The Cheltenham chat night, the first ever organised by The Connaught Telegraph and sponsored by Paddy Power Bookmakers, proved a huge hit with a terrific crowd tuning out for the Monday night event in the Welcome Inn Hotel, Castlebar. Like any show, unless the cast is right the play could be a disaster and the Paddock himself, Ger Whyte, and Mick Byrne had lined up some of the superstars of Irish horseracing, including trainers Philip Rothwell, Tony Mullins and Dusty Sheehy, while jockey Robbie McNamara came up with some interesting bets.
Throw in Paddy Power's top talker, Paul Ryan, and you have a rich cocktail of equine knowledge, which ensured it was a laid back night of craic and fun.
Of course, punters didn't come just to view the scenery. They wanted some inside knowledge and likely winners in Cheltenham, which can be a difficult course to win on, but the tips were flying, left, right and centre, and we have a summary of the main selections from our panel of experts.

Charity bets
Paddy Power donated a charity bet of €100 to each panel member and already Philip Rothwell's selection obliged in Down Royal last Tuesday, which has bumped the takings to €1,300 with four charity bets to go.
Those bets are: Tony Mullins Felix Younger in the bumper (33/1), Dusty Sheehy Time for Rupert in the RSA at 7/2, Paul Ryan Baby Run 3/1, Robbie MacNamara and Mick Byrne go for Pandorama each way in the Gold Cup at around 20/1.
All proceeds from the charity bets and the money taken in on the night from the sale of tickets will go to the Sacred Heart Hospital, and once again your support was very much appreciated.

The Supreme Novice Hurdle on Tuesday
Cue Card got the thumbs up here from all the judges.

Arkle Chase
Opinions were well divided on this difficult one: Rothwell (Gizao), Dusty Sheehy (Medemit) and Ronnie McNamara (Finian's Rainbow).

Champion Hurdle
Described as 'an awesome race', Binocular remains the one to be beaten, if he stays in form, but there were positives for Menorah from Philip Rothwell, while Paul Ryan was sweet on Dunquib, and Hurricane Fly also came in for strong support.

Queen Mother Chase
Golden Silver (each way) and Master Minded to win.

Gold Cup
There were mixed views on the Gold Cup but the prevailing opinion was that Imperial Commander can retain his crown.
There was plenty of each way support for Pandora with Philip Rothwell very keen on this one, the belief that Denman was too old, while the claims of Long Run should not be ignored if the horse can produce his potential.
Tony Mullins was keen on First Lieutenant who could oblige at a big price in the Novice Hurdle on day two, while Philip Rothwell went for Rock on Ruby in the same race at around 8/1, with Paul Ryan advising you back an Irish trained horse to win the race, his own selection being the favourite Oscar Well.

Noel's Nap
Cheltenham specialist Noel Hoban, who usually wins enough to take off to the Seychelles for a month, has his bets already done and is very confident of a good Cheltenham.
Menora in the champion hurdle, currently trading at 5/1, is his big bet of the meeting and we will give you further thoughts from the Cheltenham champions in a more detailed look at the racing next week.

Bet of the meeting
Quevega according to the experts on the night.

Robbie's Nap
Robbie McNamara, who enjoyed his stay in Castlebar, has napped Alpha Beat at 10/1 as one worthy of consideration, while he has also gone for Spirit Son in the Supreme Novices Hurdle (11/1).

Big Fellow naps
Hidden Universe each way and Peddlers Cross for the Champion Hurdle.

Quote of the night
"Like a snot on a slate roof." Paul Ryan's description of a horse, who, according to himself, downed tools last year when he was expected to win with some ease. I think it was called Finian's Rainbow.

Condolences from ABUs
Condolences to the Man United faithful were paused at a recent meeting of the ABU club, who have joined forces with Liverpool Supporters.
Liverpool supporters were feeling good on Sunday evening and our top headline goes to Martin Coleman, who was on sentry duty in the Big Fellow's: "You could say they were as a high as a Kuyt."
Hat tricks against Man United are rare things and are to be cherished.

Photo: More power to the girls: The staff of Paddy Power's pictured at the Cheltenham chat night in the Welcome Inn Hotel Mairead, From left, Niamh, Mary the blond and Mary the dark-haired one.

 

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