Welcome to the 2022/23 Season
What is everyone looking forward to in the next few months? For me it is simple. It’s seeing the current crop of chasing stars venture back out on to the track, one by one, as they commence their pathway towards the crown jewels of the sport, right here at Cheltenham. I love the way season unfolds and there is genuine excitement in my soul, as I hear through the grapevine that “this horse” is likely to start here or “that horse” could potentially head there. Some trainers naturally re-introduce their horses quietly, but this is just not possible with the heavyweight chasers. They are forced into the limelight, there is no hiding for these giants. I do like it though that trainers are often creatures of habit. What are the chances that the Tizzards will release their stable stars at Exeter on Haldon Gold Cup Day? On that note, watch out for War Lord who has allegedly progressed nicely since his novice season last year. Could he the next Native River or Cue Card? In Ireland the big guns start to appear at Down Royal at the start of November in the Ladbrokes Champion Chase, a race won last year by crowd favourite
Frodon and in years gone past by Gold Cup winners, Don Cossack and Kauto Star. The legend, Kauto Star has his name on the trophy of the first Grade 1 Jumps race in the UK as well, the Betfair Chase at Haydock, where last year’s Gold Cup winner, A Plus Tard, under Rachel Blackmore, advertised his ability in no uncertain terms demolishing the opposition, much like he did the Boodles Cheltenham Gold Cup in March. I’ve never felt more sure that a Gold Cup winner will go back-to-back as I am this year, despite many people promoting the merits of the dashing Gallopin Des Champs, who’s fall broke hearts a plenty last year in the Turners Novice Chase with the race seemingly at his mercy. But how interesting would it be if Allaho was given a chance over the extra half mile? What an occasion that would be. Just imagining it gets my heart racing. Whatever it is you are looking forward to in the months ahead, I hope you derive as much enjoyment out of it, as I know I will.
Andre Klein Customer Experience and Community Engagement Project Manager Cheltenham Racecourse
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