Festival’s feast of racing is on the horizon hORSERaCING fans are turning their attention to this year’s Cheltenham Festival in March and many eyes will be on decisions about potential runners being taken by champion trainer Paul Nicholls OBE at his Manor Farm Stables yard in Ditcheat. Some horses are pencilled in for the four-day National hunt celebrations; the ink is already dry on others such as Politologue, who will defend his Queen Mother Champion Chase title. February’s first wet, then cold weather has added to the debate at team Ditcheat but Paul said: “I'm happy with how things are going, it's business as usual with the horses. the weather has been a bit tricky of late causing abandonment of some race meetings but it hasn't affected the horses’ exercise and preparations at home.” Like every yard, team Ditcheat has also faced the challenges of the pandemic. Paul added: “Everyone is working hard as usual, we're following the guidelines and taking all the
on the gallops on Ditcheat hill
heading back to the yard
necessary precautions to keep everyone safe.” Covid restrictions have meant that amateur jockeys have been unable to compete as they are not classed as elite athletes. Unless circumstances change, a horse such as Sametegal will be ridden in the Foxhunters by a professional jockey rather than Ditcheat pupil assistant Natalie Parker. Paul added: “I don't think it will have a long-term impact but the sooner they can get back the better. If things continue the right way perhaps we could see them back riding in april/May.” the pandemic has also caused the cancellation of point-to-point meetings such as Blackmore and Sparkford Vale and Mendip Farmers. a long-standing supporter of the two fixtures, Paul said he remained optimistic for their future: “Ultimately some meetings around the country will suffer but our local area is a strong one so I think these will continue, but they certainly wouldn't want a second year like this.” l Cheltenham Festival takes place from
sporT
tuesday, March 16th to Friday, March 19th; a question mark remains over whether any viewing public will be allowed in.
Bryony Frost on Jeremy pass. Bryony rode Frodon to victory in the 2020 King George VI chase, becoming the first woman jockey to win the race
Galloping past the iconic folly on the hill MENDIp TIMEs • MArch 2021 • pAGE 79
(Photography courtesy of Chris Challis)
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