

“He’s ticked all the boxes for what we want to see so far and it’s all guns blazing.

“It’s one of the most exciting races of the week and going into this week, there is more excitement than nerves. I’m lucky enough to be riding a few that have chances.”

Blackmore getting used to life without Honeysuckle

A Tuesday at Cheltenham will not be quite the same without Honeysuckle, who has won on the opening day of the last four Festivals.

Rachael Blackmore was on board for all four and admitted it felt strange arriving without her fabled partner.

“When you have a horse like Honeysuckle, it’s only when you look back you think about the last four years when she has delivered and reflect,” she said. “We were so lucky to have her.

“It will be a sad Tuesday without her but hopefully we’ll still have a good week.”

Blackmore has a packed book of rides across the four days, starting with two live chances in Slade Steel and Quilixios in the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle and Arkle respectively on Tuesday.

El Fabiolo leads field of eight for Champion Chase

Wednesday’s final declarations have been made, with Willie Mullins’ El Fabiolo leading a field of eight in the feature, the Betway Queen Mother Champion Chase.

Henry de Bromhead’s Captain Guinness and Mullins’ Gentleman De Mee are also set to run.

The hotly-anticipated Festival debut of Ballyburn will also take place on Wednesday in the opener, the Gallagher Novices’ Hurdle.

Weather watch

The current going is soft on the old and new courses, and heavy (soft in places) on the cross country course.

Showers are forecast for the early hours and into the morning on Tuesday (3-4mm).

Did you know…

Willie Mullins is only six winners short of becoming the first trainer to reach 100 Cheltenham Festival winners.

Trivia

Yesterday we asked: Who was in the saddle for Jezki’s Champion Hurdle victory in 2014? The answer is Barry Geraghty.

Today’s trivia: Who was the first female rider to win a Festival Grade 1?