The Cheltenham Festival - Day Two - Wednesday 17th March 2021

DAY TWO WEDNESDAY 17 MARCH 2021 Official programme

Politologue, winner of the 2020 Betway Queen Mother Champion Chase

creating places with soul. ballymoregroup.com London City Island

THE JOCKEY CLUB WELCOMES YOU

Welcome to Day Two of The Festival™ supporting WellChild, where we continue our four days of incredible racing. We were treated to a brilliant day yesterday, and we look forward to seeing what today has in store.

Our feature race of the day is the Betway Queen Mother Champion Chase, which will see 2020 victor Politologue back in action to try to retain his crown. Willie Mullins will be looking to win the Championship race for the first time in his career with the exciting Chacun Pour Soi. As ever, our thanks go to our raceday sponsors who continue to support this wonderful event. Today’s sponsors include Betway, Ballymore, Brown Advisory, Coral, Glenfarclas and Weatherbys.

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-theclock 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. You will all be seriously missed, 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 4, 6 & 7

Races 1&3 Race 2 Race 5 (For the full Cross Country Course see pages 40-41)

Hurdle Plain Fence RACE STARTS RACE 1 - 1:20pm

Open Ditch Water

The Ballymore Novices’ Hurdle Race (Registered as The Baring Bingham) (Grade 1) (GBB Race) (2m 5f)

RACE 2 - 1:55pm

The Brown Advisory Novices’ Steeple Chase (Registered as The Broadway Novices’ Chase) (Grade 1) (GBB Race) (3m ½f)

RACE 3 - 2:30pm

The Coral Cup Handicap Hurdle Race (Grade 3) (GBB Race) (2m 5f)

RACE 4 - 3:05pm

The Betway Queen Mother Champion Chase (Grade 1) (GBB Race) (2m)

RACE 5 - 3:40pm

The Glenfarclas Steeple Chase (A Cross Country Steeple Chase) (GBB Race) (3m 6f)

RACE 6 - 4:15pm

The Johnny Henderson Grand Annual Challenge Cup Handicap Steeple Chase (Grade 3) (GBB Race) (2m)

RACE 7 - 4:50pm

The Weatherbys Champion Bumper (A Standard Open National Hunt Flat Race) (Grade 1) (GBB Race) (2m ½f) 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

BALLYMORE ballymoregroup.com

BROWN ADVISORY brownadvisory.com

CORAL coral.co.uk

BETWAY betway.com

GLENFARCLAS glenfarclas.com

WEATHERBYS weatherbys.co.uk

RACEDAY OFFICIALS Chairman Martin St Quinton Committee Louise Kemble 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 Buildings & Facilities Manager Tim Partridge

Race Conditions can be found on pages 62 & 63

Catering Director Richard Herring Tote Manager Paul Ritchie Stewards Shaun Parker (Chief Steward) Roger Bellamy George Welch (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 Louise Todd Jeremy Willis Medical Officers Andy Simpson (SRMO) Suzannah Hoult Lee Humphries Jon Mutimer Rob Orme Sue Smith Nurses Sue Denly Sarah Godfrey Medical Co-Ordinator Tony Twiggs Veterinary Surgeons Liam Kearns (SRVS) Ian Camm Vittorio Caramello Laura Grey 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/

WellChild Nurse, Ruth in Belfast with Daire.

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.

Company Number 1815689.

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

THE JOY OF OWNERSHIP ROA working in partnership with JCR and Cheltenham Racecourse

� famil��run propert� developer �it� a multi a�ard��innin� portfolio of some of �urope�s lar�est and most creativel� transformative urban development projects.

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FACTS & STATS THE BALLYMORE NOVICES’ HURDLE RACE RACE DESCRIPTION

The Grade 1 Ballymore Novices’ Hurdle is run over two miles and five furlongs and is contested by some of the highest-class novice hurdlers this year. 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 of today’s runners will carry 11st 7lb.

LAST YEAR’S

GRADE 1

WINNER

RUN OVER TWO MILES, FIVE FURLONGS

ENVOI ALLEN

Unbeaten in his previous seven starts, including a Weatherbys Champion Bumper success the previous year, Envoi Allen kept his victorious run going in excellent style.

Swinging wide around the field turning for home, the six-year-old quickly moved up to lead approaching the last and powered up the hill under Davy Russell to score by just over four lengths in one of the best performances of the week in what was a very strong renewal of this great race.

10 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 111 1D11 111 211 11 142 1111 1112 121 4131

WINNER AGE WEIGHT SP Envoi Allen 6 11-7 4/7F City Island 6 11-7 8/1 Samcro 6 11-7 8/11F Willoughby Court 6 11-7 14/1 Yorkhill 6 11-7 3/1 Windsor Park 6 11-7 9/2 Faugheen 6 11-7 6/4F The New One 5 11-7 7/2 Simonsig 6 11-7 2/1F First Lieutenant 6 11-7 7/1

TRAINER RUNNERS G Elliott (Ire) 12 M Brassil (Ire) 16 G Elliott (Ire) 14 B Pauling 15 W Mullins (Ire) 11 D Weld (Ire) 10 W Mullins (Ire) 15 N Twiston-Davies 8 N Henderson 17 M Morris (Ire) 12

LAST RACE (NO.DAYS) 1st Naas Novice Hurdle (66) 1st Naas Novice Hurdle (32) 1st Deloitte Novice Hurdle (38) 1st Leamington Novice Hurdle (60) 1st Tolworth Hurdle (74) 2nd Deloitte Novice Hurdle (31) 1st Limerick Grade 3 Novice Hurdle (74) 2nd Classic Novice Hurdle (46) 1st Morebattle Hurdle (28) 1st Future Champions Novice Hurdle (77)

KEY TRENDS 14 of the last 16 winners were from the first four in the betting

Only one winner since 1974 was older than six

15 of the last 19 winners had won on their most recent start

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

TRAINER

JOCKEY

Willie Mullins

David Bass

2 winners

1 winner

Today Willie saddles Gaillard Du Mesnil

Today David rides Does He Know

2m 5f

FIRST RACE 1.20 THE BALLYMORE NOVICES’ HURDLE RACE (CLASS 1) (Grade 1) (Registered as The BARING BINGHAM) (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. (Penalty Value £52753.12) FORM ANALYSIS - A CLOSER LOOK

| FACTS | FANCIES | FORM | STATS | Leading course trainer (16-21): P Nicholls (30 wins from 303 runners, 10%) runs BRAVEMANSGAME Trainer-in-form (last 14 days): P Nicholls (10 wins from 35 runners, 29%) runs BRAVEMANSGAME Fancy That: W P Mullins won this race in 2014 and 2016. The stable runs GAILLARD DU MESNIL today.

J Jockey

T Trainer O Owner B Breeder S Sponsor E Equipment

1 BEAR GHYLLS (IRE) (66) Br g Arcadio (GER) - Inch Princess (IRE)

Tattersalls

6

11-7

J Matt Griffiths T Nicky Martin, Minehead O Bradley Partnership B Mrs Mary Tynan Phelan S Charles Simpson Organisation Ltd

2 BOB OLINGER (IRE) (63) B g Sholokhov (IRE) - Zenaide (IRE)

J Rachael Blackmore T Henry de Bromhead, Ireland O Robcour B Kenneth Parkhill

11-7

B g Alkaased (USA) - Diavoleria

J David Bass T Kim Bailey, Cheltenham O Yes He Does Syndicate B M. W. Easterby S Kim Bailey Racing Ltd

6

6

61/2l 14l 1l

TIMEFORM VIEW Big improver who completed his hat-trick in fine style in Grade 1 Challow at Newbury (2m4f) by 10l from Star Gate. Top-class prospect and clear pick of the home contingent. Leading claims.

Dec20 Nby Nov20 Nby Nov20 Exe

20f Hdl 20f Hdl 16f Hdl

soft 1/5 Star Gate (IRE) good 1/5 Es Perfecto (IRE) good 1/11 Runswick Bay

10l 71/2l 11l

TFRHHIII BHA142 FORM 2-111r0 CD

graduate

11-7

heavy 1/7 Blue Lord (FR) sf-hv 1/14 Dunboyne (IRE) heavy 2/15 Ferny Hollow (IRE)

TFRHHHHH BHA150 FORM 36-2111 D

Tattersalls

TIMEFORM VIEW Point winner who completed quick

E Hood hat-trick in Grade 2 hurdle over C&D in November. Ran out

at Newbury next time and well-held in hood on handicap bow at Exeter latest. Very hard to make a case for.

14Feb Exe Dec20 Nby Nov20 Chl

Gr g Saint des Saints (FR) - Athena du Mesnil (FR) 5 J P. Townend T W. P. Mullins, Ireland O Mrs J. Donnelly B S.C.E.A. Ecurie Cerdeval

B g No Risk At All (FR) - La Courtille (FR)

TFRHHHHI BHA150 FORM 11-211

graduate

11-7

1/8 Stormy Flight (IRE) 5l 1/11 Gowel Road (IRE) 11/2l 1/16 Make Me A Believer (IRE) 41/2l

TIMEFORM VIEW Smart novice, making it 2-3 when convincing winner of Grade 1 Lawlor’s at Naas (2m4f) by 6 1/2l from Blue Lord. Sure to go well again with more in the pipeline.

Tattersalls

5 GAILLARD DU MESNIL (FR) (39)

6 KESKONRISK (FR) (80)

18f HcpH soft 15f Hdl soft 19f Hdl soft

13Jan Naa 20f Hdl Dec20 Nav 20f Hdl Nov20 Gow 16f Hdl

J Harry Cobden T Paul Nicholls, Ditcheat O John Dance and Bryan Drew B Dr Vet M. Guiot & Dr Vet B. Stoffel S Morson Group, Vertem Asset Management

4 DOES HE KNOW (GB) (31)

TIMEFORM VIEW Unbeaten in 4 starts, readily defying a BHA mark of 130 in 2m2f Exeter handicap in January to complete his hat-trick over hurdles. Step up in trip in his favour and shouldn’t be underestimated.

10Jan Exe Nov20 Fls Oct20 Lin

6

3 BRAVEMANSGAME (FR) (78) B g Brave Mansonnien (FR) - Genifique (FR)

TFRHHHII BHA140 FORM 1-111

graduate

11-7

23f HcpH heavy 8/10 Brinkley (FR) 20f Hdl soft O/5 Bravemansgame (FR) 21f Hdl gd-sf 1/7 Wild Romance (IRE)

45l 3l

TFRHHHHI BHA151 FORM 222-211

TIMEFORM VIEW Ex-French gelding who has made rapid

E Hood progress in his three runs over hurdles, hooded when

easily bagging Grade 1 novice at Leopardstown (2m6f) last time. Top prospect with promise of more to come.

6Feb Leo Dec20 Leo Nov20 Pun

6

22f Hdl 20f Hdl 20f Hdl

sf-hv 1/13 Gentlemansgame soft 1/20 Mr Incredible (IRE) sf-hv 2/20 Holymacapony (IRE)

5l 91/2l 8l

TFRHHHII BHA140 FORM 1-13

11-7

TIMEFORM VIEW Lost his unbeaten record but took his J Donagh Meyler E Tongue Strap form up a notch when 12 1/2 lengths third of 9 to Appreciate It in Grade 1 at Leopardstown in December.

T Joseph Patrick O’Brien, Ireland Open to even more progress, so no forlorn hope.

O Mr Claudio Michael Grech Dec20 Leo 16f Hdl soft 3/9 Appreciate It (IRE) 12l B Dr V. Brigitte Poulve Nov20 Fai 16f Hdl soft 1/18 Indigo Breeze (FR) s.h

Jan20 Fai

7 OPTIMISE PRIME (IRE) (24) B g Shantou (USA) - Wilde Ruby (IRE)

5

J Daryl Jacob T Ben Pauling, Bourton-on-the-Water O Mrs Rachel Brodie & Mr John Brodie B O. Costello & R. Moorhead S Jeremy Houghton - Houghtonart

11-7

16f Stk

yield 1/6

Favori de Champdou (FR) 41/2l

TFRHIIII BHA130 FORM 0113

TIMEFORM VIEW Bagged a pair of 2m4f novice hurdles at Hereford before Christmas and better form when third in Listed race at Market Rasen 24 days ago. This is a totally different ball game, though.

21Feb Mkt Dec20 Her Nov20 Her

14

20f Hdl 19f Hdl 19f Hdl

soft soft soft

3/5 Minella Drama (IRE) 1/8 Velasco (IRE) 1/13 Sam Barton

11l 41/4l 11/4l

thejockeyclub.co.uk

DECLARED RUNNERS 7

2020: ENVOI ALLEN (FR) 6 11 7 Davy Russell 4-7 (Gordon Elliott) 12 ran

Probable S.P’s: 9-4 Bob Olinger (IRE), 5-2 Gaillard du Mesnil (FR), 3-1 Bravemansgame (FR), 11-1 Bear Ghylls (IRE), 14-1 Keskonrisk (FR), 50-1 Does He Know (GB), 100-1 Optimise Prime (IRE)

PLAY SMARTER

BRAVEMANSGAME, Gaillard du Mesnil and Bob Olinger have all achieved a similar level of form, but it is the first named who edges the vote in a fascinating clash. He’s highly regarded and open to plenty more improvement after winning the Challow Hurdle at Newbury in good style.

TIMEFORM PREDICTION: 1.BRAVEMANSGAME (FR) 2.GAILLARD DU MESNIL (FR) 3.BOB OLINGER (IRE)

RACE TIME

DISTANCE 3RD

2ND

4TH

TODAY’S RACE SPONSOR

find out more about today’s race sponsor at

ballymoregroup.com

Tattersalls

TATTERSALLS LOGOS

graduate

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

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.

You must be 18 or over to place a bet You may be asked to provide proof of your age when placing a bet If you cannot produce this your bet will not be accepted 15

First Race

RACE RESULT 1ST

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HISTORY The Grade 1 Brown Advisory Novices’ Steeple Chase is always a hotly contested race with Europe’s top novice staying chasers looking to make a name for themselves over the larger obstacles.

The three miles and half a furlong race was introduced to The Festival™ in 1946 under the title of the Broadway Novices’ Chase and that inaugural running was won by Birthlaw who was trained

by Tommy Rayson and ridden by Ted Vinall. At 11-years-old he remains the oldest winner of the Borwn Advisory Novices' Chase. In 1957, Fulke Walwyn became the race’s leading trainer when Mandarin, ridden by Michael Scudamore, gave him his fourth success in the race - adding to the victories of Mountain Prince (1948), On View (1951) and Glenbeigh (1954).

Some legendary names of the National Hunt scene have won the Brown Advisory Novices' Chase but perhaps the biggest of them all was Tom Dreaper’s Arkle who won the 1963 renewal before landing a hat-trick of Gold Cups in 1964, 1965 and 1966. Arkle’s rider Pat Taaffe was winning the race for the fourth time following victories on Coneyburrow (1953), Solfen (1960) and Grallagh Cnoc (1961) and when he partnered Proud Tarquin to victory in 1970 he became the leading rider in the race’s history.

The Dan Moore-trained Tied Cottage proved a convincing winner under jockey Tommy Carberry in 1976 and four years later went on to land the Gold Cup before being subsequently disqualified having testing positive for a banned substance. 1977 was the Dickinson’s year when Gay Spartan won the race for trainer Tony and jockey Michael.

Several winners have subsequently achieved victory in the Cheltenham Gold Cup but Jenny Pitman’s Garrison Savannah did it in subsequent years winning the race in 1990 and the Gold Cup in 1991 when he beat two former champions in Desert Orchid and Norton’s Coin. He almost went into the record books the following month when he went so close to winning the Grand National only giving best to Seagram.

In 1992, Miinnehoma was a winning favourite of the race and two years later the Martin Pipe-trained runner went on to win the 1994 Grand National, confirming that the Brown Advisory Novices' Chase really does unearth some future superstars.

1999 saw victory for the Noel Chance-trained Looks Like Trouble (pictured) who later went on to win the 2000 Gold Cup. Paul Nicholls’ Denman was an emphatic ten length winner of the 2007 Brown Advisory Chase before following up in breathtaking style in the following season’s Gold Cup, a feat repeated by Nicky Henderson’s 2012 winner Bobs Worth, as well as the Jim Cullotytrained Lord Windermere twelve months later. Nicholls was back in the winners’ enclosure in 2019 when Topofthegame took a thrilling renewal of the race from Henderson’s Santini.

Willie Mullins won the first of four Brown Advisory Novices' Chases when Florida Pearl galloped to success under Richard Dunwoody in 1998 before Rule Supreme and Cooldine followed suit in 2004 and 2009. Don Poli’s victory in 2015 saw Mullins join Fulke Walwyn as the race’s leading trainer.

The Peter Beaumont-trained Hussard Collonges became the joint longest priced winner of the race when landing odds of 33-1 in 2002 – the same price as the 1983 winner Canny Danny. Another record was toppled in 2006 when the Paul Nicholls-trained Star De Mohaison became the first, and only, five-year-old winner.

Nigel Twiston-Davies ended a 23 year wait for a second winner of the Brown Advisory Novices' Chase when Blaklion triumphed under Ryan Hatch in 2016. Twiston-Davies’ maiden success had come with the six-year-old Young Hustler, who won in the hands of Peter Scudamore in 1993.

However, last year's winner was from familiar sources - Champ flew home late on for Nicky Henderson and owner JP McManus in one of the finishes of The Festival™.

BROWN ADVISORY

IS PROUD TO SPONSOR AT THE CHELTENHAM FESTIVAL +44 (0)20 3301 8130 WWW.BROWNADVISORY.COM

Brown Advisory is an independent investment management firm offering a wide range of solutions to individuals, families, charities and institutions. We are committed to delivering a combination of first-class performance, strategic advice and the highest level of service.

The value of investments can fall as well as rise and you may not get back the amount originally invested.

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Blue Prize • Happy Like A Fool • Immortal Verse Natalie’s Joy • Pale Mimosa • Tiggy Wiggy

FACTS & STATS THE BROWN ADVISORY NOVICES’ STEEPLE CHASE RACE DESCRIPTION The Grade 1 Brown Advisory Novices’ Steeple Chase is run over three miles and half a furlong and features this season’s leading novice staying chasers. Many horses in the past have used this race as a stepping-stone to future Gold Cup glory - including recent winners Denman, Bobs Worth and Lord Windermere.

As is usual in a Grade 1 chase, all horses carry the same weight, in this case 11st 4lb.

GRADE 1

LAST YEAR’S

WINNER

RUN OVER THREE MILES, EIGHTY YARDS

CHAMP

In a sensational finish to this race last year, the Irish challengers Minella Indo and Allaho turned for home well clear of the pack and looked as if they'd duel out the finish, but the Nicky Henderson-trained Champ had other ideas under Barry Geraghty. Even though he had around ten lengths to make up approaching the last, Champ flew up the hill, powering home to mow down the longtime leaders and win by a length in what was one of the most dramatic races during last year's Festival™.

20 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 11F 22 13112 21F1 4F121 11 2P1 22123 132 21411

WINNER AGE WEIGHT SP Champ 8 11-4 4/1 Topofthegame 7 11-4 4/1 Presenting Percy 7 11-4 5/2F Might Bite 8 11-4 7/2F Blaklion 7 11-4 8/1 Don Poli 6 11-4 13/8F O’Faolain’s Boy 7 11-4 12/1 Lord Windermere 7 11-4 8/1 Bobs Worth 7 11-4 9/2 Bostons Angel 7 11-4 16/1

TRAINER RUNNERS N Henderson 10 P Nicholls 12 P G Kelly (Ire) 10 N Henderson 12 N Twiston-Davies 8 W Mullins (Ire) 8 R Curtis 15 J Culloty (Ire) 11 N Henderson 9 Mrs J Harrington (Ire) 12

LAST RACE (NO.DAYS) Fell Dipper Novice Chase (70) 2nd Kauto Star Novice Chase (77) 2nd Red Mills Chase (25) 1st Doncaster Novice Chase (34) 1st Towton Novice Chase (39) 1st Topaz Novice Chase (72) 1st Reynoldstown Chase (25) 3rd Dr P J Moriarty Novice Chase (32) 2nd Reynoldstown Chase (25) 1st Dr P J Moriarty Novice Chase (32)

KEY TRENDS Just 2 of the last 51 winners hadn’t run in the same calendar year

Only 3 of the last 22 winners were unbeaten over fences

16 of the last 21 winners were seven-year-olds

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

TRAINER

JOCKEY

Nicky Henderson

Harry Cobden

3 winners

1 winner

Today Nicky saddles Dickie Diver

Today Harry rides The Big Breakaway

3m 80y

SECOND RACE 1.55 THE BROWN ADVISORY NOVICES’ STEEPLE CHASE (CLASS 1) (Grade 1) (Registered as The BROADWAY NOVICES’ CHASE) (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 (49 wins from 354 runners, 14%) runs DICKIE DIVER Trainer-in-form (last 14 days): W P Mullins (7 wins from 36 runners, 19%) runs MONKFISH Fancy That: N Henderson won this race in 2012, 2017 and 2020. The stable runs DICKIE DIVER today.

Longest Traveller: MONKFISH trained by W P Mullins, EKLAT DE RIRE trained by H De Bromhead, both Ireland.

J Jockey

T Trainer O Owner B Breeder S Sponsor E Equipment

1 DICKIE DIVER (IRE) (78) B g Gold Well - Merry Excuse (IRE)

J Aidan Coleman T Nicky Henderson, Lambourn O Mr John P. McManus B Noel O’Brien

2 EKLAT DE RIRE (FR) (45)

TFRHHHII BHA142 FORM 1/214/-2 D

8 11-4

TIMEFORM VIEW Winning pointer/useful hurdler who made light of long absence when highly-promising second in Newbury novice handicap (2m6f) on chasing bow.

Interesting, but this is tough ask given his inexperience.

Dec20 Nby Mar19 Chl Feb19 Chp

Tattersalls

J Rachael Blackmore T Henry de Bromhead, Ireland O Mr P. Davies B Guy Cherel

7 11-4

TIMEFORM VIEW Looked most exciting prospect when jumping well and comfortably making all in Grade 3 novice chase at Naas (3m) by 1 3/4l from Escaria Ten. Very lightly raced and open to further improvement.

31Jan Naa Dec20 Pun Mar20 Thu

graduate 3 FIDDLERONTHEROOF (IRE) (60) Tattersalls

B g Stowaway - Inquisitive Look

J Robbie Power T Colin Tizzard, Sherborne O Taylor, Burley & O’Dwyer B Treaty Pals Syndicate S Coral Racing Limited

7 11-4

TIMEFORM VIEW Tolworth winner last season and off the

Tattersalls

7 11-4

Tattersalls

Next Destination (IRE) Allart (IRE) Caribean Boy (FR)

11/2l 23/4l 4l

6 11-4

21f Ch 24f Ch 21f Ch

soft 1/8 Latest Exhibition (IRE) yield 1/6 Latest Exhibition (IRE) soft 1/11 Ontheropes (IRE)

11l 3l 4l

TFRHHHII BHA153 FORM 1110-31 D

graduate

TIMEFORM VIEW Really impressed when landing first 3 starts over hurdles last season but disappointed in the Ballymore. Left chase bow well behind when winning Scilly Isles at Sandown. Lacks jumping experience.

6Feb San Nov20 Exe Mar20 Chl

graduate 6 THE BIG BREAKAWAY (IRE) (81) Tattersalls

6 11-4

soft 2/3 soft 2/5 good 2/3

TIMEFORM VIEW Albert Bartlett winner who has continued progress over fences this season, winning all 3 starts, notably Grade 1 events at Leopardstown the last twice. Most exciting and will prove very hard to beat.

7Feb Leo Dec20 Leo Nov20 Fai

J Harry Cobden T Colin Tizzard, Sherborne O Eric Jones, Geoff Nicholas, John Romans B William Mangan S Coral Racing Limited

24f Ch 18f Ch 19f Ch

TFRHHHHH BHA164 FORM 111-111 CD

graduate

5 SPORTING JOHN (IRE) (39)

DECLARED RUNNERS 6

13/4l 31/2l 6l

TFRHHIII BHA148 FORM 0-21222

16Jan War Dec20 Asc Nov20 Nby

J P. Townend T W. P. Mullins, Ireland O Mrs S. Ricci B Cyril O’Hara

Ch g Getaway (GER) - Princess Mairead (IRE)

heavy 1/8 Escaria Ten (FR) heavy 1/7 School Boy Hours (IRE) sf-hv 1/12 All About Joe (IRE)

efforts in Grade 2s since, latest over 3m at Warwick, but he needs to take his form up a notch now.

Ch g Stowaway - Martovic (IRE)

J Richard Johnson T Philip Hobbs, Minehead O Mr John P. McManus B Stephanie Hanly

24f Ch 25f Ch 22f Hdl

E Tongue Strap mark over fences at Exeter in November. Good runner-up

4 MONKFISH (IRE) (38)

B or Br g Getaway (GER) - Wild Spell (IRE)

71/2l 103/4l 21/4l

TFRHHHII BHA151 FORM 121-11 D

graduate

B g Saddex - Rochdale (FR)

22f HcpC soft 2/8 Paint The Dream 23f Hdl gd-sf 4/20 Minella Indo (IRE) 19f Hdl gd-sf 1/14 Kingsplace (IRE)

20f Ch 19f Ch 21f Hdl

heavy 1/7 Shan Blue (IRE) gd-sf 3/6 Fiddlerontheroof (IRE) soft 7/12 Envoi Allen (FR)

33/4l 33l 30l

TFRHHHHI BHA148 FORM 114-122 CD

TIMEFORM VIEW Ballymore Novice Hurdle fourth.

Scored on chasing bow over C&D before not seen to best effect in 2 subsequent starts, notably when runner-up in Kauto Star at Kempton. Remains with potential.

Dec20 Kmp 24f Ch Dec20 Exe 19f Ch Nov20 Chl 24f Ch

gd-sf 2/7 soft 2/4 soft 1/5

Shan Blue (IRE) Bold Plan (IRE) Doc Penfro

33/4l 11/2l 10l

2020: CHAMP (IRE) 8 11 4 Barry Geraghty 4-1 (Nicky Henderson) 10 ran

Stewards Note: FIDDLERONTHEROOF: Following its run on 16/1/2021 it was reported that the horse was found to have bled.

Probable S.P’s: 1-2 Monkfish (IRE), 8-1 The Big Breakaway (IRE), 9-1 Eklat de Rire (FR), 14-1 Sporting John (IRE), 22-1 Dickie Diver (IRE), 33-1 Fiddlerontheroof (IRE) 22

thejockeyclub.co.uk

PLAY SMARTER

An impressive winner of the Albert Bartlett, MONKFISH has made a seamless transition to chasing this winter, making it 3 from 3 in the Grade 1 Flogas at Leopardstown last month. Open to further progress, Timeform’s highest-rated novice chaser is expected to prove very hard to beat. The Big Breakaway may emerge as the chief threat, ahead of Eklat de Rire.

TIMEFORM PREDICTION: 1.MONKFISH (IRE) 2.THE BIG BREAKAWAY (IRE) 3.EKLAT DE RIRE (FR)

RACE RESULT

RACE TIME

DISTANCE

1ST

3RD

2ND

4TH

TODAY’S RACE SPONSOR

find out more about today’s race sponsor at

brownadvisory.com

Second Race

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.

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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

DAY TWO If Day One of The Festival™ supporting WellChild is about setting the scene for four unmissable days of racing, Day Two delivers sensational sport – at speed The Betway Queen Mother Champion Chase is arguably the most dazzling race in the entire Festival line-up. Run over a distance of two miles, the contest requires a special blend of speed and an ability to be inch-perfect when meeting each of the 13 fences at a rapid pace on Cheltenham’s Old Course.

This demanding criteria not only means that plenty of talented chasers have tried and failed to win this championship race, but also that multiple winners of the race are not uncommon.

The Nicky Henderson trained Altior is the latest multiple winner of the Betway Champion Chase after winning the 2018 and 2019 renewals but he missed last year’s Festival following a set-back and will unfortunately do so again in 2021.

In Altior’s absence, it was another Festival stalwart who was able to have his day in the sun 12 months ago, when Politologue picked up a deserved success at the meeting at the fifth attempt for owner John Hales, trainer Paul Nicholls and jockey Harry Skelton – having been thwarted by Altior in each of the two previous renewals. There were tears of joy in the winners' enclosure afterwards and it marked something of a watershed moment for Skelton, who described winning his first ‘Championship’ race as “a dream”.

Speaking afterwards, he said: “It’s my first ride in the Champion Chase, and I owe so much to the Hales family. They have known me since I was a little kid. Pat used to take me around all the shows and they are very, very good supporters of the family.

“Me and Dan (Skelton’s trainer brother) grafted at Paul’s (Nicholls) for a long time and we will be ever-grateful for what he has done for our careers.

“As a kid you dream of winning these things. He was great all the way round; his ears were flickering back and forth the whole way… I am just so thankful to everyone for giving me the opportunity. I cannot

believe it.”

As it was for Skelton in 2020, Day Two of this year’s Festival will be one of opportunity once again. Along with Altior, Tiger Roll will have the chance to make history himself as victory in the Glenfarclas Cross Country Chase would be his fifth Festival triumph and his third in the race overall.

To do so he will have to overcome his conqueror of 12 months ago, the French raider Easysland, in what is shaping up to be one of the clashes of the week. Speaking after last year's race, trainer David Cottin said simply: “My horse is a champion. Today he is the best.” Time will tell if the same can be said this year.

Easysland goes over the last on the way to Glenfrclas Chase glory in 2020

The Day Two card begins with back-to back Grade One contests in the form of the Ballymore Novices’ Hurdle and the Brown Advisory Novices’ Chase. As well as celebrating talented horses of the here and now, both races play a key part in producing stars of the future.

The latter produced almost unrivalled drama 12 months ago when Champ overcame an eight length deficit at the final fence to reel in Minella Indo and Allaho in the shadows of the post to claim the unlikeliest of victories.

Regular Festival-goers compared Champ’s incredible comeback to Might Bite’s mesmerising and dramatic victory in the same race in 2017, yet more evidence that Cheltenham produces the kind of drama that just cannot be scripted.

More stars of the future are found in the final race on the card, the Grade One Weatherbys Champion Bumper, and the only one of the week’s 28 races without an obstacle to jump.

The 2019 winner was none other than Envoi Allen, who is scheduled to return this year for a tilt at a third Festival success on Day Three Adapted from The Festival™ Supporting WellChild Preview Magazine

FACTS & STATS THE CORAL CUP HANDICAP HURDLE RACE RACE DESCRIPTION The Grade 3 Coral Cup Handicap Hurdle is the first handicap of the afternoon and is a fiercely competitive event – both on the track and in the betting ring! Handicaps exist as an attempt to level the playing field for horses of varying quality, thereby ensuring more competitive racing. All horses possess an official BHA rating that reflects their relative abilities. The higher the rating, the more weight the horse has to carry - see how Thomas Darby, rated 155, carries 6lb more than the 149-rated Grand Roi. LAST YEAR’S

GRADE 3 HANDICAP

WINNER

RUN OVER TWO MILES, FIVE FURLONGS

DAME DE COMPAGNIE NIcky Henderson saddled his fourth winner of the race last year and his second in a row as Dame De Compagnie ran out a comfortable winner in what was another exciting renewal of the Coral Cup. Always going well in midfield under jockey Barry Geraghty, the seven-year-old mare was only shaken up to challenge approaching the last and ran on strongly in the final furlong to win by two and a quarter lengths at the line.

10 HURDLES TO BE JUMPED

TOTAL PRIZE FUND OF

£75,000

£42,202 TO THE WINNER

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

FORM 51 P 0 8124 421 31 3312 2241 000 2102

WINNER AGE WEIGHT Dame De Compagnie 7 10-12 William Henry 9 11-10 Bleu Berry 7 11-2 Supasundae 7 11-4 Diamond King 8 11-3 Aux Ptits Soins 5 10-7 Whisper 6 11-6 Medinas 6 11-10 Son Of Flicka 8 10-6 Carlito Brigante 5 11-0(2ow)

OR 140 151 143 148 149 139 153 148 135 142

SP 5/1F 28/1 20/1 16/1 12/1 9/1 14/1 33/1 16/1 16/1

TRAINER RUNNERS N Henderson 25 N Henderson 25 W Mullins (Ire) 26 J Harrington (Ire) 25 G Elliott (Ire) 26 P Nicholls 25 N Henderson 28 A King 28 D McCain 28 G Elliott (Ire) 22

LAST RACE (NO. DAYS) 1st Cheltenham H'cap Hurdle (88) pu Wincanton H'cap Hurdle (77) unpl Coral Hurdle (39) 4th Boyne Hurdle (24) 1st Punchestown Hurdle (67) 1st Auteuil Hurdle (181) 2nd Welsh Champion Hurdle (39) 1st Welsh Champion Hurdle (39) unpl Lanzarote Hurdle (60) 2nd Fairyhouse Hurdle (46)

KEY TRENDS 15 of the last 18 winners had already won a race in the current season

11 of the last 16 winners were second-season hurdlers

Only 1 of the last 15 winners had run in the previous 31 days

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

TRAINER

JOCKEY

Nicky Henderson

Nico de Boinville

3 winners

2 winners

Today Nicky saddles Janika, Monte Cristo, Birchdale & Craigneiche

Today Nico rides Birchdale

2m 5f

THIRD RACE 2.30 THE CORAL CUP HANDICAP HURDLE RACE (CLASS 1) (Grade 3) (GBB RACE)

for four yrs old and upwards x Total race value £75000 Owners Prize Money. 1st £32280, 2nd £13305, 3rd £6653, 4th £3330, 5th £1665, 6th £833, 7th £413, 8th £210. (Penalty Value £42202.50) 6 Eliminated Under Rules (I)9 and (I)10.

FORM ANALYSIS - A CLOSER LOOK

| FACTS | FANCIES | FORM | STATS | Leading course trainer (16-21): N Henderson (49 wins from 354 runners, 14%) runs BIRCHDALE, CRAIGNEICHE. JANIKA and MONTE CRISTO Trainer-in-form (last 14 days): P Nicholls (10 wins from 35 runners, 29%) runs SAINT SONNET Fancy That: N Henderson won this race in 2014, 2019 and 2020. The stable runs BIRCHDALE, CRAIGNEICHE, JANIKA and MONTE CRISTO today.

J Jockey

T Trainer O Owner B Breeder S Sponsor E Equipment

1 THOMAS DARBY (IRE) (67) B g Beneficial - Silaoce (FR)

J Aidan Coleman T Olly Murphy, Wilmcote O Mrs Diana L. Whateley B Byerley Stud Ltd S Cedar Invest Limited

Tattersalls

TIMEFORM VIEW Runner-up in Supreme Novices’ Hurdle E Cheek Pieces in 2019. Landed a strong Ascot handicap last term and latest effort in Grade 2 company was solid, but present mark may prove beyond his reach. Cheekpieces on.

9Jan Kmp 21f Hdl Nov20 Ain 20f Hdl Feb20 Fon 19f Hdl

2 GRAND ROI (FR) (45)

B g Spanish Moon (USA) - Ultra d’Anjou (FR)

J Jack Kennedy T Mrs Denise Foster, Ireland O Noel Moran/Mrs Valerie Moran B Gildas Vaillant

3 KOSHARI (FR) (38)

5 11-6

11-3

J P. Townend T W. P. Mullins, Ireland O Mrs S. Ricci B M. Bocq Verdys, R. Mauri-Amoros et al

4 JANIKA (FR) (53)

8

B g Saddler Maker (IRE) - Majaka (FR)

11-2

5 MONTE CRISTO (FR) (81)

5

B g Montmartre (FR) - Rylara des Brosses (FR)

J Daryl Jacob T Nicky Henderson, Lambourn O Mr Simon Munir & Mr Isaac Souede B Mr Jean-Philippe Dubois S Ptarmigan Media Limited

6 BIRCHDALE (IRE) (34)

Gr g Dalakhani (IRE) - Tiyi (FR)

J B. J. Cooper T W. P. Mullins, Ireland O Miss M. A. Masterson B Wertheimer et Frere

7

21/4l 41/2l 4l

15f Hdl 16f Hdl 20f Hdl

sf-hv 2/5 heavy 1/5 soft 3/4

Bachasson (FR) Wolf Prince (IRE) Beacon Edge (IRE)

43/4l 8l 51/4l

TFRHHHII BHA146 FORM 1F/02/-16

TIMEFORM VIEW Looked as good as ever when landing a Cork handicap hurdle on return from a lengthy absence in January. Wasn’t seen to best effect at Leopardstown since and this low-mileage 9-y-o needs considering.

24f HcpH sf-hv 6/22 Maze Runner (IRE) 20f HcpH sf-hv 1/8 Fairyhill Run (IRE) 19f Hdl 2/7 Woodland Opera (IRE)

20l 31/2l 4l

TFRHHIII BHA145 FORM 14442-0

TIMEFORM VIEW Grade 2 winner over fences last term and wasn’t disgraced on British hurdles debut here in January 2020. However, he was disappointing in Ascot race won by stablemate Craigneiche on belated return.

23Jan Asc Feb20 Asc Jan20 Asc

19f HcpH soft 9/12 Craigneiche (IRE) 21f Ch soft 2/4 Riders Onthe Storm (IRE) 16f Ch heavy 4/5 Defi du Seuil (FR)

43l 14l 17l

TFRHHHII BHA145 FORM 2141-01 D

TIMEFORM VIEW French recruit who left low-key reappearance well behind when landing a competitive Kempton handicap (21f) in good style on Boxing Day. Up 12lb for that, but this 5-y-o likely has more to offer.

Dec20 Kmp 21f HcpH gd-sf 1/15 Ecco 7l Oct20 Ain 20f HcpH soft 8/14 Jacamar (GER) 19l 3 Feb20 Nby 16f Hdl soft 1/3 Highway To Success (IRE) 3 /4l

Tattersalls

J Nico de Boinville T Nicky Henderson, Lambourn O Mr John P. McManus B Donal Kenneally

7 SAYO (GB) (38)

11-2

McFabulous (IRE) Summerville Boy (IRE) William Henry (IRE)

TFRHHHHI BHA149 FORM 411-312

7Feb Leo 2Jan Crk Aug18 Kil

J James Bowen E Tongue Strap T Nicky Henderson, Lambourn O Mr Simon Munir & Mr Isaac Souede B Mr Hubert Langot & Mr Michel Langot S Ptarmigan Media Limited

soft 3/7 gd-sf 3/6 soft 3/5

TIMEFORM VIEW Limerick Grade 2 winner in good style on penultimate start in December. Brushed aside by Bachasson at Naas (15.7f) since but he advanced his form in the process. Handicap debut up in trip.

31Jan Naa Dec20 Lim Oct20 Gal

9

Br g Walk In The Park (IRE) - Honor May (FR)

B g Jeremy (USA) - Onewayortheother (IRE)

TFRHHHII BHA155 FORM 2313-33 C

graduate

8 11-12

TFRHHHII BHA144 FORM P/30-U63 C D

graduate

11-1

TIMEFORM VIEW Very promising earlier in his career and shaped quite well when eighth in this race off a 2lb higher mark last year. Chasing didn’t really go to plan but he’s certainly in the right hands.

11Feb Kmp 18f NHF st-sl 3/12 Young Lieutenant (IRE) 20Jan Nby 16f HcpC heavy 6/6 Dostal Phil (FR) Nov20 Cat 19f Ch good U/5 Informateur (FR)

23/4l 39l -

TFRHHIII BHA143 FORM 00-0100

7 11-0

TIMEFORM VIEW Resumed winning ways at Kilbeggan E Cheek Pieces last summer, but hasn’t posed a threat in completed starts subsequently and finished out with the washing off a similar mark in this race 12 months ago.

7Feb Leo Dec20 Nav Sep20 Lis

30

24f HcpH sf-hv 7/22 Maze Runner (IRE) 24f HcpH soft 8/20 Flooring Porter (IRE) 12f Hcp heavy S/20 Baron Samedi

21l 25l -

thejockeyclub.co.uk

8 SAINT SONNET (FR) (88)

B g Saint des Saints (FR) - Leprechaun Lady (FR)

TFRHHIII BHA143 FORM 310-FPP BF

6 11-0

TIMEFORM VIEW Ex-French recruit who made a E Tongue Strap promising start for this yard over fences last season. Has failed to complete all 3 starts this time round but he is in top hands on this return to timber.

J Harry Cobden T Paul Nicholls, Ditcheat O Mr Colm Donlon B E.A.R.L. Haras de La Croix Sonnet S Morson Group

9 BOTOX HAS (FR) (53)

Dec20 Asc Dec20 Chl Nov20 Chl

J Joshua Moore T Gary Moore, Horsham O Mr John Stone B S.C.E.A. Hamel Stud S K M Elite Products Ltd

TIMEFORM VIEW Has failed to make a real impact since switched to handicaps, beaten 16 1/2 lengths when sixth to Craigneiche at Ascot last time. However, he’s 2-3 here and this stiffer test could be what he needs.

23Jan Asc Dec20 Asc Nov20 Nby

10 TEA CLIPPER (IRE) (43)

Tattersalls

2Feb Nwc 16f NHF st-sl 5/10 Proschema (IRE) Nov20 Nby 20f HcpH good 5/12 Flash The Steel (IRE) Oct20 Chp 19f HcpH good 1/11 Flash The Steel (IRE)

6l 9l 21/4l

TFRHHIII BHA140 FORM 510P-13

9 10-11

B g Yeats (IRE) - Spring Swoon (FR)

16l 31l 51/2l

TIMEFORM VIEW Improved again when bagging a Grade 3 Chepstow handicap in October. Has come up short in 2 subsequent runs (in a jumpers bumper last time) but unwise to think limit has necessarily been reached.

J Jonathan Burke T Tom Lacey, Woolhope O Mr Jerry Hinds & Mr Ashley Head B Cyril O’Hara S Plusbac

11 BURBANK (IRE) (43)

19f HcpH soft 6/12 Craigneiche (IRE) 15f HcpH heavy 12/17 Not So Sleepy 16f HcpH good 4/9 Floressa (FR)

TFRHHHII BHA141 FORM 112-155 BF

graduate

6 10-12

B g Stowaway - A Plus Ma Puce (FR)

-

TFRHHHII BHA142 FORM 21-1406 C

5 10-13

B g Dream Well (FR) - Bournie (FR)

18f HcpC heavy P/12 Bennys King (IRE) 20f HcpC soft P/17 Chatham Street Lad (IRE) 20f HcpC soft F/16 Coole Cody (IRE)

12 CRAIGNEICHE (IRE) (53)

Tattersalls

TFRHHHHH BHA139 FORM 131-1 D

graduate

7 10-10

Br g Flemensfirth (USA) - Itsalark (IRE)

TIMEFORM VIEW Doncaster maiden hurdle winner last term and big step forward when landing a competitive Ascot handicap (19.3f) in good style on return in January.

Up 12lb, but he remains with serious potential.

J Tom Cannon T Nicky Henderson, Lambourn O Mr Robert Kirkland B Frank Motherway & Kevin Curtin S Unibet

13 BOREHAM BILL (IRE) (67) B g Tikkanen (USA) - Crimond (IRE)

J Ben Jones (3) T Emma Lavelle, Marlborough O Mrs Susan Foran B J. F. C. Maxwell S Hatherden Horse Transport

23Jan Asc Jan20 Don Dec19 Nby

Tattersalls

19f HcpH soft 20f Hdl soft 20f Hdl soft

1/12 Arrivederci (FR) 1/10 Ulverston (IRE) 3/11 The Big Breakaway (IRE)

7l 31/4l 1 8 /4l

TFRHHHII BHA139 FORM 0-34331 D

graduate

9 10-10

TIMEFORM VIEW Right back to form returned to this sphere at Kempton the last twice, placed in 21f handicap in November prior to landing the Lanzarote. Merits respect despite 7lb rise.

9Jan Kmp 21f HcpH soft 1/20 Misty Whisky Nov20 Kmp 21f HcpH good 3/10 Storm Goddess (IRE) Sep20 Ntn 20f Ch good 3/5 Senior Citizen

14 GARO DE JUILLEY (FR) (38)

21/4l hd 29l

TFRHHIII BHA139 FORM 021F31

B g Ungaro (GER) - Lucy de Juilley (FR) 9 10-10 TIMEFORM VIEW Hasn’t won on these shores since J Felix de Giles E Tongue Strap October 2018, but has hit the target twice in France this season, including a Listed contest over 20.4f at Pau last T Sophie Leech, Westbury-on-Severn month. Doesn’t possess the scope of a few of these.

O Mr G. Thompson 7Feb Pau 20f Hdl heavy 1/9 Ajas (FR) 21/2l B Mr Georges Trincot 21Jan Pau 17f Hdl soft 3/10 Polisud (FR) 41/2l S W & S Recycling Sep20 Com 18f Hdl heavy F/8 Garasil (FR) -

15 HEAVEN HELP US (IRE) (38) B m Yeats (IRE) - Spare The Air (IRE)

J Richard Condon (7) T P. Hennessy, Ireland O Mr J. Turner B P. Hennessy

16 BLUE SARI (FR) (39) B g Saddex - Blue Aster (FR)

J Mark Walsh T W. P. Mullins, Ireland O Mr John P. McManus B M.L. Bloodstock Ltd

TFRHHHII BHA138 FORM 105441 C

7 10-9

TIMEFORM VIEW Looked better than ever back in this E Cheek Pieces sphere when landing a valuable mares’ handicap in first-time cheekpieces at Leopardstown (2 1/4m) last month. New mark demands another jolt of progress.

7Feb Leo Dec20 Leo Dec20 Crk

18f HcpH sf-hv 1/20 Global Equity (IRE) 24f Ch yield 4/6 Monkfish (IRE) 16f Ch sf-hv 4/6 Mount Ida (IRE)

nk 124l 18l

TFRHHHII BHA138 FORM 12/14P-P

6 10-9

TIMEFORM VIEW Looked good early in career, runner-up E Tongue Strap in the 2019 Champion Bumper. Lightly raced since, running no sort of race on reappearance/handicap debut last month so top connections reach for a tongue tie.

6Feb Leo Feb20 Leo Dec19 Leo

31

16f HcpH sf-hv P/22 Drop The Anchor (IRE) 16f Hdl yield P/7 Asterion Forlonge (FR) 16f Hdl soft 4/4 Abacadabras (FR)

40l

Third Race

TIMEFORM VIEW Unsuccessful at the last 4 Festivals, but J Charlotte Jones (5) E Cheek Pieces wasn’t disgraced when seventh off 3lb higher in this race in 2018. In good form in jumpers bumpers for new yard T James Moffatt, Cartmel this season but this is a different ask.

O Varlien Vyner-Brooks, Dave & Yvonne Simpson 2Feb Nwc 16f NHF st-sl 3/13 Not That Fuisse (FR) 101/4l B Derrymore House Syndicate 3 20Jan Nwc 16f NHF st-sl 1/14 Romeo Brown /4l S Tote Mar20 Chl 25f HcpC soft P/23 The Conditional (IRE) -

17 DYSART DIAMOND (IRE) (38) Ch m Shirocco (GER) - Dysart Dancer (IRE) J Daniel Mullins T W. P. Mullins, Ireland O Ms Eleanor Manning B Eleanor Manning

TFRHHHII BHA137 FORM 3-11410 BF

6 10-8

TIMEFORM VIEW Fitted with a tongue tie and advanced E Tongue Strap her form when making a winning handicap debut over 2m at Leopardstown in December. Easy to excuse last month’s run (hampered) and she has more to offer.

7Feb Leo Dec20 Leo Oct20 Kny

graduate 18 SNEAKY GETAWAY (IRE) (26) Tattersalls

B g Getaway (GER) - Aguida (FR)

18f HcpH sf-hv 15/20 Heaven Help Us (IRE) 16f HcpH yield 1/20 Big King (FR) 22f Hdl good 4/10 Western Run (IRE)

61l 31/2l 13l

TFRHHHII BHA137 FORM 13-115P D

8 10-8

TIMEFORM VIEW Useful on the Flat (ran on AW latest) J Brian Hayes E Cheek Pieces and bright start to hurdles career last year, scoring at Roscommon and Fairyhouse. However, well-held last 2 T Emmet Mullins, Ireland starts in this sphere and cheekpieces now employed.

O Mrs Margaret O’Rourke/E Hogan 19Feb Dun 16f Stk stand 2/8 Grandmaster Flash (IRE) 5l B M. W. and Mrs M. Doran Dec20 Leo 24f HcpH soft P/20 Dandy Mag (FR) -

Dec20 Pun

19 PALMERS HILL (IRE) (24) B g Gold Well - Tosca Shine (IRE)

J Jonjo O’Neill Jr. T Jonjo O’Neill, Cheltenham O Mr John P. McManus B Thomas Rowe S Wasdell Group

Tattersalls

B g Power - Scripture (IRE)

7 10-6

B g Shantou (USA) - Ballyguider Bridge (IRE)

J Tom Bellamy T Emma Lavelle, Marlborough O T. Syder & N. Mustoe B Jim McGee S Hatherden Horse Transport

TFRHHHII BHA135 FORM 20-1420

TIMEFORM VIEW Scored at Ffos Las in November and has continued in good form, 12l eighth to Soaring Glory in Betfair Hurdle at Newbury last time and now back up in trip.

21Feb Nby 2Jan San Nov20 Hay

16f HcpH gd-sf 8/23 Soaring Glory (IRE) 15f Hdl heavy 2/7 Metier (IRE) 18f HcpH soft 4/14 War Lord (GER)

12l 12l 43/4l

TFRHHIII BHA135 FORM 31-634P D

6 10-6

TIMEFORM VIEW Landed big-field handicap at Kempton last spring and creditable efforts on first 3 starts of this season, including over C&D in October. Bombed out last time, but he’s pretty reliable on the whole.

J Gavin Sheehan T Nigel Twiston-Davies, Cheltenham O Walters Plant Hire & Potter Group B Mr John Hennessy S Potter Group

22 SHANG TANG (IRE) (26)

16l

21Feb Nby 24f HcpH gd-sf 13/16 Polish 94l Dec20 Tnt 23f HcpC gd-sf 4/10 El Kaldoun (FR) 39l Feb20 Kmp 21f HcpH gd-sf 2/17 Downtown Getaway (IRE) nk

J David Bass T Ben Pauling, Bourton-on-the-Water O Mr Harry Redknapp B R. McCarthy S Jeremy Houghton - Houghtonart

21 OUR POWER (IRE) (25)

Power of Pause (IRE)

TIMEFORM VIEW Winner of a big-field C&D handicap hurdle in November 2018. Cracking effort at Kempton on sole start last term, but below par in a 2 runs so far this season and he clearly comes with risks attached.

graduate 20 SHAKEM UP’ARRY (IRE) (24) Tattersalls

B g Flemensfirth (USA) - Nun Better (IRE)

heavy 5/5

TFRHHIII BHA135 FORM 43/1/2-40 CD

graduate

8 10-6

16f Hdl

20Feb Wcn 21f HcpH heavy P/11 First Lord de Cuet (FR) Dec20 Hay 18f HcpH heavy 4/8 Albert’s Back Nov20 Hay 18f HcpH soft 3/14 War Lord (GER)

101/4l 1 3 /4l

TFRHHHII BHA135 FORM 31FP51

7 10-6

TIMEFORM VIEW Shaped well until stamina gave way in the River Don (24.4f) and resumed winning ways in clear-cut fashion at Fakenham last month. Revised mark calls for more back in a handicap.

19Feb Fkn 20f Hdl soft 30Jan Don 24f Hdl soft 9Jan Kmp 21f HcpH soft

23 GUARD YOUR DREAMS (GB) (24)

1/4 Captain Morgs (IRE) 5/12 The Cob (IRE) P/20 Boreham Bill (IRE)

43/4l 19l -

TFRHHHHI BHA135 FORM 2-14116

B g Fame And Glory - Native Sunrise (IRE) 5 10-6 TIMEFORM VIEW Progressive type who made a winning J Sam Twiston-Davies E Hood handicap debut at Sandown in January. Further progress when sixth of 23 in the Betfair Hurdle at Newbury (16.3f) T Nigel Twiston-Davies, Cheltenham since and this step up in trip looks a good move.

O Graham and Alison Jelley 21Feb Nby 16f HcpH gd-sf 6/23 Soaring Glory (IRE) 7l B Little Lodge Farm & Mr & Mrs TWR Chugg 2Jan San 15f HcpH heavy 1/9 Friend Or Foe (FR) 13/4l S Jelson Ltd Nov20 Bgr 16f Hdl soft 1/5 Barrichello 10l

24 NELSON RIVER (GB) (28) B g Mount Nelson - I Say (IRE)

J Harry Bannister T Tony Carroll, Cropthorne O CCCP Syndicate B Raymond Clive Tooth S Mill House Racing

25 DANS LE VENT (FR) (25) B g Skins Game - Boreade (FR)

J Isabel Williams (5) T Evan Williams, Llancarfan O R J Gambarini Racing B C. Laval, J. Laval & A. Larrieu S Office Visions (Wales) Ltd

TFRHIIII BHA133 FORM 4/550-40 C

6 10-4

TIMEFORM VIEW Excelled himself when fourth in the 2019 Triumph. AW winner in January prior to a brace of heavy defeats and he may lack the class and/or stamina back hurdling in a race of this nature.

17Feb 13Jan 7Jan

Tattersalls

stand 10/11 The Rutland Rebel (IRE) st-sl 9/13 Zarafshan (IRE) stand 1/5 Thai Terrier (USA)

3

13l 13l /4l

TFRHHIII BHA132 FORM 0/U2-144

graduate

8 10-3

Wol 13f Hcp Kmp 15f Hcp Wol 16f Hcp

TIMEFORM VIEW Better than ever when narrowly landing 7-runner handicap back hurdling following 13 months off at Hereford (19.5f) in December. Brace of fourth-place finishes since confirm he’s in good nick.

20Feb Asc 23Jan Asc Dec20 Her

32

19f HcpH soft 19f HcpH soft 19f HcpH soft

4/15 Shannon Bridge (IRE) 4/12 Craigneiche (IRE) 1/7 No Comment

8l 11l s.h

thejockeyclub.co.uk

graduate 26 WITNESS PROTECTION (IRE) (67) Tattersalls

8 10-1

B g Witness Box (USA) - Queen’s Exit

TFRHHHHI BHA130 FORM 342-121

TIMEFORM VIEW Promise in bumpers and successful twice in novice company this season, latterly strong at the finish at Chepstow in January. More to come in handicaps and return to this sort of trip should suit.

J James Best T Martin Keighley, Cheltenham O FOXTROT RACING WITNESS PROTECTION 9Jan Chp B Mr & Mrs James Hannon Dec20 Wet S Foxtrot Racing Syndicates Nov20 Str

27RBREFFNIBOY (FR) (31) B g Sageburg (IRE) - Dawn Cat (USA)

J Mitchell Bastyan (3) T Johnny Farrelly, Midford O Mr F. A. Clegg B S.C.E.A. Haras de Manneville S Johnny Farrelly Racing

28RENCORE CHAMPS (IRE) (18) B g Robin des Champs (FR) - Dani California

16f Hdl 21f Hdl 18f Hdl

soft 1/11 Can You Call soft 2/11 Fern Hill (IRE) gd-sf 1/12 Fantastikas (FR)

TFRHHHII BHA130 FORM 111124 C

7 10-1

ER

TIMEFORM VIEW Much-improved handicapper, gaining a fifth win of the campaign here (2m) in December. Much better than the result in the mud at Exeter following a break last month. Up in trip. RESERVE.

NON-RUNN

14Feb Exe 16f Hdl heavy 4/11 Wilde About Oscar (IRE) 9Jan Kmp 16f HcpH soft 2/8 Millers Bank Dec20 Chl 16f HcpH soft 1/16 Lively Citizen (IRE)

Tattersalls

44l 1l 21/4l

TFRHHHII BHA129 FORM 2610F-5 D

graduate

7 10-0

1 /2l hd 10l

ER

TIMEFORM VIEW Fairly useful winning hurdler who matched that form over fences last term for Warren Greatrex. Had a breathing op and not unduly punished starting out for new yard 18 days ago. RESERVE.

NON-RUNN

J TBC T Dan Skelton, Alcester O Bryan Drew 27Feb Kmp 21f HcpH good 5/10 Hometown Boy (IRE) B Mr Kevin McCarthy Mar20 Kmp 20f HcpC gd-sf F/20 Delire d’Estruval (FR) S Ladbrokes,TheAirAmbulanceService (Warwickshire&Northamptonshire) Jan20 Chl 20f HcpC soft 7/12 Simply The Betts (IRE)

DECLARED RUNNERS 28

12l 25l

2020: DAME DE COMPAGNIE (FR) 7 10 12 Barry Geraghty 5-1 (Nicky Henderson) 25 ran

PLAY SMARTER

Nicky Henderson has won the last two renewals of this and saddles four in his bid for the hat-trick. Comfortably the most persuasive of them is CRAIGNEICHE, who was expertly prepared to make a winning return from a year off in January and his revised mark still underestimates him with this trip promising to suit. Guard Your Dreams and Witness Protection are a couple of many potential threats.

TIMEFORM PREDICTION: 1.CRAIGNEICHE (IRE) 2.GUARD YOUR DREAMS 3.WITNESS PROTECTION (IRE)

RACE RESULT

RACE TIME

DISTANCE

1ST

3RD

2ND

4TH

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CHELTENHAM RACECOURSE

33

Third Race

Probable S.P’s: 7-1 Grand Roi (FR), 9-1 Koshari (FR), 10-1 Craigneiche (IRE), 16-1 Monte Cristo (FR), 18-1 Botox Has (FR), Guard Your Dreams (GB), 20-1 Thomas Darby (IRE), 22-1 Birchdale (IRE), 25-1 Sneaky Getaway (IRE), 28-1 Tea Clipper (IRE), Boreham Bill (IRE), Blue Sari (FR), Dysart Diamond (IRE), Witness Protection (IRE), 33-1 Janika (FR), Heaven Help Us (IRE), Shakem Up’arry (IRE), Shang Tang (IRE), Dans Le Vent (FR), 40-1 Saint Sonnet (FR), Garo de Juilley (FR), Palmers Hill (IRE), Our Power (IRE), 50-1 Sayo (GB), Burbank (IRE), 80-1 Nelson River (GB)

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HISTORY Whilst Friday’s Gold Cup is all about stamina, this afternoon’s Betway Queen Mother Champion Chase focuses on speed, with Europe’s top two-mile chasers hoping to add their name to an illustrious Roll of Honour.

The Dan Moore-trained Quita Que won the inaugural National Hunt Two-Mile Champion Chase in 1959 under Bunny Cox before Tom Dreaper, the leading trainer in the race, and Pat Taaffe teamed up with Fortria to become the first multiple winner of the race in 1960 and 1961. Ever since then there have been many multiple winners of this two mile chase; Drinny’s Double achieving the same feat for trainer Bob Turnell and jockey Frank Nash in 1967 and 1968.

Fred Winter trained his one and only Champion Chase winner in 1971 when Paul Kelleway partnered Crisp to victory, who two years later suffered an agonising defeat by Red Rum in the 1973 Grand National.

The Edward Courage-trained Royal Relief became the first horse in the race’s history to regain his title after winning under Bill Smith in 1972 and 1974. Skymas recorded back-to-back wins for trainer Brian Lusk and jockey Mouse Morris in 1976 and 1977 and became the oldest winner, at twelve, on the second of those occasions. The Peter McCreery-trained Hilly Way picked up the baton immediately afterwards winning under Tommy Carmody in 1978 and Ted Walsh in 1979.

The Queen Mother, whose Game Spirit finished runner-up in the race in 1976, had been an unwavering supporter of National Hunt racing and in 1980 the race was renamed the Queen Mother Champion Chase in celebration of her 80th birthday. Up until her death she was always on hand to give out the trophy each season.

The Robert Earnshaw-ridden Badsworth Boy dominated the race in the early 1980s, winning for three years in succession between 1983 and 1985 for the Dickinson family and he remains the most successful horse in the history of the race. At the end of the 1980s there were two more back-to-back winners of the race. Pearlyman tasted glory for John Edwards in 1987 and 1988 and the David Elsworth-trained Barnbrook Again followed suit in 1989 and 1990.

David Nicholson broke his duck in 1994 when Viking Flagship galloped to victory under Adrian Maguire and he didn’t have to wait long for his second when the same horse followed up 12 months later in the hands of Charlie Swan.

The Jessica Harrington-trained Moscow Flyer stamped his authority on the race in 2003 before disappointing punters 12 months later when unseating Barry Geraghty. He returned in 2005 and duly made amends, becoming the joint-second oldest winner of the race.

Three years later saw the emergence of another superstar in the shape of Master Minded. Paul Nicholls’ gelding was untouchable in 2008 under Ruby Walsh when, as a five-year-old, he became the youngest winner of the race and was just as dominant when following up in 2009.

In more recent seasons Barry Geraghty has been a leading force. In 2010, he partnered the Colm Murphy-trained Big Zeb to something of a surprise success before teaming up with Nicky Henderson in 2012 and 2013 with Finian’s Rainbow and Sprinter Sacre respectively. That took his tally to five making him joint-leading jockey with Pat Taaffe.

And who can forget the 2016 renewal when Sprinter Sacre (pictured) completed the greatest of comebacks by becoming only the third horse to regain his Champion Chase crown. The ten-year-old had endured a difficult time since winning the race for the first time in 2013 but produced a brilliant display under Nico De Boinville to send the crowd into raptures.

Altior gave Nico and trainer Nicky Henderson three winners of the race in four years with victory in the 2018 and 2019 renewals, but his absence saw Politologue take his crown last year, giving Paul Nicholls a sixth Champion Chase win and owner, John Hales, a third after One Man and Azertyuiop had won the race for him in 1998 and 2004 respectively.

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FACTS & STATS THE BETWAY QUEEN MOTHER CHAMPION STEEPLE CHASE RACE DESCRIPTION

The feature race of the day is the Grade 1 Betway Queen Mother Champion Chase, the championship event for two mile chasers.

Some of the leading chasers from Britain and Ireland will be tackling Cheltenham’s unique undulations at breathtaking speed and there will be no hiding places as the cream usually rises to the top. Runners carry 11st 10lb, but mares receive a 7lb allowance, so last year's Sporting Life Arkle winner, Put The Kettle On, carries 11st 3lb.

GRADE 1

LAST YEAR’S

WINNER

RUN OVER ONE MILE, SEVEN FURLONGS & 199 YARDS

POLITOLOGUE Making all in the hands of Harry Skelton, the Paul Nicholls-trained Politologue put in an exhibition of jumping, never allowing any other rival to lay a glove on him. The stunning grey had gone close in 2019, finishing a gallant second to Altior, but made no mistake this time, stretching comfortably clear of the field after the second last to give his trainer his sixth winner of the race and owner, John Hales, his third after One Man's 1998 triumph and Azertyuiop's victory in 2004.

13 FENCES TO BE JUMPED

TOTAL PRIZE FUND OF

£300,000

£168,810 TO THE WINNER

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

FORM 25 111 1 315 11 311 12111 11 12 223

WINNER Politologue Altior Altior Special Tiara Sprinter Sacre Dodging Bullets Sire De Grugy Sprinter Sacre Finian’s Rainbow Sizing Europe

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

TRAINER RUNNERS P Nicholls 5 N Henderson 9 N Henderson 9 H De Bromhead (Ire) 10 N Henderson 10 P Nicholls 9 G Moore 11 N Henderson 7 N Henderson 8 H De Bromhead (Ire) 10

LAST RACE (NO.DAYS) 5th Tingle Creek Chase (95) 1st Clarence House Chase (53) 1st Game Spirit Chase (32) 5th Clarence House Chase (46) 1st Desert Orchid Chase (80) 1st Clarence House Chase (53) 1st Clarence House Chase (53) 1st Clarence House Chase (46) 2nd Clarence House Chase (53) 3rd Tied Cottage Chase (45)

KEY TRENDS 12 of the last 20 winners had won previously at The Festival™

17 of the last 20 winners had already recorded a Grade 1 success

14 of the last 19 winners won last time out

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

TRAINER

JOCKEY

Paul Nicholls

Harry Skelton

2 winners

1 winner

Today Paul saddles Politologue & Greaneteen

Today Harry rides Nube Negra

1m 7f 199y

FOURTH RACE 3.05 THE BETWAY QUEEN MOTHER CHAMPION STEEPLE CHASE (CLASS 1) (Grade 1) (GBB RACE)

for five yrs old and upwards x Total race value £300000 Owners Prize Money. 1st £129120, 2nd £53220, 3rd £26610, 4th £13320, 5th £6660, 6th £3330, 7th £1650, 8th £840. (Penalty Value £168810) FORM ANALYSIS - A CLOSER LOOK

| FACTS | FANCIES | FORM | STATS | Leading course trainer (16-21): P Nicholls (30 wins from 303 runners, 10%) runs GREANETEEN and POLITOLOGUE Trainer-in-form (last 14 days): P Nicholls (10 wins from 35 runners, 29%) runs GREANETEEN and POLITOLOGUE Fancy That: P Nicholls won this race in 2015 and 2020. The stable runs GREANETEEN and POLITOLOGUE today.

J Jockey

T Trainer O Owner B Breeder S Sponsor E Equipment

1 CHACUN POUR SOI (FR) (39) B g Policy Maker (IRE) - Kruscyna (FR)

J P. Townend T W. P. Mullins, Ireland O Mrs S. Ricci B Mr Didier Berland

2 CILAOS EMERY (FR) (17) B g Califet (FR) - Queissa (FR)

9 11-10

6Feb Leo Dec20 Leo Dec20 Crk

Tattersalls

B g Primary (USA) - Clonroche Wells (IRE)

J David Bass T Kim Bailey, Cheltenham O Mr A. N. Solomons B Mrs Kathleen Flood S Kim Bailey Racing Ltd

4 GREANETEEN (FR) (24)

B g Great Pretender (IRE) - Manson Teene (FR) J Bryony Frost T Paul Nicholls, Ditcheat O Chris Giles B Mr Bertrand Compignie S Morson Group

5 NOTEBOOK (GER) (39) B g Samum (GER) - Nova (GER)

Br g Dink (FR) - Manly Dream (FR)

28Feb Naa Nov20 Clo Mar20 Chl

Tattersalls

Gr g Poliglote - Scarlet Row (FR)

J Harry Cobden T Paul Nicholls, Ditcheat O Mr J. Hales B Mme Henri Devin S Morson Group

Fakir d’Oudairies (FR) Notebook (GER) Darasso (FR)

8l 61/2l 19l

16f Ch soft 1/8 15f HcpC heavy 1/5 16f HcpC soft 1/8

Politologue (FR) Eragone (FR) Amoola Gold (GER)

7l /2l nk

1

TFRHHHII BHA161 FORM 114-123 D

TIMEFORM VIEW Stylish winner of Exeter’s Haldon Gold Cup and has raised his game further when placed in Tingle Creek and Game Spirit. Strong pace will suit this keen-going sort. Lively outsider.

21Feb Nby Dec20 San Nov20 Exe

Tattersalls

16f Ch gd-sf 3/6 Sceau Royal (FR) 15f Ch soft 2/5 Politologue (FR) 17f HcpC good 1/10 Moonlighter

12l 7l nk

TFRHHHHI BHA162 FORM 116-123 D

graduate

8 11-10

11l 51/2l 91/2l

TIMEFORM VIEW Has progressed into a top-class chaser, given attacking ride when making it 6 wins in a row with ready 7l success over Politologue in Clarence House at Ascot. This demands more but still respected.

23Jan Asc Dec20 Wet Nov20 Asc

7 11-10

soft 1/4 Daly Tiger (FR) heavy 2/5 Bachasson (FR) soft 4/17 Epatante (FR)

TFRHHHII BHA166 FORM 111-111 D

graduate

9 11-10

16f Ch 20f Ch 16f Hdl

TIMEFORM VIEW Top-class chaser. Wide-margin winner at Naas and good placed efforts, though no match for Chacun Pour Soi, in Grade 1s at Leopardstown both runs since. Bold-jumping front-runner. Should be in the mix.

6Feb Leo Dec20 Leo Nov20 Naa

17f Ch 17f Ch 16f Ch

soft 3/6 yield 2/6 sf-hv 1/4

Chacun Pour Soi (FR) Chacun Pour Soi (FR) Fakir d’Oudairies (FR)

15l 61/2l 12l

TFRHHIII BHA165 FORM 6/1122-1 D

7 11-10

TIMEFORM VIEW Announced himself a high-class chaser E Tongue Strap when 20/1-winner of Desert Orchid Chase at Kempton in December by 3 1/2 lengths from below-par Altior. Another chunk of improvement needed to follow up here, though.

J Harry Skelton T Dan Skelton, Alcester O Mr T. Spraggett Dec20 Kmp 16f Ch B Cuadra Internorte Feb20 War 16f Ch S Ladbrokes, TheAirAmbulanceService (Warwickshire&Northamptonshire) Dec19 San 15f Ch

7 POLITOLOGUE (FR) (53)

soft 1/6 yield 1/6 sf-hv 1/4

TIMEFORM VIEW Top-class chaser who got right back on E Hood track when easily making all in Grade 3 at Naas last month. Has something to find with his stablemate Chacun Pour Soi but he’s no forlorn hope.

J Rachael Blackmore E Tongue Strap T Henry de Bromhead, Ireland O Gigginstown House Stud B Gestut Am Schlossgarten GbR

6 NUBE NEGRA (SPA) (80)

17f Ch 17f Ch 16f Ch

TFRHHHII BHA165 FORM 1F14-21 D

graduate

9 11-10

J B. J. Cooper T W. P. Mullins, Ireland O Luke McMahon B S.A.R.L. Haras Du Bois Emery & J. Poitou

3 FIRST FLOW (IRE) (53)

TFRHHHHH BHA173 FORM 121-111 D

TIMEFORM VIEW Top-class chaser who made it 3-3 this term with impressive display in Dublin Chase (2/5) at Leopardstown last month. Late defector in last year’s Champion Chase and set to make amends now.

soft 1/6 Altior (IRE) gd-sf 2/6 Rouge Vif (FR) soft 2/6 Esprit du Large (FR)

31/2l 7l 13/4l

TFRHHHII BHA168 FORM 2/251-12 CD BF

10 11-10

TIMEFORM VIEW Readily made all in this event 12 months E Tongue Strap ago and captured a second Tingle Creek this term before creditable second to First Flow in Clarence House at Ascot. Should give a good account.

23Jan Asc Dec20 San Mar20 Chl

40

16f Ch 15f Ch 15f Ch

soft soft soft

2/8 1/5 1/5

First Flow (IRE) Greaneteen (FR) Dynamite Dollars (FR)

7l 7l 91/2l

thejockeyclub.co.uk

8 ROUGE VIF (FR) (80)

TFRHIIII BHA163 FORM 213-134 CD

7 11-10

B g Sageburg (IRE) - Rouge Amour (FR)

TIMEFORM VIEW Smart chaser who readily landed J Gavin Sheehan E Tongue Strap handicap over C&D in October. Good third in the Tingle Creek after but well-held behind Nube Negra in Desert T Harry Whittington, Sparsholt Orchid Chase at Kempton. This is a very tough ask.

O Kate & Andrew Brooks Dec20 Kmp 16f Ch soft 4/6 Nube Negra (SPA) 25l B S.A.R.L. Ecurie D & A. Montbroussous Dec20 San 15f Ch soft 3/5 Politologue (FR) 83/4l S CHD Property Oct20 Chl 15f HcpC good 1/13 Western Miller (IRE) 71/2l

9 SCEAU ROYAL (FR) (24) B g Doctor Dino (FR) - Sandside (FR)

9 11-10

J Daryl Jacob T Alan King, Barbury Castle O Mr Simon Munir & Mr Isaac Souede B Mr Guy Vimont S Ptarmigan Media Limited

10 PUT THE KETTLE ON (IRE) (80) 7

B m Stowaway - Name For Fame (USA)

J Aidan Coleman T Henry de Bromhead, Ireland O One For Luck Racing Syndicate B Butlersgrove Stud

DECLARED RUNNERS 10

TFRHHIII BHA163 FORM 1124F1 CD

TIMEFORM VIEW Very smart hurdler/chaser who arrives on the back of Game Spirit win at Newbury by 2l from Champ. Has come up short in the last 2 runnings of this, though, and it’ll likely be the same again.

21Feb Nby 16f Ch Dec20 Kmp 16f Ch Dec20 Chl 16f Hdl

11-3

gd-sf 1/6 Champ (IRE) 2l soft F/6 Nube Negra (SPA) soft 4/10 Song For Someone (GER) 31/4l

TFRHHHII BHA156 FORM 1211-13 CD

TIMEFORM VIEW Arkle winner. Returned with third C&D victory in Shloer Chase and good third to Chacun Pour Soi in Grade 1 at Leopardstown over Christmas. Likeable front-runner who goes well here.

Dec20 Leo Nov20 Chl Mar20 Chl

17f Ch 15f Ch 15f Ch

yield 3/6 Chacun Pour Soi (FR) soft 1/4 Duc des Genievres (FR) soft 1/11 Fakir d’Oudairies (FR)

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

2020: POLITOLOGUE (FR) 9 11 10 Harry Skelton 6-1 (Paul Nicholls) 5 ran

Stewards Note: GREANETEEN: Following its run on 21/2/2021 it was reported that the horse ran too freely.

Probable S.P’s: 4-5 Chacun Pour Soi (FR), 9-1 Nube Negra (SPA), 10-1 Politologue (FR), 12-1 Put The Kettle On (IRE), 14-1 Cilaos Emery (FR), 18-1 First Flow (IRE), 28-1 Sceau Royal (FR), 33-1 Rouge Vif (FR), 40-1 Notebook (GER), 50-1 Greaneteen (FR)

TIMEFORM PREDICTION: 1.CHACUN POUR SOI (FR) 2.NOTEBOOK (GER) 3.POLITOLOGUE (FR)

RACE RESULT

RACE TIME

DISTANCE

1ST

3RD

2ND

4TH

TODAY’S RACE SPONSOR

find out more about today’s race sponsor at

betway.com

THERE WILL BE A PARADE OF THE RUNNERS AND RIDERS IN FRONT OF THE GRANDSTAND BEFORE THIS RACE.

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.

41

Fourth Race

PLAY SMARTER

CHACUN POUR SOI has produced a couple of outstanding displays in Grade 1 company at Leopardstown this winter and he’ll surely be too good if showing up in anything like the same form. Notebook has found the selection much too strong on his last 2 starts but he is undoubtedly a high-class chaser and represents a bit of value to hit the forecast spot ahead of last year’s winner Politologue.

CROSS COUNTRY MAP

3m 6f and 37yds

start

finish

10 9

20 8, 19

11 21

6, 29

7, 30

5, 28

12 31

4,27

13 18

14, 22

3, 26

23

32

1st circuit

15, 16

2, 17, 25

1, 24

2nd circuit

3rd circuit

CROSS COUNTRY FENCES

Cross Country Course

bank with hedge

ditch/railed hedge

1, 5,24, 28

2, 11, 17, 20,25

birch island fence 3, 26

aintree

hedge es double bank/hedges

Glenfarclas Barrels

4,27

6, 29 GLENFARC LAS

double bank/hedge

ils timber rails

railed hedge

9

10

ditch/bank/hedge

water jump

13, 18

14, 22

8, 19

pole/railed hedge 12

ditch/boarded hedge

cheese wedges 15, 16

21

double spread hedge

stuffed hurdles

23

31, 32

A lot has changed in 180 years but it’s what has stayed the same that makes Glenfarclas unique: the six generations of Grant family pride and the revered quality of their famous Single Malt Whisky.

since 1836

FACTS & STATS THE GLENFARCLAS STEEPLE CHASE (A CROSS COUNTRY STEEPLE CHASE) RACE DESCRIPTION A relatively new race in the calendar, the Glenfarclas Steeple Chase for five-year-olds and upwards is run over Cheltenham’s unique cross-country course which provides a variety of fences, banks and turns for the runners to negotiate. Run over three miles and six furlongs, this cross-country race is considered one for specialists and therefore previous experience of this unique circuit can be considered advantageous.

CROSS-COUNTRY

LAST YEAR’S

WINNER

RUN OVER THREE MILES, SIX FURLONGS & 37 YARDS

EASYSLAND The great Tiger Roll's Cheltenham crown was taken from him in no uncertain terms by the brilliant six-yearold Easysland, who absolutely bolted up in the hands of Jonathan Plouganou in what was one of the performances of the week. Always prominently positioned for trainer David Cottin, the French-trained star drew further and further clear up the hill, eventually winning by 17 lengths at the line.

32 OBSTACLES TO BE CLEARED

TOTAL PRIZE FUND OF

£48,570

£30,176 TO THE WINNER

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

FORM 1111 41 2P5 5P05 10110 4172F 111 F042 10P0R 130

WINNER Easysland Tiger Roll Tiger Roll Cause Of Causes Josies Orders Rivage D’Or Balthazar King Big Shu Balthazar King Sizing Australia

AGE WEIGHT SP 6 11-4 3/1 9 11-4 5/4F 8 11-4 7/1 9 11-4 4/1 8 11-4 15/8F 10 10-10 16/1 10 11-12 4/1 8 10-5 14/1 8 10-9 11/2 9 10-9 13/2

TRAINER RUNNERS D Cottin (Fr) 14 G Elliott (Ire) 15 G Elliott (Ire) 16 G Elliott (Ire) 16 E Bolger (Ire) 16 T Martin (Ire) 16 P Hobbs 16 P Maher (Ire) 16 P Hobbs 16 H De Bromhead (Ire) 15

LAST RACE (NO.DAYS) 1st Pau Cross-Country (38) 1st Grade 2 Boyne Hurdle (24) 5th Glenfarclas Handicap Chase (89) 5th Glenfarclas Handicap Chase (46) unpl Navan H’cap Hurdle (31) Fell Galway H’cap Chase (222) 1st Glenfarclas Chase (117) 2nd P. P. Hogan Memorial Chase (39) ran out Glenfarclas Chase (95) unpl Navan H’cap Hurdle (30)

KEY TRENDS 13 of the last 16 winners have been trained in Ireland

12 of the last 16 winners were in the first three in the betting

13 winners had run at the track earlier in the season

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

TRAINER

JOCKEY

Henry De Bromhead

Keith Donoghue

1 winners

2 winners

Today Henry saddles Balko Des Flos

Today Keith rides Tiger Roll

3m 6f 37y

FIFTH RACE 3.40 THE GLENFARCLAS STEEPLE CHASE (CLASS 2) (A CROSS COUNTRY STEEPLE CHASE) (GBB RACE)

SEE PAGE 40 FOR COURSE MAP

for five yrs old and upwards x Total race value £48750 Owners Prize Money. 1st £22888, 2nd £7688, 3rd £3846, 4th £1921, 5th £960, 6th £483, 7th £239, 8th £122. (Penalty Value £30176.24) FORM ANALYSIS - A CLOSER LOOK

| FACTS | FANCIES | FORM | STATS | Leading course trainer (16-21): H De Bromhead (11 wins from 98 runners, 11%) runs BALKO DES FLOS Trainer-in-form (last 14 days): Mrs D Foster (5 wins from 25 runners, 20%) runs ALPHA DES OBEAUX, OUT SAM and TIGER ROLL Longest Traveller: EASYSLAND trained by D Cottin, France.

J Jockey

T Trainer O Owner B Breeder S Sponsor E Equipment

1 ALPHA DES OBEAUX (FR) (31) B g Saddler Maker (IRE) - Omega des Obeaux (FR) 11

TFRHHIII BHA152 FORM 3-505PP

11-4

TIMEFORM VIEW Smart chaser at his best, but this J Sean Flanagan E Blinkers, Tongue Strap season has been something of a write-off and it’ll be something of a surprise were this 11-y-o to make a winning T Mrs Denise Foster, Ireland debut in this discipline.

O Gigginstown House Stud 14Feb Pun 28f HcpC soft P/18 The Big Dog (IRE) B Marie Devilder & Stephanie Fasquelle 28Jan Gow 25f HcpC heavy P/18 Coko Beach (FR) -

Nov20 Clo

2 ARTIC PEARL (GB) (31) B g Shirocco (GER) - Mirana (IRE)

J Darragh O’Keeffe T Martin Brassil, Ireland O Sean & Bernardine Mulryan B Blythe Park Stud

Tattersalls

heavy 5/5

Bachasson (FR)

45l

TFRHIIII BHA117 FORM 1/U44-05

graduate

10 11-4

TIMEFORM VIEW Stepped up on modest reappearance E Tongue Strap when fifth of 17 in a cross-country event at Punchestown last month, but big step forward needed if he’s to make an impact here.

14Feb Pun Nov20 Pun Dec19 Pun

3 BALKO DES FLOS (FR) (49) Ch g Balko (FR) - Royale Marie (FR)

10 11-4

J Rachael Blackmore T Henry de Bromhead, Ireland O Gigginstown House Stud B Mr Clovis Bardin & Mme Florence Bardin

4 DEFI DES CARRES (FR) (73) Ch g Sumitas (GER) - Star des Carres (FR)

8 11-4

TIMEFORM VIEW High-class chaser at best, but largely below par since landing the Ryanair at the 2018 Festival.

Still, he would be a serious player if the switch to this idiosyncratic course sparks a revival.

7 11-4

85l 50l 101/4l

TFRHIIII BHA127 FORM 51F-52P

TIMEFORM VIEW A specialist in cross-country events in France and caught in the shadow of the post by Some Neck on debut for this yard over C&D in December.

Subsequent display at Plumpton was modest, though.

P/12 Seaston Spirit 2/10 Some Neck (FR) 5/7 Ducello (FR)

s.h dis

TFRHHHHH BHA167 FORM 11111-4 CD BF

graduate

6 HOGAN’S HEIGHT (IRE) (25)

sf-hv 4/7 Allaho (FR) yield 6/14 A Plus Tard (FR) yield 7/9 The Storyteller (IRE)

3Jan Plm 28f HcpC soft Dec20 Chl 30f HcpC soft Jun20 Pom 22f Ch -

J Felix de Giles E Tongue Strap, Cheek Pieces T D. Cottin, France O Mr John P. McManus B Marinette Avril & Marie Laure Labbe

18l 99l 21l

TFRHHHII BHA152 FORM 44-4064 C

Tattersalls

B or Br g Gentlewave (IRE) - Island du Frene (FR)

25f Ch soft 5/17 Shady Operator (IRE) 24f Ch heavy 11/17 Neverushacon (IRE) 19f HcpH soft 4/15 Treacysenniscorthy (IRE)

27Jan Thu 20f Ch Dec20 Leo 24f Ch Oct20 Dow 24f Ch

J Harry Bannister T Charlie Mann, Upper Lambourn O Mrs John Thorneloe & MJR Bannister B Mr Alain Lemoignie & Mrs Edwige Soreau S Equestrian Surfaces Ltd

5 EASYSLAND (FR) (124)

20f Ch

TIMEFORM VIEW Top-notch on the cross-country scene, most impressive winner of this race 12 months ago. Below par sole start since when behind Kingswell Theatre here in November, but will have been primed for this.

Nov20 Chl Mar20 Chl Feb20 Pau

Tattersalls

30f HcpC good 4/9 Kingswell Theatre 30f Ch soft 1/14 Tiger Roll (IRE) 31f Ch soft 1/12 Blason d’Or (FR)

9l 17l 3l

TFRHHIII BHA145 FORM 11/015-P

graduate

B g Indian River (FR) - Electre du Berlais (FR) 10 11-4 TIMEFORM VIEW Made it 4-9 over fences when landing J Gavin Sheehan E Tongue Strap the Grand Sefton (21f) at Aintree last season. Seen out just twice since (over hurdles, well-held on each occasion) T Jamie Snowden, Lambourn and improvement needed on cross-country debut.

O Foxtrot Racing: Hogan’s Height 20Feb Wcn 21f HcpH heavy P/11 First Lord de Cuet (FR) B Bluegate Stud Mar20 War 26f HcpH soft 5/11 Potters Hedger 29l S Foxtrot Racing Syndicates Dec19 Ain 21f HcpC soft 1/14 Wishfull Dreaming 16l graduate 7 KINGS TEMPTATION (GB) (30)Tattersalls

B g King’s Theatre (IRE) - Temptation (FR)

TFRHHIII BHA135 FORM 111P65

9 11-4

TIMEFORM VIEW Returned in the form of his life over E Tongue Strap fences last year, rattling off Uttoxeter hat-trick at up to 3 1/4m. However, he failed to make an impact on first run over this C&D in November. Stiff task.

J Bryan Carver T Ben Case, Banbury O Lady Jane Grosvenor B Patrick Burling Developments Ltd S David Andrews Construction Limited

15Feb Lin Nov20 Chl Oct20 Car

46

16f NHF st-sl 5/8 Jarlath 30f HcpC good 6/9 Kingswell Theatre 24f HcpC good P/11 Court Dreaming (IRE)

31/4l 18l -

thejockeyclub.co.uk

graduate 8 KINGSWELL THEATRE (GB) (96) Tattersalls

B g King’s Theatre (IRE) - Cresswell Native (IRE)

TFRHHIII BHA139 FORM 6P5P-10 CD

12 11-4

TIMEFORM VIEW Put track experience to good use when J Tom Scudamore E Cheek Pieces making a winning reappearance over C&D in November.

Well beaten back here in race won by Some Neck next T Michael Scudamore, Bromsash time, though, and he’s opposable on balance.

O Mr John J. Murray Dec20 Chl 30f HcpC soft 7/10 Some Neck (FR) 52l B W. C. Tincknell Nov20 Chl 30f HcpC good 1/9 Beau du Brizais (FR) 5l S Kiely Bros Ltd Mar20 Chl 30f Ch soft P/14 Easysland (FR) -

9 LE BREUIL (FR) (39)

TFRHHHII BHA139 FORM 50-4334 C BF

9 11-4

Ch g Anzillero (GER) - Slew Dancer

TIMEFORM VIEW Smart staying chaser who landed NH Chase at this meeting in 2019. Expensive to follow since and was rather disappointing at Musselburgh last time, but he’s another with an each-way chance.

J Kielan Woods T Ben Pauling, Bourton-on-the-Water O Mrs Emma Palmer B Mr Claude-Yves Pelsy S Jeremy Houghton - Houghtonart

10 OUT SAM (GB) (31) B g Multiplex - Tintera (IRE)

6Feb Mus 16Jan War Dec20 Ain

32f HcpC soft 29f HcpC soft 25f HcpC soft

4/11 Mighty Thunder 3/13 Notachance (IRE) 3/14 Vieux Lion Rouge (FR)

26l 6l 28l

TFRHIIII BHA127 FORM P-F54F0

12 11-4

TIMEFORM VIEW Talented on his day, but none too J Jody McGarvey E Visor, Tongue Strap reliable and was beaten 35 lengths when third to Easysland in this race 12 months ago. Typically in-and-out T Mrs Denise Foster, Ireland since and it’s easy enough to look elsewhere.

O Mr D Charlesworth 14Feb Pun 28f HcpC soft 8/18 The Big Dog (IRE) 85l B D. & N. Leggate, R. Kent & I. Henderson 17Jan Pun 25f HcpC heavy F/12 Atlantic Shore (IRE) -

Dec20 Chl

11 POTTERS CORNER (IRE) (31)

Tattersalls

B g Indian Danehill (IRE) - Woodford Beauty (IRE) 11

30f HcpC soft

4/10 Some Neck (FR)

11l

TFRHHHHI BHA149 FORM 011-30P

graduate

11-4

ER

TIMEFORM VIEW Winner of the Welsh National last term J Nick Scholfield E Cheek Pieces and decent first attempt over this C&D in November when third to Kingswell Theatre. Low-key over hurdles since, T Christian Williams, Bridgend but strong each-way chance back in this sphere.

O All Stars Sports Racing & J Davies 14Feb Exe 23f HcpH heavy P/10 Brinkley (FR) B Mrs P. J. O’Connor 16Jan War 25f HcpH heavy 7/13 Imperial Alcazar (IRE) 34l S NAF Nov20 Chl 30f HcpC good 3/9 Kingswell Theatre 7l

12 SOME NECK (FR) (16) Gr g Yeats (IRE) - Maternelle (FR)

NON-RUNN

TFRHHHII BHA144 FORM PF-6310 CD

10 11-4

J Richard Johnson E Cheek Pieces T John McConnell, Ireland O Some Neck Partnership B S.C.A. de La Perrigne et al

B g Authorized (IRE) - Swiss Roll (IRE)

Tattersalls

11 11-4

24f HcpH soft 10/16 Atlantic Shore (IRE) 30f HcpC soft 1/10 Defi Des Carres (FR) 24f Ch heavy 3/17 Neverushacon (IRE)

26l s.h 14l

TFRHHHII BHA166 FORM 11/52-P6 CD

graduate

J Keith Donoghue E Blinkers, Tongue Strap T Mrs Denise Foster, Ireland O Gigginstown House Stud B G. O’Brien

14 VIVAS (FR) (96)

1Mar Pun Dec20 Chl Nov20 Pun

TIMEFORM VIEW Winner of this race prior to Grand National victories in 2018 and 2019. However, left trailing

by Easysland in last year’s renewal of this contest and well below his best in 3 starts this season.

21Feb Nav Nov20 Chl Oct20 Nav

Tattersalls graduate

21f Hdl heavy 6/6 Beacon Edge (IRE) 30f HcpC good P/9 Kingswell Theatre 14f Stk soft 6/9 Ilmig (IRE)

64l 29l

TFRHHIII BHA127 FORM 50-2P5P

B or Br g Davidoff (GER) - Lavircas (FR) 10 11-4 TIMEFORM VIEW Well established as a useful chaser and J Charlie Deutsch E Blinkers, Tongue Strap wasn’t disgraced when fifth to Kingswell Theatre over C&D in November. Pulled up back here in race won by T Charlie Longsdon, Chipping Norton Some Neck a month later, though.

O Mr Nigel M. Davies Dec20 Chl 30f HcpC soft P/10 Some Neck (FR) B Mr Edgar Van Haaran Nov20 Chl 30f HcpC good 5/9 Kingswell Theatre 14l S Horizon International Cargo Ltd Oct20 Chl 25f HcpC good P/10 Frodon (FR) DECLARED RUNNERS 14

2020: EASYSLAND (FR) 6 11 4 Jonathan Plouganou 3-1 (D Cottin) 14 ran

Stewards Note: HOGAN’S HEIGHT: Following its run on 20/2/2021 it was reported that the horse was never travelling.

Probable S.P’s: EVENS Easysland (FR), 13-2 Tiger Roll (IRE), 16-1 Some Neck (FR), 20-1 Balko des Flos (FR), 25-1 Alpha des Obeaux (FR), Le Breuil (FR), 50-1 Hogan’s Height (IRE), Kingswell Theatre (GB), 66-1 Out Sam (GB), 100-1 Defi Des Carres (FR), Kings Temptation (GB), Vivas (FR), 150-1 Artic Pearl (GB)

PLAY SMARTER

EASYSLAND saw off Tiger Roll to win this last year and with the dual Grand National winner seemingly not the force of old at 11 it’s hard to see David Cottin’s charge not doubling up, even though another big effort may certainly not be beyond the dual winner. December’s C&D winner Some Neck could be one to chase them home.

TIMEFORM PREDICTION: 1.EASYSLAND (FR) 2.TIGER ROLL (IRE) 3.SOME NECK (FR) 47

Fifth Race

13 TIGER ROLL (IRE) (24)

TIMEFORM VIEW Third on cross-country debut at Punchestown in November prior to narrowly prevailing over this C&D the following month. Recent hurdles spin should have left him spot-on and not without each-way hope.

RACE RESULT

RACE TIME

DISTANCE

1ST

3RD

2ND

4TH

TODAY’S RACE SPONSOR

find out more about today’s race sponsor at

glenfarclas.co.uk

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.

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R ACEDAY PHOTOS Official supplier of framed racing photography and race DVDs on behalf of Cheltenham and Exeter Racecourse.

email: info@racedayphotos.co.uk WWW.RACEDAYPHOTOS.CO.UK 48

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 JOHNNY HENDERSON GRAND ANNUAL CHALLENGE CUP HANDICAP STEEPLE CHASE RACE DESCRIPTION

The Grade 3 Grand Annual Challenge Cup Steeple Chase, named in honour of the late Johnny Henderson, the father of Nicky Henderson and the man who helped safeguard the future of Cheltenham racecourse in the 1960s, is the oldest race that takes place at The Festival™. This handicap chase is run over two miles on the Old Course for the first time this year, has been designed for five-year-olds and upwards and is often one of the fastest-paced, thrilling races of the whole week.

LAST YEAR’S

GRADE 3 HANDICAP

WINNER

RUN OVER ONE MILE, SEVEN FURLONGS & 199 YARDS

CHOSEN MATE

13 FENCES TO BE JUMPED

A riding masterclass from Davy Russell produced Chosen Mate to win last year's renewal of the Grand Annual, coming from last to first in great style. After only losing his maiden tag over fences at Gowran Park 50 days earlier, Chosen Mate made smooth headway from three out, hitting the front two fences from home and staying on strongly to defeat stablemate Eclair De Beaufeu by a length and three quarters.

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 60341 2 230 22000 3P 004 3430 S312 1021 U0403

WINNER Chosen Mate Croco Bay Le Prezien Rock The World Solar Impulse Next Sensation Savello Alderwood Bellvano Oiseau De Nuit

AGE WEIGHT OR SP 7 11-4 147 7/2F 12 10-12 139 66/1 7 11-8 150 15/2 9 11-5 147 10/1 6 11-0 140 28/1 8 11-2 143 16/1 8 11-5 147 16/1 9 10-11 140 3/1F 8 10-2 138 20/1 9 10-13 145 40/1

TRAINER RUNNERS G Elliott (Ire) 18 B Case 19 P Nicholls 22 J Harrington (Ire) 24 P Nicholls 24 M Scuadmore 20 T Martin (Ire) 23 T Mullins (Ire) 23 N Henderson 21 C Tizzard 23

LAST RACE (NO. DAYS) 1st Gowran Park Beginners Chase (50) 2nd Worcester Handicap Chase (227) unpl Caspian Caviar Gold Cup (90) unpl Cheltenham H’cap Chase (146) pu Exeter Chase (92) 4th Newbury H’cap Chase (104) unpl Dan Moore Chase (54) 2nd Punchestown H’cap Chase (40) 1st Kelso Novice Chase (30) 3rd Game Spirit Chase (28)

KEY TRENDS All the last 10 winners were rated 138-147

Only 2 winning favourites in the last 16 years

Only 3 of the last 16 winners had not 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

Paul Nicholls

Tom Scudamore

2 winners

1 winner

Today Paul saddles Duc Des Genievres & Ashutor

Today Tom rides Glen Forsa

1m 7f 199y

SIXTH RACE 4.15 THE JOHNNY HENDERSON GRAND ANNUAL CHALLENGE CUP 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 4lbs and paragraph 34 of the Weights and Handicapping Code complied with where applicable. 1 Eliminated Under Rules (I)9 and (I)10.

FORM ANALYSIS - A CLOSER LOOK

| FACTS | FANCIES | FORM | STATS | Leading course trainer (16-21): N Henderson (49 wins from 354 runners, 14%) runs THEINVAL Trainer-in-form (last 14 days): D Skelton (10 wins from 60 runners, 17%) runs AMOOLA GOLD and NOT THAT FUISSE Fancy That: P Nicholls won this race in 2016 and 2018. The stable runs ASHUTOR and DUC DES GENIEVRES today.

J Jockey

T Trainer O Owner B Breeder S Sponsor E Equipment

1 DUC DES GENIEVRES (FR) (53)

TFRHHHII BHA158 FORM 2F5-230 CD

2 SIZING POTTSIE (FR) (39)

TFRHHHII BHA156 FORM F-521F5 D

8 11-12

Gr g Buck’s Boum (FR) - Lobelie (FR)

TIMEFORM VIEW Arkle winner in 2019 for Willie Mullins.

J Lorcan Williams (3) E Hood, Tongue Strap Just about best run since when second in C&D Grade 2 on reappearance/yard debut but not in same form next 2 T Paul Nicholls, Ditcheat starts. Handicap debut.

O Sullivan Bloodstock Limited 23Jan Asc 16f Ch soft 7/8 First Flow (IRE) 47l B Mme Colette Serre Dec20 Kmp 16f Ch soft 3/6 Nube Negra (SPA) 81/4l S Morson Group Nov20 Chl 15f Ch soft 2/4 Put The Kettle On (IRE) 11/4l

B or Br g Kapgarde (FR) - Line Salsa (FR)

Tattersalls graduate

7 11-10

TIMEFORM VIEW Out of his depth in a Grade 1 last time E Tongue Strap but was impressive when winning his sole start in a handicap at Fairyhouse in December, beating Entoucas by 6 lengths. Trainer knows how to win this race.

J Robbie Power T Mrs J. Harrington, Ireland O Ann & Alan Potts Limited B Mr Jean-Charles Haimet & Ecurie Oceane S Green Mining (Sizing)

3 CHOSEN MATE (IRE) (38) Br g Well Chosen - Norwich Star (IRE)

6Feb Leo 12Jan Fai Dec20 Fai

Tattersalls

8 11-10

4 IBLEO (FR) (47)

B g Dick Turpin (IRE) - Mahendra (GER)

B g Midnight Legend - Dancingwithbubbles (IRE)

8 11-8

B g Shantou (USA) - Village Queen (IRE)

J Jonathan Burke T Tom George, Slad O Crossed Fingers Partnership B Mrs Mary F. Griffin S HBA Media

7 US AND THEM (IRE) (109) B g Stowaway - Manorville (IRE)

7Feb Leo 16Jan Fai Dec20 Fai

29Jan Don 2Jan San Dec20 Chl

Tattersalls

37l 18l -

8 11-6

1/5 1/8 2/9

The Big Bite (IRE) Paddy’s Poem Sky Pirate

31/2l 11/2l 33/4l

TIMEFORM VIEW Well suited by the drop to 2m when winning handicap chases at Cheltenham (beat Ibleo) and Warwick. Excuses in Grade 2 at latter track since and this scenario should play more to his strengths.

15Feb War 16f Ch soft 16Jan War 16f HcpC soft Dec20 Chl 16f HcpC soft

Tattersalls

2/4 1/6 1/9

Allmankind Amoola Gold (GER) Ibleo (FR)

14l 21/4l 3 3 /4l

TFRHHHHI BHA150 FORM 1F3-05P CD

graduate

10 11-4

16f HcpC soft 15f HcpC soft 16f HcpC soft

TFRHHHHI BHA152 FORM 2-25112 CD

graduate

TIMEFORM VIEW Kempton Grade 2 winner last winter.

Also third in Champion Chase later that season. Below par all 3 starts this term but is potentially well handicapped.

Runner-up in this 2 years ago.

23Jan Asc Dec20 Chl Nov20 Exe

Tattersalls

8

21f HcpC soft 16/22 Off You Go (IRE) 17f HcpC heavy 6/14 Daly Tiger (FR) 16f HcpC sf-hv P/10 Sizing Pottsie (FR)

TIMEFORM VIEW Low-mileage 8-y-o who has taken form to a new level this season, runner-up to Sky Pirate here before winning handicaps at Sandown and Doncaster.

Open to further improvement over fences.

J Nick Scholfield E Tongue Strap T Jonjo O’Neill, Cheltenham O Mr M. Tedham B C. B. Brookes S Wasdell Group

6 BUN DORAN (IRE) (53)

TIMEFORM VIEW Landed a gamble when impressive winner of this last season off 9lb lower. Winner on the Flat in the summer but down the field back over jumps since.

Much better expected now.

TFRHHHHH BHA154 (+2) FORM 12-2211 D

J Charlie Deutsch T Venetia Williams, Hereford O The Bellamy Partnership B Mr H. Honore & Mr P. Pietro di Pietro S Faucets Limited

5 SKY PIRATE (GB) (30)

42l 6l

TFRHHHHI BHA156 FORM 1-04P60 CD

graduate

J Jordan Gainford (7) E Tongue Strap T Mrs Denise Foster, Ireland O The Northern Four Racing Partnership B M. Fogarty

17f Ch soft 5/6 Chacun Pour Soi (FR) 16f Hdl heavy F/3 Percy Warner (IRE) 16f HcpC sf-hv 1/10 Entoucas (FR)

graduate

11-1

16f Ch soft P/8 First Flow (IRE) 19f Ch soft 5/8 Mister Fisher (IRE) 17f HcpC good 7/10 Greaneteen (FR)

TFRHHHHI BHA147 FORM 03-00F0 D

21l 40l

TIMEFORM VIEW Has been largely disappointing since J J. J. Slevin E Blinkers, Tongue Strap his novice campaign (runner-up in the Arkle) but there’s no doubt he’s potentially on a good mark having finished T Joseph Patrick O’Brien, Ireland third in this last season off 1lb higher.

O Burnham P & D Ltd Nov20 Fai 16f HcpC soft 7/11 Impact Factor (IRE) 25l B Anne Marie Ryan Oct20 Crk 17f HcpC good F/8 Abbey Magic (IRE) S Burnham Plastering & Drylining Ltd Aug20 Kny 20f HcpC yield 8/12 Mortal (IRE) 24l 52

thejockeyclub.co.uk

8 MOONLIGHTER (GB) (39)

8

B g Midnight Legend - Countess Camilla

TFRHHHII BHA147 FORM 42-2F51 D

11-1

TIMEFORM VIEW Won at Newbury last term and took another step forward when runner-up in Haldon Gold Cup on return. Resumed progress with gutsy win at Sandown under this rider and should give another good account.

J David Bass T Nick Williams, South Molton O Huw & Richard Davies & Friends Racing B H. Davies & R. Davies S Kendall & Davies

9 GLEN FORSA (IRE) (67)

6Feb San 2Jan San Nov20 Nby

Tattersalls

9

B g Mahler - Outback Ivy (IRE)

J Tom Scudamore T Mick Channon, West Ilsley O Mr T. P. Radford B Mr Jonathan Deacon S Timico

Dolos (FR) Ibleo (FR) Zanza (IRE)

TIMEFORM VIEW Very smart novice in 2018/19. Lightly raced since and mostly disappointing, though latest fourth at Wincanton was at least a step back in the right direction. Has had a wind op since.

9Jan Wcn 20f HcpC gd-sf 4/6 Capeland (FR) Dec20 Chl 19f Ch soft 7/8 Mister Fisher (IRE) Nov20 Exe 17f HcpC good F/10 Greaneteen (FR)

10 AMOOLA GOLD (GER) (60) B g Mamool (IRE) - Aughamore Beauty (IRE)

J Bridget Andrews T Dan Skelton, Alcester O Mr & Mrs Gordon Pink B Gestut Romerhof S Badgeworth Livery Centre

TIMEFORM VIEW Having an excellent season, making winning return at Wetherby before defying 5lb rise at Ascot. Even better form when runner-up both starts since, 2 1/4 lengths behind Sky Pirate at Warwick last time.

Tattersalls

16f HcpC soft 16f HcpC soft 16f HcpC soft

2/6 2/8 1/7

Sky Pirate First Flow (IRE) Ibleo (FR)

21/4l nk s.h

TFRHHHHI BHA146 FORM 63-2244 D

graduate

7 11-0

B g Fame And Glory - Kilbarry Classic (IRE)

17l 52l -

TFRHHHII BHA146 FORM 25-1122 D

8 11-0

16Jan War Nov20 Asc Oct20 Asc

11 EMBITTERED (IRE) (39)

1l 14l -

TFRHHHII BHA147 FORM UP/3-F04 D

graduate

11-1

15f HcpC heavy 1/7 15f HcpC soft 5/8 16f HcpC good F/7

TIMEFORM VIEW Ran a cracker when third in County J Rachael Blackmore E Tongue Strap Hurdle last season and seems at least as good over fences despite not winning from 4 attempts, out of his depth in T Joseph Patrick O’Brien, Ireland Grade 1s last twice. Much better expected here.

O Gigginstown House Stud 6Feb Leo 17f Ch soft 4/9 Energumene (FR) 22l B Con O’Keeffe Dec20 Leo 17f Ch yield 4/6 Franco de Port (FR) 21l

Dec20 Nav

12 ZANZA (IRE) (95)

Tattersalls graduate

7 10-13

B g Arcadio (GER) - What A Bleu (IRE)

J Richard Johnson T Philip Hobbs, Minehead O Louisville Syndicate Elite B Larry Doyle S Philip Hobbs Racing

B g Network (GER) - Mousse des Bois (FR)

J Mark Walsh T Joseph Patrick O’Brien, Ireland O Mr John P. McManus B Jean Hardy

7 10-11

soft

2/3

Andy Dufresne (IRE)

3l

TIMEFORM VIEW Useful hurdler and no surprise to see him do better over fences given physique, off the mark at Newbury in November. Yet to be asked for effort when falling 3 out here since, so claims off same mark.

Dec20 Chl Nov20 Nby Nov20 War

13 ENTOUCAS (FR) (39)

17f Ch

TFRHHHHI BHA145 FORM 60-421F D

16f HcpC soft F/9 16f HcpC good 1/7 16f Ch good 2/6

Sky Pirate The King of May (FR) Allmankind

51/2l 13l

TFRHHHHI BHA143 FORM 3-22244 D

TIMEFORM VIEW Yet to win over fences this season but deserves credit for his consistency, and latest fourth of 20 in competitive handicap at Leopardstown (strong form) was a career best.

6Feb Leo 16Jan Fai Dec20 Fai

61/4l 12l 6l

TFRHHHII BHA140 FORM 311-553 D

B g Librettist (USA) - Dalriath 7 10-8 TIMEFORM VIEW Did well over fences last season, third J Tom Cannon E Tongue Strap in red-hot 20f Timeform novice handicap before winning twice at Kempton. Shaped well here on return but T Chris Gordon, Winchester disappointed both starts since (jumpers bumper latest).

O Skill Scaffolding Ltd 9Feb Kmp 16f NHF st-sl 3/4 Earlofthecotswolds (FR) 6l B Yorton Farm Stud Nov20 Chl 15f HcpC gd-sf 5/9 Magic Saint (FR) 15l S Skill Scaffolding Ltd Oct20 Chl 15f HcpC good 5/13 Rouge Vif (FR) 10l

15 ASHUTOR (FR) (17)

Gr g Redoute’s Choice (AUS) - Ashalanda (FR)

TIMEFORM VIEW Taken well to fences this season, E Tongue Strap landing the odds in a couple of handicaps in the summer.

Progress has rather stalled since, however, placed at Fontwell 6 months apart. Yard has won this 4 times.

J Harry Cobden T Paul Nicholls, Ditcheat O The Stewart Family B S.C.E.A. Haras de Son Altesse L’Aga Khan S Morson Group

16 NOT THAT FUISSE (FR) (43) B g Fuisse (FR) - Edelmira (FR)

TFRHHIII BHA139 FORM 121132 D

7 10-7

8 10-5

28Feb Fon Sep20 Fon Aug20 Fon

19f HcpC soft 2/4 17f HcpC good 3/7 17f HcpC soft 1/4

High Up In The Air (FR) Beat The Judge (IRE) Master Work (FR)

9l 103/4l 11l

TFRHHHII BHA137 FORM 2-13421 D

TIMEFORM VIEW Useful chaser who won a jumpers bumper at Newcastle 6 weeks ago. Career best required but strongly-run 2m should be ideal (strong traveller).

J Harry Skelton T Dan Skelton, Alcester O Mr Colm Donlon 2Feb Nwc 16f NHF st-sl 1/13 Onthefrontfoot (IRE) B Eleodoro Echaiz Guevara et al 18Jan Lin 16f NHF st-sl 2/8 Esprit de Somoza (FR) S Ladbrokes,TheAirAmbulanceService (Warwickshire&Northamptonshire) Nov20 Exe 17f HcpC good 4/10 Greaneteen (FR) 53

31/4l nk 11l

Sixth Race

14 ON THE SLOPES (GB) (36)

17f HcpC soft 4/20 A Wave of The Sea (IRE) 17f HcpC heavy 4/14 Daly Tiger (FR) 16f HcpC sf-hv 2/10 Sizing Pottsie (FR)

17 WESTERN MILLER (IRE) (36) B g Westerner - Definite Miller (IRE)

Tattersalls

TFRHHIII BHA137 FORM 602F60 D

graduate

10 10-5

TIMEFORM VIEW Useful chaser on his day, as shown J Paul O’Brien (3) E Tongue Strap, Cheek Pieces when runner-up over C&D off 2lb higher in December.

Below form since but consistency has always been an T Charlie Longsdon, Chipping Norton issue.

O The Pantechnicons IV 9Feb Kmp 18f NHF st-sl 9/10 Ecco 24l B Robert B. Hodgins Dec20 Don 16f HcpC gd-sf 6/8 Vado Forte (FR) 40l S Tote, Merribelle Stable Llc Nov20 Nby 16f HcpC good F/7 Zanza (IRE) -

18 THEINVAL (FR) (44) B g Smadoun (FR) - Kinevees (FR)

TFRHHHII BHA136 FORM FP5-500 D

11 10-4

ER

TIMEFORM VIEW Lightly raced in recent years and not J Nico de Boinville E Cheek Pieces much of an impact this season but has a good record in this race which has presumably been the target.

T Nicky Henderson, Lambourn O Mr & Mrs Sandy Orr 1Feb Lin 16f NHF st-sl 7/8 Thibault 71/4l B V. Berouard, L. Berouard & S. Chatelain 9Jan Kmp 20f HcpC gd-sf 7/7 Smarty Wild 24l S ORRMAC 500 Nov20 Lei 20f HcpC good 5/7 Theo (IRE) 11l

19 CAPUCCIMIX (FR) (39) Gr g Al Namix (FR) - Capuccina (FR)

NON-RUNN Tattersalls

TFRHHHII BHA136 FORM 15-0600 D

graduate

8 10-4

J Darragh O’Keeffe T Henry de Bromhead, Ireland O Robcour B F. Dagniaux, G. Nordqvist & N. Braem

TIMEFORM VIEW Below par this season but latest seventh of 20 in handicap chase at Leopardstown 39 days ago was a step back in the right direction. Needs to improve off this mark but remains low mileage.

6Feb Leo 13Jan Naa Dec20 Fai

20 OR JAUNE DE SOMOZA (FR) (39) Ch g Bernebeau (FR) - Planete d’O (FR)

17f HcpC soft 7/20 A Wave of The Sea (IRE) 16f HcpC heavy 7/10 Epson du Houx (FR) 16f HcpC sf-hv 6/10 Sizing Pottsie (FR)

16l 21l 20l

TFRHHIII BHA136 FORM 5-F6056 D

9 10-4

TIMEFORM VIEW Useful handicap chaser for Henry de J Jack Kennedy E Cheek Pieces Bromhead and similar form for this stable but hasn’t shown enough to suggest he can win a race as T Mrs Denise Foster, Ireland competitive as this.

O Gigginstown House Stud 6Feb Leo 17f HcpC soft 6/20 A Wave of The Sea (IRE) 83/4l B Mme Laurence Curti 16Jan Fai 17f HcpC heavy 5/14 Daly Tiger (FR) 16l

Dec20 Leo

17f HcpC yield 7/17 Uisce Beatha (IRE)

20l

DECLARED RUNNERS 20 2020: CHOSEN MATE (IRE) 7 11 4 Davy Russell 7-2 (Gordon Elliott) 18 ran Running for the first time since Wind Surgery No. 9.

Stewards Note: AMOOLA GOLD: Following its run on 16/1/2021 it was reported that the horse lost its right fore shoe.

Probable S.P’s: 7-1 Embittered (IRE), 8-1 Sky Pirate (GB), Entoucas (FR), 17-2 Zanza (IRE), 16-1 Chosen Mate (IRE), Ibleo (FR), 20-1 Us And Them (IRE), 22-1 Sizing Pottsie (FR), Moonlighter (GB), Amoola Gold (GER), On The Slopes (GB), 28-1 Duc des Genievres (FR), Glen Forsa (IRE), 33-1 Bun Doran (IRE), Ashutor (FR), Not That Fuisse (FR), Capuccimix (FR), 40-1 Or Jaune de Somoza (FR), 50-1 Western Miller (IRE)

PLAY SMARTER

A few of these are potentially well handicapped but IBLEO is arguably the most progressive in the field so could still be ahead of his mark. The Irish hold a strong hand as usual, headed by Joseph O’Brien’s trio Embittered, Entoucas and Us And Them, along with last year’s impressive winner Chosen Mate, while Bun Doran makes each-way appeal at bigger odds.

TIMEFORM PREDICTION: 1.IBLEO (FR) 2.EMBITTERED (IRE) 3.CHOSEN MATE (IRE)

RACE RESULT

RACE TIME

DISTANCE

1ST

3RD

2ND

4TH

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.

WHO WAS JOHNNY HENDERSON? The Johnny Henderson Grand Annual Chase is the oldest race at The Festival and the oldest Steeplechase in the racing calendar. In 1963 Johnny Henderson was aware there was a danger that property developers would buy Cheltenham Racecourse so together with other Jockey Club members he formed Racecourse Holdings Trust (now Jockey Club Racecourses) to purchase the racecourse for £240,000 and safeguard its future. Jockey Club Racecourses now owns and operates 14 British racecourses and Johnny Henderson served as Patron to Cheltenham until his death in 2003. His son, Nicky, has been crowned Champion Trainer on five occasions.

54

Bring on the

TALENT

This Year Tattersalls Cheltenham were the source of no less than 77 Cheltenham Festival Entries including THREE previous Festival Winners & THREE 2021 Grade 1 Favourites

TAT T E RS A L L S C H E LT E N H A M S A L ES

March Sale

Wednesday 31 March

Park Paddocks, Newmarket

April Sale Friday 23 April May Sale Thursday 27 May

Tel: +44 (0) 1638 665931 cheltenham@tattersalls.com tattersallscheltenham.com

Cheltenham

RAINDANCE

Proud sponsor of the Weatherbys Champion Bumper since 1997.

FACTS & STATS THE WEATHERBYS CHAMPION BUMPER RACE DESCRIPTION

The Grade 1 Weatherbys Champion Bumper is the classiest race of its nature run anywhere in the world, and many past winners have developed into top-class hurdlers and chasers. A bumper, officially known as a National Hunt Flat Race, takes place without any hurdles or fences and is aimed at young horses that are likely to develop into jumpers. Only debutantes or horses that have run in this type of race, or an Irish or French equivalent, are qualified to run. If they have run in flat races or have turned out in hurdle races or chases, they are barred from entry.

LAST YEAR’S

GRADE 1

WINNER

RUN OVER TWO MILES, EIGHTY-SEVEN YARDS

FERNY HOLLOW

Cheveley Park Stud's second winner of this race in consecutive years, Ferny Hollow provided Willie Mullins with a brilliant fourth winner of the Weatherbys Champion Bumper in the last eight years. Despite not getting a clear run three furlongs from home, Paul Townend expertly maneouvred his mount into contention climing the hill, with the five-year-old hitting the front inside the final furlong and leaving stablemate Appreciate It in his wake.

NATIONAL HUNT FLAT RACE

TOTAL PRIZE FUND OF

£56,250

£31,651 TO THE WINNER

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

FORM 221 111 11 811 1121 1 1 P11 21 21

WINNER AGE WEIGHT SP Ferny Hollow 5 11-5 11/1 Envoi Allen 5 11-5 2/1F Relegate 5 10-12 25/1 Fayonagh 6 10-12 7/1 Ballyandy 5 11-5 5/1 Moon Racer 6 11-5 9/2F Silver Concorde 6 11-5 16/1 Briar Hill 5 11-5 25/1 Champagne Fever 5 11-5 16/1 Cheltenian 5 11-5 14/1

TRAINER RUNNERS W Mullins (Ire) 23 G Elliott (Ire) 14 W Mullins (Ire) 23 G Elliott (Ire) 22 N Twiston-Davies 23 D Pipe 23 D Weld (Ire) 22 W Mullins (Ire) 23 W Mullins (Ire) 20 P Hobbs 24

LAST RACE (NO.DAYS) 1st Fairyhouse Bumper (18) 1st Grade 2 Leopardstown Bumper (39) 1st Grade 2 Leopardstown Bumper (38) 1st Listed Fairyhouse Bumper (39) 1st Listed Newbury Bumper (32) 1st Cheltenham Bumper (144) 1st Leopardstown Bumper (74) 1st Thurles Bumper (69) 1st Fairyhouse Bumper (52) 1st Kempton Bumper (33)

KEY TRENDS Cue Card is the only four-year-old to have won since 1995

18 of the last 20 winners made their racecourse debut in Ireland

Only 2 of the previous 28 winners were beaten on their last run

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

TRAINER

JOCKEY

Willie Mullins

Paul Townend

4 winners

1 winner

Today Willie saddles Cool Jet, Kilcruit, Ramillies, Sir Gerhard & Grangee

Today Paul rides Kilcruit

SEVENTH RACE 4.50

2m 87y

THE WEATHERBYS CHAMPION BUMPER (A STANDARD OPEN NATIONAL HUNT FLAT RACE) (CLASS 1) (Grade 1) (GBB RACE) for four, five and six yrs old x Total race value £56250 Owners Prize Money. 1st £24210, 2nd £9979, 3rd £4989, 4th £2497, 5th £1249, 6th £624, 7th £309, 8th £157. (Penalty Value £31651.87) FORM ANALYSIS - A CLOSER LOOK

| FACTS | FANCIES | FORM | STATS | Leading course trainer (16-21): P Nicholls (30 wins from 303 runners, 10%) runs SHEARER Trainer-in-form (last 14 days): P Nicholls (10 wins from 35 runners, 29%) runs SHEARER Fancy That: W P Mullins won this race in 2012, 2013, 2018 and 2020. The stable runs COOL JET, KILCRUIT, RAMILLIES, SIR GERHARD and GRANGEE today.

J Jockey

T Trainer O Owner B Breeder S Sponsor E Equipment

graduate 1 CHEMICAL ENERGY (IRE) (39)Tattersalls

Ch g Well Chosen - Meadstown Miss (IRE)

J Robbie Power T Mrs Denise Foster, Ireland O Andrew Brown/Gemma Brown B Tom Baker

2 COOL JET (IRE) (30) B g Jet Away - Cool Trix (IRE)

J Brian Hayes T W. P. Mullins, Ireland O Mr Douglas Taylor B Mrs Deirdre McGrath

5

11-5

6Feb Leo 16f Stk Oct20 Dow 16f Stk Sep20 Ros 16f Stk

Tattersalls

4 FINE CASTING (IRE) (56) B g Shantou (USA) - Fine Fortune (IRE)

6

11-5

5

6 11-5

J Tom O’Brien T Alan Jones, Timberscombe O Burnham P & D Ltd B Burnham P & D Ltd S Burnham Plastering & Drylining Ltd

6 KILCRUIT (IRE) (39) B g Stowaway - Not Broke Yet (IRE)

J P. Townend T W. P. Mullins, Ireland O Miss M. A. Masterson B Mrs P. Mullins

7 RAMILLIES (IRE) (39) Gr g Shantou (USA) - Mrs Wallensky (IRE) J B. J. Cooper T W. P. Mullins, Ireland O Mrs J. Donnelly B M. Morgan

8Feb Nwc 16f NHF 2Feb Nwc 16f NHF Nov20 Kel 16f NHF

6

hd 8l 16l

16f NHF 16f NHF 16f NHF

heavy 1/9 Mumbo Jumbo (IRE) soft 2/18 Might I (IRE) good 5/12 Skytastic (FR)

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

TFRHIIII BHA118 FORM 3-04

TIMEFORM VIEW Has reached a useful level in bumpers without success, going close in steadily-run contest here in November. Would be a very surprising winner after 4 months off/wind op.

16f NHF 16f NHF 16f NHF

soft 4/7 Good Risk At All (FR) soft 7/14 I Am Maximus (FR) gd-sf 3/12 Shanroe

11/2l 19l 7l

TFRHHHHH BHA139 FORM 2-11

TIMEFORM VIEW Looks out of the top drawer, sauntering to victory for new yard at Navan and Leopardstown (Grade 2, impressively beat Letsbeclearaboutit by 12 lengths). Yard dominate this and he’s the one to beat.

6Feb Leo Dec20 Nav Mar20 Clo

Tattersalls

16f Stk 16f Stk 18f Stk

sf-hv 1/10 Letsbeclearaboutit (IRE) 12l soft 1/10 Killer Mode (IRE) 91/2l soft 2/12 Captain Kangaroo (IRE) 4l

TFRHHHII BHA127 FORM 1/4-15

graduate

6 11-5

st-sl 1/14 Moonlight Beam (IRE) st-sl 7/14 Punxsutawney Phil (IRE) gd-sf 8/12 Fete Champetre (IRE)

TIMEFORM VIEW Made all in good style to land gamble at Newbury 8 weeks ago. Plenty more needed again to follow up in this far more competitive contest.

Nov20 Chl Oct20 Chl Jun19 Per

11-5

5l 91/4l

TFRHHHII BHA113 FORM 521 D

20Jan Nby Dec20 War Nov20 Nby

5 JACK’S A LEGEND (GB) (122)

heavy 1/12 Spanish Present (IRE) yield 4/16 Harry Alonzo (IRE)

TIMEFORM VIEW Off the mark in re-fitted tongue tie at Newcastle last month. That form falls miles short of what will be required to get competitive in this.

graduate

11-5

15f Stk 16f Stk

TFRHIIII BHA108 FORM 2001 D

Tattersalls

J Daryl Jacob T Ben Pauling, Bourton-on-the-Water O Mrs S. P. Davis B Hugh Hazzard S Jeremy Houghton - Houghtonart

B g Midnight Legend - Dancing Emily (IRE)

TIMEFORM VIEW Improved to open account in the mud at Thurles last month, tanking through the race and quickening clear. May do even better, but down the yard’s pecking order judged on riding arrangements.

15Feb Thu Dec20 Leo

J Jamie Bargary E Tongue Strap T Sean Conway, Leyburn O Mr Sean Conway B S & S Hubbard Rodwell S Glenelly Infrastructure Solutions

sf-hv 4/10 Kilcruit (IRE) 21l yd-sf 1/5 On Eagles Wings (IRE) 8l good 1/13 Champagnesocialist (IRE) 10l

TFRHHIII BHA115 FORM 41

graduate

5 11-5

graduate 3 CREGGAN WHITE HARE (IRE) (37) Tattersalls

B or Br g Arcadio (GER) - Mia Zia (FR)

TFRHHIII BHA122 FORM 114

TIMEFORM VIEW Promising when landing the odds impressively at Roscommon and Down Royal first 2 starts, though could only plug on for minor money behind Kilcruit at Leopardstown last month and suddenly needs more.

TIMEFORM VIEW Successful return after a year off in Leopardstown bumper over Christmas and shaped well behind stablemate Kilcruit in Grade 2 there subsequently, emptying late on. Can do better still.

6Feb Leo Dec20 Leo Dec19 Leo

60

16f Stk 16f Stk 16f Stk

sf-hv 5/10 Kilcruit (IRE) soft 1/10 Tucson Train (IRE) soft 4/12 Risk Factor (IRE)

26l 10l 12l

thejockeyclub.co.uk

8 SHEARER (IRE) (76)

B g Flemensfirth (USA) - The Crown Jewel (IRE) J A. P. Heskin T Paul Nicholls, Ditcheat O McNeill Family B Mrs E. M. Motherway S Ultima Business Solutions

Tattersalls

5

TFRHHHII BHA114 FORM 21 D

graduate

11-5

TIMEFORM VIEW Shaped really well on debut before E Tongue Strap going one better with easy success in the mud at Warwick on New Year’s Eve. Rare runner in the race for top yard and needs more to score, though may have it in him.

9 SIR GERHARD (IRE) (89) B g Jeremy (USA) - Faanan Aldaar (IRE)

J Rachael Blackmore T W. P. Mullins, Ireland O Cheveley Park Stud B Keatingstown Bloodstock S Cheveley Park Stud

Dec20 War 16f NHF Nov20 Her 16f NHF

Tattersalls

6

11-5

TIMEFORM VIEW £400,000 wide-margin point winner who has stormed to victory in 2 bumpers, powering away from Letsbeclearaboutit in Listed Navan contest in December. Likely has lots more to come.

Dec20 Nav 16f Stk Oct20 Dow 16f Stk

5

B g Yeats (IRE) - Rock Me Gently

TIMEFORM VIEW From a useful jumps family and landed a gamble in good style on debut at Navan 7 weeks ago.

Could have a lot more to offer and he figures high on the shortlist.

Tattersalls

5

B m Fame And Glory - Katalina

11-5

Dec20 Asc Nov20 Asc

Br m Great Pretender (IRE) - Quelle Mome (FR)

5 10-12

J Daniel Mullins T W. P. Mullins, Ireland O Syndicates.Racing B Mr Jacques Cypres & Mr Laurent Couetil

14 I LIKE TO MOVE IT (GB) (24) B g Trans Island - Nobratinetta (FR)

4 10-12

J Sam Twiston-Davies T Nigel Twiston-Davies, Cheltenham O Anne-Marie & Jamie Shepperd B Mr & Mrs J. Dawson S Courtiers Investment Services Limited

B or Gr g Montmartre (FR) - Hiho Silver Lining

Nov20 Chl Oct20 Ain

3/6 Knappers Hill (IRE) 1/13 Hamilton’s Fantasy

23/4l 1 /2l

16f NHF 16f NHF

soft soft

1/10 1/6 Windswept Girl (IRE)

51/2l

TFRHHHII BHA120 FORM 131

TIMEFORM VIEW Took another step forward when resuming winning ways in Grade 2 mares’ event at Leopardstown last month. 1 of 5 for yard with best record in the race but they have a couple of far stronger candidates.

7Feb Leo 16Jan Mkt Oct20 Gal

16f Stk 16f NHF 16f Stk

sf-hv 1/11 Party Central (IRE) nk heavy 3/7 Eileendover 81/2l 1 soft 1/16 Champagnesocialist (IRE) 6 /2l

TFRHHHII BHA123 FORM 112

TIMEFORM VIEW Clear-cut winner of Aintree/Wincanton bumpers first 2 starts and ran a fine race in second in listed Newbury contest last month. More needed again but that isn’t out of the question.

21Feb Nby 16f NHF Dec20 Wcn 15f NHF Nov20 Ain 16f NHF

gd-sf 2/11 Good Risk At All (FR) soft 1/6 Mondora (FR) gd-sf 1/5 Hear Me Out (IRE)

21/4l 81/2l 91/2l

TFRHHHII BHA120 FORM 11 D

graduate

J Tom Bellamy T Nigel Twiston-Davies, Cheltenham O Teme Valley 2 B T. G. Lane S Agetur (UK) Ltd

soft soft

TIMEFORM VIEW Accounted for 4 previous winners on debut at Aintree in October and followed up when dead-heating in the gloom in listed contest here in November. Wouldn’t dismiss.

Tattersalls

4 10-12

15f NHF 15f NHF

TIMEFORM VIEW Defending an unbeaten record after wins at Hereford and Chepstow, forging clear for an impressive success in Wales last month. Likely has even more to offer.

5Feb Chp Dec20 Her

16f NHF 16f NHF

heavy 1/8 soft 1/4

Prime Pretender Master Malcolm

8l 11/4l

DECLARED RUNNERS 15 2020: FERNY HOLLOW (IRE) 5 11 5 P Townend 11-1 (W P Mullins) 23 ran Running for the first time since Wind Surgery No. 5.

Probable S.P’s: 15-8 Sir Gerhard (IRE), 2-1 Kilcruit (IRE), 10-1 Three Stripe Life (IRE), 22-1 Ramillies (IRE), 25-1 Elle Est Belle (GB), 28-1 Grangee (FR), I Like To Move It (GB), 33-1 Wonderwall (IRE), 40-1 Chemical Energy (IRE), 50-1 Cool Jet (IRE), Shearer (IRE), Super Six (GB), 100-1 Fine Casting (IRE), 250-1 Creggan White Hare (IRE), Jack’s A Legend (GB) 61

Seventh Race

15 SUPER SIX (GB) (40)

9l

TFRHHHII BHA120 FORM 11 CD

graduate

J Harry Skelton T Dan Skelton, Alcester O Mrs Suzanne Lawrence B Mrs R. I. Vaughan S Ladbrokes,TheAirAmbulanceService (Warwickshire&Northamptonshire)

13 GRANGEE (FR) (38)

heavy 1/13 Outlaw Peter (IRE)

TIMEFORM VIEW Landed gamble at Ascot on debut in November and ran well in Listed contest back there following month, again having quite a hard race. Plenty more needed to make an impact, but not totally discounted.

Tattersalls

5 10-12

16f Stk

TFRHHHII BHA120 FORM 13 D

graduate

J James Bowen T Richard Spencer, Newmarket O REBEL JUMPING II B Barbara Kirby S Rebel Racing Ltd, Direct Commercial Ltd

12 ELLE EST BELLE (GB) (123)

sf-hv 1/5 Letsbeclearaboutit (IRE) 41/2l soft 1/12 The Banger Doyle (IRE) 14l

TFRHHHHI BHA124 FORM 1

11-5

J Jack Kennedy T Mrs Denise Foster, Ireland O K Haughey/Laura Haughey/Kieran T Byrne B Mr Pat O’Reilly 29Jan Nav

11 WONDERWALL (IRE) (89)

9l hd

TFRHHHHI BHA132 FORM 1-11

graduate

graduate 10 THREE STRIPE LIFE (IRE) (47) Tattersalls

Br g Leading Light (IRE) - Hirayna

soft 1/8 Bowtogreatness (IRE) gd-sf 2/11 Quid Pro Quo (IRE)

PLAY SMARTER

Expect Willie Mullins to dominate this once again, with KILCRUIT taken to get the better of new stablemate Sir Gerhard in a tantalising clash. Both look hugelypromising, but it’s not hard to side with Kilcruit, the most impressive winner of a bumper for many a year in a Grade 2 at Leopardstown, also landed by the 2018 and 2019 winners of this race. Three Stripe Life is another key player.

TIMEFORM PREDICTION: 1.KILCRUIT (IRE) 2.SIR GERHARD (IRE) 3.THREE STRIPE LIFE (IRE)

RACE RESULT

RACE TIME

DISTANCE

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3RD

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4TH

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TODAY’S RACE CONDITIONS First Race 1.20 - THE BALLYMORE NOVICES’ HURDLE RACE (CLASS 1)(Grade 1) (Registered as The BARING BINGHAM) (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 and the seventh £618. 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 11th and pay £117, Supplementary Entry by noon, March 11th and pay £4687 stake, Declare by 10.00 a.m. March 15th. Weights: 4-y-o 10st 13lb; 5-y-o and up 11st 7lb Fillies and mares allowed 7lb. BALLYMORE has generously sponsored this race. Presentations will be made to the winning owner, trainer and jockey and Ballymore will also provide a memento to the stable employee responsible for the winning horse and a £200 award will be 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 BALLYMORE. 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. 120 entries, 47 at £117, 54 at £351, 19 at £468. Closed January 26th, 2021. Owners Prize Money. Winner £40350; Second £16631; Third £8316; Fourth £4162; Fifth £2081; Sixth £1041; Seventh £516. (Penalty Value £52753.12) A SEE PAGE 12 FOR THIS RACE. Second Race 1.55 - THE BROWN ADVISORY NOVICES’ STEEPLE CHASE (CLASS 1) (Grade 1) (Registered as The BROADWAY NOVICES’ CHASE) (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 11th and pay £164, Supplementary Entry by noon, March 11th and pay £6562 stake, Declare by 10.00 a.m. March 15th. Weights: 5-y-o 11st 3lb; 6-y-o and up 11st 4lb Mares allowed 7lb. 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 BROWN ADVISORY AND MERRIEBELLE STABLE. 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. 53 entries, 14 at £164, 25 at £492, 14 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 CORAL CUP HANDICAP HURDLE RACE (CLASS 1) (Grade 3) (GBB RACE) Distributed in accordance with the Stakes and Prize Money Code. £42202 to the winning horse The second to receive £15900, the third £7957, the fourth £3975, the fifth £1995, the sixth £997, the seventh £495 and the eighth £255. for four yrs old and upwards. Enter by noon, February 23rd and pay £94 stake, Confirm by noon, March 11th and pay £281, Declare by 10.00 a.m. March 15th. Penalties, after February 28th, 2021, a winner of a hurdle race 5lb (No penalty to increase a horse’s weight above 11st 12lb). CORAL has generously sponsored this race. Presentations will be made to the winning owner, trainer, jockey and stable employee 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 CORAL. 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 26 runners plus two reserves. The two reserves will be nominated as R27 and R28. 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 103 entries, 54 at £94, 49 at £375. - Closed February 23rd, 2021. Owners Prize Money. Winner £32280; Second £13305; Third £6653; Fourth £3330; Fifth £1665; Sixth £833; Seventh £413; Eighth £210.

(Penalty Value £42202.50) 6 Eliminated Under Rules (I)9 and (I)10.

SEE PAGE 28 FOR THIS RACE. Fourth Race 3.05 - THE BETWAY QUEEN MOTHER CHAMPION STEEPLE CHASE (CLASS 1) (Grade 1) (GBB RACE) Distributed in accordance with the Stakes and Prize Money Code. £168810 to the winning horse The second to receive £63600, the third £31830, the fourth £15900, the fifth £7980, the sixth £3990, the seventh £1980 and the eighth £1020. for five 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 5th and pay £375 stake, Scratch by noon, February 9th or pay £750, Confirm by noon, March 11th and pay £375, Supplementary Entry by noon, March 11th and pay £15000 stake, Declare by 10.00 a.m. March 15th. Weights: 11st 10lb each Mares allowed 7lb. BETWAY has generously sponsored this race. Presentations will be made to the winning owner, trainer and jockey and BETWAY will also provide a £100 cash award 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. BETWAY will present a £50 cash prize to each stable employee in this race. A Challenge Trophy presented by The Steeplechase Company (Cheltenham) Ltd., is to be held by the winning owner 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 BETWAY. 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.

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. 31 entries, 7 at £375, 13 at £1125, 11 at £1500. Closed January 5th, 2021. Owners Prize Money. Winner £129120; Second £53220; Third £26610; Fourth £13320; Fifth £6660; Sixth £3330; Seventh £1650; Eighth £840. (Penalty Value £168810) A SEE PAGE 38 FOR THIS RACE. Fifth Race 3.40 - THE GLENFARCLAS STEEPLE CHASE (CLASS 2) (A CROSS COUNTRY STEEPLE CHASE) (GBB RACE) Distributed in accordance with the Stakes and Prize Money Code. £30176 to the winning horse The second to receive £8960, the third £4480, the fourth £2232, the fifth £1121, the sixth £565, the seventh £282 and the eighth £136. for five yrs old and upwards. Enter by noon, March 2nd and pay £67 stake, Confirm by noon, March 11th and pay £176, Declare by 10.00 a.m. March 15th. Weights: 5-y-o 11st 3lb; 6-y-o and up 11st 4lb Mares allowed 7lb. GLENFARCLAS has generously sponsored this race. Presentations will be made to the winning owner, trainer, jockey and stable employee responsible for the winning horse. A £200 award will be 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 GLENFARCLAS. 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: 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 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.) IT IS A CONDITION OF THIS RACE THAT HORSES WHICH HAVE NOT PREVIOUSLY RUN IN CROSS COUNTRY RACES ARE TO BE SCHOOLED OVER THE COURSE PRIOR TO RUNNING. The British Horseracing Authority has modified Rule (I) 10 and the Elimination and Balloting Procedures (contained in the Race Administration Code) to provide that, if it is necessary to do so, elimination of horses from this race will be determined by the BHA Handicapper. 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. 22 entries, 7 at £67, 15 at £243. - Closed March 2nd, 2021. Owners Prize Money. Winner £22888; Second £7688; Third £3846; Fourth £1921; Fifth £960; Sixth £483; Seventh £239; Eighth £122. (Penalty Value £30176.24) A SEE PAGE 44 FOR THIS RACE. Sixth Race 4.15 - THE JOHNNY HENDERSON GRAND ANNUAL CHALLENGE CUP 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 11th and pay £311, Declare by 10.00 a.m. March 15th. Penalties, after February 28th, 2021, a winner of a steeple chase 5lb (No penalty to increase a horse’s weight above 11st 12lb).

The Challenge Cup, which was subscribed for by the Town of Cheltenham, is to be held by the winning owner until February 1st, 2022. 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 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 20 runners plus two reserves. The two reserves will be nominated as R21 and R22. TThe 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 46 entries, 16 at £101, 30 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 4lbs and paragraph 34 of the Weights and Handicapping Code complied with where applicable. 1 Eliminated Under Rules (I)9 and (I)10.

SEE PAGE 50 FOR THIS RACE. Seventh Race 4.50 - THE WEATHERBYS CHAMPION BUMPER (A STANDARD OPEN NATIONAL HUNT FLAT RACE) (CLASS 1) (Grade 1) (GBB RACE) Distributed in accordance with the Stakes and Prize Money Code. £31651 to the winning horse The second to receive £11924, the third £5968, the fourth £2981, the fifth £1496, the sixth £748, the seventh £371 and the eighth £191. for four, five and six yrs old only, which have not run under any recognised Rules of Racing, except National Hunt Flat races, Irish National Hunt Flat races or French AQPS Flat races. Horses are not to have run in more than four races and, prior to Closing, must have been placed first, second, third or fourth in a race. Enter by noon, March 2nd and pay £83 stake, Confirm by noon, March 11th and pay £198, Declare by 10.00 a.m. March 15th. Weights: 4-y-o 10st 12lb; 5-y-o and 6-y-o 11st 5lb Fillies and mares allowed 7lb. WEATHERBYS has generously sponsored this race and will present a memento to the winning owner, trainer and jockey. WEATHERBYS will also provide a memento to the stable employee responsible for the winning horse and a prize of £200 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 WEATHERBYS. 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: Any horse 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 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 PROCEDURE - SEE the Elimination and Balloting Procedures (contained in the Race Administration Code). The British Horseracing Authority has modified paragraph 53 of the Weights and Handicapping Code for the purposes of this race such that the Riders’ Allowances as stated therein may NOT be claimed. 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. 28 entries, 10 at £83, 18 at £281. - Closed March 2nd, 2021. Owners Prize Money. Winner £24210; Second £9979; Third £4989; Fourth £2497; Fifth £1249; Sixth £624; Seventh £309; Eighth £157.

(Penalty Value £31651.87) A SEE PAGE 58 FOR THIS RACE.

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