The Cheltenham Festival is among the most important horse racing events of the year. It’s also among the few times that casual sports enthusiasts take a strong interest in horse racing. This year, the meeting will start on Tuesday 16th March, with the Festival’s final day set to happen the following Friday. You can check the Cheltenhamguides.com for more information on the Festival, a complete guide for beginners and experts.
As always, fans will get the chance to enjoy a packed schedule of exciting group one renewals together with other lesser races. This time, one horse’s success has increased the fans interest in the Festival’s most important race of all.
A Historic Treble?
This year, all the attention at the Cheltenham Festival goes to the Gold Cup. The prestigious race will open the doors on the meeting, with many race fans considering it the most crucial race than the Aintree Grand National. There’s also an increased interest in the Cheltenham Gold Cup, as Al Boum Photo attempts to secure his third succession win.
The Willie Mullins trained horse went into the 2019 season as a 12/1 option, and he was a 100/30 favourite by the beginning of the 2019 renewal. Al Boum Photo is among the favourites once again this year, although there might be tougher competition.
Since the race’s inaugural season in 1924, only four horses have managed to secure three straight wins, with Best Mate being the last horse in 2004. However, it’s unlikely to see any horse matching Golden Miller’s performance, having won five straight Gold Cups in the 1930s. However, Al Boum Photo looks like he has an excellent chance to become part of the Cheltenham Festival History.
Al Boum Photo’s Chances
The racing betting markets are always active, and the Cheltenham Gold Cup odds are already in place. Al Boum Photo is a horse worth following, as he attempts to secure his third win in a row. The Willie Mullins trained horse currently ranks as the bookie’s favourite at 5/1. Minella Indo and Santini followed the market leaders closely behind before the market drifted to this 11/1 shot Champion. There will be many races taking place before the 2021 Cheltenham Gold Cup scheduled for 19th March, and the odds will keep fluctuating.
Completing The Card
With the Festival boasting lots of group one renewals in all the four days, everything isn’t about the Cheltenham Gold Cup. The action will get underway on Tuesday 16th March, starting with the Supreme Novice Hurdle. Thursday will also be ladies day at the Festival, making it an excellent social occasion with some severe races for the card. That includes the Stayers Hurdle and the Festival Trophy.
Friday is the Festival’s biggest day, although there are several huge races besides the Gold Cup. The card will start the Triumph Hurdle in Grade One, with the Spa Novices Hurdle guaranteed to attract an entertaining competition. The competition will hopefully welcome crowds back to stadiums this year, creating a special atmosphere. However, there’s no need to worry about the quality of the races.