Morning, the final day, a better day yesterday, Fact to File did the business and looked one of the most commanding favourites of the week, a couple of bigger priced each-way bets, placing ensured we ended up around evens for the day. You only need to look online and chat at the course that this has been a tough Cheltenham for most. We will go again today.
13:20 – Triumph Hurdle
East India Dock, is the primary selection, it has done nothing wrong, when placed round Cheltenham, flying round, beating with ease Stencil last time out (a horse backed into favouritism earlier in the week). Nico is on the main threat, after a week of poor rides, on the back of arguably his best ever on Django Bae, where is his confidence…
2025 JCB Triumph Hurdle Preview
Key Runners and Betting Prices
The 2025 JCB Triumph Hurdle, scheduled for Friday, March 14, at 13:20, features a competitive field of juvenile hurdlers. Notable contenders and their respective jockeys include:
• East India Dock – Sam Twiston-Davies
• Lulamba – Nico de Boinville
• Blue Lemons – Rachael Blackmore
• Charlus – Sean O’Keeffe
• Gibbs Island – Stan Sheppard
• Hello Neighbour – Keith Donoghue
• Larzac – Mark Walsh
• Marche d’Aligre – Gavin Sheehan
• Mondo Man – Brian Hughes
• Pappano – Sean Flanagan
• Poniros – Jonjo O’Neill Jr
• Too Bossy For Us – Harry Cobden
• Willy De Houelle – Brian Hayes
• Lady Vega Allen – Paul Townend
• Lumiere Du Large – Kevin Sexton
Current betting markets highlight East India Dock and Lulamba as leading contenders. East India Dock has shown impressive form, making him a strong favorite. Lulamba, trained by Nicky Henderson, also garners significant support, reflecting his consistent performances this season.
Please note that betting markets are subject to change as the race approaches.
Last 5 Years’ Winners
| Year | Winner | Jockey | Trainer |
| 2024 | Majborough | Mark Walsh | Willie Mullins |
| 2023 | Lossiemouth | Paul Townend | Willie Mullins |
| 2022 | Vauban | Paul Townend | Willie Mullins |
| 2021 | Quilixios | Rachael Blackmore | Henry de Bromhead |
| 2020 | Burning Victory | Paul Townend | Willie Mullins |
This table underscores Willie Mullins’ dominance in the Triumph Hurdle, securing four victories in the past five years.
Key Trends and Statistics
• Trainer Success: Willie Mullins has trained four of the last five winners, highlighting his exceptional record in this race.
• Last-Time-Out Winners: Seven of the last twelve winners triumphed in their previous race, emphasizing the importance of recent winning form.
• Recent Runs: All winners since 2013 had their last run within 48 days of the Festival, suggesting that a recent outing is beneficial.
• Key Prep Races: The Spring Juvenile Hurdle at Leopardstown has been a significant indicator, producing eight of the last twelve winners, with three achieving victories in both races.
• Hurdle Experience: Ten of the last twelve winners had at least two previous runs over hurdles, and eleven had secured at least one hurdle victory, indicating that experience and proven success in hurdle races are crucial.
Selections: East India Dock 2/1 3pt win & Lady Vega Allen 14/1 1pt ew
14:00 – County Hurdle
Cracking Rhapsody 40/1 0.5pt ew & Daddy Long Legs 14/1 0.5pt ew
14:40 – Mares Chase
Allegorie De Vassy 7/2 2pt ew (Mullins has other fav…)
15:20 – Albert Bartlett 🥔
Mullins has 11 runners, should he be allowed? Odd.
Jet Blue 11/2 1.5pt ew (due to the Mullins factor)
Intense Approach 14/1 1pt ew
2025 Albert Bartlett Novices’ Hurdle Preview
Key Runners and Betting Prices
The 2025 Albert Bartlett Novices’ Hurdle, a Grade 1 race for novice hurdlers, is set to feature a competitive field. Notable contenders and their current odds include:
• The Big Westerner – 5/1
• Jet Blue – 6/1
• Derryhassen Paddy – 8/1
• Wendigo – 9/1
• Jasmin De Vaux – 9/1
• Wingmen – 10/1
Odds are subject to change as the race approaches.
Last 5 Years’ Winners
| Year | Winner | Age | Jockey | Trainer |
| 2024 | Stellar Story | 7 | Sam Ewing | Gordon Elliott |
| 2023 | Stay Away Fay | 6 | Harry Cobden | Paul Nicholls |
| 2022 | The Nice Guy | 7 | Sean O’Keeffe | Willie Mullins |
| 2021 | Vanillier | 6 | Mark Walsh | Gavin Cromwell |
| 2020 | Monkfish | 6 | Paul Townend | Willie Mullins |
This table highlights the age and experience of recent winners, with a notable success rate among 6 and 7-year-olds.
Key Trends and Statistics
• Age: 10 of the last 12 winners were aged 6 or 7, indicating a strong trend favoring horses within this age bracket.
• Starting Price: Only 1 of the last 12 winners was the favorite, with 10 winners priced at 11/1 or higher, suggesting that outsiders often perform well in this race.
• Recent Form: 5 of the last 12 winners won their previous race, and 9 had their last run within 54 days, emphasizing the importance of recent racing activity.
• Course Experience: Only 3 of the last 12 winners had prior runs at Cheltenham, indicating that previous course experience is not a significant factor.
• Seasonal Runs: 10 of the last 12 winners had at least three runs in the current season, highlighting the value of experience and fitness.
16:00 – Gold Cup
The returning champion, Galopin Des Champs should have far too much for them, once again. A chance to continue making history. In a week of short-price favourites, being stuffed, will he fall foul to the same, fate? In truth, nothing should come close.
Montys Star 8/1 1pt ew and Corbetts Cross 16/1 1pt ew will be the play, although anticipate playing for places.
Key Runners and Betting Prices
The 2025 Cheltenham Gold Cup, scheduled for Friday, March 14, at 4:00 PM, features a select field of elite chasers. Notable contenders and their current betting odds include:
• Galopin Des Champs – 4/7
• Banbridge – 8/1
• Inothewayurthinkin – 10/1
• Monty’s Star – 12/1
• Corbetts Cross – 14/1
• Gentlemansgame – 16/1
• The Real Whacker – 20/1
• Ahoy Senor – 25/1
• Royal Pagaille – 33/1
Odds are subject to change as the race approaches.
Last 5 Years’ Winners
| Year | Winner | Age | Trainer |
| 2024 | Galopin Des Champs | 8 | Willie Mullins |
| 2023 | Galopin Des Champs | 7 | Willie Mullins |
| 2022 | A Plus Tard | 8 | Henry de Bromhead |
| 2021 | Minella Indo | 8 | Henry de Bromhead |
| 2020 | Al Boum Photo | 9 | Willie Mullins |
This table highlights Willie Mullins’ recent dominance in the Gold Cup, with Galopin Des Champs seeking a historic third consecutive victory in 2025.
Key Trends and Statistics
• Age: Horses aged between 7 and 9 have dominated the Gold Cup, with 11 of the last 12 winners falling within this age bracket.
• Trainer Success: Willie Mullins has trained four Gold Cup winners in the last six years, underscoring his exceptional record in this prestigious race.
• Betting Favorites: Favorites have a strong record in the Gold Cup, with several recent winners starting at short odds, reflecting market confidence.
• Previous Form: 10 of the last 12 winners had won a Grade 1 chase earlier in the season, indicating the importance of top-level form leading into the Gold Cup.
• Course Experience: 8 of the last 12 winners had previously raced at Cheltenham, highlighting the value of course familiarity.
Leading Contenders for 2025
• Galopin Des Champs: Trained by Willie Mullins, this nine-year-old gelding aims to secure his third consecutive Gold Cup victory, a feat achieved by only four horses in the race’s history. His impeccable form and dominance in the division make him the horse to beat.
• Banbridge: Trained by Joseph O’Brien, this eight-year-old has shown consistent top-level performances, including a victory in the King George VI Chase. He poses a significant threat to the reigning champion.
• Inothewayurthinkin: A late addition to the race, this contender has been supplemented by trainer Gavin Cromwell. Known for his staying prowess, he could be a dark horse in the lineup.
16:40 St James’ Open Hunters’ Chase
What a Glance 22/1 1pt ew
Bardenstown Lad 33/1 0.5pt ew
17:20 – Martin Pipe
The get-out stakes, watch the market in this.
Kopek De Mee 9/4 3pt win
Woodhoh 11/2 1pt ew
Horse Racing Selections 