Friday, March 11, 2011

Cheltenham Festival Day One – Did You Know?

There are seven races on Day One of the Festival, here are some facts on the races that you may not know and are sure to be on interest to anyone placing Cheltenham 2011 bets.

Stan James Supreme Novices Hurdle

The 1993 winner, Montelado, holds a unique position in the history of The Festival at Cheltenham. He is the only horse to have won consecutive Festival races, landing the Weatherbys Champion Bumper in 1992, the last race of that year's meeting, and returning to win the Supreme Novices' Hurdle in 1993, the first race 12 months later. Those planning to bet on Cheltenham racing may want to bear this in mind.

Irish Independent Arkle Challenge Trophy Chase

Arkle never actually ran in the race that was named after him, but it has proved a tremendous pointer to the Champion Chase, which augurs well for the chance of the 2010 winner Sizing Europe in the 2011 version of the Champion Chase.

The Stewart Family Spinal Research Handicap Chase

Over the years this race has proved a good trial for the Grand National with five winners going on to do the double.

Stan James Champion Hurdle Challenge Trophy

There have been as many as 13 multiple winners in the history of the race including five horses who have won the race on three occasions.

Glenfarclas Cross Country Handicap Chase

The fences on the Cross Country course are made of “living” materials growing trees, shrubs and bushes, which are regularly trimmed for racing.

David Nicholson Mares Hurdle

This race is named after the legendary Cotswolds trainer who became the first person to train three winners in a day for over 50 years when Putty Road (Neptune Investment Management Novices' Hurdle), Viking Flagship (Queen Mother Champion Chase) and Kadi (Byrne Group Plate) all triumphed on March 15, 1995.

Centenary Novices Handicap Chase

All six winners had won no more than once over fences, suggesting the handicapper had yet to get the bottom of the horse's true ability.

No comments:

Post a Comment