The Grand National is big. Royal Ascot full of pomp and ceremony. Epsom Derby, the pinnacle of equine history.
The National Hunt used to be the poor relation to the Flat.
Times have changed.
Prestbury Park beats the opposition hands down. Its betting popularity literally dwarfs the field. Bets the size of houses. Everyone wants a slice of the action. The lucky punters set foot on course while others sit watching the box. Stories of plots, bets and liabilities that frighten even the biggest bookmakers in the land.
Are you ready for Cheltenham?
Ante-post favourites.
Races. Big. Bad. Brash. Champions.
Names. Winners. Legends by the time the cheers die down, the mud settles and the bets are paid. Who will be your big winner? Get stuck into the greatest race meeting of them all.
From the 13th - 16th March, it's a battle of English, Irish, the rest of the world and his wife.
3 Big Race Favourites to Savour.
13th March -
3:30 Cheltenham - Champion Hurdle
Nicky Henderson has a real powerhouse here with Buveur D'Air he's been nothing short of a winning machine. Unbeaten in his last two seasons. This French-bred gelding is owned by legendary gambler J P McManus. Will he want to step into the ring at 4/9f? The Irish supporters will be hoping Fauheen can fly.
14th March -
3:30 Cheltenham - Queen Mother Champion Chase
One of the talking horses for this Grade 1 contest over 2 miles. Altior hails from Nicky Henderson's stable and been simply imperious over the last three season. This ten-year-old gelding, an Irish-bred son of High Chaparral will be very likely to start odds on for this race and by all accounts will take a world of beating. Willie Mullins has Douvan entered and at fair odds may be an each-way chance if making the big day.
16th March -
3:30 Cheltenham - Cheltenham Gold Cup
The jewel in the crown of this prestigious festival. A race with unequaled history. Another Nicky Henderson charge hoping to conclude a truly memorable meeting. Might Bite has a reputation and will be primed for this Grade 1 contest over a distance of 3m 21/2f. Other major hopes are Native River, Sizing John & Road To Respect.