Cheltenham 2023

The meeting kicks off on Tuesday, with four days of top class racing coming up from Prestbury Park. Tuesday's action sees Constitution Hill aiming to enhance ...

The ability is definitely there for him to be involved in the finish, it just depends on whether he turns up in the same form he was in at Cheltenham last year. It will be interesting to see how his form holds up compared to the Irish form. His jumping let him down early as he made a terrible mistake at the last with a circuit to go and was lucky to stay in the race. It will be interesting to see how he fairs against the Mullins battalion. 10 runners are declared to run with Impaire Et Passe the favourite after he was a big talking horse on the Cheltenham preview circuit. Gerri Colombe is unbeaten and looks like he could be as exciting a novice chaser to run at the festival. Barry has said in multiple interviews he thinks he has the best horse in the race. The home team is headed up by the Paul Nicholls trained Hermes Allen who was favourite for the race prior to the word circulating about Impaire Et Passe. The Real Whacker has shown his liking for Cheltenham winning twice there over fences this season. He won on this card last year when winning the Ballymore. Sir Gerhard looks the pick of those. Energumene probably did not run to form that day and should be closer this time around.

The going has changed the complexion of some races with a number of contenders having trialled for the meeting on quicker ground. If the weather forecast proves ...

One of the most prestigious National Hunt Meetings of the calendar is not to be missed…and we’ve got a bumper week of amazing content and great reader offers. Celebrate the biggest racing week of the year- the Cheltenham Festival. On soft ground over Christmas, Facile Vega defeated Il Etait Temps with minimal fuss. The winner of a 3m point-to-point on soft ground made a winning debut in a 2m4f bumper for Willie Mullins at Leopardstown over Christmas. She went on to win two editions of the Champion Hurdle but, because of the emergence of Constitution Hill and her own apparent decline in form, she is back tackling her own sex. But for a last time out defeat the son of the legendary Quevega would be one of the hottest favourites of the week.

Having a crack at the bet where you don't necessarily have to find any winners to be a winner? Here's a suggestion as to how to navigate the six legs at ...

Sir Allen has progressed with each start and along with Morning Soldier, Byker, Jazzy Matty and METAMORPHEUS (11), who chased him home last time, rates a big danger. State Man was backed as if he couldn’t lose (and he didn’t) in the County Hurdle at this meeting last year. His latest run at Punchestown wasn’t threatening but first-time cheekpieces could bring improvement. Echoes In Rain is respected but isn’t a guaranteed stayer over this trip, while connections of Theatre Glory will have been cursing the weather since supplementing the good-ground mare. [Cheltenham](/horses/cheltenham) on Tuesday. Hold-up performer SAINT ROI (7) unseated early last time but his Festival record includes a ready win in the 2020 County Hurdle and a solid third to Honeysuckle in last year’s Champion Hurdle. Last year’s Triumph winner Vauban could get closer here, mind you, given he should be ridden more prominently than has been the case this term. The in-form duo of Into Overdrive and Monbeg Genius also make the shortlist, while Nassalam caught the eye when third at this venue on New Year’s Day. The recent rain shouldn’t inconvenience either of Jonbon or EL FABIOLO (3) who both seem to be blessed with plenty of stamina as well as class. The unbeaten Chasing Fire is respected, but the Tolworth winner Tahmuras looks the pick of the British team. [Click here for all the runners and riders](https://www.racingtv.com/racecards/cheltenham/427469-sky-bet-supreme-novices-hurdle-grade-1-1?sort=price) Here's a suggestion as to how to navigate the six legs at

Your day-by-day schedule to the four-day festival, including race timings for the Champion Hurdle, plus five horses to watch.

Last year's winner was A Plus Tard, ridden by Blackmore, who became [the first female jockey to win the race](https://www.telegraph.co.uk/racing/2022/03/18/cheltenham-gold-cup-2022-live-results-tips-best-bets-latest/). With the Mullins contingent leading the charge, Ireland are 1-20 to win in this year so the home side, it's fair to say, are needing snookers. It did not load quite as well as most horses and we had to find a steep hill to park on, but we got there in the end. He anticipates bringing 130 runners including Henry de Bromhead and Paul Nolan’s teams in 10 trucks, each of which is capable of carrying up to a dozen horses, although for the Festival they generally give them a bit more space. Often nicknamed the “Mad Genius”, Dickinson, who also developed the Tapeta all-weather surface, trained 12 winners one Boxing Day and sent out dual Breeders’ Cup winner Da Hoss (an equal feat to first five in the Gold Cup) is being honoured at the end of March with the JW Galbreath Award for innovation and safety by the University of Louisville. Dickinson, now 73 and based in the United States, never felt able to celebrate one of the all-time feats of training. One of the smallest clubs in racing, in terms of membership, are horses which have won a Gold Cup and Grand National. Currently only Golden Miller and L’Escargot are in it but, with cheek-pieces reapplied, no horse in Friday’s race has the stamina depths of last year’s Aintree hero. He trains 90 horses and knows the time of day so should not be lightly dismissed. Full marks for connections sticking with young up and coming jockey Niall Houlihan on the front-runner who loves Cheltenham, a huge chance for him to break into the big time. At 1-3, Nicky Henderson’s outstanding six-year-old is not a betting proposition but, bar a fall, looks nailed on for his first championship in open company so sit back and enjoy the show. Plans to add a fifth day, on the Saturday, have been shelved because of concerns about damage to the racetrack and Britain's uncertain economic footing.

Everything you need to know about Lossiemouth ahead of the 2023 Cheltenham Festival, including latest odds, recent form and race entries.

Take a look at our comprehensive list of [free bet](https://www.telegraph.co.uk/betting/free-bets/) offers ahead of Cheltenham 2023. It seems a matter of time before he passes an incredible century of victories at this prestigious meeting. Given what happened last time on Lossiemouth, it will be fascinating to see if he remains faithful to the filly. However, at the Dublin Racing Festival she was beaten by Gala Marceau, who had been second behind her at Christmas. [Willie Mullins](https://www.telegraph.co.uk/betting/racing/cheltenham-festival/willie-mullins/) is the all-time most successful trainer in Cheltenham Festival history, coming into the 2023 Festival with a tally of 88 previous wins. [Willie Mullins](https://www.telegraph.co.uk/betting/racing/cheltenham-festival/willie-mullins/).

The final day of our Road to Cheltenham 2023 blog featuring best bookie offers and final declarations for Day 2 of the Festival.

[Mares Hurdle](https://www.oddschecker.com/horse-racing/2023-03-14-cheltenham/16:10/winner) with Marie's Rock the current favourite at 3/1. [Mares' Hurdle](https://www.oddschecker.com/cheltenham-festival/mares-hurdle/winner) winner will defend her crown at this year's Festival after Nicky Henderson and connections decide against a tilt at the Stayers' Hurdle. El Fabiolo heads the nine strong field for the [Arkle](https://www.oddschecker.com/horse-racing/2023-03-14-cheltenham/14:10/winner) with Jonbon currently a narrow second favourite. [Marie's Rock](https://www.oddschecker.com/cheltenham-festival/mares-hurdle/winner) will face nine rivals including dual Champion Hurdle winner Honeysuckle who will be looking to end her career with another Cheltenham Festival win. It is expected to be dry tomorrow, but more rain is due tomorrow ahead of the Festival. [Ballymore Novices' Hurdle](https://www.oddschecker.com/cheltenham-festival/ballymore-novices-hurdle/winner), is now confirmed to run in the [Supreme Novices' Hurdle](https://www.oddschecker.com/cheltenham-festival/supreme-novices-hurdle/winner) this morning instead. [Supreme Novices' Hurdle](https://www.oddschecker.com/cheltenham-festival/supreme-novices-hurdle/winner), [Arkle Chase](https://www.oddschecker.com/cheltenham-festival/arkle-chase/winner) and [Ultima Handicap Chase](https://www.oddschecker.com/cheltenham-festival/ultima-handicap-chase/winner) have been confirmed this morning, as well as the [Champion Hurdle](https://www.oddschecker.com/cheltenham-festival/champion-hurdle/winner), [Mares Hurdle](https://www.oddschecker.com/cheltenham-festival/mares-hurdle/winner), [Boodles Juvenile Handicap Hurdle](https://www.oddschecker.com/cheltenham-festival/boodles-juvenile-handicap-hurdle/winner) and [National Hunt Chase](https://www.oddschecker.com/cheltenham-festival/national-hunt-chase/winner). [13/2](https://www.oddschecker.com/cheltenham-festival/pertemps-network-final/winner), to the new favourite for [Thursday's race](https://www.oddschecker.com/cheltenham-festival/pertemps-network-final/winner). The [Ultima](https://www.oddschecker.com/horse-racing/2023-03-14-cheltenham/14:50/winner) has 23 runners at this stage with Lord Accord a notable absentee. "This has been the plan a long way out and the step up in trip should see him to better affect. There is no Winter Fog, Iroko or No Ordinary Joe in the Coral Cup. "He has never tasted defeat even winning his point to point.

The Cheltenham handicaps can be tricky to solve, with some horses starting at huge odds in the betting. Here is a selection to consider that offer each way ...

One of the most prestigious National Hunt Meetings of the calendar is not to be missed…and we’ve got a bumper week of amazing content and great reader offers. Celebrate the biggest racing week of the year- the Cheltenham Festival. Ignore his last start as he unseated his inexperienced rider at the second but before that he finished third in a Grade 3 handicap at Sandown and was second over this course and distance on soft ground on New Year’s Day. He was never in the hunt in the Betfair Hurdle, which was run on good ground, and a return to a softer surface is going to be a plus. He has tried most trips but a drop to 2m appears to have reinvigorated him on the evidence of his last time out third in a Grade 3. He was good enough to finish fourth in the Triumph Hurdle last year and ran as if he wanted further on his handicap debut in December.

What is the Cheltenham Festival? The Cheltenham Festival is the biggest horse racing week over obstacles in the calendar. There will be 60000 people.

[Cheltenham Festival tips](https://www.racingpost.com/cheltenham-festival/cheltenham-tips/) and betting offers for new and existing customers here at the Racing Post. Place a £10 Sportsbook bet on Horse racing between the 13th and 17th March, at min. You can watch the Cheltenham Festival on many different platforms including live on TV and streaming online. Free bets awarded on qualifying bet settlement and can be used on any Cheltenham race or UEFA Champions League game. Place a £10 Sportsbook bet on any Cheltenham Festival race at min. [60-1 Facile Vega to win the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle from William Hill](https://bit.ly/3LejXS2) The Cheltenham Festival is the biggest horse racing week over obstacles in the calendar. You can also place your bets through the Racing Post app so there’s no need to flick between apps. The Cheltenham Festival finishes on Friday, March 17, 2023, with the Martin Pipe Handicap Hurdle, the final race set to run at 5:30pm. You can also catch the action on Racing TV or STV. You can stream Cheltenham live via bookmakers websites and apps providing you have an account with that bookmaker, and have deposited to your account. To save you looking we’ve pulled out what we think are the best below.

By Alex Harris / Cheltenham Festival, Horse Racing News / 3 mins ago. Comments. The social sharing buttons have been hidden due to cookie preferences.

Our superstar stable of pundits includes Ruby Walsh, the most successful jockey in the history of the Cheltenham Festival. Paddy Power News is the home of top tips and best bets for the 2023 Cheltenham Festival. Henry de Bromhead’s stable star should receive a massive reception from the crowd in what is set to be her final career appearance on the track.

Kelly partnered Hardy Eustace to win at the 2003 Cheltenham Festival but died following a fall at Kilbeggan five months later.

And that as a mark of respect, his friends and colleagues in the weighing room have asked that the last two races be cancelled. But he never complained about it and it was all about the next race meeting and the next race. It was shocking that it happened and even for the four days that we were up there we didn’t think it would.” “I’ll never forget the stewards in Gowran that evening and I still can’t believe the stance they took. There were a few of the lads based at the Curragh who really knew Kieran well, the likes of Alan Crowe and Garrett Cotter and more and they had no interest in riding in the last two races. More came to the Kelly house with Collette recalling: “The people that came in the front door here, a lot we didn’t know. “There is a great community in the industry. They were all over the country and he was a young lad with a nice car, and we used to be more worried about the driving. Flynn was a former jockey, winning the Irish Grand National in 1986 on Insure, and took Kieran under his wing. I think he was there on his own,” says Ann. “Mickey Flynn moved in to train across the road and Kieran and another chap went down one Saturday to do a few jobs and Mickey said ‘yeah, come back the next day’ and Kieran went back. He was a jockey going places.

Paddy Power brand ambassador Matt Chapman reckons Minella Indo is overpriced in the Cheltenham Gold Cup and could be an option to win punters some serious ...

I’m not saying it’s a certainty or anything because Gallopin des Champs may just be far too good for all of them. “The fact that Minella Indo is 20/1 and Stattler is 8/1 or 9/1 is just the wrong price. [Honeysuckle can bow out with another win insists Robbie Power](https://www.belfastlive.co.uk/sport/other-sport/horse-racing/cheltenham-festival-2023-honeysuckle-can-26428899) [Robbie Power on the "forgotten horse" in this year's Gold Cup](https://www.belfastlive.co.uk/sport/other-sport/cheltenham-festival-2023-robbie-power-26420751) [Nicky Henderson gives update on stable stars Constitution Hill and Jonbon ahead of Cheltenham Festival](https://www.belfastlive.co.uk/sport/other-sport/nicky-henderson-gives-update-stable-26358815) [Trainer Gordon Elliott slams new British whip rules as "scary"](https://www.belfastlive.co.uk/sport/other-sport/there-might-not-40-jockeys-26356262) [Sign up to our free sports newsletter](https://www.belfastlive.co.uk/newsletter-preference-centre/?view=Solus&mailingListId=9e6fed01-dc22-4b4b-873a-afe983e85ba3&utm_source=solusarticle) to get the latest headlines to your inbox. “But he’s never a 20/1 shot the horse that won it two years ago and was second last year. “And you know what, the former Gold Cup winner Minella Indo is too big of a price in the Gold Cup at 20/1 having beaten Stattler last time out. “At a short price let's go for Jonbon in the Arkle and I actually like Facile Vega in the supreme even though lots are against him now,” Chapman exclusively told the

Cheltenham Festival 2023 kicks off on Tuesday, Ireland are aiming for the Grand Slam in the Guinness Six Nations and the U20s Six Nations and the Munster ...

, Real Sociedad v Roma, Europa League, BT Sport 1 & BT Sport Extra Could this be the first time Ireland win the Grand Slam at home. : Super Saturday in the final round of the Guinness Six Nations.

The four-day Cheltenham Festival starts on Tuesday with Nicky Henderson's Constitution Hill hot favourite to win the Champion Hurdle.

Gold Cup, Friday: Along with last year's first two, the third-placed Protektorat is also expected to line up. The 2019 winner Paisley Park, who runs for blind owner Andrew Gemmell, looks to regain his title after twice finishing third in the race. Ahoy Senor would be the first Scottish-trained winner, while John 'Shark Hanlon' seeks victory with £800 bargain buy Hewick. The 2022 Arkle Chase victor Edwardstone is another leading contender. "It'd be a great story to win it, wouldn't it?" Racecards, live text, results & reports on the BBC Sport website & app Some riders have struggled to adapt and believe policing of the changes has been draconian, while Irish jockeys who also compete in Britain have a different set of rules in their homeland. Trainer Henderson, seeking a record-extending ninth win in the Champion Hurdle, is trying to keep a lid on the expectation. Rules introduced last month reduce the number of times the whip is permitted by one, to seven in jumps races and six in flat races. Much of the talk in the build-up has centred on how riders will adapt to the regulations in the heat of top-level competition. Constitution Hill is one of few English-trained favourites in a week which has been dominated by the Irish in recent years. It is the first of 28 races at a meeting which is

One of the highlight's of the racing calendar returns this week as the 2023 Cheltenham Festival takes place over the water.

Constitution Hill is one of Nicky Henderson's hopefuls which could spoil Irish celebrations in the Champion Hurdle after de Bromhead opted against running back-to-back winner Honeysuckle in Tuesday's top billing. De Bromhead's Magical Zoe is expected to run in the Thursday race. Mullins, the most successful trainer in the festival's history, is bringing an impressive line-up, and with a bit of luck might improve on his 2022 tally of 10 wins. The charges of Nicky Henderson and Paul Nicholls represent some of the homeside's best chances, but even they will find it hard to challenge the green wave. On Tuesday, that's the Champion Hurdle, before eyes turn to Wednesday's Queen Mother Champion Chase. In 2021, Irish wins accounted for 23 of the 28 races, while Britain picked up 10 wins in last year's runnings. However, Mullins is expected to be on-hand once again to keep the title in Irish hands, with State Man able to provide the upset. 2022's Gold Cup champ A Plus Tard (de Bromhead) is set to run in Friday's main event, but Galopin Des Champs (Mullins) is the bookies pick. On the jockey front, last year's top jockey of the festival Paul Townend is thought to be in a good position to defend his title, aided with the pick of Willie Mullins' yard. Energumene (Willie Mullins) looks set to defend his title in the Queen Mother Champion Chase on Wednesday, while stable-mate Galopin Des Champs is one of the favourites for Friday's Gold Cup. An added flavour to the festival is the battle between Irish and British wins, one which has been dominated by the Irish side as of late. Prestbury Park will host four days of action, which is expected to once again be dominated by Irish talent, getting underway on Tuesday afternoon with the Supreme Novices' Hurdle.

Last year's Champion Bumper hero certainly has the raw talent to bounce back from his bubble-bursting defeat at the Dublin Racing Festival, but five weeks is a ...

And he does tend to be really good off lengthy breaks, a record that makes his absence since the Hatton’s Grace Hurdle last December could be more of a positive than a negative. As a consequence, he returns to defend his Gold Cup crown off the back of a nightmare preparation. Everything that could have gone wrong on that occasion did so but the way she rallied in adversity showed she has guts as well as style. A seriously classy individual, he could well be the favourite for the Gold Cup this time next year. A 24-length bumper win on heavy ground at Fairyhouse on his first start for Gordon Elliott illustrated Gerri Colombe’s fondness for the mud and he relished similarly testing conditions when making his Grade One breakthrough in the Faugheen Novice Chase at Limerick last Christmas. The Henry de Bromhead-trained nine-year-old has yet to win this season but her enthusiasm for the game remains as strong as ever and it should be remembered that the horses that finished in front of her – Teahupoo and Klassical Dream in the Hatton’s Grace and State Man in the Irish Champion Hurdle – are far from mugs. But, should that not happen, Gerri Colombe may still be able to prevail as he’s a seriously classy stayer and this year’s Brown Advisory Novices’ Chase looks a weaker-than-usual renewal. Facile Vega is obviously a high-class talent but, given the unsustainable pace he went from the get-go, he had a very hard race at Leopardstown and that has to be a big concern for his Supreme Novices’ Hurdle prospects. Last year’s County Hurdle winner is three from three this season and would himself be a red-hot favourite for the day one feature in most other years. Instead it is anything but with Stage Star last year becoming the 20th successive Challow winner to come unstuck at the Festival the following March. Fairytale Festival farewells are rare – just ask Tiger Roll – but Honeysuckle has the class and will to shine one last time on racing’s biggest stage. He has the potential to become a true great.

While Willie Mullins does hold a firm hand at the top of the market in the Cheltenham Gold Cup, it's a race that also has firm interest elsewhere on the K..

The Grand National winner is currently priced at 8-1 for the big race and even though he’s a relative novice in the training ranks, Emmet is taking the steps up the ladder rather quickly as he looks to add to his Cheltenham Festival total of one with The Shunter having crossed the line on top in the Paddy Power Plate Handicap Chase two years ago. Hewick came to prominence when taking victory in the Bet 365 Gold Cup on the final day of the Uk Jumps Season and the talented eight year old continued his winning run when taking victories in the Tote Galway Plate and the US Grand National. Hewick has already tasted victory in the Galway Plate and the American Grand National and he will be looking for a fairytale result in the Cheltenham Gold Cup.

Honeysuckle is set to have the final start of her prolific career in the Mares' Hurdle, with jockey Rachael Blackmore hoping for one final race victory.

Peter Molony, racing manager for owner Alexander, added: "She seems very happy to be back at Cheltenham – she loves the place. All that she has achieved, and I have been lucky enough to get to ride her. She said: "There is not much more that I can say about Honeysuckle that I haven't said before.

Cheltenham 2023 is here and the event draws punters from all over the world, with many asking the question, 'what grey horses are running at Cheltenha.

*18+ New customers only. Elimay 33/1 Monviel 33/1 Farinet 100/1 Card payments only. Inspiratice 150/1 18+ New customers only. Wakool 33/1 Thanksforthehelp 6/1 Ramillies 16/1 Bellatrixsa 100/1 Bad 8/1

1.30pm - Sky Bet Supreme Novices' Hurdle. Personally, I couldn't oppose Facile Vega but having watched him blow out at the Dublin Racing Festival, would you ...

I just think there's three very class horses - A Plus Tard, Bravemansgame and Galopin De Champs - ahead of them in the market. The noises from his yard have been positive and on this year's form, he is a hard horse to fancy. If we don't get as much rain as expected, then I think Home By the Lee will be the one to benefit from that. A Dream To Share is a very fast horse and would be a dream winner for his connections. I think they should be the same price because we don't know how good they are. The worry for Appreciate It is his age, and if he can improve, whereas there is no doubt Mighty Potter has progressed with every run this season, and could still be improving. I think it's a three-horse race between Gerri Colombe, The Real Whacker and Sir Gerhard. I would have followed Energumene, but Energumene didn't run his race there and I was disappointed with that run. I would be in the Gerri Colombe camp. I always think you should be with the improver. The fairytale result, and the result that we all want, is Honeysuckle, but in sport that doesn't always seem to play out. He was beaten by Jonbon at Aintree last year, but I think he will get his revenge on Tuesday.

Trainer Paul Nicholls has revealed he is nervous ahead of his daughter Olive's Cheltenham Festival debut this week. Olive, 17, will jockey Shantou Flyer in the ...

Speaking to The Racing Post, Paul said: "She'll ride the old schoolmaster Shantou Flyer at Cheltenham. He’ll get another strong pace to aim at here and some cut in the ground is ideal. Last year's winner, Energumene, is 13-8 for a repeat success, ahead of Editeur Du Gite at 9-2. [Sun Racing](https://www.thesun.co.uk/sport/horseracing/) will bring you all you need to know as it happens - and check out our top free bets while you're here too. Clerk of the Course Jon Pullin said: "The going has been updated to soft [from soft, good to soft in places] on the Old course and soft, good to soft in places [good to soft in places, soft in places] on the New course and cross-country course. Thanks to @BetfairBarry @Betfair." Then you can see the final two races of the day on Racing TV and on a bookies' live stream service. And she will look to produce a solid performance atop Shantou Flyer - who competed in the Hunter's Chase in 2019 and 2020. But he decided to take the money from Betfair and run before the race. Here's what is to look forward too on the opening day and how to follow every race. Tahmuras is the best of the British challenge and was impressive when winning the Grade 1 Tolworth Hurdle at Sandown. And what a four days of action it promises to be, with the likes of Constitution Hill, Galopin Des Champs and Facile Vega all in action.

All you need to know about Galopin Des Champs ahead of the 2023 Cheltenham Festival, including his past record, latest odds and what race the horse will be ...

The only show in town for Galopin Des Champs is the Gold Cup. The Irish Gold Cup was the strongest indicator so far that he can fulfil his Cheltenham destiny. Townend was the man who finally ended Mullins’s desperate quest for Gold Cup glory when he brought home Al Boum Photo in 2019. Galopin Des Champs is the clear favourite heading towards March 17. It was the first and so far only time that Galopin Des Champs has lost a race over fences. Take a look at our comprehensive list of [free bet](https://www.telegraph.co.uk/betting/free-bets/) offers ahead of Cheltenham 2023.

Another successful trip to the Cotwolds is anticipated this week with Willie Mullins expected to enjoy a bumper week.

And nobody in attendance would begrudge Honeysuckle a winning finale. It may not seem it but it’s not all about Mullins and the roof will surely lift off the Cheltenham roof if Honeysuckle bounces back to winning ways in her festival finale, the Mares’ Hurdle. He saddles the favourite in four of the seven races on day one, with Irish punters trusting the master trainer to work the oracle with Facile Vega in the day’s opening race, the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle.

Ruby Walsh provides his verdict and expert insight on the key races at this year's Cheltenham Festival, with a couple of fancies in the handicaps among his ...

I just think there's three very class horses - A Plus Tard, Bravemansgame and Galopin De Champs - ahead of them in the market. The noises from his yard have been positive and on this year's form, he is a hard horse to fancy. If we don't get as much rain as expected, then I think Home By the Lee will be the one to benefit from that. A Dream To Share is a very fast horse and would be a dream winner for his connections. I think they should be the same price because we don't know how good they are. The worry for Appreciate It is his age, and if he can improve, whereas there is no doubt Mighty Potter has progressed with every run this season, and could still be improving. I think it's a three-horse race between Gerri Colombe, The Real Whacker and Sir Gerhard. I would have followed Energumene, but Energumene didn't run his race there and I was disappointed with that run. I would be in the Gerri Colombe camp. I always think you should be with the improver. The fairytale result, and the result that we all want, is Honeysuckle, but in sport that doesn't always seem to play out. He was beaten by Jonbon at Aintree last year, but I think he will get his revenge on Tuesday.

THE big one is finally here - after 51 weeks of waiting Cheltenham Festival is back!And what a four days of action it promises to be, with the likes o.

"It's strange but sometimes you can hear the commentator over the crowd and that can actually help you as a rider. A lot of water has to go under the bridge before then, but he’s a horse with massive potential. He saw off a dismal Facile Vega in style that day and travelled really, really well throughout. Qualifying bet restrictions, exclusions and full T&Cs apply. Free bets non-withdrawable and 7 day expiry. "But I think you are naturally drawn to the Gold Cup. Willie Mullins' apparent second-fiddle in the race IL ETAIT TEMPS can prove his Dublin Racing Festival victory was no fluke. *New customers opt in and stake £20+ on any sporting event at odds of 1.8 or greater before 17:30 17/03/23. Free bets cannot be used on virtuals. Well, Ryan Brocklebank - who won £2.5MILLION at Cheltenham - has revealed his golden rule. It is incredible. Free bets credited on top of winnings within 72 hours.

RTÉ's Joe Stack looks ahead to the annual Cheltenham Festival which gets under way today.

His story just one of many that contributed to the mystique of the festival. The Irish would love to win them all, if they could." "The more you win out there, the better. The decent bumper or point to point horse is still being snapped up quickly, albeit by Irish rather than British hands. It's certainly not cheap to worship at the colosseum of the Cotswolds. The Prestbury Cup is the annual contest between Britain and Ireland, to see who can train the most winners. I don't see that happening in England that often, they're avoiding each other a lot. Fair to guesstimate then that around 30,000 or so have crossed the Irish Sea. The university repeated the exercise last year and found figures had jumped almost three-fold to €310m. Hotel prices are eye-watering to say the least . Mullins is odds on to be leading trainer this year too. The study doesn't identify the origin of those attending, but it found a third of them arrive in Cheltenham at least a day before the festival and leave at least a day after.

Let's not beat about the bush here lads, the Prestbury Cup 2023 will probably be as one sided as the last few years. That's because Cheltenham has become ...

Prestbury Cup 2023 odds There are 28 renewals at this year’s Cheltenham Festival and it’s a point per victory so the contest runs until either country has landed 15 winners. Prestbury Cup 2023 standings

The Cheltenham handicaps can be tricky to solve, with some horses starting at huge odds in the betting. Here is a selection to consider that offer each way ...

Ignore his last start as he unseated his inexperienced rider at the second but before that he finished third in a Grade 3 handicap at Sandown and was second over this course and distance on soft ground on New Year’s Day. The Tizzard runner finished fourth in last year’s Arkle, staying on at the finish, and was second at Aintree. He was never in the hunt in the Betfair Hurdle, which was run on good ground, and a return to a softer surface is going to be a plus. He has tried most trips but a drop to 2m appears to have reinvigorated him on the evidence of his last time out third in a Grade 3. Battleoverdoyen, who is ten, was a beaten favourite in the 2019 Ballymore and is a Grade 1 winner as a novice, finishing fourth in the 2020 RSA. He was good enough to finish fourth in the Triumph Hurdle last year and ran as if he wanted further on his handicap debut in December.

The Champion Hurdle is the highlight from Day 1 of the Cheltenham Festival. Some famous names have won it. Among them Istabraq and Hurricane Fly.

Comeback kid......Davy Russell: The man from Youghal has come out of retirement following Jack Kennedy's injury. She has such determination. BAR 25/1 BAR 40/1 The day concludes with the stamina-sapping 23-fence National Hunt Challenge. Last year saw Facile Vega win the Champion Bumper. Nick Skelton has graced the RDS Arena many times. Quevega won the Mare's Hurdle six years on the trot. Named after one of Ireland's all-time favourite horses. Ever since the day, as a teenager, he backed the hot favourite, Mill House, in the 1964 Gold Cup. His mind must go back to the old children's television programme, Mr Ed, the talking horse. Nicky Henderson is the trainer.

Your day-by-day schedule to the four-day festival, including race timings for the Champion Hurdle, plus five horses to watch.

With the Mullins contingent leading the charge, Ireland are 1-20 to win in this year so the home side, it's fair to say, are needing snookers. So, let’s get on with one of the greatest shows in sport. The two best mares, Honeysuckle and Epatante, both previous winners of the race, have sought easier pickings in the mares’ hurdle leaving State Man, also unbeaten in two seasons except for a maiden hurdle fall, as his main rival, along with last year’s Triumph winner Vauban and I Like To Move It. Thus far Constitution Hill has all been about potential, what he can be, and this is unquestionably his toughest examination yet. Nothing, so far, has got within 12 lengths of him. Soft going it will be for the start of the 2023 Festival. But 103 years later Irish domination is all but complete and the extent of that will, surely, be a major talking point again when the meeting concludes on Friday night. Currently only Golden Miller and L’Escargot are in it but, with cheek-pieces reapplied, no horse in Friday’s race has the stamina depths of last year’s Aintree hero. One of the smallest clubs in racing, in terms of membership, are horses which have won a Gold Cup and Grand National. Full marks for connections sticking with young up and coming jockey Niall Houlihan on the front-runner who loves Cheltenham, a huge chance for him to break into the big time. Unbeaten in first 16 starts but yet to win this season. Plans to add a fifth day, on the Saturday, have been shelved because of concerns about damage to the racetrack and Britain's uncertain economic footing.

The Carlow trainer runs four in the race he has won seven times, but former jockey David believes Facile Vega could be the one to come home in front with ...

Tekao looks to have been set up for the race too by Willie Mullins but I think Byker is the one to beat here. It’s clearly very hard to pick one but I think The Big Breakaway deserves a good pot and I know he has a lot of weight but I think he might have the ability to cope with it. This could be the best bet of the week in the final race on Tuesday where Gaillard Du Mesnil takes on lower rated horses in the stamina test over 3m6f. I think Charles Byrnes’ Byker is the one for the Boodles Handicap Hurdle. I’d be very worried too about Echoes In Rain if she jumps as well as she did the last day, she looked to show some maturity there and she could still be on the improve. I don’t know if Jonbon will take him on with the soft ground too likely to help the Willie Mullins runners big time including El Fabiolo.

The Champion Hurdle is the feature race on day one, while the Supreme Novices' Hurdle kicks off the action at 1.30pm.

In a normal year Honeysuckle would be odds on for this race but this year’s renewal looks to be one of the best fields the race has seen. He started to pick off horses one-by-one down the hill and picked up strongly up the Hill to run out a cosy winner. Constitution Hill is out to enhance his reputation in the Champion Hurdle this afternoon. He was flawless at Leopardstown last time out and he is very much the one to beat. The ground looks to have come in his favour and will have a massive chance. Envoi Allen is on a retrieval mission after a disappointing run in the King George at Kempton. Blue Lord, Chacun Pour Soi and Janidil look to keep Mullins winning streak up in the race after Allaho won the last two renewals. The wheels fairly fell off after that Champion Chase run but he returned to winning ways at Ascot last month and looked back to his best. Teahupoo has been impressive this year in lowering the colours of Honeysuckle and Klassical Dream in the Hatton’s Grace. Flooring Porter, like Blazing Khal has had a troubled run up to festival but it would be naïve to rule him out after winning the last two renewals of the race. "The feature race today is the Champion Hurdle where Constitution Hill is a warm order to retain his unbeaten record over hurdles for trainer Nicky Henderson. "Elsewhere on the card we are expecting Willie Mullins to have a first & last race double with his horse Gaillard Du Mesnil popular in the National Hunt Chase at around even money.

Is Constitution Hill bombproof in the big one? Join our writers for the latest news, action and betting on the festival's opening day.

[the going remains soft](https://its.turftrax.co.uk/visualiser/cheltenham/) after 7mm of rain in the last 24 hours. Post-Champion, the wonderful Honeysuckle will attempt to close out her career with a 17th win from 19 starts, and the afternoon concludes with a hopelessly impossible handicap hurdle and the rigours of the National Hunt Chase. But he hasn’t - yet - got a Champion Hurdle of his own on his record, and filling in that gap should be the main business of the first afternoon at Cheltenham. Unlike Golden Cygnet, who suffered a fatal injury in a fall in the Scottish Champion Hurdle a month after winning the Supreme Novice Hurdle, he will get a chance to show off his talent in the Champion Hurdle itself. And so here we go again, gathering beneath Cleeve Hill to watch horses race over jumps, just as folk have been doing for a century or more. [last year’s Supreme Novice Hurdle], as Constitution Hill bids to take his place among the sport’s all-time greats on the Champion Hurdle roll of honour. The weather looks fresh enough on course, bright sunshine the rain passing for the day, perhaps to return this evening, and later tomorrow for Champion Chase day. Trained by Aidan O’Brien before the master of Coolmore concentrated on being a flat trainer, JP McManus’s horse won three Champion Hurdles, and four times at the A raging case of festival fever is one thing; the level of delirium required to pay £190 a night to bed down in a metal box is clearly quite another. But only 16 of the 300 beds had been booked by the middle of last week. This idea looked good until, well, the price. Tahmuras (12-1) is probably the pick of the British-trained contenders though the concern is that he is just the best of a sub-standard bunch, but High Definition – who was Group-class on the Flat and favourite for the Derby in the early stages of his three-year-old career – is a fascinating option at around 20-1, and closely matched on ratings with both Inthepocket (8-1) Diverge (22-1).

As a son of in demand sire Blue Bresil, Inthepocket could run well if stepping up on his Leopardstown run. The Festival form of Paul Nicholls in novice hurdles ...

Gailliad Du Mesnil is the class horse, but will a class horse stay this distance on soften ground? You could back 10 and still not have the winner. Off 140, he is well below his rating of two years ago when he ran well here in the Cotswold Chase. Love Envoi has looked better than her post Cheltenham defeat by Brandy Love at Fairyhouse but missed her prep and has to step into a hot Grade 1. A lively outsider could be Top Ville Ben from the front with ground and distance more suitable than on his fine run over two mile and five Behind The Goffer at the Dublin Racing Festival. As a son of in demand sire Blue Bresil, Inthepocket could run well if stepping up on his Leopardstown run.

The Cheltenham Festival is one of the highlights of the world horse racing calendar with punters tuning in from across the globe to catch a glimpse.

For more from the biggest stars in TV, listen to [The Radio Times Podcast](https://www.radiotimes.com/audio/podcasts/). Free Bets are paid as Bet Credits and are available for use upon settlement of bets to value of qualifying deposit. Time limits and T&Cs apply. ITV1: 1pm – 4:30pm [TV Guide](https://www.radiotimes.com/tv/tv-listings/) or [Streaming Guide](https://www.radiotimes.com/streaming-guide/), or visit our [Sport](https://www.radiotimes.com/tv/sport/) hub for all the latest news. Returns exclude Bet Credits stake. ITV1: 2pm – 4:30pm [terms and conditions](https://www.immediate.co.uk/terms-and-conditions/) and [privacy policy](https://policies.immediate.co.uk/privacy/). [bet365](https://www.bet365.com/olp/open-account?affiliate=365_01001255) for the latest betting odds for Cheltenham. ITV4: 1pm – 2pm [RadioTimes.com](https://radiotimes.com) brings you all the TV details you need to know for Cheltenham Festival 2023. [Subscribe to Radio Times magazine and get 12 issues for £1](https://www.radiotimes.com/magazine-subscription/?utm_term=evergreen-article)

Giddy up! The 2023 Cheltenham Festival is here and there are four – yes, four! – delicious days of racing to enjoy. The fiesta takes place from Tuesday, ...

All you’ve got to do is pick 5 winners from the first 5 races at Cheltenham to bag the jackpot for yourself or split it. You can be in with a chance of winning £/€50K on every day of the Cheltenham Festival. Once you’ve done that, find the betting page for the renewal you wish to watch and click the button that says ‘Watch Live’.

Newsboy thinks hot favourite Constititution Hill will live up to his star billing in the Unibet Champion Hurdle (3.30) on day one of the 2023 Cheltenham ...

Slow to come to hand this winter, Nicky Henderson reintroduced her against male opposition in the Grade Two Relkeel Hurdle at Cheltenham on New Year’s Day. The cards looked stacked against the Lucinda Russell-saddled son of Jeremy entering the business end 12 months ago – Corach Rambler had many more rivals in front than behind. Milan’s daughter was an 18-1 chance when motoring home for Nico de Boinville to beat Queens Rock by a length and three-quarters last March. And he has added to his status in his second campaign. In any normal year, State Man would go off favourite for the Tuesday feature, and with good reason. Blue Bresil’s son set the tone in his first season, adding to two wide-margin wins at Sandown Park – the latter a 12-length score in the Grade One Tolworth Hurdle – with a 22-length drubbing of his opponents in the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle last March.