Editor

Raced for the first time in 2011, this relatively new race to the Cheltenham Festival, appeals to slower horses than those who will run in the RSA Chase and The Arkle. Sponsored by JLT, Jardine Lloyd Thompson, this Grade 1 race over 2 miles and 4 furlongs takes place over 17 fences.

 

This year, the race actually takes place on 15^th March, St Patrick’s Thursday, at 13.30 GMT and with a real Irish flavour, celebrate on the day with a drink at the famous Guinness Village. 46 entrants compete for the £150,000 prize fund, on the New Course at Prestbury Park.

 

Previous years’ races have been dominated by Willie Mullins, winner of the race no less than 4 times. Another repeat winner is documented as Ruby Walsh, in years 2015, 2016 and 2017. These 2 champions have had latest victories with Yorkhill (2017), Black Hercules (2016) and Vautour (2015).

 

Possible contenders for 2018 could be a straight fight between Footpad and Willoughby Court, although other challengers could well be Yanworth, Invitation Only and Al Boum Photo. This race has become useful for those punters searching for potential Gold Cup and Ryanair Trophy winning horses.

 

 

This final race on the second day of the Cheltenham Festival, brings you the excitement of the Champion Bumper Grade 1 race over 2 miles and half a furlong. This National Hunt Flat Race is on the Old Course at Prestbury Park, for horses aged 4-6 years and will take place at 17.30 GMT on 14^th March, Wednesday, 2018.

 

2017’s winners were Fayonagh trained by Gordon Elliot and ridden by Jamie Codd. Second place was taken by Debuchet (10-1) and third place Claimantakinforgan (22-1). Sponsored by Weatherbys, this year’s Champion Bumper race will have a field of 31 contenders, to run in this final race on the Wednesday. This national hunt flat race is geared towards younger stock who are just branching out in their racing careers, yet the race always attracts big prices on the betting market as the bookmakers often find it difficult to choose a favourite, with so little form on offer.

 

At this stage in the game, the number one favourite to date at odds of 16/1 is Felix Desjy, with second favourite going to Alone at 33/1. This unique race at the Cheltenham Festival, doesn’t involve any jumping, so it certainly takes a fast horse to go on to win.

 

 

 

Taking place on Day 2 of the Cheltenham Festival at Prestbury Park, this Grade 3 Handicap Hurdle race is for horses aged 4, and covers 2 miles and half a furlong. Using the Old Course, the Fred Winter Juvenile Handicap Hurdle takes place on 14^th March, Wednesday at 16.50 GMT.

 

Last Year’s winner was Flying Tiger at 33-1, a huge outsider who ran to victory for Richard Johnson and Nick Williams. Divin Bere (9-2f) came in second place, with third going to Nietzsche (12-1). No Jockey has ever won the race more than one time, while trainer Paul Nicholls has had a 3 win success in 2016 with Diego du Charmil, in 2015 with Qualando and previously in 2010 with Sanctuaire.

 

This race over hurdles, always attracts a decent size field of runners, offering great betting odds for the many punters. The race was named in honour of the memory of Fred Winter in 2005, a trainer and jockey. The 2018 race is expected to run 40 entrants, all racing for a share of the £80,000 prize fund. Casa Tall (trainer Tom George) and Mitchouka (trainer Gordon Elliot) are expecting a share of the action on this 2 mile race on Ladies Day.

 

 

On day two of the Cheltenham Festival the Glenfarclas Chase is an ungraded, cross country race across 3 miles and 7 furlongs. Taking place as the fifth race of the second day, on 14^th March at 16.10 GMT.

 

The Chase was won in 2017 by Cause of Causes at (4-1), ridden by Jamie Codd and trained by Gordon Elliot. Second place was taken by Bless The Wings (10-1) and third place Cantlow (9-4). Incidentally, last year’s winner, Cause of Causes is already one of 2018’s favourites. The Glenfarclas Cross Country Chase has created its fair share of Cheltenham Legends, including Balthazar King and Garde Champetre.

 

Since its inception in 2005, thirteen Cross Country chases have taken place, with 32 different obstacles across the course, including hedges banks and ditches, with it recently being acknowledged as more of a conditions race, than as a handicapped event. Many trainers give this race a miss, as it’s not to everyone’s liking. Runners are restricted to ages five years and above, with a weigh allowance for Geldings of 11st 4lb, with a Mares’ allowance of 7lb.

 

With a prize fund of £65,000, this race is a great test for both horses and jockeys. Current favourite for this 2018 race is Josies Orders, who is a very exciting prospect to win this season.