- 2019 Pocket Guide -

PLENTY of people ask what the means to me. Well, there is no bigger thrill for a jockey than riding a winner at the meeting. I’ve been lucky enough to ride one there every year since 2006 and will be bidding to keep that run going.

I promise you that plans and thoughts for the following year’s Festival will begin for most on their way out of Cheltenham on Friday night. New dreams will be born.

On the subject of dreams, I remember vividly riding the finish to Dawn Run’s Gold Cup with my legs straddling the sofa as a lad at home. I sometimes have to pinch myself all these years down the line to think that I’m now living that dream.

Hopefully you will find this handy pocket guide to this year’s Festival useful as it’s packed full of stats and trends. The build-up to this year’s meeting has been unlike anything I can ever remember with plenty of horses’ preparations potentially affected by the equine influenza saga. It has a more open feel than ever before.

Anyway, I will be providing a daily blog throughout the meeting. It only remains for me to wish you the best of luck and here’s hoping for plenty of winners!

Best of luck Davy Russell THE SCHEDULE

- TUESDAY 12TH MARCH -

Time Race Distance 13:30 Sky Bet Supreme Novices’ Hurdle 2m ½f 14:10 Racing Post Steeple Chase 2m 14:50 Ultima Handicap Chase 3m 1f 15:30 Unibet Challenge Trophy 2m ½f 16:10 OLBG Mares’ Hurdle (for the David Nicholson Trophy) 2m 4f 16:50 Close Brothers Novices’ Handicap Chase 2m 4f 17:30 National Hunt Challenge Cup Chase 4m

- WEDNESDAY 13TH MARCH -

Time Race Distance 13:30 Ballymore Novices’ Hurdle 2m 5f 14:10 RSA Insurance Novices’ Steeple Chase 3m ½f 14:50 Coral Cup Handicap Hurdle 2m 5f 15:30 Betway Queen Mother Champion Chase 2m 16:10 Glenfarclas Cross Country Chase 3m 6f 16:50 Boodles Juvenile Handicap Hurdle 2m ½f 17:30 Weatherbys 2m ½f - THURSDAY 14TH MARCH -

Time Race Distance 13:30 JLT Novices’ Chase 2m 4f 14:10 Pertemps Network Final 3m 14:50 2m 4½f 15:30 Sun Racing Stayers’ Hurdle 3m 16:10 Brown Advisory & Merriebelle Stable Plate 2m 4½f 16:50 Dawn Run Mares’ Novices’ Hurdle 2m 1f 17:30 Fulke Walwyn Kim Muir Challenge Cup 3m 2f

- FRIDAY 15TH MARCH -

Time Race Distance 13:30 JCB 2m 1f 14:10 Randox Health County Handicap Hurdle 2m 1f 14:50 Albert Bartlett Novices’ Hurdle 3m 15:30 Magners 3m 2½f 16:10 St James’s Place Foxhunter Challenge Cup 3m 2½f 16:50 Johnny Henderson Grand Annual Challenge Cup 2m ½f 17:30 Martin Pipe Conditional Jockeys’ Handicap Hurdle 2m 4½f SKY BET SUPREME NOVICES’ HURDLE

Noel Fehily celebrates last year’s victory aboard Summerville Boy

- STAT ATTACK - Winner’s Age 6, 5, 6, 5, 6, 5, 5, 6, 6, 6 Winner’s SP 12/1, 12/1, 10/1, 10/1, 5/1, 7/2jf, 2/1f, 4/1, 25/1, 9/1 Fate of Favourite 5th, 3rd, 4th, 7th, 2nd, 1st, 1st, 2nd, 2nd, 11th Winning Distance nk, hd, 2, 1¼, ½,6,4½, 7, 2¼, nk Previous Run 1st, 2nd,1st,1st,1st,1st,1st,1st,6th,1st

- KEY TRENDS - • All of the last 12 winners had at least two runs that season • Only one four-year-old winner in past 44 years • 11 of the last 12 winners had at least two wins over hurdles TIME 13:30 TUESDAY DISTANCE 2M 1/2F 12TH MARCH

- DAVY RUSSELL’S VERDICT - There is always a novice who brings solid handicap form to the table and this year that is AL DANCER who looked smart at Ascot. If you go on reputation, ’s ANGELS BREATH is the one despite his lack of experience. He carries the same colours as Al Dancer and early comparisons with are frightening. Only a head separated the Mullins pair KLASSICAL DREAM and ARAMON at Leopardstown and they are respected too. However, the best of the Irish could be FAKIR D’OUDAIRIES with the handy weight allowance. R ACING POST ARKLE CHALLENGE TROPHY NOVICES’ CHASE

Footpad on his way to victory 12 months ago

- STAT ATTACK - Winner’s Age 7, 8, 7, 6, 7, 6, 7, 6, 7, 6 Winner’s SP 8/1, 6/1, 6/1, 8/11f, 8/13f, 33/1, 4/6f, 1/4f, 1/4f, 5/6f Fate of Favourite fell, 8th, 4th, 1st, 1st, 2nd, 1st, 1st, 1st, 1st Winning Distance shd, ¾, 2¾, 7, 2¼, hd, 6, 7, 6, 14 Previous Run 2nd, 1st, 1st, 1st, 1st, 1st, 1st, 1st, 1st, 1st

- KEY TRENDS - • 27 of the last 29 winners were placed or better last time out • Since the turn of the century, Irish trainers have only won six runnings of the race • Six of the last seven favourites have won TIME 14:10 TUESDAY DISTANCE 2M 12TH MARCH

- DAVY RUSSELL’S VERDICT - Another race which is much more open than in previous years. The one that ticks all the boxes for me though is Joseph O’Brien’s LE RICHEBOURG. I’m a big fan of a horse that can drop back in trip as it makes the tactics easier. If they go slow, he can make the running, if they go quick, he can drop in. He is clever over his fences and is the one to beat. LALOR look the obvious danger, while GLEN FORSA is respected if he were to turn up here. UNIBET CHAMPION HURDLE CHALLENGE TROPHY

Buveur D’Air (nearest) just got the better of Melon last year

- STAT ATTACK - Winner’s Age 6, 6, 7, 7, 9, 6, 7, 8, 6, 7 Winner’s SP 22/1, 9/1, 11/4f, 11/1, 13/8f, 9/1, 4/5f, 5/2f, 5/1, 4/6f Fate of Favourite 3rd, 10th, 1st, 3rd, 1st, 4th, 1st, 1st, DSQ, 1st Winning Distance 1, nk, 3½, 1¼, 2¾, nk, 1½, 4½, 4½, nk Previous Run 1st, 3rd, 1st, 2nd, 1st, 4th, 1st, 1st, 1st, 1st

- KEY TRENDS - • 19 of the last 26 winners had won a race at Cheltenham previously • Only two horses over the age of seven have won the race since 2007 • 10 of the past 12 winners had won at least one Grade 1 TIME 15:30 TUESDAY DISTANCE 2M 1/2F 12TH MARCH

- DAVY RUSSELL’S VERDICT - If I’d been forced to make a selection after BUVEUR D’AIR beat Samcro in the Fighting Fifth at Newcastle, I’d be thinking he was a good thing to make it three wins on the bounce. The picture has changed a fair bit since then though and his defeat at Kempton raises a few questions. I think he will have to step up to beat the mare APPLE’S JADE who has been remarkable this season. She gets a handy allowance and will be hard to catch. DOWNLOAD THE APP TODAY KEY TRENDS TUESDAY (REMAINDER OF DAY ONE) 12TH MARCH

14:50 Ultima Handicap Chase • Only one Irish-trained winner in the past 12 years • Only four horses aged nine or older have won the race since 1999

16:10 OLBG Mares’ Hurdle • Since its inception in 2008, has won the race nine times • The favourite has been beaten in three of the last four years

16:50 Close Brothers Novices’ Handicap Chase • Seven of the previous nine winners have returned at double-figure prices • Four of the last six winners have been six years of age

17:30 National Hunt Challenge Cup Amateur Riders’ Novices’ Chase • Since 1980, only three horses aged 10 or older have won the race • Irish trainers have won five of the last eight runnings RSA INSUR ANCE NOVICES’ CHASE

Presenting Percy and Davy Russell clear the final fence

- STAT ATTACK - Winner’s Age 7, 7, 7, 7, 7, 7, 6, 7, 8, 7 Winner’s SP 9/4f, 10/1, 16/1, 9/2, 8/1, 12/1 13/8f, 8/1, 7/2f, 5/2f Fate of Favourite 1st, 5th, 5th, 4th, 4th, 2nd, 1st, 3rd, 1st, 1st Winning Distance 16, 7, nk, 2½, 1¾, Neck, 6, ½, nse, 7 Previous Run 1st, 2nd, 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 1st, 1st, 1st, 1st, 2nd

- KEY TRENDS - • Only four times has a seven-year-old not won the race since 1999 • Eight of the last 12 winners have won at Cheltenham before • 11 of the last 12 winners were rated 144 or higher TIME 14:10 WEDNESDAY DISTANCE 3M 1/2F 13TH MARCH

- DAVY RUSSELL’S VERDICT - This looks a really good renewal, with DELTA WORK an obvious contender after winning three on the bounce over fences and winning at the meeting last year. This will be a big test, though, with Nicky Henderson’s SANTINI a potential top- class staying chaser. He ran on well in the Kauto Star Novices’ Chase at Kempton the last day and looks the ideal type for the race. TOPOFTHEGAME finished in front of him that day and is another who is hard to dismiss. BETWAY QUEEN MOTHER CHAMPION CHASE

Altior justified favouritism last year

- STAT ATTACK - Winner’s Age 6, 9, 9, 9, 7, 8, 7, 10, 10, 8 Winner’s SP 4/11f, 10/1, 10/1 4/1, 1/4f, 11/4f, 9/2, 5/1 11/1, EVSf Fate of Favourite 1st, 4th, 8th, 2nd, 1st, 1st, PU, 2nd, 7th, 1st Winning Distance 7, 6, 5, 1¼, 19, 6 1¼, 3½, Hd, 7 Previous Run 1st, 1st, 1st, 3rd, 2nd, 1st, 1st, 1st, 1st, 1st

- KEY TRENDS - • English trainers have won eight of the last 11 • Only one double-figure priced winner since 2012 • Just four horses aged six or younger have won the race TIME 15:30 WEDNESDAY DISTANCE 2M 13TH MARCH

- DAVY RUSSELL’S VERDICT - It is really hard to see beyond ALTIOR as he is such a special horse. He looked beaten a long way from home in this last season, but still ran out a comfortable winner. Those looking to take him on will point to the fact he jumped out to his left the last day, but that wouldn’t put me off. MIN looks the obvious threat if lining up here rather than the Ryanair Chase, but the reality is that they will all be chasing shadows. SAFETY NET SIGN UP

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Over 18’s only. Remember you can win or lose more than your original stake. Bet responsibly. Licensed in Ireland. T’s & C’s apply. KEY TRENDS WEDNESDAY (REMAINDER OF DAY TWO) 13TH MARCH

13:30 Ballymore Novices’ Hurdle • Seven of the last 11 winners were trained in Ireland • Favourites have won just four of the last 10 runnings

14:50 Coral Cup Hurdle • Only one single-figure priced winner since 2009 • Irish trainers have won the last three renewals

16:10 Glenfarclas Cross Country Chase • Just one winning favourite since 2007 • Horses aged 10 or older have won half the runnings of the race

16:50 Boodles Juvenile Handicap Hurdle • No jockey has won the race more than once • The last five winners have all carried 11st or more

17:30 Weatherbys Champion Bumper • Willie Mullins has won the race nine times • Only one winning favourite in the last 13 years RYANAIR CHASE

In 2018 Balko Des Flos ran his rivals into the ground

- STAT ATTACK - Winner’s Age 8, 9, 10, 8, 7, 8, 7, 7, 9, 7 Winner’s SP 6/1, 14/1, 6/1, 7/2f, 7/2, 3/1f, 16/1, EVSf, 7/4f, 8/1 Fate of Favourite 2nd, 2nd, 4th, 1st, 2nd, 1st, 3rd, 1st, 1st, 2nd Winning Distance 2, 4½, 1, ½, 9, 2¼, 5, 6, 1½, 4½ Previous Run 6th, 2nd, PU, 1st, 1st, 5th, UR, 2nd, 1st, 2nd

- KEY TRENDS - • English trainers have won all bar three renewals of the race • Only three 10-year-olds have won the race in its history • The favourite has finished outside the places just once in the previous 10 runnings TIME 14:50 THURSDAY DISTANCE 2M 5F 14TH M ARCH

- DAVY RUSSELL’S VERDICT - Guessing who will run here instead of the Champion Chase or the Gold Cup is tricky. MONALEE looks worth a try at this trip as further than three miles stretches him a bit. I’d be interested in FOOTPAD if he turned up in this race although the same owners have TOP NOTCH too. It could be a race for a shock, in which case the likes of THE STORYTELLER and ASO certainly enter the equation. Both have rock solid Festival form and could go well. SUN R ACING STAYERS’ HURDLE

Paul Townend and were too good for Supasundae last year

- STAT ATTACK - Winner’s Age 6, 7, 8, 9, 9, 6, 6, 8, 7, 7 Winner’s SP 6/1, 5/6f, 10/11f, 5/6f, 17/2, 15/2, 14/1, EVSf, 10/1, 12/1 Fate of Favourite 4th, 1st, 1st, 1st, PU, 2nd, 2nd, 1st, 3rd, 5th Winning Distance 1¾, 3¼, 1¾, 1¾, 2½, 1½, 3¼, 7, ¾, 2 Previous Run 1st, 1st, 1st, 1st, 1st, 1st, 4th, 1st, fell, 2nd

- KEY TRENDS - • Irish trainers have won just three of the last 15 renewals • Favourites have won just two of the last six renewals • Willie Mullins has won this race two years in a row with double-figure priced winners TIME 15:30 THURSDAY DISTANCE 3M 14TH M ARCH

- DAVY RUSSELL’S VERDICT - On what he has done so far this season, it is pretty hard to get away from PAISLEY PARK who seems to be improving with every start. He won well at the track last time and may take some beating. That said, there are plenty of classy Irish raiders who could make a real race of this if lining up. Last year’s winner PENHILL being the most obvious, while an on-song or SAMCRO could bring the house down. As the UK’s leading luxury bookmaker, our flagship betting lounge is just a few moments away from The Dorchester. All business is conducted with absolute discretion in a relaxing atmosphere, where you can

enjoy live sporting action from PARK LANE around the world. We look forward to welcoming you at 4-6 Deanery Street, Mayfair, DEANERY STREET London, W1K 1AZ. KEY TRENDS THURSDAY (REMAINDER OF DAY THREE) 14TH M ARCH

13:30 JLT Novices’ Chase • Seven-year-olds have won six of the previous eight renewals • Willie Mullins has won this race four times

14:10 Pertemps Network Final • Davy Russell has won this race three years in a row • Nine of the last 12 winners carried less than 11st

16:10 Brown Advisory & Merriebelle Stable Plate • Horses younger than 10 have won 16 of the last 19 runnings • Irish-trained horses have won this race three years in a row

16:50 Dawn Run Mares’ Novices’ Hurdle • Willie Mullins has won all three runnings of this race

17:30 Fulke Walwyn Kim Muir Challenge Cup Handicap Steeple Chase • Only one winner in the last 12 races has been older than nine • No horse carrying less than 11st has won since 2008 JCB TRIUMPH HURDLE

Farclas (left) beat old rival Mr Adjudicator 12 months ago

- STAT ATTACK - Winner’s Age Contest restricted to four-year-olds Winner’s SP 11/2, 6/1, 13/2, 33/1, 4/1, 10/1, 2/1f, 9/2f, 5/2f, 9/1 Fate of Favourite 2nd, 4th, 4th, 3rd, 6th, 4th, 1st, 1st, 1st, 4th Winning Distance ¾, 1¼, 2¼, 3, 15, 3½, nk, 1¼, 5, 1¾ Previous Run 1st, 1st, 1st, 3rd, 1st, 2nd, 1st, 4th, 1st, 2nd

- KEY TRENDS - • Barry Geraghty is the race’s most successful jockey with five wins • Only one of the last 11 winners was bred in the UK • Three of the previous four favourites have been successful TIME 13:30 FRIDAY DISTANCE 2M 1F 15TH MARCH

- DAVY RUSSELL’S VERDICT - All eyes will be on Joseph O’Brien’s SIR EREC who was super impressive at Leopardstown the last day having been a smart performer on the Flat. He galloped all the way to the line and beyond and, although his ability to handle Cheltenham has to be taken on trust, he clearly sets the standard. The same stable also have GARDENS OF BABYLON and BAND OF OUTLAWS and they could be his biggest dangers if lining up here rather than in the Boodles Juvenile. MAGNERS CHELTENHAM GOLD CUP

Native River and Richard Johnson saw off Might Bite last year

- STAT ATTACK - Winner’s Age 9, 9, 6, 9, 8, 8, 8, 9, 7, 8 Winner’s SP 7/4, 7/1, 7/2f, 8/1, 11/4f, 20/1, 7/1, 9/4f, 7/1, 5/1 Fate of Favourite 1st, Fell, 1st, 3rd, 1st, 5th, 7th, 1st, 4th, 2nd Winning Distance 13, 7, 7, 2¼, 7, shd, 1½, 4½, 2¾, 4½ Previous Run 1st, 5th, 1st, 1st, 1st, 6th, 1st, 1st, 1st, 1st

- KEY TRENDS - • Only two winners younger than eight since 2007 • No horse has won back-to-back renewals since 2004 • Just one favourite has been successful in the previous five runnings TIME 15:30 FRIDAY DISTANCE 3M 21/2F 15TH MARCH

- DAVY RUSSELL’S VERDICT - A mouth-watering renewal with last year’s winner NATIVE RIVER trying to retain his crown. Any rain will obviously help his cause although he skipped his prep race. The Irish challenge looks set to be headed by last year’s RSA Chase winner PRESENTING PERCY who seems to peak at this meeting. He doesn’t have Native River’s experience but is such an exciting prospect. Then there’s KEMBOY who looked so good at Christmas and King George VI Chase winner CLAN DES OBEAUX. What a race in prospect. WE’LL ADD AN EXTRA 5 POINTS FOR 5TH PLACE ON ALL FESTIVAL RACES WITH 12 OR MORE RUNNERS*

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Over 18’s only. Remember you can win or lose more than your original stake. Bet responsibly. Licensed in Ireland. T’s & C’s apply. *Buyers only **Only applies to 50/30/20/10 indices KEY TRENDS FRIDAY (REMAINDER OF DAY FOUR) 15TH MARCH

14:10 Randox Health County Handicap Hurdle • Only two winners older than six since 2008 • Just one single-figure priced horse has won the race in 12 attempts

14:50 Albert Bartlett Novices’ Hurdle • Only one winner older than seven • Horses aged five or six have won eight of the previous 14 runnings

16:10 St. James’s Place Foxhunter Steeple Chase Challenge Cup • Only one winner aged younger than seven in the last 31 years • Ten or 11-year-olds have won the last four renewals

16:50 Johnny Henderson Grand Annual • Horses carrying more than 11st have won all of the last five runnings • Paul Nicholls is the most successful current trainer with four wins

17:30 Martin Pipe Conditional Jockeys’ Handicap Hurdle • Willie Mullins and Paul Nicholls have trained five of the last 10 winners • Only one horse has carried more than 11st 8lbs to victory DOWNLOAD THE APP TODAY

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