The usual raiding party may be slimmed down but insiders see no reason to expect a Festival without big names from IrelandThe end of the Irish travel ban this weekend should bring with it the end of fears that Covid-19 could somehow prevent Irish runners from lining up at the Cheltenham Festival in March. While those concerns were natural amid the worrying news and fast-changing rules of the past fortnight, I understand senior figures in the sport in Ireland regard the real risk as being essentially nil and are inclined to think of the issue as a non-story. Related: Talking Horses: lockdown is costly but the feeling in racing is one of relief Tips by Chris Cook Continue reading...
Extraordinary finish to the 2005 Champion Hurdle was recalled by a barrister arguing that context could explain an unusual ride by a jockeyThe memory of Harchibald’s extraordinary performance in the 2005 Champion Hurdle was used on Thursday as part of a successful defence in a “non-trier” case. The tactics used by his jockey, Paul Carberry, which were hotly debated at the time, were recalled by the barrister Graeme McPherson QC as an example of how a jockey’s tactics can only be understood with the benefit of knowledge about the horse. Related: Talking Horses: no reason yet for shock defeats of Altior and Epatante What drama! Hardy Eustance defends his title from Harchibald in a Festival thriller from 15 years ago#CheltenhamFestival...
After early suspicion of a dirty scope, Nicky Henderson says no reason has presented itself for eclipse of his Christmas starsNicky Henderson remains puzzled by the Christmas defeats suffered by a couple of his stars, saying on Wednesday that further tests had failed to pinpoint any reason why Altior and Epatante should have run below form. However the trainer reported that Altior at least appeared to be in good spirits after his race on Sunday, and insisted he would “certainly not” be closing his Seven Barrows stable. Related: Talking Horses: Cheltenham calls off New Year's Day meeting Tips by Chris Cook Continue reading...
Racecourse abandon fixture after 85mm of rainfall since had left area of the track across the width of the course under waterCheltenham’s New Year’s Day meeting has been abandoned because of waterlogging. An inspection was due to take place at the course at 8.30am on Wednesday - but shortly beforehand, a tweet from Cheltenham’s official account reported that the scheduled card will not take place.It read: “New Year’s Day Racing abandoned. Following 85mm of rainfall since last Wednesday, there are areas of waterlogged ground across the width of the course, and it is therefore not raceable.” Related: Nicholls puts Bravemansgame in Denman class after Challow Hurdle win Continue reading...
With the Willie Mullins team in outstanding form it could be worth chancing the fitness of the 2019 Morgiana Hurdle winnerNewbury’s Challow Hurdle card on Tuesday is subject to a precautionary inspection at 8.30am but there are no concerns at Leopardstown where the Grade One Matheson Hurdle is the feature event on the final day of the Christmas meeting.An up-to-scratch renewal has added interest after Epatante’s defeat at Kempton Park on Boxing Day and Abacadabras or Saint Roi, last season’s County Hurdle winner, could join or even unseat her at the top of the Champion Hurdle betting with an impressive success. Aspire Tower, who upset the odds-on Abacadabras at Down Royal in October, is also in the mix along with...