Cheltenham 2024

[j1ffy]

I don't think I've seen a thread yet..!

I'm not sure how much I'll manage to watch thanks to work and a dressage camp (the latter isn't too intense so should be able to catch some!) but I'm very excited as 'my' (and a load of other forum members') mare Apple Away runs at 5.30pm tomorrow in the NH Challenge Cup. Local-to-me horse Mr Vango, trained by the Bradstocks so I'll also be cheering him on - it would be a very emotional victory if he won and I don't think I could begrudge him beating Apple...

I feel gutted for our next nearest yard, Nicky Henderson's, with Constitution Hill out and the yard desperately unlucky in terms of timing for a virus to be at the yard.

What is everyone else looking forward to? Any good tips..?!

 

[Prancerpoos]

I’ve put some money on Stage Star for the Ryanair.

 

[Brummyrat]

I'll be working too but my boss is away so hoping I can sneakily watch. Would be lovely if Elixir can do the business on Wednesday! Good luck with Apple Away

 

[reynold]

I hope ITV record the ROR parade at 12.30 tomorrow and show it later in the afternoon.

Good luck with Apple

Will be watching all 4 days on ITV

See Henderson has 6 or so runners tomorrow. Will be interesting to see how they do.

 

[Orangehorse]

I hope Stage Star can do it again, as my sister had a share in him and he ran so well last year.

Hopefully I will reach the bottom of my ironing basket this week.

 

[Crazy_cat_lady]

I'll be in the office so can't watch

I'll be doing the ITV 7 as it's free, they've got a sweepstake going for the gold cup so I've joined that too, not sure who I have yet

Another hoping they show the ROR parade

Just hoping we don't get loads of drunk idiots in the betting ring, I know the people who do it are super rich, but it feels a bit sickening when they talk about bets being put on for hundreds of thousands during a cost of living crisis

 

[Gamebird]

Been here since Saturday and managed to ride out each morning and survive. Mixed thoughts about the racing starting tomorrow - obviously it's what we're here for, but the workload doubles and our lovely peaceful (ish!) place will suddenly go crazy!

 

[Clodagh]

Just hoping we don't get loads of drunk idiots in the betting ring, I know the people who do it are super rich, but it feels a bit sickening when they talk about bets being put on for hundreds of thousands during a cost of living crisis

It is the bit of itv that makes me switch to RUK! I am so excited. If I get a paddock badge for Stage Star I’ll be going on Thursday but generally my week in front of the telly starts midday tomorrow.
On Friday I am driving to Essex, I will be listening to the early races on the radio if I can get my Bluetooth happy.

 

[Clodagh]

And just looking at the entries for the supreme. I never back anything Irish so there is not a lot of choice! I shall go each way on the prettiest English trained horse.
(Why I do not get rich gambling).

 

[humblepie]

Not really studied races yet but have a sneaking for Zarak the Brave tomorrow but be fab if Iberico Lord could do it for Lambourn. Be lovely for Stateman to have the win.

Elixir would be super too on Wednesday. Love GDC probably my current fav NH horse

@Gamebird. Well jel as they say. Watching the morning exercise of the stables horses would be amazing let alone riding.

 

[Crazy_cat_lady]

Just done my itv 7, the hardest decision was which Willie Mullins runner to select he could technically win every race tomorrow

Anyone else who really can't warm to GE

 

[Snow Falcon]

I can watch it most of the day. (Stupidly booked dental appt) Off sick from work so I shall settle down early.

I find it hard to back a GE horse.

 

[Clodagh]

I loathe GE beyond all rational explanation. He doesn’t even look as though he likes horses, you never see him treat one with affection. I couldn’t back one of his if it was a guaranteed winner at 100/1.

 

[Gamebird]

Not really studied races yet but have a sneaking for Zarak the Brave tomorrow but be fab if Iberico Lord could do it for Lambourn. Be lovely for Stateman to have the win.

Elixir would be super too on Wednesday. Love GDC probably my current fav NH horse

@Gamebird. Well jel as they say. Watching the morning exercise of the stables horses would be amazing let alone riding.

It's the stuff of dreams. Rode out a previous Festival winner, Gold Cup runner and future Grand National entry today. You can't buy that!

 

[ponyparty]

I’m going today! Well excited. Just got to go do the horse (in fake tan and hair curler ) then getting ready. Don’t know why I’m bothering with my hair, with the weather how it is I’ll resemble a drowned rat after 5 minutes. Ah well! There’s a coach load of us from the village going together, and meeting a friend and his dad there - should be a fun day out. I did have a look at who I fancy my chances with, I know very little though as I’m only an occasional watcher/race-goer. don’t put much on though, just a little flutter for fun. I mainly just hope they all come home safe.

Have a great day, anyone going… please ignore the hooligans from Worcestershire, I don’t know them and to those watching from the comfort of your sofa - enjoy the comfort (and dryness)! Think we’ve picked the worst day weather wise!

 

[Indieanna6]

Fellow Apple owner here! Hoping the distance and the going suits her today.

I only ever bet on 'my' horses and on the GN, but a place today would really pull me out of a tight spot due to unexpected vet bills and car issues.

Have a fabulous day all that are participating at Cheltenham.

 

[Kadastorm]

I’m glad I’ve not got any bank shifts so far this week as it’s Cheltenham! I’ve done a lucky 63 gonna need to win some money if I’m not earning

 

[Fraggle bells rock]

@Gamebird say hi to elf for me if you see her.
Have had a few pennies on apple for today.
Looking forward to the next few days.

 

[Smitty]

Am I remembering correctly? Was it at Chelt that Priests used to give blessings (forgive me if it's the wrong term) first thing in the morning for the Irish favourites running that day, I seem to remember some sort of thing for Danoli in CH. Does it still happen? Sure I saw it on Channel 4 once

 

[Snow Falcon]

And the 1st race of the festival is upon us.

 

[Fraggle bells rock]

Not backed it but like the look of firefox

 

[Snow Falcon]

I hope all come back safe and sound this meeting.

 

[Kadastorm]

And a false start to start the meet

 

[Snow Falcon]

Go Rachel

 

[Kadastorm]

Nice one Rachel!

 

[Crazy_cat_lady]

Thank god for the ITV text commentary as I'm in the office!

I'm out the 7 already

 

[reynold]

I don't bet anymore but picked Rachel

Another Henderson runner pulled up....

 

[Snowfilly]

That was a nice race, sensibly ridden aside from the start. I was on Tullyho so I’m out already.

Go Rachel!

 

[splashgirl45]

Rushed around to get sat down for Cheltenham and itv has stopped, my tv says it’s an aerial problem but I’ve got BBC channels so can’t be the Ariel. Kept trying to get it and finally gone to itvx and it’s fine, very odd

 

[humblepie]

Come on JPR One - he is a cracking looking horse