You’ll never beat the Irish at Cheltenham Racing Festival
Castlebar publican Mick Byrne marks your card for the Cheltenham Racing Festival, which starts today.
SUCH was their dominance in Cheltenham last year that one can only assume the Irish will easily retain the Prestbury Cup in 2022.
With a record number of victories in 2021 and some serious ammunition with the likes of Willie Mullins, Gordon Elliot and Henry De Bromhead at their disposal, the Irish will be going all-out to better last year’s record.
The crowd will be back in huge numbers and the atmosphere will be electric, but it is the one regret that Rachael Blackmore, with all her winners last year, didn’t enjoy the Cheltenham roar in the parade ring and when she returned to the winners' enclosure
That will all change this year and I think Rachael is the value bet at 6/1 to be champions jockey at the festival.
Despite that strong hand of Willie Mullins, I do believe that Gordon Elliot will be the top trainer having missed 2021 through suspension.
For me the highlight of the week will be Honeysuckle retaining his champion Hurdle Crown.
Last year I napped Flooring Porter in the Stayers Hurdle at 8/1 but I am opposing it this year as the price of 3/1 is too short for me at least. The value bet has to be Asterion Forlonge at 10/1 as it is not the strongest of Stayers this year.
I also think that trainer Colin Tizzard could have a very good Cheltenham. He runs Eldorado Allen in the Ryanair. The way he won in Newbury led be to believe this horse has a great chance EW chance at 14/1.
He also runs Fiddler on the Roof in the Gold Cup on Thursday (St. Patrick’s Day) and with his excellent record of being in the first three in 100 starts, I think he is worth a punt at the 40/1.
In the Arkle, Gordon Elliot’s Riviere Detel has to have a great chance.
This is one race Elliot has yet to win and I do think if the horse had a bit of luck in running the Irish equivalent in Leopardstown recently he would have been a winner. He is one for the shortlist for sure.
A trainer with success on the flat but who has very few runners at the festival is the legendary Dermot Weld, who runs Falcon Eight in the Alfred Bartlett on Friday and is currently available at 16/1. I think he is great value and should not be taken lightly.
All I can say is that is great to be back and have the crowd during the festival, which has endured over the years and where the Irish hold a special place.
Best of luck and happy punting!
Mick’s top tips
Top Jockey: Rachael Blackmore.
Top Trainer: Gordon Elliot
Banker: Honeyusuckle.
Long Shot: Fiddler on the Roof (40/1)