THE F E S T I VAL™ 15-18 MARCH 2022
The roar of the crowd returns for an action-packed first day of The Festival™ with a seven-race card that looks set to start proceedings in style with four Grade One races DAY THREE FOUR TW ONE
A s any racing fanwill tell you, the countdown to The Festival™ is one like no other and this year those lucky enough to have tickets have good reason to be excited. Covid-19 meant the 2021 Cheltenham Festival was staged behind closed doors, andwhile the drama played out in front of eerily quiet grandstands 12 months ago, the roar thatwill greet the tape going up for the first race on Tuesday 15 Marchwill be heard far andwide. Day one of Jump racing’s ‘Olympics’ begins in style, with four Grade One contests across the seven-race card. The feature race is the Unibet Champion Hurdle, a two-mile contest and the first of five ‘Championship’ races to take place over the four days. The ultimate test of speed, the Champion Hurdle boasts an impressive roll of honour: Hardy Eustace, Hurricane Fly, See You Then, Sea Pigeon, Hatton’s Grace, Night Nurse, Monksfield – the list really is exhaustive. Last year’s renewal saw a newname on the trophy in the unbeaten Honeysuckle, who notched a scarcely believable 11th straight victory under Rules when striking for Henry de Bromhead and Rachael
Honeysuckle never ceases to amaze me. I’m not saying I would have predicted that but she is an incredible mare.” Run over the same distance as the Unibet Champion Hurdle, the Sky Bet Supreme Novices’ Hurdle is a race that regularly produces a star of the future. Last year’s winner, Appreciate It, is no different and is considered one of the main dangers to Honeysuckle’s bid for sporting history. The Sporting Life Arkle Challenge Trophy Steeple Chase regularly serves as an express route to the following year’s Betway Queen Mother Champion Chase, which last year’s Arklewinner, Shishkin, will be hoping to prove onWednesday. The final Grade One contest of the day is renowned for producing sporting drama. The Close Brothers Mares’ Hurdle made headlines in 2015 when Annie Power’s fall at the final flight denied punters a pay-out thatwould have cost bookmakers in the region of £50million. One final flight spill at The Festival™ is enough for any of us, but in the same colours of Rich Ricci and representing trainerWillie Mullins, RubyWalsh parted companywith Benie Des Dieux in almost identical circumstances four years later.
Blackmore – who bothwent on to enjoy huge success throughout theweek. Honeysuckle’s unbeaten run now stands at 14 and the eight-year-old has not only established herself as one of the finest hurdlers this century but as a household name too. This year shewill bid to join an elite club of just 15 horses to havewon the race more than once. The fact that Honeysuckle became only the sixth mare towin the Champion Hurdle last year just adds to the magic, andwhen speaking after the race 12 months ago, trainer de Bromhead could barely hide his delight. He said: “It’s amazing. Rachael is as good as any of them. Male, female – she is as good as any of the guys. I’m ecstatic with the result but I’m delighted for them. “HONEYSUCKLE HAS NOTONLY ESTABLISHED HERSELFASONE OFTHE FINEST HURDLERS BUT ASAHOUSEHOLD NAMETOO”
22 THE F E S T I VAL TM PREV I EW MAGAZ I NE
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