Cheltenham Festival Preview Magazine 2024

100 YEARS OF HEROES CHELTENHAM FESTIVAL PREVIEW MAGAZINE 2024

FEATURE THE CENTENARY RESTAURANT

WE L C OM E

E ach year it seems to come around quicker and quicker, but the excitement

on a tour of some of Cheltenham’s most-loved

public houses. Within this magazine, you can learn more about the history of this special race as we look back over some of the Golden years. Harry Cobden is having

continues to get greater. The Cheltenham Festival is almost upon us, and we are looking forward to welcoming almost 250,000 of you to the racecourse from 12-15 March. This year’s Preview Magazine is packed with stories and features from across the racing world, including interviews with jockeys and trainers as well as plenty of lifestyle features and guides to keep you in the know for your visit to the Home of Jump Racing. This year’s Cheltenham Festival is a very special one, as it marks the 100th anniversary of the Gold Cup, with the iconic race staged for the first time in 1924, when won by Red Splash. Since then, we’ve seen a raft of remarkable winners of the sport’s blue riband event with the likes of Easter Hero, Cottage Rake, Arkle, Best Mate, Dawn Run, Desert Orchid and Kauto Star all leaving a lasting impression in the memories of racing fans across the globe. Over the last 12 months the Gold Cup has been on a journey across the UK, Ireland and France, giving thousands of people the opportunity to get up close and personal with the historic trophy while also learning about its incredible history. It has made appearances on the BBC Breakfast Sofa, in several schools, community centres and racecourses across the country and has even been

a stellar season and has put himself in an extremely strong position to be Champion Jockey for the first time. Graham Clark caught

up with Harry to discuss his Cheltenham Festival rides and to find out what being Champion Jockey would mean to him. Lifestyle is also very much on the agenda and throughout the magazine you’ll be able to find pieces about the best places to go for food and drink on the racecourse, as well as a great guide to all of the things you simply have to experience while enjoying a day at Cheltenham Racecourse. As always, the whole team want to thank you for supporting us throughout the year and for these magical four days in March. We are very excited to be welcoming you to the Home of Jump Racing to hear that famous roar once more. Until then,

IAN RENTON

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C O N T E N T S

6 PLAN YOUR DAY What each day of the Cheltenham Festival has in store 9 A SEASON TO SAVOUR We talk to Gavin Cromwell about the great season he’s had and his aspirations for this year’s festival 13 100 YEARS OF HEROES On the centenary of the Gold Cup, we recall its history, its winners and all the glorious moments of the last century 18 LUCKY STARS Revered jeweller Boodles unveils its new collection to celebrate 100 years of the Cheltenham Gold Cup 22 CHELTENHAM FESTIVAL We look back at the history of racing at Cheltenham since 1815 as we kick off four days of exhilarating competition at the Home of Jump Racing

37 STYLE WEDNESDAY This year’s festival promises a fusion of fast horses and slow fashion in a celebration like no other 38 FOOD AND DRINK AT THE CHELTENHAM FESTIVAL Savour everything that’s on offer to whet your appetite and quell your thirst 40 HORSE WELFARE Learn about the innovation and progress being driven forward to take good care of horses bred for racing 41 ONLY THE BEST Harry Cobden reveals a strong focus on quality as he chases his first championship 44 HOLLAND COOPER Catch up with Jump racing’s finest and special guests at a special preview event

46 CRAMBO AND DYSART ENOS We talk to Fergal O’Brien, whose successful career could be set to rise to a new level at this year’s festival 49 THE PREVIEW SHOW Don’t forget to join Aly Vance, Martin Kelly and Hayley Moore for the Raceday Preview Show 50 THE CENTENARY RESTAURANT Prepare to be amazed by this once-in- a-lifetime hospitality experience at the Cheltenham Festival 53 THE ORCHARD Another dimension of entertainment away from the racetrack that this year promises to be better than ever

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RICHARD WOOLLIAMS Managing Director CHRISTINE BLACKFORD Finance Director GARETH EVANS Creative Director FERGUS MCSHANE Editorial Director OWEN MORAN Art Editor ROBYN BARR Digital Media Manager

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FEATURE PLAN YOUR DAY

THROUGHOUT THE CHELTENHAM FESTIVAL

PLAN YOUR DAY The 2024 Cheltenham Festival promises more exhilarating jump racing as we celebrate 100 golden years of the sport’s most prestigious prize AT THE CHELTENHAM FESTIVAL

THURSDAY – ST PATRICK’S THURSDAY 12.55pm – The opening moment with Celtic Feet to commence the St Patrick’s Thursday race card featuring two championship races. Celtic Feet Prepare to be captivated by the movement of the fabulous Celtic Feet , who will performing Irish dancing at 11.15am and 12pm at the Plaza. The Guiness Village Enjoy the craic on St Patrick’s Thursday in the Guiness Village and check out The Lucky 15’s on stage throughout the day. Quevega’s Stage Who doesn’t love a little boogie in the middle of a day’s racing? Esther Turner will be on Quevega’s Stage throughout the day - the perfect way to celebrate a winning bet. Best Mate Pavilion The ever-popular LAMPA will be entertaining racegoers throughout the day. The Centaur Continue the party and keep craic flowing with LAMPA in The Centaur after racing.

THE PREVIEW SHOW Tuesday -12.15pm and Wednesday – Friday 12.25pm Join our Raceday presenting team, Aly Vance, Martin Kelly and Hayley Moore as they chat to special guests giving valuable insight and exclusive information ahead of the day’s racing. THE ORCHARD The Orchard, the must visit destination at the Cheltenham Festival, an oasis of luxury brands with Andy Lemay spinning the decks all afternoon. To find out more about The Orchard see page 55 and 56. THE SHOPPING VILLAGE The shopping experience at the Cheltenham Festival offers an ideal opportunity to explore a diverse

W hether this is your first visit to day, so you don’t miss a minute of the action on and off the track. Cheltenham Racecourse TV will guide you through your day, from showcasing activity around the racecourse to bringing you a step closer to the racing action. There will be live action Cheltenham Racecourse, or you are a seasoned Festival goer, find out how to make the most of your

WEDNESDAY – STYLE WEDNESDAY Slow Fashion Style Awards The Slow Fashion awards celebrate vintage and borrowed items, as well as investment pieces that can be passed down through generations. It is a chance to showcase your unique and personal style, and to share the stories behind their amazing outfits with friends, family and on social media. The awards will be open from 10:30am until 2:30pm to all racegoers. Visit our Style Pod in the Plaza during this time and have your photo taken from one of our official team. We can’t wait to see the incredible fashion on display! 12.55pm – The opening moment with Laura Wright to start Style Wednesday – a day of fast horses and slow fashion. The Guiness Village Enjoy the craic in the Guiness Village and check out LAMPA on stage throughout the day. Quevega’s Stage Who doesn’t love a little boogie in the middle of a day’s racing? Esther Turner will be on Quevega’s Stage throughout the day - the perfect way to celebrate a winning bet. Best Mate Pavilion Tommy & the Fuse will be entertaining racegoers throughout the day. The Centaur

from our Raceday Presenting team in the Winners’ Enclosure from when gates open.

range of products with something to suit every taste and budget. From fabulous fashion and millinery to amazing art, there are 58 wonderful brands to shop. THE FEED ROOM

TUESDAY – CHAMPION DAY 12.52pm – The opening moment with ESCALA sets the scene as we embark on a week of action on racing’s greatest stage. The Guiness Village Enjoy the craic in the Guiness Village and check out LAMPA on stage throughout the day. Quevega’s Stage Who doesn’t love a little boogie in the middle of a day’s racing? Tommy Lewis will be on Quevega’s Stage throughout the day - the perfect way to celebrate a winning bet. Best Mate Pavilion

FRIDAY – GOLD CUP DAY The Gold Cup Opening Ceremony

12.25pm - Join in the celebration of 100 years of the Cheltenham Gold Cup with Symphonic Ibiza and legends of the Cheltenham Gold Cup. The Guiness Village Enjoy the craic in the Guiness Village and check out The Lucky 15’s on stage throughout the day. Quevega’s Stage Who doesn’t love a little boogie in the middle of a day’s racing? Tommy Lewis will be on Quevega’s Stage throughout the day - the perfect way to celebrate a winning bet. Best Mate Pavilion Legendary local band The Chip Shop Boys will be entertaining racegoers throughout the day. The Centaur The Chip Shop Boys will keep the party going and bring the curtains down on the 2024 Cheltenham Festival.

The Feed Room is brand new for the Cheltenham Festival 2024, so go in and enjoy the delicious food, whilst The Hipcats provide the entertainment throughout the day. HALL OF FAME Immerse yourself in the celebration of 100 golden years of the Boodles Cheltenham Gold Cup in the Hall of Fame. There are fun facts you never knew and amazing artifacts that showcase our great race.

Cheltenham’s favourite, The Wickermen will be entertaining racegoers throughout the day. The Centaur Finish your day of exhilarating racing action and electrifying entertainment, dancing to The Wickermen in The Centaur.

None other than Vogue Williams will be keeping the party going after racing, as she spins the tunes, to finish a fabulous day of racing and style.

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A SEASON TO S A V O U R

Cromwell hoping fine season continues at the Cheltenham Festival

W ith strings to make most envious, it is going to take an almighty effort to stop Willie Mullins and Gordon Elliott dominating this year’s Cheltenham Festival, but fellow Irish trainer Gavin Cromwell hopes he can get in on the act after a season to savour at the Home of Jump Racing. Since the tapes went up for the opening race at the Showcase Meeting in October, only Nicky Henderson has matched the County Meath handler’s total of seven winners at the iconic track ahead of what promises to be four pulsating days of racing at the Cheltenham Festival. Plenty of attention will be given to the battalions representing the powerhouse yards of

Mullins and Elliott making the journey across the Irish Sea to compete at Jump racing’s equivalent of the Olympics with their abundance of talent. And while Cromwell acknowledges that racing at the Cheltenham Festival will represent a very different challenge for his team compared to previous meetings at the track this season, he is optimistic he still has an ace or two up his sleeve. Cromwell, reflecting on his season so far at Cheltenham, said: “We saw a couple of novice chase races there in October that we thought were good opportunities and it really just grew on the back of that to be honest, and we just kept on going back.

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FEATURE GAVIN CROMWELL

we were going there to gain some experience, build on it and go back there the following year. It looked to be a very good renewal of the Champion Hurdle as we had Apple’s Jade, Laurina and Buveur D’Air in there. “It was a complete shock when he passed the post in front and there is no other word for it. It is hard to put into words what it feels like walking back in after winning a race like the Champion Hurdle, as it is very unique. “Winning a championship race like that with Espoir D’Allen took my career to another level.” As much as Espoir D’Allen did wonders for Cromwell’s career, it has arguably been the exploits of Flooring Porter that have really helped thrust his name into the limelight following back-to-back triumphs in the Paddy Power Stayers’ Hurdle in 2021 and 2022. And the popular nine-year-old, who made a winning debut over fences at Cheltenham in October, will spearhead Cromwell’s team again after receiving entries in the Paddy Power Stayers’ Hurdle and National Hunt Chase.

“It is a wonderful experience for owners to have a runner at Cheltenham, let alone to have a winner. It doesn’t have to be at the Festival either to give an owner a runner there, as there is a wonderful atmosphere for all of the meetings and they thoroughly enjoy it, as do I. “I certainly didn’t predict the number of winners we have had at Cheltenham this season and it has been great, but fingers crossed we are not done yet. The Festival is a totally different scenario. It is nice that we have experienced seven winners there so far this season, but this is a totally different ball game.” While Cromwell is naturally excited about this year’s Cheltenham Festival, given the season he has enjoyed at the track, he still harbours fond memories of the day he secured his breakthrough success at the meeting back with Espoir D’Allen in the 2019 Unibet Champion Hurdle. Cromwell said: “As he was a 16-1 chance, we can’t say we fancied him to win, but we thought he would run a big race, so I was thrilled when he won and it was simply amazing. I thought

“It is a wonderful experience for owners to have a runner at Cheltenham, let alone to have a winner”

more likely to head to the Ultima [Handicap Chase]. He is not going to get a small field this time like when he won at Cheltenham last time, but he will have the blinkers on and hopefully that will help. If he puts his best foot forward he has an each-way chance. “I suppose My Mate Mozzie would have to outrun his mark considerably to be winning an Arkle, so it probably makes more sense to go in the Grand Annual, but he wants nice ground. “He runs well fresh – we are very conscious of that – so it was always the plan to freshen him up for the Festival. I’m not saying he is thrown in, but he looks to be on a reasonable mark. Dinoblue will take a lot of beating in the Mares’ Chase, but Brides Hill and Limerick Lace are good mares in their own right. “You would have to give them each-way chances if they show up, but Brides Hill wouldn’t want it too soft, whereas Limerick Lace would prefer ease in the ground.” While Cromwell has rightly taken plenty of plaudits, he believes that much of the success he has enjoyed at the track this season has been down to the expert rides many of his runners have benefited from with jockey Keith Donoghue. He added: “Keith is a very good rider and he always has been. He is a very good horseman and I’m lucky to have him. He is coming of age now and he has plenty of experience. Hopefully, we can cap a good season at Cheltenham off with a Festival winner.

Cromwell said: “The first day Flooring Porter won there was during Covid and it was unfortunate that the owners couldn’t be there, but it was still amazing to win a Stayers’ Hurdle. To go back the next year and do it again with everybody fresh out of Covid restrictions meant there was such a good buzz. It was fantastic for everybody. “It was great to see Flooring Porter get his head in front again at Cheltenham earlier this season on his debut over fences. He went to Punchestown the next day after winning at Cheltenham, which for him was going the wrong way round going right-handed, as he is just not as effective going that way. “Unfortunately, there was a faller early on and the loose horse went up on his outside. He ran quite well to finish third, as he ran with the choke out for the majority of the race and he was following the loose horse out to the left, so it was far from ideal. “We went to Leopardstown at Christmas and he ran a good race, but he was no match for Grangeclere West. He knows his way around Cheltenham and I don’t think the trip in the National Hunt Chase will be a problem. He is a dour stayer as we saw the last time he ran at Cheltenham. He still has the Stayers’ Hurdle entry and I wouldn’t completely rule that out, but we won’t make a decision until we have to.”

Given what Flooring Porter has already achieved, it would be hard for any of his stablemates to take the limelight away from him should he win at the meeting again. However, in Stumptown, My Mate Mozzie and talented mares Brides Hill and Limerick Lace, Cromwell has assembled a strong supporting cast.

“All in all, I’m delighted with the team that we have and we should have six to eight runners, which will be great. “Flooring Porter would be the best chance of a winner and it would be great if he could give us all another big day again.”

Cromwell said: “Stumptown was beaten by a neck in the Kim Muir last season, but I would say he is

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FEATURE THE CENTENARY RESTAURANT

Gifts | Trophies | Awards

100 YEARS OF HEROES

Celebrating the Gold Cup Centenary as the official

Trophy Supplier to Cheltenham Racecourse

01892 752211 inkerman.co.uk @inkermanlondon.co.uk

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1986 The mare Dawn Run wins the Cup, becoming the first horse to win the Champion Hurdle and the Gold Cup.

1983 Famous Five! Michael Dickinson trains the first five horses home in the Gold Cup. Bregawn wins, followed by Captain John, Wayward Lad, Silver Buck and Ashley House.

1997 Sir Anthony McCoy wins the Gold Cup for the first time with Mr Mulligan. He wins again with Synchronised in 2012.

1990

1994

1989

Norton’s Coin, a 100-1 shot, becomes the longest priced winner.

The Fellow, trained by Francois Doumen and ridden by Adam Kondrat, becomes the only French trained winner.

Desert “Dessie” Orchid, one of the most popular

1984 Jenny Pitman is the first female to train the winner when Burrough Hill Lad

steeplechasers in the history of racing wins the Cup.

2001

1980

KEY

EARS HEROES Foot and Mouth cancels the Gold Cup. 2009 Kauto Star becomes the first horse to re-gain the Gold Cup after losing out in 2008 to his stablemate, Denman. 2002-2004 Best Mate, in the colours of Jim Lewis, wins three Gold Cups in succession. 2018 The original Gold Cup trophy won by Red Splash returns to Cheltenham Racecourse and will now be forever used as a perpetual trophy.

Tied Cottage is first past the post but is disqualified. The race is awarded to Master Smudge.

succeeds. Linda Sheedy is also the first female

FENCE WATER

to ride in the race aboard Foxbury.

1970

1970-1971

The Dikler runs in the first of his seven Gold Cups.

L’Escargot wins the first two Gold Cups of the 1970s. He goes on to win the Grand National in 1975.

He wins in 1973.

THE

1964-1966

HISTORY GOLD CUP FIRST RUN IN 1924, OF THE

1959 The Gold Cup is run on the New Course for the first time. Arkle, who remains the highest rated steeplechaser of all time wins three Gold Cups in succession, for trainer Tom Dreaper and jockey Pat Taaffe.

2019 Trainer Willie Mullins wins the Gold Cup after being runner up on six occasions. Al Boum Photo wins and wins again in 2020. 2021

1948-1950 Cottage Rake, trained by Vincent O’Brien and ridden by Aubrey “The Brab” Brabazon wins three Gold Cups in succession.

2022

THE BOODLES CHELTENHAM

Rachael Blackmore becomes the first female to win a Gold Cup on A Plus Tard.

GOLD CUP IS FIRMLY ESTABLISHED AS THE CHAMPIONSHIP RACE FOR STEEPLECHASING. IT IS THE ONE EVERYONE WANTS TO WIN...

The Festival and the Gold Cup is run behind closed doors due to Coronavirus.

3m 2f THE START

2023

1937

1931 The Gold Cup is abandoned due to frost.

1925

Paul Townend wins his third Gold Cup aboard Galopin des Champs.

1932-1936 Golden Miller wins an incredible five Gold Cups in succession. In 1936 he becomes the only horse to win a Gold Cup and the Grand National in the same year.

1924 Mr FH Cathcart, the Chairman of the Cheltenham Executive, introduces a new race, the Gold Cup. The inaugural running is won by Red Splash.

1947 Fortina becomes the only stallion to win the Gold Cup. He later sires two winners of the race, Fort Leney and Glencaraig Lady.

The Gold Cup is lost to flooding. 1943 -1944 No Gold Cup is staged due to World War II.

Ballinode “The Sligo Mare” is the first Irish-trained winner of the Gold Cup ridden by Ted Leader.

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1929-1930

Easter Hero, trained by Jack Anthony, becomes the first horse to win back-to- back Gold Cups.

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FEATURE THE CENTENARY RESTAURANT

100 YEARS OF THE CHELTENHAM GOLD CUP

GOLDEN MOMENTS FROM THE LAST CENTURY

The first running of this famous steeplechase was in 1924. Over the course of the last one hundred years, it has evolved to become the race that every owner, trainer and jockey wants to win. Every March on the final day of Cheltenham Festival, around 70,000 racing fans head to Cheltenham to watch the race live, whilst millions more watch the action unfold on TV. Winning the Cheltenham Gold Cup guarantees a place in the history books. It is the race that makes legends out of humans and horses and ensures they secure a place in racing folklore.

With so many legendary moments it’s hard to pick a favourite. Here’s five that got everyone talking…

best steeplechaser of all time and probably the greatest Gold Cup winner. He was ridden to all his wins by Pat Taaffe and trained by Tom Dreaper. His owner was the Duchess of Westminster who named her famous horse after a mountain in Scotland.

Kauto Star won a special bonus of £1 million when he won his first Gold Cup in 2007 because he had won all five of the biggest steeplechases in England that season. Defending his title in 2008, he took on his stablemate, an emerging star called Denman and there was sensation when Denman won. When they met again in 2009 the world was watching. The end result was Kauto Star became the first and only horse in over 35 attempts to regain the Gold Cup crown after losing it.

GOLD CUP FACTS

14. Although the Gold Cup is a century old it has not been run 100 times! There was no race in 1931 due to frost. In 1937 it was lost to flooding and snow. There was no race in 1943 and 1944 because of World War 2. In 2001 there was no race because of an outbreak of Foot and Mouth disease.

Cheltenham Racecourse is a left-handed track. This means that the horses run anti-clockwise. Norton’s Coin caused the biggest Gold Cup surprise of all time when he won in 1990 at the odds of 100-1.

The Gold Cup is run over 3 miles and 2 furlongs.

1. GOLDEN MILLER – FIVE TIMES A CHAMPION

Not every horse in the Gold Cup carries the same weight. 5-year-olds carry 11 stone 6 (73.6kg), horses that are six and over carry 11 stone and 10 pounds (74.5kg). Mares are given an allowance of 7lb (3kg), which means female horses are allowed to carry 3kg less than males.

10. Five people have both ridden and

trained the winner of the Gold Cup. Pat Taaffe rode Arkle (1964, 1965, 1966 and 1967) and trained Captain Christy (1974), Jonjo O’Neill rode both Alverton (1979) and Dawn Run (1986) and trained Synchronised (2012). Jim Culloty rode Best Mate (2002, 2003 and 2004) and trained Lord Windermere (2014). Fred Winter rode Saffron Tartan (1961) and Mandarin (1962) and trained Midnight Court (1978) and Danny Morgan rode Morse Code (1938) and trained Roddy Owen (1959). 11. The first woman to train a Gold Cup winner was Jenny Pitman. She trained Burrough Hill Lad to win in 1984 and secured a second victory with Garrison Savannah ridden by her son, Mark in 1991. Jenny was also the first woman to train a Grand National winner, when Corbiere won in 1993. 12. The most successful trainer in the Gold Cup is Tom Dreaper, who won the race on five occasions. He won his first in 1946 with Prince Regent and his last with Fort Leney in 1968. In between came the three time winner, legend Arkle who won in 1964, 1965 and 1966.

Golden Miller won the Gold Cup an incredible five times between 1932 and 1936 and remains the only horse to have won the Grand National and the Gold Cup in the same year. His wins came when England was in the middle of economic depression. Interestingly, horseracing was at its most popular during these years and Golden Miller became a household hero and had millions of fans adore him.

3. BEST MATE

Best Mate won three Gold Cups in succession (2002, 2003 and 2004) and became known as one of the best loved horses in the history of jump racing. He was trained by Henrietta Knight and owned by Jim Lewis. Jim Lewis was a chairman of Aston Villa Football Club and his jockey colours reflected this passion. His riders wore claret and blue like his football team. Best Mate was ridden to victory by Jim Culloty on all three occasions. Ten years after Best Mate’s final win, Jim trained Lord Windermere to win the 2014 Gold Cup.

5. RACHAEL BLACKMORE - HISTORYMAKER

15. Irish trainers have won 29 Gold Cups between them, whilst the British have landed 64. France has a solitary victory; The Fellow in 1994. No Scottish-based trainer has ever won the Gold Cup.

The Gold Cup has been won by some of the most famous jockeys of all time. Sir Anthony McCoy, Ruby Walsh and Richard Johnson are a few modern day heroes with their names on the Honours Roll but the success of Rachael Blackmore on A Plus Tard in 2022 created more excitement than all of them put together because she was the first female rider to win the race. The win came nearly a year after she was the first female to win the Grand National. The Festival of 2021 was an amazing one for Rachael as she won five Grade 1s including the Champion Hurdle on Honeysuckle.

There are 22 fences in the Gold Cup.

Horses running in the Gold Cup need to be 5-years-old or older.

2. MILL HOUSE AND THE LEGENDARY ARKLE

The connections of the 2023 Gold Cup winner, Galopin Des Champs earned £351,687 as a result of their horse’s success. Prize money is paid out down to eighth place in the Gold Cup. The Gold Cup Trophy is made of 9 carat gold but is plated with 18 carat gold to make it shine. It is designed on a sugar bowl! Only four mares (female horses) have won the Gold Cup. Ballinode was the first in 1925, Kerstin in 1958, Glencaraig Lady in 1972 and Dawn Run in 1986.

Perhaps the most famous racecourse battle took place in the Gold Cup of 1964 when Mill House, the previous year’s winner and the recognised Champion of England lined up against the Irish-trained, Arkle, who arrived at Cheltenham with a huge reputation. The newspapers fuelled public excitement carrying pages of previews and predictions about who would win. After a terrific neck and neck battle Arkle pulled away to win causing huge Irish celebrations in the grandstand. He went on to win the next two Gold Cups and is now rated the

INTERESTING FACT: The original race for a "Gold Cup" was run on a track on Cleeve Hill above the racecourse. Archaeologists have just discovered the footings of first grandstand.

SCAN HERE

13. The longest winning margin for a

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4. KAUTO STAR V DENMAN

Gold Cup was achieved by Arkle. The Champions third victory was a massive 30-lengths. It wasn’t an unexpected victory. He was also the shortest priced ever winner as the 1-10 favourite. This means you would have had to bet £10 on him to win just £1!

Trainer Paul Nicholls has had nearly 50 Festival winners but his favourite memories will no doubt be those associated with two amazing horses: Kauto Star and Denman.

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FEATURE BOODLES

Boodles style to create something extraordinary. Stylised horseshoes in diamond-set platinum effortlessly convey the energy of horses in motion; in some, droplets of water fly from the hoof, encapsulated in sculptural form. Working with renowned Boodles designer Rebecca Hawkins, the team drew inspiration from horses in sport, using sketches to express the strong, equine shape in a few lines, to develop concepts that capture a singular, defining moment, speaking both to the beauty and power of racehorses in full flight. Earrings are inspired by fields of runners charging through water, with diamond splashes beneath a central stone, while stunning pendants hang from bespoke chains that have ‘water droplets’ running through them. Even the static bangle is alive with movement, placing four hooves together as prints in the turf. The collection’s crowning glory is undoubtedly its iconic leaping horse necklace. A limited edition of only five pieces, the design has been crafted with a spectacular pink diamond in just one. The proceeds of the sale of this universally unique piece will go towards two charities close to the hearts of both Boodles and Cheltenham alike, WellChild and HEROS. Through a nationwide network of WellChild Nurses, home and garden transformation projects, and family information, training and support programmes, WellChild makes it possible for children and young people with complex health needs to be cared for at home instead of hospital, wherever possible. Operating since 2006, HEROS began as a dedicated charity for the rehoming and

LUCKY STARS To celebrate the centenary of the Cheltenham Gold Cup, the Boodles team invites you to join them in the launch of their new collection. There is no better place than the Cheltenham Festival to unveil 2024’s most exciting, equine-inspired luxury jewellery, and no better name than Lucky

I n the year that Red Splash won the inaugural Cheltenham Gold Cup, the art deco movement was reaching the height of its popularity, manifesting across a broad spectrum of visual arts, from architecture and painting to graphics and sculpture. Representing the pinnacle of luxury, glamour and the very essence of modernity, the style transcended international and cultural

fabric, its soul comes straight from the horses themselves. A truly original take on a muse that is as old as the hills, Lucky timelessly honours the undisputed spirit of beauty, power and grace. Skilfully calling on the 1920s venerated sculptural signatures, young British jewellery designer Hannah Davies has harnessed the wild energy of the horse into a quintessentially

boundaries and has withstood the test of time, making it as relevant to the designs of today as those of more than 100 years ago. Yet, long before, since time immemorial, unconstrained by fashion or society, the equine form has inspired artists and romantics from every corner of the world. So it is that in this collection the true inspiration is clear. While whisps of stylised structure remain in its

“Stylised horseshoes in diamond-set platinum convey horses in motion”

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FEATURE BOODLES

THE WORLD’S FIRST SUPERTOURER

“The Lucky collection will resonate with equestrians of all disciplines”

range of Boodles jewellery will be available for clients new and old to enjoy. The family will look forward to catching up with clients they see exclusively at the Cheltenham Festival and hosting many in their box on Gold Cup day itself. The Lucky collection will resonate with equestrians of all disciplines and appeal to any admirers of the famous Boodles Raindance design. Like members of a family, resemblances are many and welcome. These tiny sculptures certainly do justice to their muses and their creators and will undoubtedly capture the imagination of the Cheltenham Festival crowd, as well as the next winner of the Boodles Cheltenham Gold Cup.

Lord Street and North John Street in Liverpool. From sketches to wax models and silver samples to the final pieces, this collection has been months in the making – and what a thrill it will be to see her work at last in all its glory in the Orchard Boutique store at the Cheltenham Festival. Founded in 1798, Boodles has long been recognised as one of the Great British brands. It is perfectly placed at Cheltenham and feels as though it has always been sponsoring the Gold Cup. Honour Wainwright and Geordie Wainwright represent the next generation of the family as they, with Efa McDermott, once again host the Orchard stand, decked out in Boodles pink. A wide

retraining of former racehorses and now works in a wide range of areas with horses from ‘cradle to grave’. In 2015, HEROS diversified and created an alternative education provision for young people with additional learning needs who aren’t thriving in a traditional classroom setting. Through charitable associations and in its own organisation, Boodles is keen to promote the development of the next generation. Hannah herself is not long out of education, having completed her master’s at the Royal College of Art in London in 2022. It is only a few short years since she admired the Poetry of Landscape collection through the Boodles window on the corner of

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FEATURE CHELTENHAM FESTIVAL

The Cheltenham Festival rapidly developed over the course of the 20th century to become a three-day spectacular and some of the most famous winners of the major races became household names, most notably five- time Cheltenham Gold Cup winner Golden Miller, and Arkle, successful in the same contest in 1964, 1965 and 1966 and widely regarded as the greatest chaser of all time. The 1970s and early 1980s is often referred to as the Golden Age of Hurdling, when the Champion Hurdle went to the likes of Night Nurse, the greatest hurdler ever on Timeform ratings, Monksfield and Sea Pigeon. The current century has seen Cheltenham continue as a centre of excellence, in large part due to the exploits of Istabraq, Best Mate, Kauto Star, Denman, Sprinter Sacre, Altior, Quevega, Tiger Roll, Constitution Hill and other high- profile winners. The very best participants, both equine and human, is celebrated in the Hall of Fame at the racecourse. The Cheltenham Festival expanded to four days in 2005, and the first buildings at Cheltenham have given way to bigger and better facilities. The most recent £45million development was completed in 2015 when a new grandstand was opened by HRH The Princess Royal. The world’s greatest Jump racing festival attracts over 240,000 spectators over the four days and enjoys a worldwide television audience. With the backdrop of Cleeve Hill, Cheltenham Racecourse is a natural amphitheatre and a sporting arena truly like no other on the planet.

oratory against the evils of betting and merrymaking began to affect attendances and, when in 1827, the Reverend Close was promoted to St Mary’s Parish Church, his influence spread to the entire district. There were demonstrations on the course in 1829, and the grandstand was burned to the ground a year later. By 1855, Flat racing had died out entirely. A local benefactor, Lord Ellenborough, came to the rescue, offering to stage the races at Prestbury Park. Not all of the meetings were held there, however, and the oldest Jump race in the Calendar, the Grand Annual Steeplechase, was first run at Andoversford in April 1834. The latter half of the 19th century was an unremarkable time for racing at Cheltenham and indeed for Jump racing nationwide. Aside from the Grand National, there were few meetings. Francis Close, having done his work, had died and despite the town harbouring many racing figures like Tom Oliver, William Archer and George Stevens, who rode a record five Grand National winners, racing was not resuscitated. Lord Ellenborough’s Prestbury Park had been sold several times in the intervening period but was finally offered for racing by Mr W Baring Bingham. In 1902, the meeting that now dominates the Jump racing calendar was inaugurated. The people of Cheltenham gave the re-opening an enormous vote of confidence. In 1924, the first Cheltenham Gold Cup Steeplechase was run, won by Red Splash. This was followed by the Champion Hurdle, three years later.

There has been racing at Cheltenham since 1815, which was 27 years after King George III transformed Cheltenham from a sleepy country town into a fashionable spa resort. But despite its initial popularity, the Cheltenham Festival has had some ups and downs through the years T he first meeting at Cheltenham was held on The three-mile weight-for-age Flat race for three-year-olds and upwards had a prize of 100 guineas and was won by Mr Bodenham’s Spectre. By the mid-1820s, Cheltenham races were as prestigious as Ascot, Epsom and Goodwood. But, as always at

Nottingham Hill, above Bishops Cleeve. It was an inauspicious affair and three years passed before the first official meeting on nearby Cleeve Hill took place on August 25th, 1818. Cheltenham’s first recorded winner was Mr E Jones’ five-year-old bay mare, Miss Tidmarsh. Such was the popularity of that meeting that the Cheltenham Gold Cup was inaugurated the following year.

Cheltenham, drama was never far away. A puritan streak began to appear in Cheltenham, led by a young and dynamic preacher called Francis Close. Some forceful

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CHAMPION DAY The countdown to the Cheltenham Festival is a wait like no other and if you press them hard enough, there are plenty of Jump racing fans who will admit that the anticipation to Cheltenham begins the minute the gates close on Gold Cup Day the year before. And when the waiting is finally over, Champion Day kicks it off in style, with four Grade One contests across the seven-race card.

T here’s seldom an opportunity to pause for breath during Cheltenham Festival week, but the line-up for the first day has a particularly breathless feel to it, with each of the four top-level races having a knack for producing memorable moments. The feature is the Unibet Champion Hurdle, a two-mile contest and the first of the five Championship races to take place across the four days. The race is the ultimate test of speed and to scan down the Champion Hurdle’s roll of honour is to familiarise yourself with a who’s who of some of the greatest racehorses to have graced the hallowed Cheltenham turf. Constitution Hill, Hurricane Fly, Istabraq, Persian War, See You Then, Sea Pigeon, Hatton’s Grace, Night Nurse, Monksfield – the list is exhaustive. The 2021 and 2022 renewals went to the outstanding mare Honeysuckle. Rachael Blackmore created history by becoming the first female jockey to win the Champion Hurdle when the pair came home six and a half lengths clear in 2021. Further history was made in 2022 when Honeysuckle became the first mare to win more than one Champion Hurdle as she came home three and a half lengths to the good over 2020 winner Epatante.

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The Close Brothers Mares’ Hurdle made headlines around the world back in 2015, when Annie Power’s fall at the final flight fall denied a pay-out which would have cost bookmakers in the region of £50 million. One final flight spill is enough for any of us, but in the same colours of Rich Ricci and representing trainer Willie Mullins, Ruby Walsh parted company with Benie Des Dieux in almost identical circumstances four years later in 2019. The 2023 renewal was a highly emotional affair with Honeysuckle signing off her career with a fourth Festival success. By 6pm on Tuesday it is time to take stock at the end of a breath-taking day’s racing… and to get ready to do it all again on Wednesday.

Last year saw an outstanding nine-length victory by Jump racing’s latest superstar, Constitution Hill, who unfortunately will not be back to defend his crown this year. Run over the same distance as the Champion Hurdle, the opening Sky Bet Supreme Novices’ Hurdle is a race which not only sets the tone for the Cheltenham Festival but also regularly produces a star of the future. In the case of 2022 winner Constitution Hill that proved to be correct. Winning by 22 lengths and setting a new course record time, it was truly a performance of epic proportions. The My Pension Expert Arkle Novices’ Chase regularly serves as an express route to the following year’s Betway Queen Mother Champion Chase while the final Grade One contest of the day has an ability for producing drama, and

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FEATURE XXXXXXX XX CHELTENHAM FESTIVAL 12 - 15 MARCH 2024

S T Y L E WE D N E S D A Y

If Champion Day is about setting the scene for four exhilarating days of racing, Style Wednesday focuses on speed, style and exhilaration. And few races on the Jump racing calendar capture fans’ imagination quite like the feature, the Betway Queen Mother Champion Chase

R un over a distance of two miles, the Grade One contest requires a blend of speed and an ability to be inch-perfect when meeting each of the 13 fences at rapid pace on Cheltenham’s Old Course. This demanding checklist means that winning this race on multiple occasions is not uncommon and famous multiple winners of the trophy include legends of the sport like Flyingbolt, Altior, Sprinter Sacre, Master Minded, Moscow Flyer, Viking Flagship and, most recently, Energumene. Further Group One action comes in the shape of the Ballymore Novices’ Hurdle and the Brown Advisory Novices’ Chase. Both races are renowned for producing stars of the future - a theme which continues to the finale, the Grade One Weatherbys Champion Bumper. Winners of the Champion Bumper regularly go on to become household names and no less than 12 of trainer Willie Mullins’ record 94 Festival winners have come in this race including in 2022 with Facile Vega. Style Wednesday also offers something unique

in the Glenfarclas Cross Country Chase. It’s usually all about the winners at the Cheltenham Festival but the 2022 runner-up in this race came home to a reception never seen before for an also ran. That is because the runner-up was the horse that has truly transcended racing in recent years – Tiger Roll. Making his eighth Festival appearance and chasing his sixth Festival win, owner Michael O’Leary had already said that this race would be his swansong. It looked as if the script had been written perfectly as he led turning for home. With the rain softened ground not in his favour the final half-furlong was just a fraction too much for the old warrior and he had to give way by three-quarters of a length – ironically to his stablemate Delta Work. Delta Work won the contest again in 2023. One thing is for certain – as Style Wednesday draws to a close and we reach the half-way stage of the Cheltenham Festival, it’s as much about looking forward to two more days of exceptional racing as it is looking back at the 14 thrilling races we have already enjoyed.

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ST PATRICK’S T H U R S D A Y Every headline act needs a good supporting cast and if Gold Cup Day is the big hitter at the Cheltenham Festival, there aren’t many better precursors than St Patrick’s Thursday

A ny regular Cheltenham Festival goer will tell you that Cheltenham is not Cheltenham without Irish participation and St Patrick’s Thursday is our homage to our friends from the Emerald Isle. It doesn’t always fall on the real St Patrick’s Day of course but features two Championship contests with both races have a distinctly Irish feel to them to boot, with the Ryanair Chase and the Paddy Power Stayers’ Hurdle both sponsored by Irish businesses which have loyally supported the Cheltenham Festival for years. This day is a celebration of everything Irish, though Ireland’s hugely successful yards took things a little too literally in 2021, winning 23 of the week’s 28 races. As you’d perhaps suspect, the standings for the Prestbury Cup – a trophy which is hotly contested between British and Irish runners – begin to take shape on Day Three and any Irish winner that is able to charge up that Cheltenham Hill is met with an even more affectionate boom of noise from the crowd than usual. Thursday’s card is unique in that is the only one across the four days with two Championship races – the Ryanair

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The three latest renewals of The Paddy Power Stayers’ Hurdle have given the Irish three St Patrick’s Thursday winners to celebrate with Flooring Porter (2021 and 2022) and Sire Du Berlais (2023). The supporting contests include the Grade One Turners Novices’ Chase and the Grade Two Ryanair Mares’ Novices’ Hurdle.

Chase and the Paddy Power Stayers’ Hurdle, which are held back to back, which means that the only people busier than the bar staff in the Guinness Village are the jockeys themselves! Owner Cheveley Park Stud has enjoyed success in the last three renewals of the Ryanair Chase, courtesy of Willie Mullins trained dual winner Allaho (2021 and 2022) and Henry de Bromhead-trained Envoi Allen (2023).

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GOLD CUP DAY As we head into the final day of the Cheltenham Festival, the action is brought to a gripping crescendo on Gold Cup Day. This is the day which for many the whole season has been building towards and the feature is Jump racing’s Blue Riband event, the Boodles Cheltenham Gold Cup.

F irst staged in its present format in 1924, the great race celebrates its centenary in 2024. Ask any Jump jockey, trainer or owner what one race in the season is more prestigious than any other and their answer will be the same. Because, while the Randox Grand National is an iconic spectacle, the Boodles Cheltenham Gold Cup, which celebrates its centenary this year, brings the very best together to compete for the biggest prize of them all. Racing analysts will use the term ‘Championship’ pace when talking about the big races at The Cheltenham Festival and that rings particularly true with the Boodles Cheltenham Gold Cup, testing the mettle of stayers looking to step up to the big leagues by seeing if they can add substance to their stamina over the three and a quarter miles trip. And perhaps the most significant statistic to demonstrate how hard the race is to win is that only eight horses have been successful more than once since it was first run in 1924. Legends to have won the great trophy more than once include Kauto Star in 2007 and 2009 – the only horse to regain the Gold Cup; Best Mate in 2002, 2003 and 2004; L’Escargot in 1970 and 1971; Arkle in 1964, 1965 and 1966, and Golden Miller in 1932, 1933, 1934, 1935 and

1936. The most recent multiple scorer was Al Boum Photo, who triumphed in 2019 and 2020. The 2022 running once again saw Rachael Blackmore write her name in history to become the first successful female jockey in the Gold Cup when A Plus Tard, the 2021 runner-up, reversed placings with Minella Indo in spectacular style to win as he liked by 15 lengths. While Day Four of the Cheltenham Festival might be misconstrued by some as being all about one race, nothing could be further from the truth. Friday begins with the Grade One JCB Triumph Hurdle, a race which has a knack for producing thrilling finishes and stars of the future in equal measure. Also on the card is the St James’s Place Festival Hunters’ Chase. The race is known as the ‘Gold Cup for amateur riders’ due to being run over the same distance as the feature contest. It channels a traditional Corinthian spirit which very few other sports are able to replicate. It is then up to the Martin Pipe Conditional Jockeys’ Handicap Hurdle to bring the curtain down. No matter whether you are there to witness it, the final runner passing the winning post signals not only the end of four days like no other, but also the beginning of a 12-month countdown…

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FEATURE STYLE

STYLE WEDNESDAY

A celebration of glamour and glory at the Cheltenham Festival

A nticipation is reaching a fever pitch as we gear up for four days of pulsating excitement, camaraderie and unparalleled sporting moments. Among these, Style Wednesday stands out as the talk of the town, promising a unique fusion of fast horses and slow fashion in a celebration like no other. It is a day that transcends the ordinary, where the

Off the track, one of the many highlights is the Style Wednesday Slow Fashion Awards, which celebrate vintage and borrowed items, as well as investment pieces that can be passed down through generations. With amazing prizes, including Boodles jewellery, it is time to showcase your take on the Cheltenham Festival’s fabulous fashion. Raise your glasses to a century of the Cheltenham Gold Cup and let Style Wednesday be your canvas to showcase not just the latest trends but the enduring stories and traditions that make the Cheltenham Festival unique. Create memories with your friends and family that transcend time and become a part of the living tapestry of this iconic event. Don’t miss the chance to be part of the glamour, the tradition and the slow fashion movement at the Cheltenham Festival. Be a part of a legacy that continues to evolve with each passing year.

style is as timeless as the races are thrilling and the glamour matches the glory. In 2024, as we commemorate the centenary of the Cheltenham Gold Cup, Style Wednesday takes centre stage, offering a distinctive blend of elegance and modern spectacle that pays homage to the

Cheltenham Festival’s rich heritage. More than a day at the races, Style

Wednesday is a living testament to a century of fabulous and timeless fashion that has graced the Cheltenham Festival. As we honour the remarkable journey of the Cheltenham Gold Cup, this day becomes a celebration of the glamorous side of the Cheltenham Festival, passed down through generations alongside the racing history that defines Cheltenham. The track’s highlight on Style Wednesday is the Betway Queen Mother Champion Chase, a race that demands speed and precision. As the finest two-mile chasers vie for glory, Style Wednesday unfolds as a cherished tradition, intertwined with the festival’s racing legacy.

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