As it happened: updates, news and reaction from St Patrick's Thursday at the Cheltenham Festival
Jockey Rachael Blackmore, aboard Bob Olinger, celebrates after winning the Paddy Power Stayers' Hurdle. Pic: Harry Murphy/Sportsfile
Thanks for your company throughout a great day's racing. We'll have lots of analysis and reaction from Tommy Lyons and Brendan O'Brien in the Cotswolds this evening and in Friday's edition. We'll be back tomorrow for Gold Cup Friday. Join us then.
5.34pm Stage of play after day three
: Great Britain 8 Ireland 13
2: Paul Townend, Rachael Blackmore, Mark Walsh.
1: Nico de Boinville, Paddy Wadge, Lorcan Williams, Ben Jones, Harry Skelton, Seán O’Keeffe, Danny Mullins, Keith Donoghue, Sean Flanagan, Danny Gilligan, Jody Townend, Harry Cobden, Brian Hughes, Jonjo O’Neill.
6: Willie Mullins.
2: Henry de Bromhead, Nicky Henderson.
1: Lucinda Russell, Jeremy Scott, Joseph O’Brien, Rebecca Curtis, Dan Skelton, Gavin Cromwell, Barry Connell, Paul Nolan, Cian Collins, Paul Nicholls, Oliver Greenal and Josh Guerriero.
12-1 shot Daily Present wins the Kim Muir for Wexford's Paul Nolan!
Darren Norris -- who's produced a super day for readers -- sees his final selection of the day place second.
1. Daily Present (Mr Barry Thomas Stone) 12-1
2. Johnnywho (Mr Derek O’Connor) 9-2
3. Sa Majeste (Mr P W Mullins) 8-1 4.
Weveallbeencaught (Mr Toby McCain-Mitchell) 28-1
And they're off in the Kim Muir!
You guessed it, after a standing start.
So we reach the final race of the day. And it's the Kim Muir keeping the crowds out of the Guinness Tent a little while longer on this so-called St Patrick's Thursday at Prestbury Park.
As Jonjo O'Neill Jr mentioned earlier, Michael O'Sullivan's brother, Alan is riding in this race on Walking on Air.
Walking On Air 11/2
Johnnywho 6/1
Midnight Our Fred 7/1
Sa Majeste 8/1
Mint Boy 9/1
Yeah Man 12/1
Git Maker 12/1
Nine Graces 16/1
Wiseguy 20/1
Westerninthepark 20/1
1st: Jagwar (3/1f) - Jonjo O'Neill Jr / O Greenall and J Guerriero
2nd: Thecompanysergeant (4/1) - Conor Stone-Walsh / Gavin Cromwell
3rd: Masaccio (11/1) - Tom Cannon / Alan King
4th: Mars Harper (100/1) - Tiernan Power Roche / Gordon Elliott
Jagwar -- who was backed off the boards as they went off -- wins the Plate Chase with a battling if error-strewn display!
Jonjo O'Neill Jr reflects on his second Festival winner and puts it in the context of the recent passing of Michael O'Sullivan: "He's huge, he's always had ability but his jumping has been an Achilles heel.
"This is just sport at the end of the day. Since Mikey died I changed my persepctive. The lads -- the Irish and English lads -- have been under a cloud over the past month or so. Michael touched so many people. Although this is a great day we're thinking of Michael and his family because not only was he a good rider he was a great friend.
"I wore his Cork flag because I felt I needed a bit of luck. I said a few prayers to Michael last night and he came through to me. It's been a very poignant week."
They're off in the penultimate. After false start.
Harry Redknapp reveals he hasn't had a bet on his own runner Shaekem Up'Arry - the prize money's enough.
Next up is the penultimate race of the day, the TrustATrader Plate Handicap Chase, at 4.40pm.
For Ruby, Ginny's Destiny has as good a chance as any.
"The Plate will be the third two-and-a-half-mile chase of the day, and in the last three renewals of this contest it has paid to race close to the pace. A horse who could fit that profile is Ginny’s Destiny, who ran a blinder in last season's Turners Novice Chase.
"This season hasn’t provided much joy for him, and the handicapper has dropped him a few pounds because of that, so if Paul Nicholls can unlock any of the talents this gelding has, he could be thrown in here."
Paddy Power Stayers' Hurdle result:
1: Bob Olinger (8/1) - Rachael Blackmore / Henry de Bromhead
2: Teahupoo (7/4f) - Jack Kennedy / Gordon Elliott
3: The Wallpark (7/1) - Mark Walsh / Gordon Elliott
8/1 Bob Olinger and Rachael Blackmore better Teahupoo to land the Stayers' Hurdle for Henry de Bromhead. A third Festival victory for the 10-year-old and a second winner of the day for Blackmore and De Bromhead!
Having sat at the back of the field, and ice-cool Blackmore and Bob Olinger made their way through the field and pounced towards the finish to oust Teahupoo.
“He was brilliant, he has so much speed," said Blackmore. "Everyone had the same plan. It either works riding like that or he doesn’t. He’s unbeaten run here. He’s had luck on his side and he’s a very good horse."
Added De Bromhead: “Rachael was brilliant on him. Home By The Lee was unlucky, we got on the right side. She’s an incredible lady. He’s unbeaten round here, he’s incredible, such a dude.”
They're off in the Paddy Power Stayers' Hurdle!
From the Ryanair Chase to the Paddy Power Stayers' Hurdle. Champion Teahupoo is the favourite in the big race.
Ruby Walsh and Tommy Lyons both found it hard to fully warm to Gordon Elliott’s favourite in their preview on Thursday morning, but does he have a realistic challenger?
Ryanair Chase result:
1: Fact To File (6/4f) - Mark Walsh / Willie Mullins
2: Heart Wood (18/1) - Darragh O'Keeffe / Henry de Bromhead
3: Envoi Allen (12/1) - Rachael Blackmore / Henry de Bromhead
4: Protektorat (5/1) - Harry Skelton / Dan Skelton
A classy run by Fact To File. With Mark Walsh onboard, the Willie Mullins-trained, JP McManus-owned horse wins in impressive fashion.
“He’ll probably be a Gold Cup horse next year, JP (McManus) said he didn’t want him to have a hard race this year,” said trainer Willie Mullins.
Added jockey Walsh: "That was brilliant. That sort of distance suits him because you can let him gallop on and use his jumping. He never missed a beat today - he winged everything."
They're off in the Ryanair!
For Tommy Lyons, Fact To File can bring that A-game Ruby speaks of.
"Fact To File can resume winning ways when he drops in trip for the Grade One Ryanair Chase. Willie Mullins’ horse was an easy winner of the Brown Advisory Novice Chase at this meeting in 2024 and made a winning return to action when taking the John Durkan Memorial at Punchestown.
"In two subsequent runs, he took on Galopin Des Champs in the Savills Chase and the Irish Gold Cup and came up shy on both occasions. His trainer, Willie Mullins, remains convinced he can develop into a Gold Cup contender but, for this year, at least, he is tackling the shorter trip of this race.
"That can prove a prudent decision as King George runner-up Il Est Francais is likely to make it quite a test, and he can sit just behind the pace and pick off the front runner on the long run up the hill to the winning post. Last year’s winner, Protektorat, returned to winning ways in emphatic style by trouncing his rivals in the Fleur De Lys Chase at Windsor, and he can chase the selection home."
And the Ryanair Chase is upon us. The first Grade One of the day goes to post at 3.20pm.
Ruby Walsh gives us the lowdown on the contenders for the Michael O'Leary-sponsored race.
"The first Grade One of the afternoon, the Ryanair Chase, comes up next, and Il Est Francais will guarantee there are no hiding places for those wishing to collect Michael O’Leary’s money.
"James Reveley will allow this game front-running French horse to gallop and jump, and the opposition will have to follow him.
"Last year’s hero, Protektorat, will most likely be the link between him and the chasing pack, but avoiding Galopin Des Champs in tomorrow's Gold Cup hasn't provided Fact To File with a walkover here. The opposition is strong, and Fact To File must bring his A-game to collect.
"I like an outsider for each-way purposes: Jungle Boogie. He ran a blinder to the third-last in last year's Gold Cup but didn't stay. His sole run this season at Ascot was a solid enough effort, and going left-handed suits him better for this lightly raced 11-year-old."
Pertemps Network Final Handicap Hurdle result:
1: Doddiethegreat (25/1) - Brian Hughes / Nicky Henderson
2: Jeriko Du Reponet (11/2f) - Nico de Boinville / Nicky Henderson
3: Catch Him Derry (14/1) - Harry Skelton / Dan Skelton
4: Feet Of A Dancer (15/2) - Sean O'Keeffe / Paul Nolan
5: One Big Bang (14/1) - Alex Chadwick / James Owen
Doddiethegreat wins the Pertemps Network Final Handicap Hurdle!
The horse named after the late, great Scottish rugby player Doddie Weir wins it for trainer Nicky Henderson.
Henderson said: "We all like Doddie; he's named after Doddie Weir and it all goes to the foundation.
"He got the most horrible overreach and spent time up in Ayr. It didn't look like he would get back to a racecourse, but thankfully he did."
Regarding his one-two, the trainer added: "Both of their chasing careers were cut short but both travelled into the race beautifully today. I would like Jeriko to try chasing again."
Hughes added: "Opportunities for me at the Festival have been few and far between but it was lovely to get the chance to ride this horse at Haydock, where he ran really well.
"He has his quirks and has been called a monkey but I think that's harsh, and going over three miles today, he jumped and travelled.
"I think the lack of opportunities for me is because the good horses are not in the main housed in the stables I'm riding for, but I'm not done yet."
And they're off!
Next up is the Pertemps Network Final Handicap Hurdle.
Here's what Ruby had to say about it: "The Pertemps Network Final will lead us into the graded action at 2.40pm, where an argument can be made for a host of horses.
"For some reason, I feel the handicappers have underestimated the juvenile crop from last season, resulting in several well-handicapped five-year-olds. Karl Des Tourelles is one of them, and there is no reason why he hasn't improved in the spring of this year. At the odds, I like him."
Some sad news from Cheltenham as Springwell Bay suffered a fatal injury after a fall in that race.
Jack Richards Handicap Chase result:
1: Caldwell Potter (7/1) - Harry Cobden / Paul Nicholls
2: Anyway (125/1) - Darragh O'Keeffe / D Budds
3: O'Moore Park (66/1) - Sean O'Keeffe / Willie Mullins
"You're a wizard, Harry!" was the shout from the commentary ranks. Caldwell Potter and Harry Cobden produce a classy performance to take the win in the Jack Richards’ Handicap Chase.
It's trainer Paul Nicholls' 50th Cheltenham victory!
“It’s irrelevant what they cost, but we got him right,” said Nicholls.
Added Cobden: "He was very quick, very efficient. You watch him at the ditch at the top of the hill, he half took me on into that. (It was) brilliant, I couldn't be happier.
"He's proved everyone (wrong) and looks cheap now, doesn't he?"
Despite the latest false start, we're underway in the Jack Richards’ Handicap Chase.
Head starter Robbie Supple talks us through the starting process.
"We're trying to be fair to everybody. In our opinion we've had fair starts. OK, maybe not every horse has had as good of a start as they've wanted.
"It's certainly fairer to have them standing in a straight line than strung out with the ones on the inside a couple of lengths in front."
Next up at 2pm is the Jack Richards’ Handicap Chase where Firefox has been backed into 4/1 from 6/1.
Rachael Blackmore dedicates the win to her late cousin, Robert.
“It’s a magical place to be. She was brilliant and did really well and came through lovely. I want to dedicate this win to my cousin Robert who died at the weekend. His funeral was today.
"We have had a quieter two days. I felt like I had been spoiled the last few years but Henry [De Bromhead, Air Of Entitlement’s trainer] does such an incredible job and I am very lucky to be on some of their backs.”
De Bromhead added: “She’s class, she’s (Blackmore) just class. She’s so good around here as we’ve seen for years. We’re delighted to have her. You can’t get to where she has got to and doubt yourself.”
Mares’ Novice Hurdle result:
1: Air Of Entitlement (16/1) - Rachael Blackmore / Henry de Bromhead
2: Sixandahalf (85/40f) - Keith Donoghue / Gavin Cromwell
3: Diva Luna (12/1) - Ben Jones / Ben Pauling
4: Karoline Banbou (10/1) - Mark Walsh / Willie Mullins
It's Air of Entitlement and Rachael Blackmore for Henry de Bromhead!
A 17th Cheltenham win for Blackmore, and a seventh win in-a-row for the Irish, as the pair burst past Keith Donoghue and Sixandahalf right at the death.
Another false start to begin day 3, but we're belatedly off in the first! Maughreen starts the race facing in the wrong direction.
First up on the schedule is the Ryanair Mares’ Novices’ Hurdle at 1.20pm.
Here's Ruby's take on the day 3 opener: "The day kicks off with the Mares’ Novice Hurdle, and Sixandahalf, for Gavin Cromwell and Keith Donoghue, will carry plenty of Irish money.
"She only has one run over hurdles, which doesn't overly concern me because she has plenty of racing experience from the Flat and from bumpers - unlike Maughreen, who will only be having her third career outing.
"The latter will have the largest following in the race and is a mare with a massive engine, but the whole occasion might be a little too much for her today, and I like one at much fancier prices.
"Air Of Entitlement went somewhat under the radar at Christmas, winning the opening race on the British Isles at 11.40 on St Stephen’s Day, but the form of her win is working out well, and I think she has a great each-way shout."
Good new for Jack Kennedy!
Kennedy has been passed fit to ride at Cheltenham today, where he will pilot Karamoja (1.20pm), Firefox (2pm), Patter Merchant (2.40pm) and Teahupoo in the Stayers' Hurdle at 4pm.
Ground update - Jon Pullin, Clerk of the Course, gives an update on the conditions at Cheltenham Racecourse.
Make sure to check in on Enda McEvoy's betting pot in his Mug's Game column. Regardless of winning or losing, he has informed those at the that he intends to carry out his duties from sunnier settings next year.
"Yesterday’s column, you may recall, was filed from Middle Ireland rather than Benidorm. Seems yourselves and meself were among the few poor eejits stuck in this part of the world. knowing a good idea when they see one, despatched a crack operative to the Alicante municipality to give us the lowdown on Cotswolds-on-Benidorm.
"Turns out that for many of the hotels and bars there Cheltenham week is nothing less than “the most lucrative date in the calendar”. There’s even a pub that doubles as a bookie’s and less than an hour after opening on Tuesday morning the betting slips had run out. In another bar across the road a group had been in since 8.30am, six hours before the Supreme Novices Hurdle, to bag the best table.
"Pints for €2. Five-bottle beer buckets for €6.50. Full English breakfasts ranging in size from large to extra extra large. What more could anyone ask for?
"The sports editor is hereby notified that next year’s Cheltenham betting column will be filed from Benidorm rather than Middle Ireland.*"
Messrs Walsh and Lyons are up again, video previewing the day's action. Neither are overly convinced by Teahupoo, but does he have a realistic challenger?
Again, both Irish Examiner racing correspondent Tommy Lyons and racing editor Darren Norris give us their tips for day three in the Cotswolds.
After a day 2 full of emotion, we head for day 3 of the Cheltenham Festival. Wins for both Marine Nationale and Jazzy Matty on Wednesday, two years on from Michael O'Sullivan's wins aboard them, made for some special moments of poignancy around the racecourse and beyond.
Ruby Walsh summed up Wednesday's happenings in his column this morning.
"Wednesday was Marine Nationale’s day. What a result it was for Barry Connell and for Sean Flanagan, and with Jazzy Matty winning 40 minutes later, how remarkably poignant that both could win two years after being ridden to victory here by Michael O’Sullivan.
"The first race, the Turners’ Novice Hurdle, was a terrific race. The New Lion was given a great ride by Harry Skelton, and I thought Jack and Paul were very good in that race as well. Lecky Watson won the Brown Advisory well for Sean O’Keeffe, but Ballyburn was disappointing. He didn’t jump well enough and was too keen, and I’m sure Paul would love another go on him.
"What a training performance by Willie to win the Coral Cup with Jimmy Du Seuil, who had been off the track for more than 10 months.
"And I have to mention Jody winning the Bumper – what a star she is!"
