FEATURE XXXXXXXXX CHELTENHAM FESTIVAL 12 - 15 MARCH 2024
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
26 CHELTENHAM FESTIVAL PREVIEW MAGAZINE
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