Thousands gather on the first day of the Cheltenham Festival
The Cheltenham Festival returns in 2023 with an exciting week of Cotswolds racing that is known as ‘The Greatest Show on the Turf’ as racing enthusiasts take to the iconic circuit.
The Champion Hurdle and the Gold Cup end the four-day encounter as perhaps the two most prestigious Grade 1 races, with Constitution Hill triumphing in the Champion Hurdle on Tuesday, showing its class to win at a gallop after starting as an overwhelming, heavily-backed favourite.
Meanwhile, Rachael Blackmore returns to Cheltenham to make more history after an astounding 2022 Gold Cup defense victory – a victory that helped Irish coaches deftly triumph over their British counterparts and easily win the prestigious Prestbury Cup, with a whopping 18 wins vs. with only 10 for domestic horses.
The festival provides a massive £274m in support of the local economy, according to research from the University of Gloucestershire, and although organizers hope the rain holds off, it promises to be an exciting week of racing regardless.
Follow all the action on Day 2 from Cheltenham below:
Approaching the last obstacle, Hermes Allen disappeared. Looks like Imaire et Passe won!
Chris WilsonMarch 15, 2023 13:36
1:30 PM – Ballymore Novices Over Obstacles LIVE
Very little change in order so far, with little emphasis on the front two.
With 3 obstacles to overcome, Champ Kiely and Hermes Allen start to pull away in second and first place respectively.
Odd And Pass is in third place.
Chris WilsonMarch 15, 2023 13:35
1:30 PM – Ballymore Novices Over Obstacles LIVE
Champ Kiely is in the lead, Hermes Allen is second, and the favorite is Imaire Et Passe third.
Chris WilsonMarch 15, 2023 13:33
Before the race Sir Alex was asked about Hermes Allen.
“Well, we’re very excited about it [Hermes Allen]he is a very good horse, we have to beat the Irish, but we are looking forward to it.
“[On Tuesday’s racing]: It’s unbelievable, honeysuckle, I don’t think anyone is left without tears, the excitement of this thing, the jockey and the trainer.
“[On Premier League title race]: I’m not interested”
Chris WilsonMarch 15, 2023 13:32
Preparations for the race 1
13:30 – Ballymore Novices over the steeplechase
The first race of the day is the second of three Class 1 Novice timber events at Cheltenham.
2m 5f run, 10 runners will take part in the run.
This year’s favorite is Hermes Allen, a horse trained by Paul Nicholls and co-owned by former Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson.
Willie Mullins, a leading coach in the history of the Cheltenham Festival, has won the award five times and has four contenders this year in the form of Impaire Et Passe, Ho My Lord, Gaelic Warrior and Champ Kealy.
Chris WilsonMarch 15, 2023 13:22
Cheltenham betting offers from Paddy Power, Betfair and more
With the races just 15 minutes away, those still looking for a quick flutter can turn to several bookmakers for great deals on Cheltenham betting.
Paddy’s power offers every new user who places a £5 bet at Cheltenham, ten free spins on daily jackpot games and £30 in free bets.
SkyBet are also offering a chance for new customers to receive £30 in free bets if you place a bet as part of their welcome offer while bet365 they have a similar offer and new customers who bet £10 earn another £30 in free bets.
There are other offers from companies, including WilliamHill, Betfred, Coral AND Betfair.
Chris WilsonMarch 15, 2023 13:15
Is Cheltenham on TV?
After an emotional first day on Tuesday, fans will be wondering if they’ll be able to see the action live.
Those who want to watch their bets can follow the first five races each day live on ITV. The coverage started at 13:00 and continues every day of the festival.
The Racing TV subscription channel will show every race every day, and many betting sites and apps also show the races.
Chris WilsonMarch 15, 2023 13:05
Camilla, the Queen Consort has arrived before the first Women’s Day races!
Royal has been spotted alongside media personality Carol Vorderman and former Premier League manager Harry Redknapp.
Camilla, the Queen Consort arrives in Cheltenham
(Getty Images)
Chris WilsonMarch 15, 2023 12:59
Race 7
5.30pm – Master Bumper: The Facts (Ruby Walsh, 4/1)
Walsh tipped fact to file for the last race of the day.
“The earth, age, endurance and things like that influenced the decision to let Patrick Mullins ride A fact to be submitted.
“A dream to share he is your favorite, he beat A fact to be submitted in Leopardstown. It was a slow race, but I think it will be a completely different competition.
“I would be of the opinion that the others are winning this race over fast horses and I can see it A fact to be submitted changing it with A dream to share.
“Patrick Mullins could have been right and I would have been with him A fact to be submitted“.
Chris WilsonMarch 15, 2023 12:55
Race 6
4:50 PM – The Great Annual Hurdle Chase: Final Orders (6/1)
dino blue remains the favorite for this race but final order he won his last five hurdles races.
He recently won at Leopardstown, suggesting he could beat a 10-pound increase, and was named as one to watch here.
Chris WilsonMarch 15, 2023 12:40
