Festival news
Britain so close to outright victory in Prestbury Cup
Jonjo O’Neill jnr and Early Doors earn a tie for Ireland
IT WAS tight in the battle for the Prestbury Cup at The Festival TM presented by Magners last year but in the end honours were even between British and Irish trainers with 14 winners apiece. After Ireland’s runaway victories in the two preceding years it looked as though they might continue their spree after landing the opening contests through Klassical Dream and Duc Des Genievres. However, the British team battled back with Beware The Bear and, although Ireland shaded it 4-3 on each of the first two days, they never opened up a clear lead. The victories of Defi Du Seuil, Frodon, Paisley Park and Siruh Du Lac on Thursday meant the two sides went into the final day with the British forces just a winner behind, and after the Friday victories of Pentland Hills and
Ch’tibello they were ahead for the first time all week as they chased a first outright success since 2015. That set up a dramatic climax, with first Ireland striking back through Minella Indo and Al Boum Photo and then Britain nosing ahead again thanks to Hazel Hill and Croco Bay. So it all came down to the Martin Pipe Conditional Jockeys’ Handicap Hurdle, with 16 Brits and eight representing Ireland, including the favourite, Dallas Des Pictons, trained by Gordon Elliott. He almost made it, but had to give way on the run-in to market rival Early Doors, carrying the famous silks of JP McManus and trained by Joseph O’Brien in Piltown, County Kilkenny. Where will the balance of power lie this year? Looks like it’s too close to call.
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McCoy,Walsh and Lavelle at star-studded Centaur preview
JOIN us in The Centaur at Cheltenham Racecourse on Sunday, March 8 for the annual Festival Preview evening when our panel will give their views on The Festival TM presented by Magners just days before the start of the Four Days Of Extraordinary. The panel of experts will be hosted by Cornelius Lysaght (left) and guests will include 20-time champion jockey Sir Anthony McCoy, Cheltenham jockey legend and
presenter on ITV Racing Ruby Walsh, Festival-winning trainer Emma Lavelle and Paddy Power. Doors open at 6.15pm, with the preview starting at 7pm and concluding at around 9.30pm. The panel will discuss all the feature races of The Festival 2020. Annual members get in for free and tickets
can also be booked online from £8. Go to cheltenham.co.uk for tickets
March 2020 The Festival 63
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