Horse Racing

Horses Take The Stage in Cheltenham

 
The Cheltenham Festival has begun on Tuesday, the 10th of March, amidst fanfare. The festival would last for 4 days and would feature many races every day.

Tuesday begins with the Irish Champion hurdle, which is a two-mile race where horses compete for the prestigious title. Unlike previous years, there is no favourite horse expected to win this year as Espoir D’Allen, the horse that won it last year, died and the winner of the race in 2017 and 2018, Buveur D’Air, would not be appearing due to an injury.

That leaves a vacant spot expected to be filled by any horse, and there are already some expected to take on the crown. Ballyandy, trained by Sam Twiston-Davies and Call-Me-Lord, one of the few horses trained by Nicky Henderson, are favoured to bring the crown home.

Wednesday’s race dubbed the Queen Mother Champion Chase, would not be as eventful this year as the star, Altior, would be missing in action after being lame following a splint injury.

Altior’s trainer, Nicky Henderson, made the announcement on Tuesday morning, saying there had been hoping since Sunday that the horse would recover, but the situation on the morning of Tuesday made it necessary for the horse to be pulled out of the race.

This is the second Henderson’s horse that would not be participating in a race where it is the favorite, after Buveur D’Air in the Irish Champions hurdle. Altior was expected to win the Chase for a record third time consecutively to become the second horse to ever do so. Altior had always had a troubling splint, but it had never affected him to this extent in the past.

Horses are not the only ones not to appear in this year’s race, as even jockeys would be replaced. Champion jockey Ruby Walsh, would not ride in this year’s festival, after retiring last year. Instead, a younger Paul Townend would take his place, and it is obvious he has big shoes to fill.

 

 

Written by: Leon Osamor

About the Author


Written by DafaNews

DafaNews brings you the most highlighted news in the world of Sports. It serves you up-to-date matches, scores, live streams, fantasy games and quizzes. Our news covers prestigious leagues and events – Premier League, Champions League, World Cup and many more.

Related Post
Share
Published by
DafaNews

Recent Posts

NBA: Warriors’ De’Anthony Melton to Miss Season with Knee Surgery

Golden State Warriors guard De’Anthony Melton will undergo season-ending surgery to repair a partially torn… Read More

November 21, 2024

Juan Mata Becomes First Active International Footballer to Join MLS Ownership with San Diego FC

World Cup-winning Spanish footballer Juan Mata has joined the ownership group of Major League Soccer’s… Read More

November 21, 2024

Millot may join PSG as French champions react to Yamal link

Since joining VfB Stuttgart from AS Monaco at a young age, Enzo Millot has thrived… Read More

November 21, 2024

Top three talking points for Premier League’s return

With the final international break of 2024 done and dusted, league football can resume across… Read More

November 21, 2024

PGA Tour introduces new changes ahead for 2026

The PGA Tour has announced significant changes to its eligibility criteria and tournament structures, set… Read More

November 21, 2024

Barcelona to endure lengthy Yamal absence

Spanish La Liga club Barcelona may have to endure a lengthy absence for Spanish winger… Read More

November 21, 2024