THE APRIL MEET 19-20 APRIL 2023
The Festival might be over for another year, but at Cheltenham’s April Meeting there is still plenty to play for, plus two days of top-class racing… THE APRIL MEETING
R acing’s feverish nature rarely allows fans time to pause and things are no different when it comes to the switch from the excitement of the Jumps campaign to the thrills of the Flat season. Indeed, by the time The April Meeting arrives on Wednesday 19 April next year, the first Classic of the season will be little more than two weeks away. There is still plenty to play for, however, and this is the time of year when titles can be won or lost, as we saw in 2021 when the thrilling jockey’s title race between Brian Hughes and Harry Skelton went down to the wire. There are subtle differences to the major spring festivals and you can expect a much more relaxed atmosphere around the Grandstand. But, while the spring sunshine often gives The April Meeting a different feel to other fixtures at Cheltenham, the competition is just as fierce. And although The April Meeting does not command the same coverage or attention as
The Festival itself, a winner at the Home of Jump Racing is no less rewarding to those who succeed there. Ask jockey Charlie Todd, who revealed his delight after victory in the Grade Three Junior Jumpers Membership Fillies’ Juvenile Handicap Hurdle. It had been a week to remember for Todd, who was fresh from his first Graded winner at Aintree just days before. And success at Jumps HQ on Malakahna saw him ride out his claim on Cheltenham’s hallowed turf, a feat he described to trainer Ian Williams as eclipsing one of life’s most significant milestones. Williams explains: “Charlie said to me that losing his claim was better than losing his virginity! He didn’t say that to you, but honestly, that’s what he said: ‘Boss, that’s better than losing my virginity.’ “He’s had a big week and I wish him the best of luck moving forwards.”
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