The Cheltenham Festival - Day One - Tuesday 16th March 2021

DAY ONE TUESDAY 16 MARCH 2021 Official programme

Epatante, winner of the 2020 Unibet Champion Hurdle

£20

FREE BET

ON ALL RACES AT CHELTENHAM*

UNIBET.CO.UK *Bet on any race at Cheltenham in the 15 minutes before the scheduled start time and if you back the winner we will match your stake with a free bet up to £20. Available to both new and existing customers. Customer exclusions apply. See website for full T&C details. 18+. Begambleaware.org.

THE JOCKEY CLUB WELCOMES YOU

Welcome to Day One of The Festival™ supporting WellChild.

Although it will be a very different four days to the ones we have become accustomed to, we know that the sport on the track will be as incredible as ever.

Day One features the Unibet Champion Hurdle, which was won in fine style in 2020 by the Nicky Henderson-trained mare, Epatante for owner J.P. McManus. The famous green and gold stripes will be aiming for a fifth consecutive win in the race, with last year’s heroine set to return.

We will remember Lord Vestey at this year’s Festival with The Sam Vestey National Hunt Novices’ Chase. Sam Vestey who sadly passed away aged 79 on February 4th this year, served as Chairman of Cheltenham Racecourse from 1990 to 2011 and oversaw some of the most significant developments at the Home of Jump Racing for generations, including the expansion of The Festival from three to four days in 2005. Sam had a lifelong passion and commitment to Cheltenham and it is great testament to him that the racecourse went from strength to strength during his Chairmanship.

As ever, our thanks go to our raceday sponsors who continue to support this wonderful event. Today’s sponsors include; Unibet, Sky Bet, Sporting Life, Ultima, Close Brothers and Boodles.

In addition, this year, we are proud to welcome WellChild as our partner for The Festival. WellChild is the national charity for seriously ill children and headquartered in Cheltenham. More than 100,000 children and young people are living with serious illness or exceptional health needs across the UK. When the COVID-19 crisis took hold, the charity lost 60% of its projected income and had to quickly adapt its services to meet a sudden and urgent demand for help from families having to deliver round-the-clock care to their children alone. With your help and support over the next few days, we hope to build significant awareness and inspire donations for WellChild.

If you would like to donate to the wonderful charity, you can do so by texting the “CHELT DONATE” followed by the amount you wish to donate to 70085. Thank you for your support.

We are very sorry that you cannot be with us this this year for The Festival™ supporting WellChild. We will miss the familiar Cheltenham roar on the very first day, but it will make it all the more special once it is safe to welcome racegoers back to the racecourse in due course.

Take care and we hope you enjoy all the magic from home with Racing TV and ITV Racing, as well as on our Raceday Live hub on the website and with our live after racing show, The Nightcap, brought to you by Glenfarclas.

MARTIN ST QUINTON Chairman

IAN RENTON Regional Director

COURSE MAP OLD COURSE

Races 1, 2, 4 & 6

Race 7

Race 5 Race 3

Hurdle Plain Fence Open Ditch RACE STARTS

Water

RACE 1 - 1:20pm

The Sky Bet Supreme Novices’ Hurdle Race (Grade 1) (GBB Race) (2m 1/2f)

RACE 2 - 1:55pm

The Sporting Life Arkle Challenge Trophy Novices’ Steeple Chase (Grade 1) (GBB Race) (2m)

RACE 3 - 2:30pm

The Ultima Handicap Steeple Chase (Grade 3) (GBB Race) (3m 1f)

RACE 4 - 3:05pm

The Unibet Champion Hurdle Challenge Trophy (Grade 1) (GBB Race) (2m 1/2f)

RACE 5 - 3:40pm

The Close Brothers Mares’ Hurdle Race (Registered as The David Nicholson Mares’ Hurdle) (Grade 1) (GBB Race) (2m 4f)

RACE 6 - 4:15pm

The Boodles Juvenile Handicap Hurdle (Registered as The Fred Winter) (Grade 3) (GBB Race) (2m 1/2f)

RACE 7 - 4:50pm

The Sam Vestey National Hunt Challenge Cup Novices’ Steeple Chase (Grade 2) (GBB Race) (3m 6f) Cheltenham Racecourse has 75 acres (30 hectares) of racing surface with five different tracks – a Chase and Hurdle course on the Old and New Courses and the Glenfarclas Cross Country Course. A team of 10 Groundstaff look after the track day to day and on raceday the team increases to 50, and 100 at The Festival™.

TODAY’S RACE SPONSORS

SKY BET skybet.com

SPORTING LIFE sportinglife.com

ULTIMA ultima.com

UNIBET unibet.com

CLOSE BROTHERS closebrothers.com

BOODLES boodles.com

RACEDAY OFFICIALS

Race Conditions can be found on pages 62 & 63

Buildings & Facilities Manager Tim Partridge

Chairman Martin St Quinton Committee Louise Kemble

Catering Director Richard Herring

William Rucker Sir Richard Stagg KCMG Rupert Sweeting Zara Tindall William Vestey Michael Wainwright Regional Managing Director Ian Renton Head of Racing & Clerk of the Course Simon Claisse Assistant Clerk of the Course Dan Cooper Regional Head of Operations David Mackinnon Finance Director - West Roy Barker Communications Lead - West Grant Rowley Head of Partnerships - West Jack Royle Head of Hospitality - West Claire Leonard Head of Marketing - West Matthew Foxton-Duffy Head Groundsman Ben Hastie

Tote Manager Paul Ritchie Stewards Shaun Parker (Chief Steward) Roger Bellamy Charlie Lane (Stewards’ Panel Chairs) Josie Brown Simon Cowley Jennifer Dewhurst Thomas Evetts Chris Hill Social Distancing Officers Derrick Morris Chris Watts Starters William Jordan Seamus O’Neill Robert Supple Judges Nick Bostock Guy Lewis Clerks of the Scales Ollie Mann Georgina Robarts Veterinary Officers Kate Maxwell Naomi Mellor Graham Potts Sally Taylor

Equine Welfare & Integrity Officers Mel Baker Lisa Cook Alec Dent Graham Gray Martin Knight Christopher Maiden Kelly McSorley Melanie Sheppard Jane Southam Michael Turner Jeremy Willis Medical Officers Lee Humphreys (SRMO) Simon Clint Jon Mutimer Rob Orme Andy Simpson Sue Smith Nurses Sarah Godfrey Ellen Phelps Medical Co-Ordinator Tony Twiggs Veterinary Surgeons Liam Kearns (SRVS) Ian Camm Vittorio Caramello Andrew Harrison Chris Rea Henry Tremaine John Williams Farriers David Hall Mike Cooper Commentators Ian Bartlett Stewart Machin

Published by authority of the Managing Executive of the Racecourse.

This card is 100% recyclable and printed on FSC and PEFC certified paper.

RACING EXPLAINED 7 12 8

15

9

1 AL BOUM PHOTO (FR) (73) B g Buck’s Boum (FR) - Al Gane (FR) J T O B S

6

Paul Townend

10 11

7 11-10

W. P. Mullins, Ireland Mrs J. Donnelly Mr Emmanuel Clayeux & Mr Jacky Raunch Coral Racing Limited 13 14

5

3

2

TFR BHA164 FORM F2F1r-1

TIMEFORM VIEW Would have been placed if standing up in the RSA last year and has improved again since, impressively winning Listed event at Tramore on his only start this season in January. Can do even better

01Jan Trm 24Apr Pun 01Apr Fai

21f Ch 24f Ch 20f Ch

soft 1/7 yd/sf r sf/hy 1/9

Total Recall The Storyteller Shattered Love

6l 1l

4

RACECARD EXPLAINED 1. FORM

EXPERT VIEW

A quick way to see a horse’s past performance. These are its recent finishing positions.

Look C = D = CD =

out for Letters: Has won at this course Has won over this distance Has won over this distance at this course BF = Was a beaten favourite MORE INFORMATION ON THE FORM / P

= New racing season = Missed racing season = Was pulled-up and didn’t finish the race F = Horse fell U = Rider unseated R = Horse refused to race CO = The horse was forced out of a race by a loose horse B = Horse was brought down S = Horse slipped r = The horse ran around a jump or took the wrong course in a flat race d = Disqualified Bold form figures = performance in all-weather (Flat) or Point-to-Point (Jump) races

How the experts rate the horse’s chances: 2. BHA rating = the higher the number, the better the horse.

3. Timeform view and TFR rating 4. HORSE’S TRAINER & THEIR LOCATION Look out for the summary of leading course trainers before each race.

5. JOCKEY Listen out for any jockeys who are having a successful day.

OTHER USEFUL DETAILS 6. Owner’s colours worn by the Jockey 7. Saddlecloth number 8. Horse’s name 9. Days since the horse last run 10. Horse’s age 11. Jockey’s weight (stone and Ibs) 12. The horse’s breeding – father (sire) and mother (dam) 13. Horse’s owner 14. Horse’s breeder 15. Birthplace of horse (outside GB)

Visit www.racingexplained.co.uk for more information

1 3

BETTING EXPLAINED — Select your horse. Note their name and saddlecloth number.

— Choose your bet. ‘To win’ or ‘each-way’ are popular types of bet.

— ‘To win’ is for your horse to come first.

— ‘Each-way’ is for your horse to come first or to be placed.

It’s two bets, so ‘£2 each-way’ = £4 total bet.

— Decide the amount – or stake – you are comfortable to bet.

— Place your bet. There are different places to bet on course; The Tote, racecourse bookmakers, betting shop or online.

Each option offers a different experience.

— Collect. Once ‘Weighed-in’ has been announced, present your betting slip and collect any winnings.

A DAY AT THE RACES EXPLAINED — Explore and familiarise yourself with the racecourse.

— Find out the time of the first race in the racecard. Races are about 30 minutes apart and provide a natural focus for your day.

— Visit the Parade Ring around 20 minutes before each race. This is your chance to see the horses up-close. Look for signs of their fitness and attitude. A glossy coat, pricked ears and alert nature are considered good.

— Watch at least one race by the railings, as close to the finishing post as you can get.

RACEHORSES EXPLAINED — Jump horses are generally sturdier and bigger than Flat horses.

Key attributes are endurance and strength.

— Flat horses are lighter and more elegant for shorter, faster races.

— They use a different set of muscles, so muscle definition varies just like in human athletes.

— On average, Jump horses race - or ‘travel’ - at 30mph.

— Flat horses are faster at 35mph and the best exceed 40mph during a race.

Racing’s favourite bet

Tote Placepot pick six horses to place Try with a £10 welcome offer at Tote.co.uk

£/€10 Welcome Offer: UK & ROI customers only. Place your first bet on sports pools and if it loses we’ll refund your stake in cash. Max refund is £/€10. Qualifying bet is the first sports pool bet added to the betslip. Ten to Follow bets do not qualify. Totewin will be the qualifying bet when a Totewin and a Toteplace bet are struck at the same time. Full T&Cs apply.

Placepot: Placepot minimum total stake 50p. On course min. stake £2.

Full T&Cs apply. 18+ BeGambleaware.org

LEADING CONNECTIONS LEADING JOCKEY

The Jockey with the most wins over the four days will receive the Leading Rider Perpetual Trophy on Friday.

LEADING TRAINER

The Trainer with the most wins over the four days will be presented with a perpetual trophy.

LEADING OWNER

The Leading Owner award is sponsored by the ROA. The Owner with the most wins over the four days will be presented with a perpetual trophy.

THE PERTEMPS PRESTBURY CUP The Festival™ at Cheltenham Racecourse has seen a great rivalry between the home team of British-trained runners and those crossing the Irish Sea for many years.

To celebrate this rivalry, the competition between the two countries is officially titled The Pertemps Prestbury Cup. The Prestbury Cup runs from the first race of the four-day meeting from the first race on Day One through until either country has 14 winners or more.

There are a total of 28 races during The Festival™.

The Pertemps Prestbury Cup, named after the nearest village to Cheltenham Racecourse, will be presented to jockeys and trainers from Ireland or Britain once the winning country is confirmed. The Cup itself has been sealed with some hallowed Cheltenham turf, so the winning country will be taking a little bit of Cheltenham with them.

Find out more here: https://www.thejockeyclub.co.uk/cheltenham/ events-tickets/the-festival/about-the-event/the-prestbury-cup/

Giving seriously ill children the best chance to thrive - at home.

Text CHELT 20 to 70085 to donate £20* or visit wellchild.org.uk *Text costs £20 plus one standard rate message.

Charity Registered in England and Wales 289600 and Scotland SC045010.

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As a member of the ROA, we make that experience even more enjoyable and rewarding – connecting you to a community of like-minded owners, protecting your interests and providing an incredible array of benefits, events and access into the sport we love.

JOIN US TODAY AT ROA.CO.UK

WELCOME TO THE HEART OF THE ACTION ROA working in partnership with JCR and Cheltenham Racecourse

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FACTS & STATS THE SKY BET SUPREME NOVICES’ HURDLE RACE RACE DESCRIPTION

The Grade 1 Sky Bet Supreme Novices’ Hurdle is run over two miles and half a furlong and is contested by the cream of this year’s novice hurdlers. Horses are classed as a novice if they have yet to win a race prior to the official start of the season, usually towards the end of April. In theory, this allows the inexperienced horses to race against each other before graduating to the senior ranks.

All the runners in this year’s contest will carry 11st 7lb.

GRADE 1

LAST YEAR’S

WINNER

RUN OVER TWO MILES, EIGHTY-SEVEN YARDS

SHISHKIN

Nicky Henderson saddled his first Supreme winner since the great Altior back in 2016 as Shishkin galloped powerfully up the hill to pip Abacadbras in the final 100 yards of a thrilling contest. Despite not getting a clear run turning for home, Nico De Boinville’s mount utilised his push-button turn of foot to close the gap on the strongtravelling runner-up and toughed it out well close home to score by a neck in what was a superb start to the week.

8 HURDLES TO BE JUMPED

TOTAL PRIZE FUND OF

£93,750

£52,753 TO THE WINNER

ROLL OF HONOUR 2011-2020 YEAR 2020 2019 2018 2017 2016 2015 2014 2013 2012 2011

FORM F11 11 2231 11RR6 1111 2111 111 1231 2111 F311

WINNER AGE WEIGHT SP Shishkin 6 11-7 6/1 Klassical Dream 5 11-7 6/1 Summerville Boy 6 11-7 9/1 Labaik 6 11-7 25/1 Altior 6 11-7 4/1 Douvan 5 11-7 2/1F Vautour 5 11-7 7/2JF Champagne Fever 6 11-7 5/1 Cinders And Ashes 5 11-7 10/1 Al Ferof 6 11-7 10/1

TRAINER RUNNERS LAST RACE (NO.DAYS) 1st Sidney Banks Novice Hurdle (33) N Henderson 15 W Mullins (Ire) 16 1st Leopardstown Novice Hurdle (37) T George 19 1st Tolworth Hurdle (66) G Elliott (Ire) 14 6th Naas Novice Hurdle (16) N Henderson 14 1st Kempton Novice Hurdle (80) W Mullins (Ire) 12 1st Moscow Flyer Hurdle (59) W Mullins (Ire) 18 1st Leopardstown Novice Hurdle (30) W Mullins (Ire) 12 1st Leopardstown Novice Hurdle (31) D McCain 19 1st Rossington Main Nov Hdle (52) P Nicholls 15 1st Newbury Novice Hurdle (31)

KEY TRENDS 21 of the last 24 winners won last time out

16 of the last 22 winners ran in the previous 45 days

26 of the last 30 winners were aged five or six years old.

WINNING CONNECTIONS Trainers and Jockeys with some of the strongest records in the race over the last 10 years.

TRAINER

JOCKEY

Willie Mullins

Jack Kennedy

4 winners

1 winner

Today Willie saddles Appreciate It & Blue Lord

Today Jack rides Ballyadam

2m 87y

FIRST RACE 1.20 THE SKY BET SUPREME NOVICES’ HURDLE RACE (CLASS 1) (Grade 1) (GBB RACE)

for novice four yrs old and upwards x Total race value £93750 Owners Prize Money. 1st £40350, 2nd £16631, 3rd £8316, 4th £4162, 5th £2081, 6th £1041, 7th £516, 8th £262. (Penalty Value £52753.12) FORM ANALYSIS - A CLOSER LOOK

| FACTS | FANCIES | FORM | STATS | Leading course trainer (16-21): W P Mullins (32 wins from 289 runners, 11%) runs APPRECIATE IT and BLUE LORD Trainer-in-form (last 14 days): W P Mullins (10 wins from 32 runners, 31%) runs APPRECIATE IT and BLUE LORD Fancy That: W P Mullins won this race in 2013, 2014, 2015 and 2019. The stable runs APPRECIATE IT and BLUE LORD today.

J Jockey

T Trainer O Owner B Breeder S Sponsor E Equipment

1 APPRECIATE IT (IRE) (37) B g Jeremy (USA) - Sainte Baronne (FR)

Tattersalls

7

J P. Townend T W. P. Mullins, Ireland O Miss M. A. Masterson B Barmakin Ltd & South Lodge Stud

2 BALLYADAM (IRE) (37) B g Fame And Glory - Grass Tips (IRE)

J Jack Kennedy T Henry de Bromhead, Ireland O Cheveley Park Stud B P. Connell S Cheveley Park Stud

3 BLUE LORD (FR) (37) B g Blue Bresil (FR) - Lorette (FR)

11-7

Ch g Excelebration (IRE) - Darsan (IRE)

Tattersalls

6

11-7

11-7

6

11-7

5 GRUMPY CHARLEY (GB) (19) J Bryan Carver T Chris Honour, Ashburton O Mr G. Thompson B Distillery Stud S Cotswold Stone Supplies

6 IRASCIBLE (FR) (37) Gr g Jukebox Jury (IRE) - Karuma (GER)

J Rachael Blackmore T Henry de Bromhead, Ireland O Gigginstown House Stud B Gestut Kussaburg

7 METIER (IRE) (73)

6

11-7

B g Mastercraftsman (IRE) - We’ll Go Walking (IRE) 5

11-7

7Feb Leo 13Jan Naa Nov20 Pun

sf-hv 2/13 Appreciate It (IRE) soft 4/9 Appreciate It (IRE) soft 1/7 Cask Mate (IRE)

31/4l 15l 11/2l

16f Hdl 20f Hdl 16f Hdl

sf-hv 3/13 Appreciate It (IRE) heavy 2/7 Bob Olinger (IRE) soft 1/18 Julies Stowaway (IRE)

6l 61/2l 1 /2l

TFRHHIII BHA144 FORM 111410 CD

TIMEFORM VIEW Headstrong front runner who made it 4 wins in 5 starts in first half of season when landing Grade 2 novice over C&D in November. Well-held in Betfair Hurdle only run since and has work to do here.

21Feb Nby 16f HcpH gd-sf 14/23 Soaring Glory (IRE) Nov20 Chl 16f Hdl soft 1/6 Third Time Lucki (IRE) Oct20 Kmp 16f Hdl good 4/5 Mrs Hyde (IRE)

18l 33/4l 31l

TFRHHHII BHA143 FORM 0-25111 D

TIMEFORM VIEW Progressive sort who posted a smart effort when completing hat-trick of 2m wins at Chepstow on handicap bow last month. Has a quirk or two but capable of better still and not to be underestimated.

16f HcpH soft 1/5 Eamon An Cnoic (IRE) 16f Hdl heavy 1/11 Brewers Project (IRE) 16f Hdl heavy 1/12 Real Stone

21/4l 7l 41/4l

TFRHHIII BHA143 FORM 5/-125

TIMEFORM VIEW Landed Clonmel maiden on debut and has posted two very useful efforts since, 9l fifth to Appreciate It in Grade 1 Chanelle Pharma Novices’ Hurdle at Leopardstown last month. Others appeal more though.

Tattersalls

16f Hdl 16f Hdl 16f Hdl

sf-hv 5/13 Appreciate It (IRE) soft 2/9 Appreciate It (IRE) soft 1/14 Decimation (IRE)

9l 9l 23/4l

TFRHHHHH BHA148 FORM 111 D

graduate

J Sean Bowen T Harry Fry, Seaborough O Mr G. C. Stevens B Knockainey Stud S Busy Bee Cleaning Services, Citipost

16f Hdl 16f Hdl 16f Hdl

TIMEFORM VIEW Ex-French Flat winner who has improved a chunk with each of his three nuns over hurdles, 6l third to Appreciate It in Grade 1 Chanelle Pharma Novices’ Hurdle at Leopardstown latest. Not ruled out.

7Feb Leo Dec20 Leo Oct20 Clo

11-7

31/4l 9l 21/2l

TFRHHHII BHA145 FORM 123

25Feb Chp 5Feb Chp 20Jan Chp

6

sf-hv 1/13 Ballyadam (IRE) soft 1/9 Irascible (FR) heavy 1/14 Master McShee

TIMEFORM VIEW Smart novice who landed Grade 1 at Fairyhouse and better form when 3 1/4l second of 13 to Appreciate It in Grade 1 Chanelle Pharma Novices’ Hurdle at Leopardstown last time. Enters calculations.

7Feb Leo Dec20 Leo Nov20 Fai

6

16f Hdl 16f Hdl 16f Hdl

TFRHHHII BHA148 FORM 31-1142 D

graduate

J Harry Bannister T Alex Hales, Edgecote O Premier Plastering (UK) Limited B M. Phelan S Premier Plastering (UK) Limited, Lactodorum Contracts Ltd

Gr g Shirocco (GER) - Whisky Rose (IRE)

TIMEFORM VIEW Smart in bumpers and made it 3 from 3 over hurdles in impressive style in Grade 1 Chanelle Pharma Novices’ Hurdle at Leopardstown last month.

More to offer, so bold showing is again on the cards.

7Feb Leo Dec20 Leo Nov20 Crk

J Daryl Jacob T W. P. Mullins, Ireland O Mr Simon Munir/Mr Isaac Souede B Mrs Joelle Morruzzi & Mrs Raymonde Demai

4 FOR PLEASURE (IRE) (23)

TFRHHHHI BHA153 FORM 112-111 D

graduate

TIMEFORM VIEW Useful on Flat in Ireland and has made a highly-promising start over hurdles, posting a smart effort when making it 3-3 with 12-length defeat of Shakem Up’arry in Grade 1 Tolworth. Leading contender.

2Jan San Nov20 Asc Oct20 Ntn

14

15f Hdl 15f Hdl 18f Hdl

heavy 1/7 Shakem Up’arry (IRE) soft 1/6 Tile Tapper heavy 1/13 Oneupmanship (IRE)

12l 51/2l 10l

thejockeyclub.co.uk

8 SOARING GLORY (IRE) (23) B g Fame And Glory - Hapeney (IRE)

Tattersalls

6

TFRHHHII BHA143 FORM 2-12F31 D

graduate

11-7

TIMEFORM VIEW Useful bumper winner who has gone J Jonjo O’Neill Jr. E Cheek Pieces from strength to strength over hurdles and impressive scorer of Betfair Hurdle at Newbury by 3l from Fifty Ball.

T Jonjo O’Neill, Cheltenham Not taken lightly back in novice company.

O Mr P. Hickey 21Feb Nby 16f HcpH gd-sf 1/23 Fifty Ball (FR) 3l B A. V. Bloodstock Dec20 Asc 15f Hdl soft 3/6 My Drogo 6l S Wasdell Group Nov20 Wet 16f Hdl gd-sf F/12 Gemirande (FR) -

DECLARED RUNNERS 8

2020: SHISHKIN (IRE) 6 11 7 Nico de Boinville 6-1 (Nicky Henderson) 15 ran

Probable S.P’s: 6-4 Appreciate It (IRE), 4-1 Metier (IRE), 13-2 Soaring Glory (IRE), 7-1 Ballyadam (IRE), 12-1 Blue Lord (FR), 20-1 Irascible (FR), 40-1 For Pleasure (IRE), Grumpy Charley (GB)

TIMEFORM PREDICTION: 1.METIER (IRE) 2.APPRECIATE IT (IRE) 3.SOARING GLORY (IRE)

RACE RESULT

RACE TIME

DISTANCE

1ST

3RD

2ND

4TH

TODAY’S RACE SPONSOR

find out more about today’s race sponsor at

skybet.com

GREAT BRITISH BONUS SCHEME The Great British Bonus (GBB) offers multiple bonuses of up to £20,000 per eligible race for British-bred fillies and mares.

Tattersalls

TATTERSALLS LOGOS

graduate

The logos indicate horses which were sold at Tattersalls/Tattersalls Ireland Auctions.

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15

First Race

PLAY SMARTER

A smaller Supreme field than usual but still a cracking contest to kickstart the Festival. Both METIER and Appreciate It bring unbeaten hurdling records to the table and Harry Fry’s useful ex-Flat winner is taken to edge out Willie Mullins’ much-vaunted novice and go 4-4 in this sphere after his emphatic Tolworth victory.

Betfair Hurdle scorer Soaring Glory appeals as the pick of the remainder.

THE EQUI-TREK & JOCKEY CLUB RACECOURSES SOUTH WEST REGION FREQUENT RUNNER SCHEME

The Jockey Club South West Frequent Runner Scheme is aimed at rewarding trainers who run horses regularly at Jockey Club Racecourses in the South West Region - Cheltenham, Exeter, Warwick and Wincanton.

There are two categories of a frequent runner. Trainers with 40 or more horses and Trainers with 40 or fewer horses in training.

The Championship for the 2020/21 season started at Warwick on Monday 21 September - scores will be backdated - and will finish on Wednesday 26 May 2021 (excluding The Festival™ and Hunter Chases).

The winning trainer will receive an Equi-Trek horsebox for a year.

CURRENT STANDINGS (as of 4 March 2021) 40+ horses

Stars

Less than 40 horses

Stars

P F Nicholls

424.5

C J Down

145

P J Hobbs

392.5

Christian Williams

140

C L Tizzard

376.5

R Walford

130

D Skelton

325.5

N J Hawke

128

F O'Brien

274

J W Mullins

120

N A Twiston-Davies

250

J Farrelly

106

A King

244.5

P Henderson

99.5

D Pipe

231.5

Mrs S Gardner

85

Jonjo O'Neill

201

H D Daly

79.5

J Scott

198

J D Frost

78.5

T: 01242 513 014 E: cheltenham@thejockeyclub.co.uk W: cheltenham.co.uk

EACH-WAY BETTING TERMS Working alongside the Racecourse Association (RCA), bookmakers have introduced standard each-way betting terms across Jockey Club Racecourses.

Bookmakers will provide these terms, or better, when offering each-way betting.

- Fewer than 3 runners: win bets only, no places offered - 3 or 4 runners: all to win. Where a bookmaker wishes to depart from this default position he may offer place terms for 3 or 4 runners, this must be at 1/5 odds a place 1-2 - 5 to 7 runners (inclusive): 1/4 (one quarter) odds for finishing 1st or 2nd - 8 or more runners: 1/5 odds for finishing 1st, 2nd or 3rd - Handicap races with 12 to 15 runners (inclusive): 1/4 odds for finishing 1st, 2nd or 3rd - Handicap races with 16 to 21 runners (inclusive): 1/5 odds for finishing 1st, 2nd, 3rd or 4th - Handicap races with 22 or more runners: 1/4 odds for finishing 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th

E: info@thejockeyclub.co.uk W: www.thejockeyclub.co.uk

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CHELTENHAM 2021

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HISTORY The Sporting Life Arkle Challenge Trophy Novices’ Chase was introduced to The Festival™ in 1969 as a replacement for the Cotswold Chase. It goes without saying that the race was named in honour of the legendary Arkle, a three-time winner of the Gold Cup in the mid-1960s.

The inaugural race, which was initially run on the second day of The Festival™ before being switched to its current slot in 1980, was won by the Fred Rimell-trained Chatham who was ridden by the late Terry Biddlecombe. In 1972 Fred Winter and Richard Pitman teamed up to win the Arkle with Pendil, a subsequent dual-winner of Kempton’s King George VI Chase where a race is now named in his honour.

1978 Arkle winner, Alverton, certainly deserves a mention as the Peter Easterby-trained gelding is the only horse in the race’s history to go on to win the prestigious Gold Cup, a feat he achieved 12 months later when ridden by Jonjo O’Neill. Easterby was to win the Arkle twice more with Clayside in 1981 and Ryeman in 1983.

The 1991 renewal was notable for a trio of reasons. Firstly, Waterford Castle stepped into become the first sponsor of the race and secondly, the Richard Dunwoody-ridden Remittance Man provided Nicky Henderson with the first of his record six Arkle winners.But the most noticeable fact was that Remittance Man became the first horse to go on and win the Queen Mother Champion Chase. The Arthur Moore-trained Klarion Davis achieved the same feat in 1995 and 1996.

A. P. McCoy won the first of his three Arkles when partnering the Martin Pipe-trained Or Royal to victory in 1997 and he didn’t have to wait long for his second, following up on Champleve the following year, again for Martin Pipe. Flagship Uberalles gave Paul Nicholls his first Arkle success in 1999 and became the third horse to follow up in the Champion Chase, while Azertyuiop gave Nicholls the double when winning both races in 2003 and 2004.

Jessica Harrington’s Moscow Flyer was a hugely popular Arkle winner for Barry Geraghty in 2002, by which time the sponsorship baton had passed to the Irish Independent newspaper.

A year later, Moscow Flyer was welcomed back into the Winners’ Enclosure following his success in the Champion Chase, and again in 2005 when he regained his crown.

In fact, the 2000s proved a hot period for the race as, in addition to Moscow Flyer, Voy Por Ustedes for Alan King and Robert Thornton achieved the Grade 1 double in 2006 and 2007, as did Sizing Europe for Henry de Bromhead and Andrew Lynch in 2010 and 2011.

Few will forget Sprinter Sacre’s scintillating success in the 2012 Arkle, which was the Racing Post’s first year of sponsorship, and he has since gone on to establish himself as one of the all-time greats with two victories in the Champion Chase.

The same trainer and jockey teamed up with Simonsig the following year and not only did his victory mean Nicky Henderson became the joint-leading trainer in the race but Barry Geraghty became the winningmost rider. Henderson has since moved out on his own as Altior gave his trainer a sixth victory in 2017.

Willie Mullins’ Champagne Fever was denied by 33/1 shot Western Warhorse in 2014 but he had no such problems in the following two years as Un De Sceaux and Douvan (pictured) both landed the prize for Ireland’s Champion Trainer. The brilliant Footpad gave Mullins a third success in 2018, a victory which also moved jockey Ruby Walsh alongside Barry Geraghty on four wins, while 2019’s winner, Duc Des Genievres made it four wins in the last five years for Mullins, Paul Townend in the saddle this time, recording his first Arkle triumph.

Last year’s renewal was taken by a mare for the first time since Anaglogs Daughter’s 1980 triumph as Put The Kettle On emerged victorious in brave style.

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FACTS & STATS THE SPORTING LIFE ARKLE CHALLENGE TROPHY NOVICES’ STEEPLE CHASE RACE DESCRIPTION The Grade 1 Sporting Life Arkle Challenge Trophy Novices’ Steeple Chase is run over the minimum trip of two miles and features this season’s leading novice chasers, all tackling twelve demanding fences at breathtaking speed. Many great horses in the past have used this race as a stepping-stone to Champion Chase glory the following season and the Arkle is one of the highlights of the whole Festival. As is usual in a Grade 1 chase, all horses carry the same weight – 11st 4lb.

LAST YEAR’S

GRADE 1

WINNER

RUN OVER ONE MILE, SEVEN FURLONGS & 199 YARDS

PUT THE KETTLE ON In an eventful contest, the Henry De Bromhead-trained Put The Kettle On defied her 16/1 starting price to become the first Mare to win this race since 1980.

Always prominently positioned by jockey Aidan Coleman, Put The Kettle On jumped superby and stayed strongly, repelling the late challenge of the Joseph O’Brientrained five-year-old, Fakir D’oudaries, up the hill to score by a length and a half at the line.

12 FENCES TO BE JUMPED

TOTAL PRIZE FUND OF

£131,250

£73,854 TO THE WINNER

ROLL OF HONOUR 2011-2020 YEAR 2020 2019 2018 2017 2016 2015 2014 2013 2012 2011

FORM 121 231 111 1111 111 F11 201 11 111 22221

WINNER AGE WEIGHT SP Put The Kettle On 6 10-11 16/1 Duc Des Genievres 6 11-4 5/1 Footpad 6 11-4 5/6F Altior 7 11-4 1/4F Douvan 6 11-4 1/4F Un De Sceaux 7 11-4 4/6F Western Warhorse 6 11-7 33/1 Simonsig 7 11-7 8/15F Sprinter Sacre 6 11-7 8/11F Captain Chris 7 11-7 6/1

TRAINER RUNNERS H De Bromhead (Ire) 11 W Mullins (Ire) 12 W Mullins (Ire) 5 N Henderson 9 W Mullins (Ire) 7 W Mullins (Ire) 11 D Pipe 9 N Henderson 7 N Henderson 6 P Hobbs 10

LAST RACE (NO.DAYS) 1st November Novices’ Chase (114) 1st Gowran Park Beginners Chase (24) 1st Arkle Novice Chase (38) 1st Game Spirit Chase (31) 1st Arkle Novice Chase (51) 1st Arkle Novice Chase (44) 1st Doncaster Novice Chase (62) 1st Wayward Lad Novices’ Chase (75) 1st Game Spirit Chase (25) 1st Pendil Novices’ Chase (17)

KEY TRENDS 17 of the last 19 winners were sent off at 9/1 or shorter

16 of the last 20 winners were aged 6 or 7 years old

9 of the last 14 winners had finished in the first 5 at The Festival before

WINNING CONNECTIONS Trainers and Jockeys with some of the strongest records in the race over the last 10 years.

TRAINER

JOCKEY

Willie Mullins

Nico De Boinville

4 winners

1 winner

Today Willie saddles Franco De Port

Today Nico rides Shishkin

1m 7f 199y

SECOND RACE 1.55 THE SPORTING LIFE ARKLE CHALLENGE TROPHY NOVICES’ STEEPLE CHASE (CLASS 1) (Grade 1) (GBB RACE)

for novice five yrs old and upwards x Total race value £131250 Owners Prize Money. 1st £56490, 2nd £23284, 3rd £11642, 4th £5827, 5th £2914, 6th £1457. (Penalty Value £73854.37) FORM ANALYSIS - A CLOSER LOOK

| FACTS | FANCIES | FORM | STATS | Leading course trainer (16-21): N Henderson (50 wins from 363 runners, 14%) runs SHISHKIN Trainer-in-form (last 14 days): W P Mullins (10 wins from 32 runners, 31%) runs FRANCO DE PORT Fancy That: N Henderson won this race in 2012, 2013 and 2017. The stable runs SHISHKIN today.

W P Mullins won this race in 2015, 2016, 2018 and 2019. The stable runs FRANCO DE PORT today.

J Jockey

T Trainer O Owner B Breeder S Sponsor E Equipment

1 ALLMANKIND (GB) (29) B g Sea The Moon (GER) - Wemyss Bay

TFRHHHHI BHA160 FORM 13-3111 CD

5 11-4

TIMEFORM VIEW One of the best juvenile hurdlers J Harry Skelton E Hood, Tongue Strap around last season and this front runner has quickly made into an even better chaser, winning Henry VIII at Sandown T Dan Skelton, Alcester and Kingmaker at Warwick on last 2 starts.

O W. J. and T. C. O. Gredley 15Feb War 16f Ch soft 1/4 Sky Pirate 14l B Stetchworth & Middle Park Studs Ltd Dec20 San 15f Ch soft 1/5 Hitman (FR) 21/2l S Unex Group Nov20 War 16f Ch good 1/6 Zanza (IRE) 13l

2 CAPTAIN GUINNESS (IRE) (38) B g Arakan (USA) - Presenting d’Azy (IRE)

J Rachael Blackmore T Henry de Bromhead, Ireland O Declan Landy B Arthur Fennelly

TIMEFORM VIEW Came a long way in a short space of time over hurdles last term. Has also quickly developed into a smart chaser but Energumene was way too good for him at Naas. Fell at Leopardstown since.

6Feb Leo 13Jan Naa Dec20 Pun

3 ELDORADO ALLEN (FR) (45) Gr g Khalkevi (IRE) - Hesmeralda (FR)

TFRHHHII BHA153 FORM 2B-P12F D

6 11-4

Br g Coastal Path - Ruth (FR)

7 11-4

Gr g Schiaparelli (GER) - Just Popsy

J Tom Scudamore T Heather Main, Wantage O Wetumpka Racing B Mr & Mrs James Main S Tote

6 SHISHKIN (IRE) (45) B g Sholokhov (IRE) - Labarynth (IRE)

J Nico de Boinville T Nicky Henderson, Lambourn O Mrs J Donnelly B C.J. & E.B. Bennett S Unibet

6 11-4

DECLARED RUNNERS 6

TIMEFORM VIEW Made good start over fences with wins at Newton Abbot and here but never competitive behind Allmankind in Henry VIII at Sandown and no match for Shishkin at Doncaster in January. Tongue tie added.

30Jan Don Dec20 San Nov20 Chl

16f Ch 15f Ch 15f Ch

soft 2/4 soft 4/5 gd-sf 1/6

Shishkin (IRE) Allmankind Quel Destin (FR)

81/2l 14l 19l

TIMEFORM VIEW Won first 2 starts over fences, the second a Leopardstown Grade 1, but firmly put in his place by stablemate Energumene back at Leopardstown last month.

6Feb Leo Dec20 Leo Nov20 Thu

17f Ch 17f Ch 18f Ch

soft 2/9 Energumene (FR) yield 1/6 Darver Star (IRE) soft 1/13 Whatsnotoknow (IRE)

10l 41/2l 1 6 /2l

TFRHIIII BHA128 FORM 5-43113 D BF

7 11-4

TIMEFORM VIEW Chasing type who has duly relished the switch to fences this winter, winning pair of 2m handicaps, but he’s not up to this level.

18Feb San 15f HcpC heavy 3/7 4Feb Wcn 15f HcpC heavy 1/8 Nov20 Fls 16f HcpC soft 1/6

Tattersalls

Belargus (FR) Jackson Hill (IRE) Rostello (FR)

17l 6l 14l

TFRHHHHH BHA164 FORM 111-111 CD

graduate

7 11-4

81/2l 43/4l

TFRHHHII BHA156 FORM 02P-112 D

J P. Townend T W. P. Mullins, Ireland O Bruton Street V B Mr Patrick Joubert & Haras de Saint-Voir

5 NUMITOR (GB) (26)

soft F/9 Energumene (FR) heavy 2/4 Energumene (FR) heavy 1/17 Midnight Run (IRE)

TFRHHIII BHA149 FORM 30-1142 CD

J Harry Cobden E Tongue Strap T Colin Tizzard, Sherborne O J P Romans & Terry Warner B Mr Bruno Vagne S Coral Racing Limited

4 FRANCO DE PORT (FR) (38)

17f Ch 16f Ch 16f Ch

TIMEFORM VIEW Won the Supreme last year and has quickly made up into Timeform’s highest-rated novice chaser, easily winning all 3 starts this term, the latest a Doncaster Grade 2. Can’t oppose.

30Jan Don 16f Ch Dec20 Kmp 16f Ch Nov20 Kmp 18f Ch

soft 1/4 soft 1/4 good 1/4

Eldorado Allen (FR) 81/2l Tamaroc Du Mathan (FR) 13l Mick Pastor (FR) 23l

2020: PUT THE KETTLE ON (IRE) 6 10 11 Aidan Coleman 16-1 (Henry de Bromhead) 11 ran

Probable S.P’s: 1-2 Shishkin (IRE), 9-2 Allmankind (GB), 12-1 14-1 Franco de Port (FR), 66-1 Eldorado Allen (FR), 300-1 Numitor (GB)

22

Captain

Guinness

(IRE),

thejockeyclub.co.uk

PLAY SMARTER

The absence of Energumene robs us of what could have been the race of the meeting and it now looks a relatively straightforward task for the hugely exciting SHISKIN, who can provide Nicky Henderson with a seventh win in this contest.

The front-running Allmankind has taken really well to fences and he can hold on for second from Captain Guinness.

TIMEFORM PREDICTION: 1.SHISHKIN (IRE) 2.ALLMANKIND 3.CAPTAIN GUINNESS (IRE)

RACE RESULT

RACE TIME

DISTANCE

1ST

3RD

2ND

4TH

TODAY’S RACE SPONSOR

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email: info@racedayphotos.co.uk WWW.RACEDAYPHOTOS.CO.UK

23

Second Race

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DAY ONE There really is no sporting arena quite like Cheltenham Racecourse.

And while we might be missing the famous roar when the curtain rises on Tuesday 16 March, The Festival™ supporting WellChild promises to deliver the highest-quality action regardless.

For many Jump racing fans the countdown to The Festival™ begins the minute the gates close the year before. When this year’s event finally arrives, Day One kicks off with the Sky Bet Supreme Novices’ Hurdle and never looks back, featuring four Grade One contests across the sevenrace card.

Each of those top-level affairs has a story in its own right, though the feature race is the Unibet Champion Hurdle, a two-mile contest which is the first of five ‘Championship’ races to take place over the four days.

The race is the ultimate test of speed and grace and any horse with aspirations of winning must be both quick and slick over their hurdles and strong in the nish up that famous Cheltenham Hill.

Many components are required to become a champion hurdler and over the past four years only horses carrying the iconic yellow and green silks of owner JP McManus have managed it – Buveur D’Air in 2017 and 2018, Espoir d’Allen 12 months later and then Epatante last March. With five earlier wins, McManus’s total of nine Champion Hurdles makes him the most successful owner ever in the two-mile showpiece.

The now-retired Barry Geraghty was on board for the most recent of those and describes “bagging a big one” on the first day of his final Festival – even though no one else present knew it would be – as “a huge relief”.

With eight successes under his belt, Nicky Henderson has trained more winners of the race than anyone else and Epatante is scheduled to return this year. Her fans, of which there are many, will be hoping the old adage ‘class is permanent’ rings particularly true at The Festival™ and an ability to handle the unique undulations of Cheltenham is not in doubt.

Run over the same distance as the Champion Hurdle, the Sky Bet Supreme Novices’ Hurdle is a race which not only sets the tone for The Festival™ but also regularly produces a star of the future. Last year’s

winner Shishkin was no different and is now, 12 months later, considered one of the leading contenders for the second race on this year’s card, the Sporting Life Arkle Challenge Trophy. Run over two miles, the Arkle regularly serves as an express route to the following year’s Betway Queen Mother Champion Chase. In Shishkin, connections believe they might have a horse to do just that, following in the footsteps of another of Henderson’s stable stars Altior.

Speaking after Shishkin’s victory in last year’s Supreme, jockey Nico de Boinville, was quick to draw a comparison of sorts himself, and said: “Everything conspired against him today, but he managed to find a way, and that’s what good horses tend to do. I think with another summer’s grass Shishkin will grow another hand and fill out as well, so it’s similar to how Altior was. I’m not going to say he is like Altior, but they make that decision for you over the summer.”

Shishkin after winning the 2020 Sky Bet Supreme Novices' Hurdle

The final Grade One contest of the day is a race with a knack for producing drama, and The Close Brothers Mares’ Hurdle made headlines around the world back in 2015, when Annie Power’s fall at the final flight denied a pay-out which would have cost bookmakers in the region of £50 million.

And while one such departure on the biggest stage in horseracing would be hard to endure, spare a thought for owner Rich Ricci who watched Benie Des Dieux – also trained by Willie Mullins and ridden by Ruby Walsh – make the same error in almost identical circumstances four years later.

We might not yet know what things will look like off the track, but you’re guaranteed sporting drama on it.

Adapted from The Festival™ Supporting WellChild Preview Magazine

Honeysuckle and Benie Des Dieux approach the last in the 2020 Close Brothers Mares' Hurdle

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FACTS & STATS THE ULTIMA HANDICAP STEEPLE CHASE RACE DESCRIPTION

This Grade 3 Ultima Handicap Steeple Chase is the first handicap of The Festival™. The aim of a handicap is to ensure a level playing field for all achieved by allocating different weights to each of the runners based on what they have achieved on the racecourse so far. All horses possess an official BHA rating that reflects their relative abilities. The higher the rating, the bigger the weight the horse has to carry – see how top-weight Cepage, rated 158, carries 4lb more than Aye Right, rated 154.

LAST YEAR’S

GRADE 3 HANDICAP

WINNER

RUN OVER THREE MILES, ONE FURLONG

THE CONDITIONAL A brave staying performance from The Conditional in last year’s contest gave trainer David Bridgwater and jockey Brendan Powell a memorable Festival winner. Travelling strongly up the inside throughout the contest, The Conditional overcame an error two out to forge his way to the front inside the final furlong, before battling on well to keep the runner-up, Kildisart, at bay in the closing stages of an enthralling contest.

20 FENCES TO BE JUMPED

TOTAL PRIZE FUND OF

£82,500

£46,422 TO THE WINNER

ROLL OF HONOUR 2011-2020 YEAR 2020 2019 2018 2017 2016 2015 2014 2013 2012 2011

FORM 3124 41 53241 1036 1224 1275 32U11 P3033 PF05 02

WINNER AGE WEIGHT The Conditional 8 10-6 Beware The Bear 9 11-8 Coo Star Sivola 6 10-10 Un Temps Pour Tout 8 11-12 Un Temps Pour Tout 7 11-7 The Druids Nephew 8 11-3 Holywell 7 11-6 Golden Chieftain 8 10-2 (3) Alfie Sherrin 9 10-0 (1oh) Bensalem 8 11-2

OR 139 151 142 155 148 146 145 132 129 143

SP 15/2 10/1 5/1F 9/1 11/1 8/1 10/1 28/1 14/1 5/1

TRAINER D Bridgwater N Henderson N Williams D Pipe D Pipe N Mulholland J J O’Neill C Tizzard J J O’Neill A King

RUNNERS 23 24 18 23 23 24 23 24 19 19

LAST RACE (NO. DAYS) 4th Classic H’Cap Chase (59) 1st Cheltenham H’cap Chase (70) 1st Exeter H’cap Chase (18) 6th Cleeve Hurdle (45) 4th Cheltenham H’cap Chase (45) 5th Cleeve Hurdle (45) 1st Doncaster Novice Chase (20) 3rd Warwick H’cap Chase (18) unpl Haydock Pertemps Qualifier (24) 2nd Rendlesham Hurdle (24)

KEY TRENDS 17 of the last 20 winners have been aged 7 to 9 years old

9 of the last 11 winners had run at Cheltenham earlier in the season

Only 2 of the last 12 winners hadn’t run at The Festival™ before

WINNING CONNECTIONS Trainers and Jockeys with some of the strongest records in the race over the last 10 years.

TRAINER

JOCKEY

Nicky Henderson

Tom Scudamore

1 winner

2 winners

Today Nicky saddles Pym & Ok Corral

Today Tom rides One For The Team

3m 1f

THIRD RACE 2.30 THE ULTIMA HANDICAP STEEPLE CHASE (CLASS 1) (Grade 3) (GBB RACE)

for five yrs old and upwards x Total race value £82500 Owners Prize Money. 1st £35508, 2nd £14636, 3rd £7318, 4th £3663, 5th £1832, 6th £916, 7th £454, 8th £231.

(Penalty Value £46422.75) Weights raised 2lbs and paragraph 34 of the Weights and Handicapping Code complied with where applicable.

FORM ANALYSIS - A CLOSER LOOK

| FACTS | FANCIES | FORM | STATS | Leading course trainer (16-21): N Henderson (50 wins from 363 runners, 14%) runs OK CORRAL and PYM Trainer-in-form (last 14 days): D Skelton (9 wins from 57 runners, 16%) runs ALNADAM Longest Travellers: MILAN NATIVE trained by Mrs D Foster, Ireland.

DISCORDANTLY trained by J Harrington, Ireland.

J Jockey

T Trainer O Owner B Breeder S Sponsor E Equipment

1 CEPAGE (FR) (23)

B g Saddler Maker (IRE) - Sience Fiction (FR)

J Charlie Deutsch T Venetia Williams, Hereford O The Bellamy Partnership B Mr Herve d’Armaille S Faucets Limited

2 AYE RIGHT (IRE) (45) B g Yeats (IRE) - Gaybric (IRE)

J Richard Johnson T Harriet Graham, Jedburgh O Geoff and Elspeth Adam B Patrick Cashman S Tote

3 PYM (IRE) (108) B g Stowaway - Liss Rua (IRE)

J Nico de Boinville T Nicky Henderson, Lambourn O Mrs Patricia Pugh B Niall Flynn S Unibet

4 OK CORRAL (IRE) (416) B g Mahler - Acoola (IRE)

J Mark Walsh T Nicky Henderson, Lambourn O Mr John P. McManus B Declan Dorgan

5 MILAN NATIVE (IRE) (79) Br g Milan - That’s The Goose (IRE)

9 11-12

21Feb Nby 9Jan Chp Dec20 Chl

Tattersalls

Br g Jeremy (USA) - Mydadsabishop (IRE)

J David Bass T Kim Bailey, Cheltenham O Lady Dulverton B Mrs Maura Canavan S Kim Bailey Racing Ltd

7 ALNADAM (FR) (38) B g Poliglote - Rosadame (FR)

23f Ch gd-sf 4/7 Secret Investor 19f HcpC heavy 1/6 Tiquer (FR) 20f HcpC soft P/17 Chatham Street Lad (IRE)

TIMEFORM VIEW Has developed into a very smart chaser, third in Charlie Hall before excellent second in Ladbrokes Trophy at Newbury and Sky Bet at Doncaster.

Tough and reliable so should be on the premises again.

30Jan Don 23f HcpC soft 2/11 Takingrisks (IRE) 20Jan Nwc 16f NHF st-sl 6/13 Wise Eagle (IRE) Nov20 Nby 25f HcpC good 2/18 Cloth Cap (IRE)

Tattersalls

8

TIMEFORM VIEW Made a good start to chase career last term and, after a couple of dismal runs, he was firmly back on track to land a Listed race at Sandown on return.

Found little at Newcastle since, though.

Nov20 Nwc 23f HcpC good 5/10 Yorkhill (IRE) Nov20 San 24f Ch good 1/3 If The Cap Fits (IRE) Mar20 Chl 24f Ch soft P/10 Champ (IRE)

Tattersalls

TIMEFORM VIEW Low-mileage 11-y-o. Runner-up in Albert Bartlett in 2018. All-or-nothing record over fences but produced a career best when defying top weight in Sky Bet at Doncaster when last seen 13 months ago.

Jan20 Don Jan20 Chl Nov19 Nby

Tattersalls

8

Dec20 Leo 24f HcpC yield 15/22 Castlebawn West (IRE) Nov20 Fai 28f HcpC soft P/20 Court Maid (IRE) Oct20 Wex 23f Ch soft 2/4 Minella Indo (IRE)

TIMEFORM VIEW Made up into a useful novice hurdler last season and has continued progress over fences this term, winning 2 of 3 starts, including novice chase here (25.2f, soft) latest. Remains with potential.

Dec20 Chl Nov20 Fkn Oct20 Str

Tattersalls graduate

8 10-13

36l 25l

TFRHHHHH BHA147 FORM 334-121 CD

graduate

11-1

1 /2l 64l 51l

TIMEFORM VIEW Found extra distance in his favour on handicap bow when justifying support in Kim Muir here last season. Better than bare results since making a winning return at Galway. Can bounce back.

Tattersalls

7

23f HcpC gd-sf 1/14 Fingerontheswitch (IRE) 20f HcpC soft 9/12 Oldgrangewood 25f HcpC gd-sf 15/24 De Rasher Counter

TFRHHHHI BHA149 FORM 21-12P0 C

graduate

11-3

103/4l 21/2l -

TFRHHHII BHA151 FORM 11P/001-

graduate

11 11-5

11/4l 63/4l 10l

TFRHHHII BHA153 FORM 11PP-15 CD

graduate

11-7

15l 14l -

TFRHHHHI BHA154 FORM 5-23262

graduate

8 11-8

J Jack Kennedy E Tongue Strap T Mrs Denise Foster, Ireland O Gigginstown House Stud B Eugene Condon

6 HAPPYGOLUCKY (IRE) (95)

TFRHHHII BHA158 FORM 610-P14 C

TIMEFORM VIEW Very smart chaser who has largely been consistent in high-quality handicaps and 14l winner at Chepstow (19.5f) in January. This trip seemed to stretch him when seventh in this last year, however.

25f Ch 21f Ch 20f Ch

gd-sf 1/5 good 2/3 gd-sf 1/7

The Mighty Don (IRE) Getaway Trump (IRE) Paint The Dream

33/4l 1 /2l 61/2l

TFRHHHII BHA145 FORM 41-2101

TIMEFORM VIEW Point/hurdle winner who has taken very well to fences this season and wasted no time getting back to winning ways at Sandown (20f) last month. Up in trip now and remains unexposed.

J Harry Skelton T Dan Skelton, Alcester O Bryan Drew 6Feb San 20f HcpC heavy 1/10 Clan Legend B Mr Richard Corveller & Mr Ange Corveller Dec20 Kmp 20f HcpC gd-sf 8/10 Killer Clown (IRE) S Ladbrokes,TheAirAmbulanceService (Warwickshire&Northamptonshire) Dec20 San 20f HcpC soft 1/11 Before Midnight 30

51/2l 29l 61/2l

thejockeyclub.co.uk

8 DELIRE D’ESTRUVAL (FR) (17)

TFRHHIII BHA143 FORM 1/0231-P

9 VINTAGE CLOUDS (IRE) (25)

TFRHHIII BHA143 FORM 150-053 D

8 10-11

B g Youmzain (IRE) - Question d’Estruval (FR)

TIMEFORM VIEW Bit of an in-and-out performer but did J Daryl Jacob E Blinkers post a smart effort to win 20.5f handicap at Kempton on final start last season. Scant encouragement on belated T Ben Pauling, Bourton-on-the-Water return there 17 days ago, however.

O Mr Simon Munir & Mr Isaac Souede 27Feb Kmp 24f HcpC good P/17 Clondaw Castle (IRE) B Marie-Francoise Le Gentil 1 Mar20 Kmp 20f HcpC gd-sf 1/20 Drumconnor Lad (IRE) /2l S Ptarmigan Media Limited Feb20 San 15f HcpC soft 3/6 Dolos (FR) 14l

Gr g Cloudings (IRE) - Rare Vintage (IRE)

J Ryan Mania T Sue Smith, Bingley O Mr Trevor Hemmings B Gleadhill House Stud Ltd S Trust Inns Limited

TIMEFORM VIEW Placed twice in this race but only E Cheek Pieces eighth last year and below par all 3 starts this term. Back on last winning mark but possibly best days are behind him. Headgear on.

10 DISCORDANTLY (IRE) (30) B g Salutino (GER) - Collinstown Queen (IRE)

11 10-11

J Robbie Power T Mrs J. Harrington, Ireland O The Odd Fellows Partnership B P. Gavin

19Feb Kel Nov20 War Oct20 Ain

Tattersalls

TIMEFORM VIEW Second-season chaser who produced a career best to win Galway handicap on return but mostly let down by jumping since, failing to complete last 2 starts. Risky.

14Feb Pun 28f HcpC soft F/18 The Big Dog (IRE) 28Jan Gow 25f HcpC heavy U/18 Coko Beach (FR) Dec20 Leo 24f HcpC yield 9/22 Castlebawn West (IRE)

TFRHHHII BHA142 FORM 2211-13

10 10-10

TIMEFORM VIEW Has his quirks but ended last season winning at Leicester and Wincanton and carried on where he left off when successful at Ludlow on return. Good third at Warwick since and worth a try at this trip.

15Feb War 20f HcpC soft Dec20 Lud 15f HcpC soft Feb20 Wcn 20f HcpC soft

12 ONE FOR THE TEAM (GB) (45) B g Shirocco (GER) - One Gulp

Ch g Kapgarde (FR) - Ges (FR)

7 10-8

13/4l 31/4l 21/4l

TIMEFORM VIEW Useful hurdler who quickly matched that level over fences when second in Grade 2 at Newbury.

Not disgraced in Kempton Grade 1 next time and ground might have been too testing in Sky Bet Chase since.

30Jan Don 23f HcpC soft 5/11 Takingrisks (IRE) Dec20 Kmp 24f Ch gd-sf 5/7 Shan Blue (IRE) Nov20 Nby 23f Ch good 2/5 Next Destination (IRE)

Tattersalls

32l 91/2l 11/4l

TFRHHIII BHA137 FORM 0-21543

graduate

7 10-5

TIMEFORM VIEW Useful hurdler who jumped soundly when making winning start over fences at Chepstow in October. Has disappointingly failed to build on that since though, tried in cheekpieces latest.

J A. P. Heskin T Olly Murphy, Wilmcote O McNeill Family and Prodec Networks Ltd B Mme Olivia Goupil S Ultima Business Solutions

14 NIETZSCHE (GB) (94)

3/12 Two For Gold (IRE) 1/8 Molineaux (IRE) 1/4 Molineaux (IRE)

TFRHHHII BHA140 FORM 1-3U255

J Tom Scudamore T Nick Williams, South Molton O Forty Winks Syndicate 2 & Partner B R. J. McAlpine S Nick & Jane Williams Racing

13 THE WOLF (FR) (27)

21l

17Feb Wet 9Jan Chp Nov20 Exe

Tattersalls

21f Ch soft 23f HcpC soft 24f Ch soft

3/5 4/7 5/7

Chantry House (IRE) Ask Me Early (IRE) L’Air du Vent (FR)

19l 40l 17l

TFRHHHII BHA134 FORM U20-333 C

graduate

Ch g Poet’s Voice - Ganga (IRE) 8 10-2 TIMEFORM VIEW Posted some good runs on the Flat in J Jonathan Burke E Tongue Strap late summer and excellent placed efforts back over fences this season. Worth a try over this trip given his T Brian Ellison, Malton stamina on the level.

O D Gilbert, M Lawrence, A Bruce, G Wills Dec20 Chl 16f HcpC soft 3/9 Sky Pirate 13l B West Stow Stud Ltd Nov20 Don 19f HcpC good 3/9 Barton Knoll 21/2l S Brian Ellison Racing Limited Oct20 Wet 19f HcpC gd-sf 3/11 Huntsman Son (IRE) 71/2l

15 SOUPY SOUPS (IRE) (17) Ch g Stowaway - Near Dunleer (IRE)

Tattersalls

TFRHIIII BHA134 FORM P-561P0

graduate

10 10-2

TIMEFORM VIEW Enhanced good record at Perth when J Robert Dunne E Cheek Pieces resuming winning ways there in August but well-held in stronger company next 2 starts and pulled up in this last T Neil Mulholland, Limpley Stoke year.

O Equi ex Incertis Partners 27Feb Kmp 24f HcpC good 11/17 Clondaw Castle (IRE) 35l B Joe Brennan Dec20 Kmp 24f HcpC soft P/11 Royale Pagaille (FR) 1 S Wild Beer Co Ltd Aug20 Per 23f HcpC gd-sf 1/10 As You Like (IRE) /2l

16 FINGERONTHESWITCH (IRE) (17) B g Beneficial - Houseoftherisinsun (IRE)

TFRHIIII BHA130 FORM 12P-400 D

11 10-0

TIMEFORM VIEW Veteran who enjoyed excellent time of J Millie Wonnacott (5) E Tongue Strap, Cheek Pieces it last season, but signs of decline this term and hard to fancy from out of the handicap.

T Neil Mulholland, Limpley Stoke O Cahill, Atwell & Crofts 27Feb Kmp 24f HcpC good 8/17 Clondaw Castle (IRE) 23l B Denis Cleary 2Jan San 24f HcpC soft 9/15 Seeyouatmidnight 42l S Atwell Martin Dec20 Hay 25f HcpC heavy 4/7 Late Romantic (IRE) 23l 31

Third Race

J Alan Johns T Victor Dartnall, Barnstaple O The Whacko Partnership B R. J. Croker S Hartnoll Hotel

19l 13l 38l

TFRHHIII BHA142 FORM 4-140UF

graduate

7 10-10

11 ADMIRAL’S SECRET (GB) (29) B g Kayf Tara - Bobs Bay (IRE)

23f HcpC soft 3/7 Claud And Goldie (IRE) 24f HcpC gd-sf 5/7 Potters Legend 24f HcpC soft 7/12 Minellacelebration (IRE)

DECLARED RUNNERS 16 2020: THE CONDITIONAL (IRE) 8 10 6 Brendan Powell 15-2 (David Bridgwater) 23 ran Running for the first time since Wind Surgery No. 5.

Stewards Note: DELIRE D’ESTRUVAL: Following its run on 27/2/2021 it was reported that the horse lost a shoe.

NIETZSCHE: Following its run on 12/12/2020 it was reported that the horse lost right fore shoe.

Probable S.P’s: 4-1 Happygolucky (IRE), 13-2 Aye Right (IRE), 7-1 One For The Team (GB), 10-1 Milan Native (IRE), 14-1 Alnadam (FR), 18-1 Cepage (FR), Ok Corral (IRE), Discordantly (IRE), 22-1 Pym (IRE), Vintage Clouds (IRE), Admiral’s Secret (GB), 25-1 Delire d’Estruval (FR), Nietzsche (GB), 28-1 The Wolf (FR), 66-1 Soupy Soups (IRE), Fingerontheswitch (IRE)

PLAY SMARTER

Novices have an excellent record in this and HAPPYGOLUCKY is taken to enhance it further. He had plenty to spare in a 5-runner novice here in December and proved he can handle the hustle and bustle of a big field when fourth in the Martin Pipe last season. The tough and reliable Aye Right should make another bold bid, with last year’s Kim Muir winner Milan Native another to consider.

TIMEFORM PREDICTION: 1.HAPPYGOLUCKY (IRE) 2.AYE RIGHT (IRE) 3.MILAN NATIVE (IRE)

RACE RESULT

RACE TIME

DISTANCE

1ST

3RD

2ND

4TH

TODAY’S RACE SPONSOR

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TALENT

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Travel Jun - Oct 2021

HISTORY The Unibet Champion Hurdle is without doubt the most prestigious hurdle race in the calendar. Run over a distance of two miles and 87 yards, with eight flights to be jumped, the race was first run in 1927.

That inaugural race was won by Blaris, earning connections the grand sum of £365.

Twelve months later, Brown Jack added his name to the Roll of Honour before switching codes to win the Queen Alexandra Stakes six times from 1929-34. Only three runners went to post in 1932 – the smallest field in the race’s history.Insurance proved victorious that day and confirmed his superiority by following up twelve months later.

The post-war years saw the race’s first triple winner. Hatton’s Grace, trained by the legendary Vincent O’Brien, dominated from 1949-51. He was swiftly followed by Sir Ken who recorded a hat-trick of wins for Willie Stephenson from 1952-54 and still holds the record of being the shortest-priced winner - sent off a 2/5 favourite in 1953. He was ridden by Tim Molony who with four victories is the winning most rider.

The late 60s saw the emergence of another superstar in the shape of Persian War who ruled the race for trainer Colin Davies, winning three times from 1968-1970. The 70s provided some well-known winners and even today few will need little introduction.

Bula recorded back-to-back wins in 1971-72, Comedy Of Errors’ two wins in 1973 and 1975 were sandwiched around the victory of a certain Lanzarote, before Night Nurse 1976-77, Monksfield 1978-79 and Sea Pigeon 1980-81 all recorded doubles.

In 1984 Dawn Run, trained by Paddy Mullins, emerged on the scene and started re-writing the history books. That year she became only the second mare to win the Unibet Champion Hurdle – also adding the Irish and French versions, and two years later she added the Gold Cup and remains the only horse to have completed the Champion Hurdle-Gold Cup double.

Nicky Henderson’s See You Then dominated the race from 1985-87 to become the race’s fourth three-time winner.

The most recent three-time winner came in 1998-2000 when Istabraq (pictured above right) helped launch the career of a certain Aidan O’Brien. He was odds-on to become the first four-time winner of the race in 2001 but was cruelly denied due to the entire Festival being lost to the foot-and-mouth outbreak.

In recent times, Hurricane Fly excelled in 2011 and although he missed the following year through injury, he returned in 2013 to regain his crown. He could finish only fourth in 2014 and in his final attempt at the race, he finished a gallant third behind stablemate Faugheen in 2015.

Willie Mullins also saddled the winner in 2016 as Annie Power became the first mare since Flakey Dove in 1994 and just the fourth overall to win the Unibet Champion Hurdle.

2017 and 2018 saw Nicky Henderson’s Buveur d’Air cross the line first and extend his trainer’s tally of victories in the race to seven. He fell in the 2019 renewal when bidding for the hat-trick and instead, it was JP McManus’ other representative, the Gavin Cromwell-trained Espoir d’Allen, who became the first five-year-old since 1985 and See You Then to win the premier two-mile hurdle in the National Hunt calendar, and he did so in some style. Epatante - last year’s winner - was all about the multiples; she was the fifth mare to win the race, the fourth horse in a row to win the race for JP McManus and Nicky Henderson’s eighth Champion Hurdler. Can she defend her title this afternoon?

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FACTS & STATS THE UNIBET CHAMPION HURDLE CHALLENGE TROPHY RACE DESCRIPTION

The third Grade 1 race on today’s card, the Unibet Champion Hurdle is the historic Championship race for two-mile hurdlers and is the highest-quality race of its type run anywhere in the world. The crème de la crème of Europe’s speed hurdlers will all be in the line-up chasing a first prize of £189,911. All of the runners are set to carry 11st 10lb, apart from the mares, Epatante and Honeysuckle, who receive a 7lb allowance, and so shoulder 11st 3lb.

GRADE 1

LAST YEAR’S

WINNER

RUN OVER TWO MILES, EIGHTY-SEVEN YARDS

EPATANTE Small, but perfectly formed, Epatante skipped clear up the hill to record a superb victory in last year’s renewal of the Champion Hurdle, giving Nicky Henderson his eighth winner of the race. The fifth mare to win the Champion Hurdle, Epatante travelled sweetly throughout and a fine leap at the last helped her to put the race to bed, quickening smartly under jockey Barry Geraghty in his final Cheltenham Festival before retirement from the saddle.

8 HURDLES TO BE JUMPED

TOTAL PRIZE FUND OF

£337,500

£189,911 TO THE WINNER

ROLL OF HONOUR 2011-2020 YEAR 2020 2019 2018 2017 2016 2015 2014 2013 2012 2011

FORM 11 111 111 111 11 11 1124 111 12 111

WINNER Epatante Espoir d’Allen Buveur d’Air Buveur d’Air Annie Power Faugheen Jezki Hurricane Fly Rock On Ruby Hurricane Fly

AGE WEIGHT SP 6 11-3 2/1F 5 11-10 16/1 7 11-10 4/6F 6 11-10 5/1 8 11-3 5/2F 7 11-10 4/5F 6 11-10 9/1 9 11-10 13/8F 7 11-10 11/1 7 11-10 11/4F

TRAINER RUNNERS N Henderson 17 G Cromwell 10 N Henderson 11 N Henderson 10 W Mullins (Ire) 12 W Mullins (Ire) 8 J Harrington (Ire) 9 W Mullins (Ire) 9 P Nicholls 10 W Mullins (Ire) 11

LAST RACE (NO.DAYS) 1st Christmas Hurdle (75) 1st Limestone Lad Hurdle (44) 1st Contenders Hurdle (38) 1st Contenders Hurdle (38) 1st Punchestown Mares’ Hurdle (27) 1st Christmas Hurdle (74) 4th Irish Champion Hurdle (44) 1st Irish Champion Hurdle (44) 2nd Christmas Hurdle (78) 1st Irish Champion Hurdle (51)

KEY TRENDS 17 of the last 20 winners were already Grade 1 winners over hurdles

20 of the last 22 winners had previously run at The Festival™

14 of the past 25 winners were unbeaten during the current season

WINNING CONNECTIONS Trainers and Jockeys with some of the strongest records in the race over the last 10 years.

TRAINER

JOCKEY

Willie Mullins

Whichever jockey wins the Unibet Champion Hurdle today, they will be securing their first ever success in the race, joining recent heroes Ruby Walsh, Barry Geraghty and Noel Fehily.

4 winners Today Willie saddles James Du Berlais, Saldier and Sharjah

2m 87y

FOURTH RACE 3.05 THE UNIBET CHAMPION HURDLE CHALLENGE TROPHY (CLASS 1) (Grade 1) (GBB RACE)

for four yrs old and upwards x Total race value £337500 Owners Prize Money. 1st £145260, 2nd £59873, 3rd £29936, 4th £14985, 5th £7493, 6th £3746, 7th £1856, 8th £945. (Penalty Value £189911.25) FORM ANALYSIS - A CLOSER LOOK

| FACTS | FANCIES | FORM | STATS | Leading course trainer (16-21): N Henderson (50 wins from 363 runners, 14%) runs EPATANTE Trainer-in-form (last 14 days): W P Mullins (10 wins from 32 runners, 31%) runs JAMES DU BERLAIS, SALDIER and SHARJAH Fancy That: N Henderson won this race in 2017, 2018 and 2020. The stable runs EPATANTE today. W P Mullins won this race in 2011, 2013, 2015 and 2016. The stable runs JAMES DU BERLAIS and SALDIER and SHARJAH today.

J Jockey

T Trainer O Owner B Breeder S Sponsor E Equipment

1 ABACADABRAS (FR) (38)

TFRHHHII BHA158 FORM 12-2152 D

7 11-10

B g Davidoff (GER) - Cadoubelle des As (FR)

TIMEFORM VIEW Smart hurdler who disappointed when J Jack Kennedy E Tongue Strap 23 3/4 lengths fifth to Sharjah in Matheson at Leopardstown over Christmas. Back on song when second in Irish T Mrs Denise Foster, Ireland Champion since but Honeysuckle 10 lengths ahead of him.

O Gigginstown House Stud 6Feb Leo 16f Hdl sf-hv 2/6 Honeysuckle 10l B Mme Evelyne Van Haaren Dec20 Leo 16f Hdl soft 5/7 Sharjah (FR) 23l

Nov20 Pun

2 ASPIRE TOWER (IRE) (77) B g Born To Sea (IRE) - Red Planet

J Robbie Power T Henry de Bromhead, Ireland O Robcour B Fastnet Stud Ltd

3 GOSHEN (FR) (24)

Tattersalls

J Jamie Moore T Gary Moore, Horsham O Mr Steven Packham B Mr Christophe Toulorge S K M Elite Products Ltd

5 11-10

Ch g Muhtathir - King’s Daughter (FR)

J Daryl Jacob T W. P. Mullins, Ireland O Mr Simon Munir/Mr Isaac Souede B Jean-Marc Lucas

5 NOT SO SLEEPY (GB) (87) Ch g Beat Hollow - Papillon de Bronze (IRE)

J Jonathan Burke T Hughie Morrison, East Ilsley O Lady Blyth B Lord Blyth S Bridgend Hotel

6 SALDIER (FR) (38) B g Soldier Hollow - Salve Evita

J Daniel Mullins T W. P. Mullins, Ireland O Mrs S. Ricci B Soc Agricola Ss Le Ginestre

7 SHARJAH (FR) (38) B g Doctor Dino (FR) - Saaryeh

J P. Townend T W. P. Mullins, Ireland O Mrs S. Ricci B Ecurie Haras De Beauvoir

soft 2/7 Sharjah (FR) yd-sf 1/6 Abacadabras (FR) soft 2/13 Burning Victory (FR)

heavy 1/6 Song For Someone (GER) 22l soft 10/10 Song For Someone (GER) 28l heavy 3/7 Natural History 33/4l

TFRHHHII BHA160 FORM 121212

TIMEFORM VIEW Smart hurdler for Robert Collet in France, winning 3 times at listed/Graded level in first half of the season. Ended his time over there with close second in Auteuil Grade 1 in November. Bit to find.

19f Hdl 19f Hdl 18f Hdl

heavy 2/7 Moises Has (FR) heavy 1/10 Moises Has (FR) soft 2/7 Seduction (FR)

s.h 5l 1l

TFRHIIII BHA149 FORM 110P-R1 D

TIMEFORM VIEW Front-runner who has won back-toback renewals of the Betfair Exchange Trophy (Handicap) at Ascot but needs to raise his game significantly to get involved at this level. Pulled up in this last year.

Dec20 Asc 15f HcpH heavy 1/17 Buzz (FR) Nov20 Nwc 16f Hdl good R/6 Epatante (FR) Oct20 Nkt 18f Hcp soft 4/34 Great White Shark (FR)

7 11-10

2l 41/2l 23/4l

TIMEFORM VIEW Had the 2020 Triumph at mercy before an unseat at the last. Suffered fibrillating heart when disappointing in International on hurdle return but well and truly back on track in Kingwell last month.

Nov20 Aut Oct20 Aut Sep20 Aut

9 11-10

nk

TFRHHHHI BHA164 FORM 111U-01 D

20Feb Wcn 15f Hdl Dec20 Chl 16f Hdl Oct20 Gwd 11f Hcp

4 JAMES DU BERLAIS (FR) (121)

Saint Roi (FR)

TIMEFORM VIEW Front runner who was second in last year’s Triumph. Improved again when accounting for Abacadabras in Down Royal Grade 2 on reappearance and fine second to Sharjah in Matheson since.

Dec20 Leo 16f Hdl Oct20 Dow 16f Hdl Mar20 Chl 16f Hdl

5 11-10

B g Authorized (IRE) - Hyde (FR)

heavy 1/5

TFRHHIII BHA160 FORM 11F2-12 D

graduate

5 11-10

16f Hdl

13/4l 63/4l

TFRHIIII BHA156 FORM 31/F/1-66 D

TIMEFORM VIEW Smart at his best but beaten a long way in Matheson and Irish Champion since returning from over a year on the sidelines. Cheekpieces on first time. Plenty to prove at present.

6Feb Leo Dec20 Leo Nov19 Pun

16f Hdl 16f Hdl 16f Hdl

sf-hv 6/6 Honeysuckle soft 6/7 Sharjah (FR) soft 1/5 Petit Mouchoir (FR)

74l 31l 11/2l

TFRHHHII BHA164 FORM 4162-13 D

8 11-10

TIMEFORM VIEW Won a third successive Matheson at E Tongue Strap Leopardstown in December. Well-held third to Honeysuckle in Irish Champion since but bounced back from modest run in that last year to chase home Epatante in this.

6Feb Leo Dec20 Leo Jul20 Gal

40

16f Hdl 16f Hdl 16f Hcp

sf-hv 3/6 soft 1/7 soft 10

Honeysuckle Aspire Tower (IRE) Princess Zoe (GER)

19l 2l 33/4l

thejockeyclub.co.uk

8 SILVER STREAK (IRE) (80) Gr g Dark Angel (IRE) - Happy Talk (IRE)

J Tom O’Brien T Evan Williams, Llancarfan O Mr L. Fell B Yeomanstown Stud S Tote

Tattersalls

7

B m No Risk At All (FR) - Kadjara (FR)

11-3

J Aidan Coleman T Nicky Henderson, Lambourn O Mr John P. McManus B Francois-Xavier & Anne Doulce Lefeuvre

10 HONEYSUCKLE (GB) (38)

7

TFRHHHHI BHA161 FORM 0/111-12 CD BF

Dec20 Kmp 16f Hdl Nov20 Nwc 16f Hdl Mar20 Chl 16f Hdl

gd-sf 2/5 Silver Streak (IRE) good 1/6 Sceau Royal (FR) soft 1/17 Sharjah (FR)

61/2l 41/4l 3l

TFRHHHHH BHA161 FORM 1111-11 C D

graduate

11-3

gd-sf 1/5 Epatante (FR) 61/2l soft 2/10 Song For Someone (GER) nose good C/6 Epatante (FR) -

TIMEFORM VIEW Decisive winner of this race last year.

Very impressive in Fighting Fifth on return and excuses when beaten by Silver Streak at Kempton over Christmas.

Likely to make bold bid to defend her crown.

Tattersalls

J Rachael Blackmore T Henry de Bromhead, Ireland O Mr K. Alexander B Dr G. W. Guy

DECLARED RUNNERS 10

TIMEFORM VIEW Placed in 2019 running of this but well behind Epatante last year. Beat that rival in Christmas Hurdle at Kempton but did enjoy run of race from the front. Probably more a place than win contender.

Dec20 Kmp 16f Hdl Dec20 Chl 16f Hdl Nov20 Nwc 16f Hdl

9 EPATANTE (FR) (80)

B m Sulamani (IRE) - First Royal (GER)

TFRHHHII BHA163 FORM 26-1C21 D

graduate

8 11-10

TIMEFORM VIEW Produced an outstanding performance when beating Benie des Dieux at 2020 Festival and in even better form when easily making it a perfect 10-10 over hurdles in Irish Champion latest. Leading claims.

6Feb Leo Nov20 Fai Mar20 Chl

16f Hdl 20f Hdl 19f Hdl

sf-hv 1/6 soft 1/6 soft 1/9

Abacadabras (FR) Ronald Pump Benie des Dieux (FR)

10l 1 /2l 1 /2l

2020: EPATANTE (FR) 6 11 3 Barry Geraghty 2-1 (Nicky Henderson) 17 ran

Probable S.P’s: 9-4 Honeysuckle (GB), 5-2 Epatante (FR), 9-2 Goshen (FR), 12-1 Silver Streak (IRE), 16-1 Abacadabras (FR), 18-1 Sharjah (FR), 22-1 Aspire Tower (IRE), 33-1 James du Berlais (FR), 80-1 Not So Sleepy (GB), 100-1 Saldier (FR)

PLAY SMARTER

HONEYSUCKLE looked better than ever when easily landing the Irish Champion last month and is taken to get the better of last year’s winner Epatante and extend her unbeaten record to 11. Goshen put himself firmly back in the mix for this with his impressive Kingwell success and looks best of the remainder.

Fourth Race

TIMEFORM PREDICTION: 1.HONEYSUCKLE 2.EPATANTE (FR) 3.GOSHEN (FR)

RACE RESULT

RACE TIME

DISTANCE

1ST

3RD

2ND

4TH

TODAY’S RACE SPONSOR

find out more about today’s race sponsor at

unibet.com

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FACTS & STATS THE CLOSE BROTHERS MARES’ HURDLE RACE RACE DESCRIPTION

The Close Brothers Mares’ Hurdle race, now in its fourteenth year, has largely been dominated by Willie Mullins, largely thanks to the brilliant race mare Quevega who won the race six times. This Grade 1 hurdle race, run over about two and a half miles, is designed specifically for fillies and mares. With no four-year-olds in today’s line-up, all of the runners are set to carry 11st 5lb.

GRADE 1

LAST YEAR’S

WINNER

RUN OVER TWO MILES, THREE FURLONGS & 200 YARDS

HONEYSUCKLE A thrilling renewal of the race, with the big head-to-head between the unbeaten Honeysuckle and Willie Mullins’ 2018 winner, Benie Des Dieux, going the way fo the Henry De Bromhead-trained mare in gutsy fashion. Jockey Rachael Blackmore made they key move when squeezing up the inner turning for home and Honeysuckle was in no mood to give up the lead she gained in doing so, winning by half a length at the line.

10 HURDLES TO BE JUMPED

TOTAL PRIZE FUND OF

£90,000

£50,643 TO THE WINNER

ROLL OF HONOUR 2010-2019 YEAR 2020 2019 2018 2017 2016 2015 2014 2013 2012 2011

FORM 111 3 11 2212 111 7521 -

WINNER AGE WEIGHT SP Honeysuckle 6 11-5 9/4 Roksana 7 11-5 10/1 Benie Des Dieux 7 11-5 9/2 Apple’s Jade 5 11-5 7/2 Vroum Vroum Mag 7 11-5 4/6F Glens Melody 7 11-5 6/1 Quevega 10 11-5 8/11F Quevega 9 11-5 8/11F Quevega 8 11-5 4/7F Quevega 7 11-5 5/6F

TRAINER RUNNERS H De Bromhead (Ire) 9 D Skelton 14 W Mullins (Ire) 9 G Elliott (Ire) 17 W Mullins (Ire) 19 W Mullins (Ire) 15 W Mullins (Ire) 16 W Mullins (Ire) 19 W Mullins (Ire) 19 W Mullins (Ire) 14

LAST RACE (NO.DAYS) 1st Irish Champion Hurdle (38) 3rd Contenders Hurdle (38) 1st Opera Hat Chase (31) 2nd Punchestown Hurdle (20) 1st Ascot Mares Hurdle (52) 1st Warwick Mares Hurdle (31) 1st World Series Hurdle (320) 1st World Series Hurdle (320) 1st World Series Hurdle (313) 1st World Series Hurdle (327)

KEY TRENDS All of the last 12 winners had winning form over 2m4f or further

British-bred mares are 1/80

10 winners had already won at either Grade 1 or Grade 2 level

WINNING CONNECTIONS Trainers and Jockeys with some of the strongest records in the race over the last 10 years.

TRAINER

JOCKEY

Willie Mullins

Harry Skelton

8 winners

1 winner

Today Willie saddles Concertista, Great White Shark & My Sister Sarah

Today Harry rides Roksana

2m 3f 200y

FIFTH RACE 3.40 THE CLOSE BROTHERS MARES’ HURDLE RACE (CLASS 1) (Registered as The DAVID NICHOLSON MARES’ HURDLE) (Grade 1) (GBB RACE)

for four yrs old and upwards fillies and mares x Total race value £90000 Owners Prize Money. 1st £38736, 2nd £15966, 3rd £7983, 4th £3996, 5th £1998, 6th £999, 7th £495, 8th £252. (Penalty Value £50643) FORM ANALYSIS - A CLOSER LOOK

| FACTS | FANCIES | FORM | STATS | Leading course trainer (16-21): N Henderson (50 wins from 363 runners, 14%) runs DAME DE COMPAGNIE and FLORESSA Trainer-in-form (last 14 days): W P Mullins (10 wins from 32 runners, 31%) runs CONCERTISTA, GREAT WHITE SHARK and MY SISTER SARAH Fancy That: W P Mullins won this race in 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016 and 2018.

The stable runs CONCERTISTA and GREAT WHITE SHARK and MY SISTER SARAH today.

J Jockey

T Trainer O Owner B Breeder S Sponsor E Equipment

1 BLACK TEARS (GB) (15) B m Jeremy (USA) - Our Girl Salley (IRE)

Tattersalls

TFRHHHII BHA148 FORM 122-331 D

graduate

7 11-5

TIMEFORM VIEW Chased home Dame de Compagnie in J Jack Kennedy E Cheek Pieces Coral Cup last season. Back to winning ways in Punchestown Grade 3 15 days ago but didn’t have to be at T Mrs Denise Foster, Ireland her very best and that certainly won’t be the case here.

O Mrs C Walsh/Mr J Lightfoot 1Mar Pun 20f Hdl soft 1/5 The Getaway Star (IRE) 5l B R. T. Crellin Dec20 Leo 20f Hdl soft 3/7 Concertista (FR) 12l

Nov20 Pun

2 CONCERTISTA (FR) (77) Ch m Nathaniel (IRE) - Zagzig

7

J P. Townend T W. P. Mullins, Ireland O Mr Simon Munir/Mr Isaac Souede B Wertheimer et Frere

3 DAME DE COMPAGNIE (FR) (38) B m Lucarno (USA) - Programmee (FR)

8

11-5

11-5

4 DOLCITA (FR) (29)

B m Saint des Saints (FR) - Orcantara (FR)

6

11-5

J Paddy Brennan E Tongue Strap T Fergal O’Brien, Cheltenham O Sullivan Bloodstock Limited B Pierre Goral S Dunraven Group of Companies

5 FLORESSA (FR) (45) B m Poliglote - Dona Rez (FR)

J Nico de Boinville T Nicky Henderson, Lambourn O Just Four Men B Mme Josette Lasseur S Unibet

6 11-5

7

J Daniel Mullins T W. P. Mullins, Ireland O Mr Malcolm C. Denmark B Mme Anne-Marie D’Estainville Gedik S Leaflet Company Ltd

7 INDEFATIGABLE (IRE) (66) B m Schiaparelli (GER) - Spin The Wheel (IRE)

8

11-5

Buildmeupbuttercup

20f Hdl 19f Hdl 16f Hdl

soft soft soft

1/7 Minella Melody (IRE) 1/6 Minella Melody (IRE) 1/22 Dolcita (FR)

J Rex Dingle T Paul Webber, Banbury O Mr Philip Rocher B John O’Connor S Fairfax Saddles, Paul Webber Racing

61/2l 13/4l 12l

TFRHHHHI BHA148 FORM 1//511-1U CD

TIMEFORM VIEW Highly progressive hurdler who landed Coral Cup at 2020 Festival. Beat Cornerstone Lad in match on Ayr chase debut/return. Unseated in Sandown Grade 2 since. Open to improvement back over timber.

6Feb San 18Jan Ayr Mar20 Chl

20f Ch heavy U/7 Sporting John (IRE) 16f Ch heavy 1/2 Cornerstone Lad 21f HcpH soft 1/25 Black Tears

9l 21/4l

TFRHHIII BHA135 FORM 2/132-23

TIMEFORM VIEW Signed off for Willie Mullins with 12 lengths second to Concertista in Dawn Run. Better effort this term when third in 21f Warwick Listed latest but hard to see her troubling former stablemate.

15Feb War Nov20 Her Mar20 Chl

21f Hdl 19f Hdl 16f Hdl

heavy 3/6 Molly Ollys Wishes gd-sf 2/3 Getaway Totherock (IRE) soft 2/22 Concertista (FR)

16l 14l 12l

TFRHHIII BHA143 FORM 120-142 BF

TIMEFORM VIEW Winner of Gerry Feilden at Newbury on her return and has posted a couple of good efforts at Graded level since. Races beyond 2m for the first time now. Improvement needed.

Miranda (IRE) Silver Streak (IRE) The Pink’n

41/4l 15l 11/4l

TFRHHHII BHA147 FORM 3003-10 BF

TIMEFORM VIEW Third in Martin Pipe last year. Took a Galway handicap in July before returning to the Flat to win Cesarewitch at Newmarket. Disappointed in Grade 2 hurdle since but not type to stay down for long.

28Jan Gow 24f Hdl heavy 7/10 Sams Profile Oct20 Nkt 18f Hcp soft 1/34 Summer Moon Jul20 Gal 22f HcpH soft 1/18 My Sister Sarah (IRE)

11-5

12l

TFRHHHHH BHA153 FORM 4331-11 C D

30Jan Don 16f Hdl soft 2/6 Dec20 Kmp 16f Hdl gd-sf 4/5 Nov20 Nby 16f HcpH good 1/9

6 GREAT WHITE SHARK (FR) (47) Gr m Le Havre (IRE) - Trip To Fame (FR)

heavy 3/5

TIMEFORM VIEW Ready 12-length winner of Dawn Run at this meeting last year and has improved again this season, easily seeing off Minella Melody to win 2 1/2m Leopardstown Grade 3 in December. Hard to beat.

Dec20 Leo Nov20 Fai Mar20 Chl

J Aidan Coleman E Hood T Nicky Henderson, Lambourn O Mr John P. McManus B Mme D. Berchon & Haras de Saint Voir

18f Hdl

62l 3l 2l

TFRHHHII BHA149 FORM 2311-36 CD

TIMEFORM VIEW Smart hurdler who ended last season with victory in Martin Pipe at this meeting. Operating well below that level in her 2 hurdle starts this winter but each-way claims if back to best. Had wind op.

9Jan Kmp 21f Hdl Nov20 Kmp 24f Hdl Oct20 Lin 13f Stk

46

soft 6/7 McFabulous (IRE) good 3/8 Bannixtown Glory (IRE) stand 7/11 Sorrel (IRE)

36l 21/2l 101/2l

thejockeyclub.co.uk

8 MINELLA MELODY (IRE) (77) B m Flemensfirth (USA) - Cottage Theatre (IRE)

J Rachael Blackmore T Henry de Bromhead, Ireland O Mr K. Alexander B Micheal & Ciara Carty

Tattersalls

TFRHHHII BHA143 FORM 110-222 D

graduate

7 11-5

TIMEFORM VIEW Useful hurdler who has found Concertista too strong on her last 2 outings. Ought to give a good account but it’s hard to see her turning the tables on Willie Mullins’ mare.

Dec20 Leo Nov20 Fai Oct20 Gal

graduate 9 MY SISTER SARAH (IRE) (77) Tattersalls

Ch m Martaline - Reste Ren Or (IRE)

J B. J. Cooper T W. P. Mullins, Ireland O Barnane Stud B Mr George Clohessy

10 ROKSANA (IRE) (52)

7

2/7 2/6 2/4

Concertista (FR) Concertista (FR) Beacon Edge (IRE)

61/2l 13/4l 43/4l

TFRHHIII BHA144 FORM FB-2214 D

11-5

Dec20 Leo Oct20 Lim Sep20 Lis

9

soft 4/7 soft 1/6 heavy 3/7

Concertista (FR) Shanning (FR) Palm Beach (IRE)

23l 10l 13/4l

TIMEFORM VIEW Fortunate winner of this in 2019 and fourth last year. Better than ever around 3m this winter, winning pair of Grade 2s, and a danger to Concertista if she can reproduce that level back over shorter.

graduate 11 WHITEHOTCHILLIFILI (IRE) (29) Tattersalls

7 11-5

20f Hdl 22f Hdl 12f Stk

TFRHHHHI BHA153 FORM 524-131 CD

11-5

J Harry Skelton T Dan Skelton, Alcester O Mrs Sarah Faulks 23Jan Asc B John O’Leary Dec20 Asc S Ladbrokes,TheAirAmbulanceService (Warwickshire&Northamptonshire) Oct20 Wet

J Sean Bowen T Harry Fry, Seaborough O Chasing Gold Racing Club B Ms Margaret Treacy S Citipost, Citipost

soft soft soft

TIMEFORM VIEW Back to best to win listed mares event E Cheek Pieces at Limerick (22.5f) in October but not in same form when well behind Concertista and Minella Melody at Leopardstown since. Had wind op. Others preferred.

B m Dubai Destination (USA) - Talktothetail (IRE)

B m Milan - Mhuire Na Gale (IRE)

20f Hdl 19f Hdl 20f Hdl

23f Hdl 24f Hdl 24f Hdl

soft 1/4 heavy 3/8 soft 1/8

Magic of Light (IRE) Paisley Park (IRE) Next Destination (IRE)

8l 2l 81/2l

TFRHIIII BHA136 FORM 16-521P D

TIMEFORM VIEW Overcame a blunder 2 out when adding a Listed event to her CV at Sandown (2 1/2m) in January but has since run no sort of race in a similar event at Warwick. Up against it in this company.

15Feb War 2Jan San Dec20 San

21f Hdl heavy P/6 19f Hdl heavy 1/6 19f HcpH heavy 2/8

Molly Ollys Wishes Stormy Ireland (FR) Emmpressive Lady (IRE)

3l 31/4l

DECLARED RUNNERS 11 2020: HONEYSUCKLE 6 11 5 Rachael Blackmore 9-4 (Henry de Bromhead) 9 ran Running for the first time since Wind Surgery No. 7, 9.

Stewards Note: WHITEHOTCHILLIFILI: Following its run on 15/2/2021 it was reported that the horse was never travelling.

Probable S.P’s: EVENS Concertista (FR), 7-2 Roksana (IRE), 8-1 Dame de Compagnie (FR), 18-1 Black Tears (GB), 25-1 Great White Shark (FR), 28-1 Indefatigable (IRE), Minella Melody (IRE), 50-1 Floressa (FR), My Sister Sarah (IRE), 66-1 Dolcita (FR), 150-1 Whitehotchillifili (IRE)

TIMEFORM PREDICTION: 1.CONCERTISTA (FR) 2.ROKSANA (IRE) 3.DAME DE COMPAGNIE (FR)

RACE RESULT

RACE TIME

DISTANCE

1ST

3RD

2ND

4TH

TODAY’S RACE SPONSOR

find out more about today’s race sponsor at

closebrothers.com

GREAT BRITISH BONUS SCHEME The Great British Bonus (GBB) offers multiple bonuses of up to £20,000 per eligible race for British-bred fillies and mares.

47

Fifth Race

PLAY SMARTER

Last year’s Dawn Run winner CONCERTISTA has progressed again this term and can notch a second Festival success and provide her trainer with a tenth win in this race. Roksana, who took this in 2019, has been better than ever around 3m this term and can give the favourite most to think about, ahead of Dame de Compagnie, who is open to further improvement back hurdling.

RAINDANCE

FACTS & STATS THE BOODLES JUVENILE HANDICAP HURDLE RACE (REGISTERED AS THE FRED WINTER) RACE DESCRIPTION

The Boodles Juvenile Handicap Hurdle is a Grade 3 Handicap restricted to juveniles (four-year-olds), so many of the runners in this two miles and half a furlong race will still be very inexperienced over hurdles. As with the handicap earlier in the card, the higher the rating, the bigger the weight a horse has to carry - see how Nassalam and Youmdor, both rated 141, carry 2lb more than the 139-rated Saint Sam.

GRADE 3 HANDICAP

LAST YEAR’S

WINNER

RUN OVER TWO MILES, EIGHTY-SEVEN YARDS

ARAMAX

Carrying the famous green and gold colours of owner JP McManus, Aramax stayed on strongest of all under jockey Mark Walsh to record an impressive victory.

Despite carrying more weight than 20 of his 21 rivals, the four-year-old led approaching the final flight and kept the David Pipetrained Night Edition at bay by a length at the line after the pair had battled up the hill in the closing stages of an enthralling contest.

8 HURDLES TO BE JUMPED

TOTAL PRIZE FUND OF

£60,000

£33,762 TO THE WINNER

ROLL OF HONOUR 2011-2020 YEAR 2020 2019 2018 2017 2016 2015 2014 2013 2012 2011

FORM F31 311 120 P614 322 421 1210 120 11114 000

WINNER AGE WEIGHT OR Aramax 4 11-8 138 Band Of Outlaws 4 11-8 139 Veneer Of Charm 4 11-0 129 Flying Tiger 4 11-5 134 Diego Du Charmil 4 11-1 133 Qualando 4 11-0 131 Hawk High 4 11-1 130 Flaxen Flare 4 10-7 127 Une Artiste 4 10-8 (5ex) 127 What A Charm 4 10-6 115

SP 15/2 7/2F 33/1 33/1 13/2 25/1 33/1 25/1 40/1 9/1

TRAINER RUNNERS G Elliott (Ire) 22 J P O’Brien (Ire) 21 G Elliott (Ire) 22 N Williams 22 P Nicholls 22 P Nicholls 22 T Easterby 24 G Elliott (Ire) 24 N Henderson 24 A Moore (Ire) 23

LAST RACE (NO. DAYS) 1st Naas Novice Hurdle (31) 1st Navan Novice Hurdle (24) unpl Navan Novice Hurdle (53) 4th Adonis Hurdle (18) 2nd Enghien Hurdle (133) 1st Exeter Novice Hurdle (19) unpl Victor Ludorum Hurdle (25) unpl Spring Hurdle (32) 4th Adonis Hurdle (18) unpl Fairyhouse Gd 2 Juvenile Hdle (21)

KEY TRENDS 10 of the last 16 winners ran the bare minimum of three times over hurdles to qualify

8 of the last 12 winners ran over hurdles in the previous 25 days

No winner had ever run at Cheltenham before

WINNING CONNECTIONS Trainers and Jockeys with some of the strongest records in the race over the last 10 years.

TRAINER

JOCKEY

Paul Nicholls

J J Slevin

2 winners

1 winner

Today Paul saddles Houx Gris & Hell Red

Today J J rides Busselton

2m 87y

SIXTH RACE 4.15 THE BOODLES JUVENILE HANDICAP HURDLE RACE (CLASS 1) (Registered as The FRED WINTER) (Grade 3) (GBB RACE)

for juvenile four yrs old x Total race value £60000 Owners Prize Money. 1st £25824, 2nd £10644, 3rd £5322, 4th £2664, 5th £1332, 6th £666, 7th £330, 8th £168. (Penalty Value £33762) Weights raised 8lbs and paragraph 34 of the Weights and Handicapping Code complied with where applicable. 2 Eliminated Under Rules (I)9 and (I)10.

FORM ANALYSIS - A CLOSER LOOK

| FACTS | FANCIES | FORM | STATS | Leading course trainer (16-21): W P Mullins (32 wins from 289 runners, 11%) runs SAINT SAM and YOUMDOR Trainer-in-form (last 14 days): P Nicholls (10 wins from 41 runners, 24%) runs HELL RED and HOUX GRIS Fancy That: P Nicholls won this race in 2015 and 2016. The stable runs HELL RED and HOUX GRIS today.

J Jockey

T Trainer O Owner B Breeder S Sponsor E Equipment

1 NASSALAM (FR) (24) Ch g Dream Well (FR) - Ramina (GER)

J Jamie Moore T Gary Moore, Horsham O Mr John Stone B S.A.R.L. Genetique Obstacle S K M Elite Products Ltd

2 YOUMDOR (FR) (37) B g Youmzain (IRE) - Decize (FR)

J B. J. Cooper T W. P. Mullins, Ireland O McNeill Family B E.U.R.L. Freddy Head

3 SAINT SAM (FR) (37) B g Saint des Saints (FR) - Ladeka (FR)

TFRHHHII BHA141 FORM 21122

11-10

TIMEFORM VIEW French recruit who started out for new yard with easy wins at Fontwell. Has confirmed himself a useful juvenile when second in stronger company since, finishing in front of Houx Gris at Chepstow.

20Feb Hay 9Jan Chp Dec20 Fon

15f Hdl 16f Hdl 17f Hdl

soft soft soft

2/4 2/8 1/6

Monmiral (FR) Adagio (GER) Zellerate (IRE)

71/2l 21/2l 49l

TFRHHHII BHA141 FORM 1F4 D

11-10

TIMEFORM VIEW Looked a good prospect when winning E Hood on hurdling debut at Gowran. Upsides and going best when falling last at Fairyhouse next time and can’t have been right when distant fourth at Leopardstown since.

7Feb Leo 16f Hdl 16Jan Fai 16f Hdl Nov20 Gow 16f Hdl

sf-hv 4/6 Quilixios heavy F/8 Teahupoo (FR) heavy 1/9 Bigz Belief (IRE)

57l 16l

TFRHHHHI BHA139 FORM 011242

11-8

TIMEFORM VIEW Dual winner in France who posted a

J P. Townend E Hood very useful effort when chasing home Quilixios in Grade 1 at Leopardstown last month. Hooded first time. Big T W. P. Mullins, Ireland weight but still much respected.

O Mr Edward J. Ware 7Feb Leo 16f Hdl sf-hv 2/6 Quilixios 51/2l B I. Catsaras, V. Dubois & M. Dubois Dec20 Leo 16f Hdl yield 4/7 Zanahiyr (IRE) 6l Nov20 Fai 16f Hdl soft 2/5 Zanahiyr (IRE) 14l

4 CABOT CLIFFS (IRE) (18) Ch g Gleneagles (IRE) - Hallouella

J Harry Skelton T Dan Skelton, Alcester O Craig & Laura Buckingham B Deerpark Stud S Red Rock Partnership Limited

5 DRUID’S ALTAR (IRE) (31) B g Mastercraftsman (IRE) - Shell Garland (USA)

J Hugh Morgan (5) T Joseph Patrick O’Brien, Ireland O Annus Mirabilis Syndicate B Whisperview Trading Ltd

6 BUSSELTON (FR) (37)

B g Mastercraftsman (IRE) - Blessed Luck (IRE)

Tattersalls

TFRHHHII BHA137 FORM 13411 D

graduate

11-6

TIMEFORM VIEW Not quite up to Listed/Graded level in

E Hood autumn but has resumed his progression with 2 wins from

the front at Warwick last month. Should be capable of making an impact from his mark.

26Feb War 16f Hdl 3Feb War 16f Hdl Nov20 Chl 16f Hdl

11-4

soft 1/7 Heross du Seuil (FR) heavy 1/9 Sage Advice (IRE) gd-sf 4/8 Duffle Coat (IRE)

17l 11/2l 14l

TFRHHHII BHA135 FORM 13621 D

TIMEFORM VIEW Fairly useful winner on Flat and landed a second success over hurdles in 2m Naas novice (soft) last month. Handicap debut for stable which knows what it takes to win this.

13Feb Naa 16Jan Fai Dec20 Leo

15f Hdl 16f Hdl 16f Hdl

yd-sf 1/5 heavy 2/8 yield 6/7

Zoffanien (IRE) Teahupoo (FR) Zanahiyr (IRE)

21/4l 15l 81/4l

TFRHHHHI BHA135 FORM 123

11-4

TIMEFORM VIEW Listed winner over hurdles in France J J. J. Slevin E Cheek Pieces who has run to a useful level when placed in pair of Grade 1s at Leopardstown since transferring to Joseph O’Brien.

T Joseph Patrick O’Brien, Ireland Cheekpieces added. Yard won this in 2019.

O Chanelle Phar. Ltd 7Feb Leo 16f Hdl sf-hv 3/6 Quilixios 101/4l B Aleyrion Bloodstock Ltd Dec20 Leo 16f Hdl yield 2/7 Zanahiyr (IRE) 33/4l

May20 Aut

7 RIVIERE D’ETEL (FR) (46) Gr f Martaline - Angesse (FR)

J Jack Kennedy T Mrs Denise Foster, Ireland O Noel Moran/Mrs Valerie Moran B Mr Yannick Fouin

15f Hdl

soft

1/19 State Man (FR)

2l

TFRHHHHI BHA134 FORM 213 D

11-3

TIMEFORM VIEW Second on hurdle debut in France before E Hood landing short odds for new connections at Punchestown (2m, heavy) in December. Only third at Navan since but retains potential now moving into a handicap.

29Jan Nav Dec20 Pun Sep20 Aut

52

17f Hdl 16f Hdl 18f Hdl

heavy 3/7 Thedevilscoachman (IRE) 31/2l heavy 1/17 Coventry (IRE) 12l soft 2/16 Obeone (FR) 11/2l

thejockeyclub.co.uk

8 BALKO SAINT (FR) (13) J Chester Williams (5) T Mrs Jane Williams, South Molton O Mrs Jane Williams B E.A.R.L. Haras Du Mondant S Nick & Jane Williams Racing

9 LONGCLAW (USA) (137) B g Kitten’s Joy (USA) - Secret Union (USA)

TFRHHHII BHA129 (+6) FORM 2231

(in 5lb ex)

B g Balko (FR) - Sainte Cupid (FR)

11-3

TIMEFORM VIEW French-bred gelding who is progressing nicely, building on his C&D Grade 2 third in December when landing Wincanton novice 13 days ago.

Carries a 5lb penalty for that.

3Mar Wcn 15f Hdl Nov20 Chl 16f Hdl Oct20 Fon 17f Hdl

gd-sf 1/15 Robin’s Dream gd-sf 3/8 Duffle Coat (IRE) soft 2/7 See The Eagle Fly (IRE)

nk 91/4l 31/2l

TFRHHIII BHA132 FORM 1114 D

11-1

TIMEFORM VIEW Successful on first 3 starts over hurdles.

E Tongue Strap Winning run came to a halt in Listed Wensleydale at Wetherby in October and absent since ahead of first run for new yard.

J Simon Torrens (3) T John McConnell, Ireland O N.H.J Racing Syndicate B Kenneth L. Ramsey & Sarah K. Ramsey

10 HELL RED (FR) (24) Gr g Martaline - Queen Margot (FR)

Oct20 Wet 16f Hdl Sep20 Lis 16f Hdl Aug20 Dow 16f Hdl

gd-sf 4/7 good 1/8 yd-sf 1/7

Duffle Coat (IRE) Scholastic (IRE) Varna Gold (IRE)

12l s.h 11l

TFRHHHII BHA131 FORM 2-1P3 D BF

11-0

TIMEFORM VIEW Second at Auteuil (for Guillaume J Bryony Frost E Tongue Strap Macaire) and easily went one better at Chepstow in October. Two runs since have been disappointing but too T Paul Nicholls, Ditcheat soon to write off for yard traditionally strong in this.

O Sir Martin Broughton & Friends 6 20Feb Wcn 15f Hdl heavy 3/14 Pol Crocan (IRE) 71/2l B Kerry Ann Kepa & Auregann Kepa Nov20 Chl 16f Hdl gd-sf P/8 Duffle Coat (IRE) S Morson Group Oct20 Chp 16f Hdl good 1/8 Phoenix Aquilus (IRE) 12l

11 GLORIOUS ZOFF (IRE) (60) B g Zoffany (IRE) - Ardbrae Lady

Tattersalls

TFRHHHII BHA131 FORM 123

graduate

11-0

TIMEFORM VIEW Looked a natural hurdler as he made a J Keith Donoghue E Tongue Strap winning start at Sligo in October. Backward step when remote third in Doncaster Grade 2 in December but T Mrs Denise Foster, Ireland subsequent Flat win suggest he’s back in better form.

O Deva Racing Syndicate 15Jan Dun 12f Stk stand 1/14 Dances With Stars (IRE) 1/2l B Summerhill B/Stock & Lynch Bages Ltd Dec20 Don 16f Hdl gd-sf 3/5 Monmiral (FR) 33l

Nov20 Seg

12 ZOFFANIEN (IRE) (16) B g Zoffany (IRE) - Australienne (IRE)

J Richard Johnson T Denis G. Hogan, Ireland O Mr L. Mulryan B Wertheimer et Frere

13 HOUX GRIS (FR) (66) Gr g Gris de Gris (IRE) - Qarera (FR)

10-13

B g Free Eagle (IRE) - Reclamation (IRE)

28Feb Naa 13Feb Naa 31Jan Naa

B f Raven’s Pass (USA) - Superfonic (FR)

J A. P. Heskin T Alan King, Barbury Castle O McNeill Family & Niall Farrell B Mrs T. Mahon S Ultima Business Solutions

15f HcpH soft 1/9 Rock Chica (IRE) 15f Hdl yd-sf 2/5 Druid’s Altar (IRE) 15f Hdl sf-hv 3/18 Coltor (IRE)

9l 21/4l nk

TFRHHHHH BHA128 FORM 12313

10-11

TIMEFORM VIEW Cost EUR200,000 after edging out Homme Public at Auteuil. Better than distance beaten suggests when 22 1/2 lengths third to Adagio in Finale on British debut, fading after mistake 2 out. Very interesting.

9Jan Chp Oct20 Aut Sep20 Aut

16f Hdl 17f Hdl 18f Hdl

soft 3/8 Adagio (GER) heavy 1/11 Homme Public (FR) soft 3/10 Historien (FR)

22l nk 21l

TFRHHIII BHA128 FORM 211160

10-11 TIMEFORM VIEW Front runner who completed a hat-trick E Visor at Market Rasen in early part of season but has found Listed/Graded events well beyond him on last 2 hurdle starts. Visor replaces cheekpieces. Others preferred.

27Feb Kmp 16f Hdl 19Feb Lin 15f Hcp Oct20 Wet 16f Hdl

good 8/9 Tritonic stand 1/12 Jen’s Fella (FR) gd-sf 6/7 Duffle Coat (IRE)

43l nose 26l

TFRHHHHI BHA127 FORM 241 D

10-10

TIMEFORM VIEW Fairly useful on Flat and quickly E Visor reached similar level over hurdles, bouncing back from disappointing run at Punchestown to win in big field at Naas. Visor he’s won in on the Flat now added. Player.

J Jonjo O’Neill Jr. T D. K. Weld, Ireland O M. Bucher B Margaret Sinanan & Irish National Stud

16 HER INDOORS (IRE) (46)

11/4l

31Jan Naa 18Jan Pun Dec20 Leo

Tattersalls

sf-hv 1/18 Showbusiness (FR) sf-hv 4/20 Curious Bride (IRE) soft 2/18 French Aseel (FR)

nk 93/4l 22l

TFRHHHII BHA127 FORM 221

graduate

10-10

15f Hdl 16f Hdl 16f Hdl

TIMEFORM VIEW Fairly useful Flat winner who has made a positive start over hurdles, runner-up twice before taking Doncaster listed in January. Yet another who can’t be discounted.

29Jan Don 16f Hdl Dec20 Kmp 16f Hdl Dec20 Ain 16f Hdl

53

soft soft soft

1/7 Talking About You 2/12 Heross du Seuil (FR) 2/11 Talking About You

51/2l 10l 71/2l

Sixth Race

15 COLTOR (IRE) (44)

Le Magnifique (GER)

TIMEFORM VIEW Came good at the fifth time of asking over hurdles when readily seeing off 8 rivals in 2m Naas handicap 16 days ago. This a good bit harder but he appears to be going the right way.

graduate 14 SOLDIER ON PARADE (GB) (17) Tattersalls

J Jack Quinlan T Amy Murphy, Newmarket O Hostages To Fortune B R. F. and S. D. Knipe S Amy Murphy Racing Ltd

gd-sf 2/7

TFRHHHII BHA130 FORM 363321

J Harry Cobden T Paul Nicholls, Ditcheat O Booth Evans Giles & Sullivan Bloodstock B E.A.R.L. Trinquet, M. & O. Trinquet S Morson Group

B g Dunaden (FR) - Litewska (IRE)

16f Hdl

17 SAGE ADVICE (IRE) (26)

Tattersalls

TFRHHHII BHA127 FORM 123 D BF

graduate

10-10

B g Make Believe - Purple Sage (IRE)

J Sam Twiston-Davies T Dr Richard Newland, Droitwich O The Imperium Syndicate B Michael Phelan & Make Believe Syndicate

18 TINNAHALLA (IRE) (39)

TIMEFORM VIEW Flat winner in Ireland who looked a useful recruit to hurdles when scoring at Kempton in January. Good second at Warwick next time and possibly unsuited by heavy when last of 3 at Fontwell since.

18Feb 3Feb 9Jan

Tattersalls

heavy 3/3 heavy 2/9 soft 1/8

Hystery Bere (FR) Cabot Cliffs (IRE) Tinnahalla (IRE)

8l 11/2l 6l

TFRHHHHI BHA126 FORM 421 D

graduate

B g Starspangledbanner (AUS) - Bright Bank (IRE)

Fon 17f Hdl War 16f Hdl Kmp 16f Hdl

10-9

ER

TIMEFORM VIEW Showed plenty of ability on the Flat for E Hood Jamie Osborne and going the right way over hurdles, second to Sage Advice before accounting for Homme Public at Catterick. Respected.

NON-RUNN

J Non Runner T Olly Murphy, Wilmcote O Mrs J. A. Wakefield 5Feb Cat 15f Hdl B Churchtown, Lane & Orpendale Bloodstock 9Jan Kmp 16f Hdl S Black Castle Sports Management Ltd Dec20 Nby 16f Hdl

19 BURGUNDY MAN (FR) (120)

10-8

B g Manduro (GER) - Kapirovska (FR)

J Gavin Sheehan T Venetia Williams, Hereford O Kate & Andrew Brooks B Mme Elza Petit & Mme Hannah Petit S Faucets Limited

20 HOMME PUBLIC (FR) (23)

23/4l 6l 10l

TFRHHIII BHA125 FORM 2P0

TIMEFORM VIEW Encouraging second on Fontainebleau hurdle debut in October but well-held on his completed start there since. Has subsequently switched to Venetia Williams.

Nov20 Fon Oct20 Fon Oct20 Fon

17f Hdl 17f Hdl 17f Hdl

-

8/13 Demnat (FR) P/14 All Dancer (FR) 2/3 Very Nice Surf (FR)

28l 1l

TFRHHHHI BHA125 FORM 2221

10-8

B g Cokoriko (FR) - Uddy (FR)

heavy 1/8 Homme Public (FR) soft 2/8 Sage Advice (IRE) soft 4/11 Goodbye Stranger (FR)

TIMEFORM VIEW Edged out by Houx Gris on final outing J Henry Brooke E Tongue Strap in France and has made a promising start in Britain, second to Tinnahalla at Catterick before readily going one T Oliver Greenall, Malpas better at Market Rasen. Needs considering.

O The Nevers Racing Partnership II 21Feb Mkt 16f Hdl soft 1/9 Gilbertina 61/2l B Jacques Cypres 5Feb Cat 15f Hdl heavy 2/8 Tinnahalla (IRE) 23/4l S Swansway, Smartplanner Oct20 Aut 17f Hdl heavy 2/11 Houx Gris (FR) nk

21 JEFF KIDDER (IRE) (80)

Tattersalls

TFRHHIII BHA125 FORM 2210 D

graduate

B g Hallowed Crown (AUS) - Alpine

J Sean Flanagan T Noel Meade, Ireland O Albert Dravins/Eamonn Scanlon B Jennifer & Evelyn Cullen

22 ELHAM VALLEY (FR) (24)

10-8

Dec20 Leo Nov20 Fai Oct20 Leo

10-7

Gr g Tin Horse (IRE) - Dame du Floc (IRE)

TIMEFORM VIEW Fair Flat winner. 6/5, confirmed previous encouragement in this sphere when winning at Fairyhouse (2m, heavy) in November. Out of depth in Grade 1 since but more chance now handicapping.

J Paddy Brennan E Tongue Strap T Fergal O’Brien, Cheltenham O Caveat Emptor Partnership B Mme Sarah Lhermite S Dunraven Group of Companies

23 CURIOUS BRIDE (IRE) (23)

Tattersalls

24RCAN’T STOP NOW (IRE) (76)

Tattersalls

16f Hdl 16f Hdl 12f Hcp

yield 7/7 Zanahiyr (IRE) soft 1/13 Bigz Belief (IRE) yield 5/17 Camorra (IRE)

83/4l 21/4l 6l

TFRHHHII BHA124 FORM 143 D

TIMEFORM VIEW Fairly useful on Flat and made successful hurdling debut at Sandown. Disappointing in good company at Chepstow and Haydock since but not handicapped out of it if bouncing back to his winning form.

20Feb Hay 9Jan Chp Dec20 San

15f Hdl 16f Hdl 15f Hdl

soft 3/4 Monmiral (FR) soft 4/8 Adagio (GER) heavy 1/8 Hudson de Grugy (FR)

28l 27l 1 /4l 3

TFRHHIII BHA123 FORM 21P D

graduate

B f Excelebration (IRE) - Padma 10-6 TIMEFORM VIEW Confirmed promise of hurdle debut J Denis O’Regan E Blinkers, Tongue Strap second when seeing off 19 rivals at Punchestown in January but never going in 21f Navan Listed since. Blinkers/ T Noel Meade, Ireland tongue tie she’s won in on Flat now added.

O Mrs J. A. Wakefield 21Feb Nav 21f Hdl heavy P/11 Atlantic Fairy (IRE) B Paul McEnery 18Jan Pun 16f Hdl sf-hv 1/20 Palm Beach (IRE) 13/4l 3 S Black Castle Sports Management Ltd Dec20 Crk 16f Hdl sf-hv 2/9 Autumn Evening /4l Ch g Starspangledbanner (AUS) - Sorry Woman (FR)

10-5

ER NON-RUNN

J NON RUNNER T Chris Gordon, Winchester O Let’s Be Lucky Racing 30 B Newtown Stud Syndicate S Equestrian Fencing & Timber Ltd

DECLARED RUNNERS 24

TFRHHIII BHA122 FORM 3P1F D

graduate

TIMEFORM VIEW Fair maiden on Flat who came good at E Hood third time of asking over hurdles when making all at Fakenham in November. Bang there when fell heavily last at Taunton a month later. Off since. RESERVE.

Dec20 Tnt Nov20 Fkn Nov20 Lud

16f Hdl 16f Hdl 15f Hdl

heavy F/13 Wightman (IRE) soft 1/8 Grouseman good P/11 Talking About You

8l -

2020: ARAMAX (GER) 4 11 8 Mark Walsh 15-2 (Gordon Elliott) 22 ran

54

thejockeyclub.co.uk

Probable S.P’s: 8-1 Houx Gris (FR), 10-1 Saint Sam (FR), 12-1 Cabot Cliffs (IRE), Riviere d’Etel (FR), Coltor (IRE), 14-1 Nassalam (FR), Busselton (FR), 20-1 Zoffanien (IRE), 22-1 Hell Red (FR), Sage Advice (IRE), 25-1 Youmdor (FR), Druid’s Altar (IRE), Glorious Zoff (IRE), Tinnahalla (IRE), 28-1 Balko Saint (FR), Her Indoors (IRE), 33-1 Homme Public (FR), 50-1 Longclaw (USA), Jeff Kidder (IRE), 66-1 Soldier On Parade (GB), Elham Valley (FR), 100-1 Burgundy Man (FR)

PLAY SMARTER

Paul Nicholls has won this 3 times with French recruits and a fourth such success could be on the way courtesy of HOUX GRIS, who shaped better than the result when a well-held third pitched into a Grade 1 on his yard debut and has presumably been saved for this since. Homme Public pushed the selection close on his final run in France and heads the many dangers along with Coltor and Busselton.

TIMEFORM PREDICTION: 1.HOUX GRIS (FR) 2.HOMME PUBLIC (FR) 3.COLTOR (IRE)

RACE RESULT

RACE TIME

DISTANCE

1ST

3RD

2ND

4TH

TODAY’S RACE SPONSOR

find out more about today’s race sponsor at

boodles.com

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Sixth Race

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12 out of 14 Grade One Cheltenham Festival 2020 winners were bred or trained in Ireland Find your Irish Champion at the Irish Store Sales 2021: GOFFS Land Rover Sale

8-10 June 2021

TATTERSALLS IRELAND May Store Sale Derby Sale July Sale

11 May 2021 23-24 June 2021 14 July 2021

FACTS & STATS THE SAM VESTEY NATIONAL HUNT CHALLENGE CUP NOVICES’ STEEPLE CHASE RACE DESCRIPTION

The Sam Vestey National Hunt Steeple Chase has a rich history and, in its heyday, was second only to the Grand National when it came to the most prestigious races of the season. Nowadays, the race is restricted to novices aged five-years-old and upwards and is run over about three miles and six furlongs – the longest race over regulation obstacles during the entire Festival™. All runners this afternoon carry 11st 6lb bar Snow Leopardess, who receives a 7lb mares’ weight allowance.

GRADE 1

LAST YEAR’S

WINNER

RUN OVER THREE MILES, FIVE FURLONGS & 201 YARDS

RAVENHILL Of the 14 runners in last year’s renewal of the race, it came down to just two turning for home, with Ravenhill, under dual winner of the race, Jamie Codd, battling it out with Lord Du Mesnil under Sam WaleyCohen, also a previous winner of the race.

However, it was the more experienced tenyear-old who came out on top, giving Codd his third win in the race and galloping just over two lengths clear of his rival in the closing stages.

24 FENCES TO BE JUMPED

TOTAL PRIZE FUND OF

£93,750

£52,753 TO THE WINNER

ROLL OF HONOUR 2011-2020 YEAR 2020 2019 2018 2017 2016 2015 2014 2013 2012 2011

FORM 152F 12324 3112BU 222133 3P62 75 01U21 2111 321P1 11F20

WINNER Ravenhill Le Breuil Rathvinden Tiger Roll Minella Rocco Cause Of Causes Midnight Prayer Back In Focus Teaforthree Chicago Grey

AGE WEIGHT SP 10 11-6 12/1 7 11-6 14/1 10 11-6 9/2 7 11-6 16/1 6 11-9 8/1 7 11-6 8/1 9 11-6 8/1 8 11-6 9/4F 8 11-6 5/1F 8 11-6 5/1F

TRAINER RUNNERS LAST RACE (NO.DAYS) G Elliott (Ire) 14 F Troytown H’Cap Chase (107) B Pauling 18 4th Altcar Novices’ Chase (52) W Mullins (Ire) 16 UR Flogas Novice Chase (37) G Elliott (Ire) 18 3rd Wexford Chase (195) 2nd Reynoldstown Novice Chase (24) J J O’Neill 20 G Elliott (Ire) 17 5th Galmoy Hurdle (47) A King 15 1st Warwick Novice Chase (31) W Mullins (Ire) 16 1st Topaz Novice Chase (75) R Curtis 19 1st Chepstow Novice Chase (18) G Elliott (Ire) 16 unpl Topaz Novice Chase (78)

KEY TRENDS 10 of the last 11 winners had run in a chase by 4th November

5 and 6 year olds are 2-80 since 1989

No winner since 1999 had less than 3 chase starts to their name

WINNING CONNECTIONS Trainers and Jockeys with some of the strongest records in the race over the last 10 years.

TRAINER

JOCKEY

Willie Mullins

Jamie Codd

3 winners

3 winners

Today Willie saddles Lord Royal

3m 5f 201y + 19y

SEVENTH RACE 4.50

due to rail movement

THE SAM VESTEY NATIONAL HUNT CHALLENGE CUP NOVICES’ STEEPLE CHASE (CLASS 1) (Grade 2) (GBB RACE)

for novice five yrs old and upwards x Total race value £93750 Owners Prize Money. 1st £40350, 2nd £16631, 3rd £8316, 4th £4162, 5th £2081, 6th £1041, 7th £516, 8th £262. (Penalty Value £52753.12) FORM ANALYSIS - A CLOSER LOOK

| FACTS | FANCIES | FORM | STATS | Leading course trainer (16-21): W P Mullins (32 wins from 289 runners, 11%) runs LORD ROYAL Trainer-in-form (last 14 days): W P Mullins (10 wins from 32 runners, 31%) runs LORD ROYAL Fancy That: W P Mullins won this race in 2013 and 2018. The stable runs LORD ROYAL today.

J Jockey

T Trainer O Owner B Breeder S Sponsor E Equipment

1 EDEN DU HOUX (FR) (17)

7 11-6

B g Irish Wells (FR) - Maralypha (FR)

J David Noonan T David Pipe, Wellington O Prof. Caroline Tisdall B C. Ferchaud, E. Ibara & M. A. Seche S W & S Recycling

2 ESCARIA TEN (FR) (44) J A. P. Heskin T Mrs Denise Foster, Ireland O McNeill Family B Mr Jacques Antoine Cesbron S Ultima Business Solutions

4 LITHIC (IRE) (28) B g Westerner - Acoola (IRE)

J Jonjo O’Neill Jr. T Jonjo O’Neill, Cheltenham O The Stone Composers B Declan Dorgan S Wasdell Group

5 LORD ROYAL (FR) (46) Gr g Lord du Sud (FR) - Tinoroyale

7 11-6

B g Milan - Mrs Kennedy (IRE)

J Sean Flanagan T Denis G. Hogan, Ireland O M. Moloney B Mr J. O’Regan

7 NESTOR PARK (FR) (40) B g Walk In The Park (IRE) - Cila (FR)

heavy 2/8 Eklat de Rire (FR) soft 1/8 Ministerforsport (IRE) soft 5/11 Monkfish (IRE)

13/4l 20l 15l

TIMEFORM VIEW Nearly landed a valuable pot at the Festival last term. Retained novice status and made it 4-4 in first half of season with emphatic 3m win here in October. Not ruled out with better to come at 3m6f.

Oct20 Chl Oct20 Tip Aug20 Kny

10 11-6

24f Ch 24f Ch 21f Ch

TFRHHHII BHA152 FORM 22-1111 C

graduate

24f Ch 20f Ch 20f Ch

good 1/6 good 1/4 yield 1/3

Soldier of Love Waitnsee (IRE) Waitnsee (IRE)

7l 31/2l 11/2l

TFRHHIII BHA125 FORM 6-3243R

TIMEFORM VIEW Dual hurdle winner but long-standing

E Visor maiden over fences who refused 2 out (well-held) in Carlisle handicap chase last month. Easy to look elsewhere.

16Feb Car Dec20 Mkt Dec20 Exe

6 11-6

J P. Townend E Tongue Strap T W. P. Mullins, Ireland O Paul Connell/Alan McGonnell B STE D Entrainement J.B. de Balanda et al

6 MACGILONEY (IRE) (17)

TFRHHHII BHA147 FORM 110-512

Tattersalls

J Jack Kennedy T Ian Ferguson, Northern Ireland O Mr R. A. Bartlett B Gabriel O’Gara S Albert Bartlett

11l 103/4l

TIMEFORM VIEW Fast-improving chaser who was easy winner of 3m1f Thurles maiden before excellent second to Eklat De Rire in Grade 3 at Naas. Open to further improvement up in trip, and he needs considering.

31Jan Naa Dec20 Thu Nov20 Fai

3 GALVIN (IRE) (144)

B g Gold Well - Burren Moonshine (IRE)

27Feb Kmp 20f HcpC good 5/10 My Way (FR) 4Feb Wcn 25f HcpC heavy P/14 Time To Get Up (IRE) Dec20 Exe 24f HcpC heavy 4/13 Cobolobo (FR)

7 11-6

B g Maresca Sorrento (FR) - Spartes Eria (FR)

TFRHHIII BHA125 FORM 4-044P5

TIMEFORM VIEW Useful hurdler but yet to match that form since sent chasing and well below par on his last 2 runs after a wind op. Has serious questions to answer at present.

/4l 1 /4l 3

1

TFRHHHII BHA148 FORM 12-F52

TIMEFORM VIEW Useful hurdler who has quickly reached same level over fences, tongue tied when runner-up in 3m Navan novice in January. Still lightly raced and may do better still now tackling this longer trip.

29Jan Nav Dec20 Naa Nov20 Thu

Tattersalls

24f Ch 19f Ch 22f Ch

heavy 2/9 Mr Hendricks (IRE) heavy 5/10 Espanito Bello (FR) soft F/10 Eurobot

3 /4l 56l -

TFRHHIII BHA131 FORM 5P30U1

graduate

8 11-6

26f HcpC heavy R/5 Highland Hunter (IRE) 27f HcpC soft 3/14 Who’s In The Box (IRE) 30f HcpC soft 4/11 Findusatgorcombe

TIMEFORM VIEW Fairly useful hurdler/chaser who got back on track with win in Fairyhouse novice (3m1f) last month. This longer trip should suit but faces a very tough ask.

27Feb Fai 7Feb Leo Nov20 Crk

Tattersalls graduate

8 11-6

25f Ch sf-hv 1/4 Key Commander (IRE) 21f Ch soft U/8 Monkfish (IRE) 28f HcpC soft 9/19 Dromore Lad (IRE)

TFRHHHII BHA136 FORM P4-2522

2l 28l

TIMEFORM VIEW Dual hurdle winner in 2018/19. Still to J Luca Morgan E Cheek Pieces score over fences but arrives on back of two very useful efforts when runner-up at Newbury and Ffos Las. This trip T Ben Pauling, Bourton-on-the-Water should prove within his compass. Respected.

O Mrs S. P. Davis 4Feb Fls 23f Ch heavy 2/8 Lieutenant Rocco (IRE) 8l B S.A.R.L. Haras de La Faisanderie et al Dec20 Nby 25f HcpC soft 2/14 Amateur (IRE) nk S Jeremy Houghton - Houghtonart Dec20 Ain 19f HcpC soft 5/13 Clan Legend 14l 60

thejockeyclub.co.uk

graduate 8 NEXT DESTINATION (IRE) (59) Tattersalls

9 11-6

B g Dubai Destination (USA) - Liss Alainn (IRE) J Harry Cobden T Paul Nicholls, Ditcheat O Mr Malcolm C. Denmark B Niall Flynn S Leaflet Company Ltd

TFRHHHHH BHA153 FORM 131//-211

TIMEFORM VIEW Grade 1 staying-hurdle winner for Willie Mullins in 2017/18 who has impressed with Grade 2 chase successes at Newbury and Warwick for current yard.

Good jumper. More to offer at this trip. Big player.

16Jan War 24f Ch Nov20 Nby 23f Ch Oct20 Wet 24f Hdl

graduate 9 OFALLTHEGINJOINTS (IRE) (94) Tattersalls

Fiddlerontheroof (IRE) One For The Team Roksana (IRE)

11/2l 11/4l 81/2l

TFRHHHII BHA143 FORM 444-314 BF

7 11-6

B g Stowaway - Dinos Luso (IRE)

soft 1/3 good 1/5 soft 2/8

TIMEFORM VIEW Looked excellent chasing prospect E Tongue Strap when stylish winner of 3m Exeter handicap only to disappoint when last of 4 in Grade 2 at Doncaster.

Remains with potential so no forlorn hope.

J Robbie Power T Colin Tizzard, Sherborne O The Reserve Tankers B Ben McCabe S Coral Racing Limited

Dec20 Don Nov20 Exe Oct20 Ain

10 REMASTERED (GB) (24) Ch g Network (GER) - Cathodine Cayras (FR)

23f Ch gd-sf 4/4 Hurricane Harvey 24f HcpC gd-sf 1/9 St Barts (IRE) 24f HcpC soft 3/11 Acey Milan (IRE)

86l 11/2l 11/2l

TFRHHHHI BHA146 FORM P33-111

8 11-6

TIMEFORM VIEW Hasn’t looked back since sent chasing E Tongue Strap and made it 3-3 with smart effort to land Grade 2 Reynoldstown at Ascot last month. Bold-jumping front runner who will relish this extended trip. Well in the mix.

J Tom Scudamore T David Pipe, Wellington O Brocade Racing B Elms Stud Co Ltd & G. Peck S W & S Recycling

11 SOLDIER OF LOVE (GB) (121) B g Yeats (IRE) - Monsignorita (IRE)

20Feb Asc Dec20 Wet Nov20 Car

23f Ch 24f Ch 20f Ch

soft 1/6 heavy 1/2 heavy 1/5

Demachine (IRE) 4l Baron de Midleton (IRE) 10l One Night In Milan (IRE) 21/2l

TFRHHHII BHA144 FORM 11112P

8 11-6

TIMEFORM VIEW Vastly improved after a wind op in first J Bryony Frost E Tongue Strap Cheek Pieces half of season, completing a four-timer at Newton Abbot.

Not seen out since pulled up on heavy ground in 3m T Paul Nicholls, Ditcheat novice here in November but type to bounce back.

O Mr Malcolm C. Denmark Nov20 Chl 24f Ch soft P/5 The Big Breakaway (IRE) B M. C. Denmark Oct20 Chl 24f Ch good 2/6 Galvin (IRE) 7l S Leaflet Company Ltd Sep20 Ntn 25f Ch good 1/6 Coole Cody (IRE) 21/4l

12 THE MIGHTY DON (IRE) (33)

Tattersalls

9 11-6

Ch g Shantou (USA) - Flying Answer (IRE)

J James Davies T Nick Gifford, Findon O Golden Rose Partnership B Mrs B. D. Byrne S Avtrade Limited

TIMEFORM VIEW Capable of useful form but has never looked a natural over fences, and off bridle a long way out when pulled up at Taunton in January. Well-held switched to bumper latest and very hard to fancy here.

11Feb Kmp 18f NHF 23Jan Tnt 28f Ch Dec20 Chl 25f Ch

13 SNOW LEOPARDESS (GB) (80)

9 10-13

Gr m Martaline - Queen Soraya

J Aidan Coleman T Charlie Longsdon, Chipping Norton O Mr A. Fox-Pitt B O. and Mrs Fox-Pitt S Tote, Merribelle Stable Llc

DECLARED RUNNERS 13

TFRHHIII BHA140 FORM 0-132P0 C

graduate

st-sl 11/12 Young Lieutenant (IRE) soft P/6 Yala Enki (FR) gd-sf 2/5 Happygolucky (IRE)

91/4l 33/4l

TFRHHIII BHA138 FORM 02-3212 BF

TIMEFORM VIEW Has come to chasing late but taken to it very well, landing 3m1f handicap at Haydock before excellent second in Rowland Meyrick at Wetherby over Christmas. This demands a big step forward, though.

Dec20 Wet Nov20 Hay Oct20 Wet

24f HcpC soft 2/8 Canelo (IRE) 25f HcpC soft 1/12 Commodore (FR) 24f Ch gd-sf 2/4 Shan Blue (IRE)

/4l /2l 16l

3 1

2020: RAVENHILL (IRE) 10 11 6 Mr J J Codd 12-1 (Gordon Elliott) 14 ran

Stewards Note: OFALLTHEGINJOINTS: Following its run on 12/12/2020 it was reported that the horse was never travelling.

SOLDIER OF LOVE: Following its run on 15/11/2020 it was reported that the horse would prefer a faster surface.

PLAY SMARTER

Royale Pagaille’s late defection puts a different slant on this and NEXT DESTINATION could be the one to take advantage given Paul Nicholls’ sound jumper is an impressive 2-2 over fences and will be suited by this longer trip. Gutsy Reynoldstown victor Remastered is another who will thrive for this stamina test and is feared most, with Irish hopes Galvin and Escaria Ten much respected too.

TIMEFORM PREDICTION: 1.NEXT DESTINATION (IRE) 2.REMASTERED 3.GALVIN (IRE)

RACE RESULT

RACE TIME

DISTANCE

1ST

3RD

2ND

4TH

61

Seventh Race

Probable S.P’s: 9-4 Galvin (IRE), 4-1 Next Destination (IRE), 5-1 Escaria Ten (FR), 10-1 Lord Royal (FR), 11-1 Remastered (GB), 22-1 Snow Leopardess (GB), 33-1 Soldier of Love (GB), 40-1 Ofalltheginjoints (IRE), The Mighty Don (IRE), 50-1 Nestor Park (FR), 66-1 Eden du Houx (FR), 100-1 Lithic (IRE), Macgiloney (IRE)

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TODAY’S RACE CONDITIONS First Race 1.20 - THE SKY BET SUPREME NOVICES’ HURDLE RACE (CLASS 1) (Grade 1) (GBB RACE) Distributed in accordance with the Stakes and Prize Money Code. £52753 to the winning horse The second to receive £19874, the third £9946, the fourth £4968, the fifth £2493, the sixth £1246, the seventh £618 and the eighth £318. for novice four yrs old and upwards. Enter by noon, January 26th and pay £117 stake, Scratch by noon, February 16th or pay £234, Confirm by noon, March 10th and pay £117, Supplementary Entry by noon, March 10th and pay £4687 stake, Declare by 10.00 a.m. March 14th. Weights: 4-y-o 11st; 5-y-o and up 11st 7lb Fillies and mares allowed 7lb. SKY BET has generously sponsored this race. Presentations will be made to the winning owner, trainer and jockey and the stable employee responsible for the winning horse. A £200 cash prize and a £50 Amazon Voucher to the stable employee in charge of the best turned out horse and, a £50 Amazon Voucher awarded to the other stable employees leading up a runner in this race. All number cloths to be carried in this race have been sponsored and will carry the name/logo of SKY BET. The sponsorship payment of £500 will be distributed equally amongst all horses starting in this race in accordance with paragraphs 24 to 27 of the Stakes and Prize Money Code. 48 HOUR DECLARATIONS APPLY TO THIS RACE. PLEASE NOTE: A Declaration to Run will not be accepted for any horse if, at the time fixed for declaration, it has been declared to run in any other race at the 2021 Cheltenham Festival, which has yet to take place. (This will apply whether or not the horse is subsequently declared a non-runner, unless the horse has been eliminated from a race, or declared as a reserve and not been made a non-runner.) ELIMINATION: If elimination is necessary from this race, the elimination sequence shall be determined by the Elimination and Balloting Procedures (contained in the Race Administration Code) A Confirmation of Entry will not be accepted for any horse for whom a Medication Declaration Form A is not submitted to the BHA via cheltenham-meds@britishhorseracing.co by 9th March, 2021. 97 entries, 51 at £117, 28 at £351, 18 at £468. - Closed January 26th, 2021. Owners Prize Money. Winner £40350; Second £16631; Third £8316; Fourth £4162; Fifth £2081; Sixth £1041; Seventh £516; Eighth £262.

(Penalty Value £52753.12) A SEE PAGE 12 FOR THIS RACE. Second Race 1.55 - THE SPORTING LIFE ARKLE CHALLENGE TROPHY NOVICES’ STEEPLE CHASE (CLASS 1) (Grade 1) (GBB RACE) Distributed in accordance with the Stakes and Prize Money Code. £73854 to the winning horse The second to receive £27824, the third £13925, the fourth £6956, the fifth £3491 and the sixth £1745. for novice five yrs old and upwards, which are allotted a rating of 120 or more by the BHA Handicapper following a review of the horses entered and after taking account of races run up to and including the day prior to confirmation. Horses which are not qualified for a rating in Great Britain, Ireland or France may also be entered. Such horses may be eligible providing the Handicapper is satisfied that the horse’s racecourse performances up to and including the day prior to confirmation would merit a minimum rating of 120. The decision of the BHA Handicapper shall be final.. Enter by noon, January 19th and pay £164 stake, Scratch by noon, February 16th or pay £328, Confirm by noon, March 10th and pay £164, Supplementary Entry by noon, March 10th and pay £6526 stake, Declare by 10.00 a.m. March 14th. Weights: 11st 4lb each Mares allowed 7lb. SPORTING LIFE has generously sponsored this race. Presentations will be made to the winning owner, trainer and jockey. A £200 award and £50 Amazon voucher will be given to the stable employee in charge of the best turned out horse in this race. A £50 Amazon Voucher will be awarded to the other stable employees leading up a runner in this race.

The Challenge Trophy has been presented by Anne Duchess of Westminster as a tribute to ARKLE, and is to be held by the winning owner until February 1st, 2022. All number cloths to be carried in this race have been sponsored and will carry the name/logo of SPORTING LIFE. The sponsorship payment of £500 will be distributed equally amongst all horses starting in this race in accordance with paragraphs 24 to 27 of the Stakes and Prize Money Code. 48 HOUR DECLARATIONS APPLY TO THIS RACE. PLEASE NOTE: A Declaration to Run will not be accepted for any horse if, at the time fixed for declaration, it has been declared to run in any other race at the 2021 Cheltenham Festival, which has yet to take place. (This will apply whether or not the horse is subsequently declared a non-runner, unless the horse has been eliminated from a race, or declared as a reserve and not been made a non-runner.) ELIMINATION: If elimination is necessary from this race, the elimination sequence shall be determined by the Elimination and Balloting Procedures (contained in the Race Administration Code) A Confirmation of Entry will not be accepted for any horse for whom a Medication Declaration Form A is not submitted to the BHA via cheltenham-meds@britishhorseracing.co by 9th March, 2021. 34 entries, 15 at £164, 7 at £492, 12 at £656. - Closed January 19th, 2021. Owners Prize Money. Winner £56490; Second £23284; Third £11642; Fourth £5827; Fifth £2914; Sixth £1457. (Penalty Value £73854.37) A SEE PAGE 20 FOR THIS RACE. Third Race 2.30 - THE ULTIMA HANDICAP STEEPLE CHASE (CLASS 1) (Grade 3) (GBB RACE) Distributed in accordance with the Stakes and Prize Money Code. £46422 to the winning horse The second to receive £17490, the third £8753, the fourth £4372, the fifth £2194, the sixth £1097, the seventh £544 and the eighth £280. for five yrs old and upwards. Enter by noon, February 23rd and pay £101 stake, Confirm by noon, March 10th and pay £311, Declare by 10.00 a.m. March 14th. Penalties, after February 28th, 2021, a winner of a steeple chase 5lb (No penalty to increase a horse’s weight above 11st 12lb). ULTIMA BUSINESS SOLUTIONS has generously sponsored this race. Presentations will be made to the winning owner, trainer and jockey and a £200 award given to the stable employee in charge of the best turned out horse in this race. All number cloths to be carried in this race have been sponsored and will carry the name/logo of ULTIMA BUSINESS SOLUTIONS. The sponsorship payment of £500 will be distributed equally amongst all horses starting in this race in accordance with paragraphs 24 to 27 of the Stakes and Prize Money Code. The British Horseracing Authority will amend paragraphs 28 to 32 of the Weights and Handicapping Code and the Declaration of Jockey section of the Race Entries Code in the event that raising of the weights at the 24-hour stage proves necessary. 48 HOUR DECLARATIONS APPLY TO THIS RACE This race will be restricted to 24 runners plus two reserves. The two reserves will be nominated as R25 and R26. The procedure for the allocation and operation of the reserves protocol will be as detailed in the notice headed ‘Reserves’ which has been published in The Racing Calendar and which also appears in the reserves notice in the Conditions For Entry Section, accessed from the Information menu on the BHA Racing Administration Internet site (www2.racingadmin.co.uk). Trainers are reminded of the provisions of paragraph 41 of the Race Entry Code which require that they MUST notify the Racing Calendar Office IMMEDIATELY when the decision has been made not to run. This will maximise the list of runners and determine whether the weights will need to be raised. The British Horseracing Authority will modify the Rules of Racing as a consequence of providing two reserves for this race. The non runner penalty will be waived for any horse which is deemed a non-runner by 1.00 p.m. the day before the race. PLEASE NOTE: Any horse for whom a confirmation of entry has been submitted will not be permitted to declare to run if, at the time fixed for declaration, it has been declared to run in any other race at the 2021 Cheltenham Festival, which has yet to take place. (This will apply whether subsequently declared a non-runner or not, unless the horse has been eliminated from a race, or declared as a reserve and not been made a non-runner.) Horses entered in this race will be automatically entered in the Kempton Park Silver Bowl (A Handicap Steeple Chase) over Two Miles About Four And A Half Furlongs, at Kempton Park on Saturday, March 20th, 2021. In order to be eligible to declare for that race, horses must have been eliminated from any handicap steeple chase at Cheltenham during the 2021 Cheltenham Festival, and must not have Started in any race at the 2021 Cheltenham Festival. The Kempton Park Silver Bowl will be free to enter, but those declaring to run will be charged the stake at the 10 a.m. declaration stage on Thursday, March 18th. The British Horseracing Authority has modified paragraph 6 of the Weights and Handicapping Code for the purposes of this race, such that racecourse performances up to and including Sunday, February 28th may be taken into account. A Confirmation of Entry will not be accepted for any horse for whom a Medication Declaration Form A is not submitted to the BHA via cheltenham-meds@britishhorseracing.co by 9th March, 2021. PLEASE NOTE: A novice horse shall only be qualified to run in this race if it has run a minimum of three times in Steeple Chases in Great Britain, Ireland or France in accordance with paragraph 15 of the Weights and Handicapping Code 69 entries, 38 at £101, 31 at £412. - Closed February 23rd, 2021. Owners Prize Money. Winner £35508; Second £14636; Third £7318; Fourth £3663; Fifth £1832; Sixth £916; Seventh £454; Eighth £231. (Penalty Value £46422.75) Weights raised 2lbs and paragraph 34 of the Weights and Handicapping Code complied with where applicable.

SEE PAGE 28 FOR THIS RACE. Fourth Race 3.05 - THE UNIBET CHAMPION HURDLE CHALLENGE TROPHY (CLASS 1) (Grade 1) (GBB RACE) Distributed in accordance with the Stakes and Prize Money Code. £189911 to the winning horse The second to receive £71550, the third £35808, the fourth £17887, the fifth £8977, the sixth £4488, the seventh £2227 and the eighth £1147. for four yrs old and upwards, which are allotted a rating of 130 or more by the BHA Handicapper following a review of the horses entered and after taking account of races run up to and including the day prior to confirmation. Horses which are not qualified for a rating in Great Britain, Ireland or France may also be entered. Such horses may be eligible providing the Handicapper is satisfied that the horse’s racecourse performances up to and including the day prior to confirmation would merit a minimum rating of 130. The decision of the BHA Handicapper shall be final.. Enter by noon, January 12th and pay £421 stake, Scratch by noon, February 9th or pay £842, Confirm by noon, March 10th and pay £421, Supplementary Entry by noon, March 10th and pay £16875 stake, Declare by 10.00 a.m. March 14th. Weights: 4-y-o 11st 3lb; 5-y-o and up 11st 10lb Fillies and mares allowed 7lb. UNIBET has generously sponsored this race. Presentations will be made to the winning owner, trainer and jockey and Unibet will also present £100 to the stable employee responsible for the winning horse and a £250 award to the stable employee in charge of the best turned out horse in this race. The winning owner is to hold a perpetual Challenge Cup until February 1st 2022. 48 HOUR DECLARATIONS APPLY TO THIS RACE All number cloths to be carried in this race have been sponsored and will carry the name/logo of UNIBET. The sponsorship payment of £500 will be distributed equally amongst all horses starting in this race in accordance with paragraphs 24 to 27 of the Stakes and Prize Money Code. THERE WILL BE A PARADE FOR THIS RACE.

Horses will be led past the stands and then allowed to canter to the start. (No confirmation of entry is required for Supplementary entries). PLEASE NOTE: Any horse whose entry is confirmed will not be permitted to declare to run if, at the time fixed for declaration, it has been declared to run in any other race at the 2021 Cheltenham Festival, which has yet to take place. (This will apply whether or not the horse is subsequently declared a non-runner, unless the horse has been eliminated from a race, or declared as a reserve and not subsequently been made a non-runner.) A Confirmation of Entry will not be accepted for any horse for whom a Medication Declaration Form A is not submitted to the BHA via cheltenham-meds@britishhorseracing.co by 9th March, 2021. 27 entries, 4 at £421, 9 at £1263, 14 at £1684. - Closed January 12th, 2021. Owners Prize Money. Winner £145260; Second £59873; Third £29936; Fourth £14985; Fifth £7493; Sixth £3746; Seventh £1856; Eighth £945. (Penalty Value £189911.25) A SEE PAGE 38 FOR THIS RACE. Fifth Race 3.40 - THE CLOSE BROTHERS MARES’ HURDLE RACE (CLASS 1) (Registered as The DAVID NICHOLSON MARES’ HURDLE) (Grade 1) (GBB RACE) Distributed in accordance with the Stakes and Prize Money Code. £50643 to the winning horse The second to receive £19080, the third £9549, the fourth £4770, the fifth £2394, the sixth £1197, the seventh £594 and the eighth £306. for four yrs old and upwards fillies and mares only, which are allotted a rating of 120 or more by the BHA Handicapper following a review of the horses entered and after taking account of races run up to and including the day prior to confirmation. Horses which are not qualified for a rating in Great Britain, Ireland or France may also be entered. Such horses may be eligible providing the Handicapper is satisfied that the horse’s racecourse performances up to and including the day prior to confirmation would merit a minimum rating of 120. The decision of the BHA Handicapper shall be final..

Enter by noon, January 12th and pay £112 stake, Scratch by noon, February 9th or pay £224, Confirm by noon, March 10th and pay £112, Supplementary Entry by noon, March 10th and pay £4500 stake, Declare by 10.00 a.m.

March 14th. Weights: 4-y-o 10st 11lb; 5-y-o and up 11st 5lb. CLOSE BROTHERS have generously sponsored this race. Presentations will be made to the winning owner, trainer and jockey, and an award of £200 will be given to the stable employee in charge of the best turned out horse in this race. The winning owner is to hold a perpetual Challenge Trophy until February 1st, 2022. 48 HOUR DECLARATIONS APPLY TO THIS RACE All number cloths to be carried in this race have been sponsored and will carry the name/logo of CLOSE BROTHERS. The sponsorship payment of £500 will be distributed equally amongst all horses starting in this race in accordance with paragraphs 24 to 27 of the Stakes and Prize Money Code. The British Horseracing Authority has modified Rule (F)85.2 of the Rules of Racing for the purposes of this race. (No confirmation of entry is required for Supplementary entries). PLEASE NOTE: Any horse whose entry is confirmed will not be permitted to declare to run if, at the time fixed for declaration, it has been declared to run in any other race at the 2021 Cheltenham Festival, which has yet to take place. (This will apply whether or not the horse is subsequently declared a non-runner, unless the horse has been eliminated from a race, or declared as a reserve and not subsequently been made a non-runner.) A Confirmation of Entry will not be accepted for any horse for whom a Medication Declaration Form A is not submitted to the BHA via cheltenham-meds@britishhorseracing. co by 9th March, 2021. 26 entries, 3 at £112, 11 at £336, 12 at £448. - Closed January 12th, 2021. Owners Prize Money. Winner £38736; Second £15966; Third £7983; Fourth £3996; Fifth £1998; Sixth £999; Seventh £495; Eighth £252. (Penalty Value £50643) A SEE PAGE 44 FOR THIS RACE. Sixth Race 4.15 - THE BOODLES JUVENILE HANDICAP HURDLE RACE (CLASS 1) (Registered as The FRED WINTER) (Grade 3) (GBB RACE) Distributed in accordance with the Stakes and Prize Money Code. £33762 to the winning horse The second to receive £12720, the third £6366, the fourth £3180, the fifth £1596, the sixth £798, the seventh £396 and the eighth £204. for juvenile four yrs old. Enter by noon, February 23rd and pay £82 stake, Confirm by noon, March 10th and pay £218, Declare by 10.00 a.m. March 14th. Lowest weight 10st; Highest weight 11st 10lb Penalties, after February 28th, 2021, a winner of a hurdle race 5lb No penalty to increase a horse’s weight above 11st 10lb. BOODLES has generously sponsored this race. Presentations will be made to the winning owner, trainer and jockey, and a £200 award given to the stable employee in charge of the best turned out horse in this race. All number cloths to be carried in this race have been sponsored and will carry the name/logo of Boodles. The sponsorship payment of £500 will be distributed equally amongst all horses starting in this race in accordance with paragraphs 24 to 27 of the Stakes and Prize Money Code. The British Horseracing Authority will amend paragraphs 28 to 32 of the Weights and Handicapping Code and the Declaration of Jockey section of the Race Entries Code in the event that raising of the weights at the 24-hour stage proves necessary. 48 HOUR DECLARATIONS APPLY TO THIS RACE This race will be restricted to 22 runners plus two reserves. The two reserves will be nominated as R23 and R24. The procedure for the allocation and operation of the reserves protocol will be as detailed in the notice headed ‘Reserves’ which has been published in The Racing Calendar and which also appears in the reserves notice in the Conditions For Entry Section, accessed from the Information menu on the BHA Racing Administration Internet site (www2. racingadmin.co.uk). Trainers are reminded of the provisions of paragraph 41 of the Race Entry Code which require that they MUST notify the Racing Calendar Office IMMEDIATELY when the decision has been made not to run. This will maximise the list of runners and determine whether the weights will need to be raised. The British Horseracing Authority will modify the Rules of Racing as a consequence of providing two reserves for this race. The non runner penalty will be waived for any horse which is deemed a non-runner by 1.00 p.m. on the day before the race. PLEASE NOTE: Any horse for whom a confirmation of entry has been submitted will not be permitted to declare to run if, at the time fixed for declaration, it has been declared to run in any other race at the 2021 Cheltenham Festival, which has yet to take place. (This will apply whether subsequently declared a non-runner or not, unless the horse has been eliminated from a race, or declared as a reserve and not been made a non-runner.) Horses entered in this race will be automatically entered in the Kempton Park Silver Plate (A Handicap Hurdle Race) over Two Miles About Five Furlongs, at Kempton Park on Saturday, March 20th, 2021.

In order to be eligible to declare for that race, horses must have been eliminated from any handicap hurdle race at Cheltenham during the 2021 Cheltenham Festival, and must not have Started in any race at the 2021 Cheltenham Festival. The Kempton Park Silver Plate will be free to enter, but those declaring to run will be charged the stake at the 10 a.m. declaration stage on Thursday, March 18th. The British Horseracing Authority has modified paragraph 6 of the Weights and Handicapping Code for the purposes of this race, such that racecourse performances up to and including Sunday, February 28th may be taken into account. A Confirmation of Entry will not be accepted for any horse for whom a Medication Declaration Form A is not submitted to the BHA via cheltenham-meds@britishhorseracing.co by 9th March, 2021. PLEASE NOTE: A novice or juvenile horse shall only be qualified to run in this race if it has run a minimum of three times in Hurdle Races in Great Britain, Ireland or France in accordance with paragraph 15 of the Weights and Handicapping Code 38 entries, 12 at £82, 26 at £300. - Closed February 23rd, 2021. Owners Prize Money. Winner £25824; Second £10644; Third £5322; Fourth £2664; Fifth £1332; Sixth £666; Seventh £330; Eighth £168. (Penalty Value £33762) Weights raised 8lbs and paragraph 34 of the Weights and Handicapping Code complied with where applicable. 2 Eliminated Under Rules (I)9 and (I)10.

SEE PAGE 50 FOR THIS RACE. Seventh Race 4.50 - THE SAM VESTEY NATIONAL HUNT CHALLENGE CUP NOVICES’ STEEPLE CHASE (CLASS 1) (Grade 2) (GBB RACE) Distributed in accordance with the Stakes and Prize Money Code. £52753 to the winning horse The second to receive £19874, the third £9946, the fourth £4968, the fifth £2493, the sixth £1246, the seventh £618 and the eighth £318. for novice five yrs old and upwards, which prior to confirmation, have Started in a minimum of two steeple chases, at least one of which must be during the current season, and which have been placed first, second, third or fourth in a steeple chase with an official distance description of ‘two miles seven and a half furlongs’ or more, at any time during the horse’s career. Horses must also be allotted a rating of 120 or more by the BHA Head of Handicapping, following a review of the horses entered and taking account of races run up to and including the day prior to confirmation. Horses which are not qualified for a rating in Great Britain, Ireland and France may also be entered. Such horses may be eligible providing the Handicapper is satisfied that the horse’s racecourse performances up to and including the day prior to confirmation would merit a minimum rating of 120. The decision of the BHA Head of Handicapping shall be final..

Enter by noon, January 19th and pay £117 stake, Scratch by noon, February 16th or pay £234, Confirm by noon, March 10th and pay £117, Declare by 10.00 a.m. March 14th. Weights: 5-y-o 11st 5lb; 6-y-o and up 11st 6lb Mares allowed 7lb. A Challenge Cup, originally presented by the late Col. P. M. Hamer, O.B.E., is to be held by the winning owner until February 1st, 2022. Presentations will be made to the winning owner, trainer and jockey and a £200 award given to the stable employee in charge of the best turned out horse in this race. 48 HOUR DECLARATIONS APPLY TO THIS RACE. PLEASE NOTE: A Declaration to Run will not be accepted for any horse if, at the time fixed for declaration, it has been declared to run in any other race at the 2021 Cheltenham Festival, which has yet to take place. (This will apply whether or not the horse is subsequently declared a non-runner, unless the horse has been eliminated from a race, or declared as a reserve and not been made a non-runner.)

ELIMINATION: If elimination is necessary from this race, the elimination sequence shall be determined by the Elimination and Balloting Procedures (contained in the Race Administration Code) The British Horseracing Authority has modified the Stakes and Prize money Code for the purposes of this race. A Confirmation of Entry will not be accepted for any horse for whom a Medication Declaration Form A is not submitted to the BHA via cheltenham-meds@britishhorseracing.co by 9th March, 2021. 56 entries, 13 at £117, 27 at £351, 16 at £468. Closed January 19th, 2021. Owners Prize Money. Winner £40350; Second £16631; Third £8316; Fourth £4162; Fifth £2081; Sixth £1041; Seventh £516; Eighth £262. (Penalty Value £52753.12) A SEE PAGE 58 FOR THIS RACE.

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