Grab a £5 bet with Genting

1. CHELTENHAM
FESTIVAL
2014

2. View from
theTrading
Floor
Willie Mullins is a name that strikes
fear into the hearts of bookies each
March as his stable of superstars
descend on the Cheltenham
Festival for the finest four days of
National Hunt racing in the calendar.
At the time of writing, Mullins has
the ante-post favourite or second
favourite for 11 of the 13 biggest
races run during the Festival. As a
result, punters have been piling into
the multiples and we’ll be keeping
our fingers crossed one of his big
hopes like Vautour, Hurricane Fly or
Quevega gets turned over.
And don’t worry too much if your
best wagers get beaten. We are
offering all our punters 10% back on
staked bets as a free bet the next
day throughout the Festival.
Nicky Henderson and Paul Nicholls
will be leading the British charge,
with two of the best chasers in
training set to go head-to-head in
Friday’s feature, the Cheltenham
Gold Cup.
Will Bobs Worth, trained by
Henderson, become the first horse
since three-time hero Best Mate to
land successive renewals in this blue
riband event? Or will Nicholls’
Silviniaco Conti, still travelling well
when falling last year, follow in the
footsteps of his legendary former
stablemates Kauto Star and
Denman by capturing the prize?
Here at Genting Bet we’ll be taking
on Nicholls by refunding bets on any
horse that finishes second to one of
his winners throughout the week.
In order to arm yourself with all the
key trends and stats, we’ve put
together this handy pocket guide. It
also contains quotes from those in
the know – including Channel 4’s
Graham Cunningham.
So, without further ado, let battle
commence!

4. GRAHAM
CUNNINGHAM'S
INTRODUCTION
If bookmakers have done their sums
right, this year's Cheltenham
Festival revolves around three kings
of jump racing.
Of course, there is nothing new
about Nicky Henderson, Paul
Nicholls and Willie Mullins heading to
the Cotswolds loaded with strong
chances.
But nothing that has gone before can
compare with what 2014 promises.
A canter through the ante-post
markets reveals that the big three
are responsible for eight clear
favourites and one joint-favourite in
the top 10 Festival contests.
But things are seldom that simple
when it comes to the most
unforgiving jumping arena of them
all.
Things certainly haven't gone
according to script for Henderson
this season and it's a measure of
how capricious jump racing can be
that two of his three Festival kings
of 2013 – Sprinter Sacre and
Simonsig – will be on the sidelines
and sorely missed this time around.
Nicholls
has
exploited
the
opportunity with typical efficiency
to forge clear in the race to regain
his champion trainer title, while
Mullins has generally adopted a
strict "name, rank and serial
number" mentality as he marshals
the single strongest Irish raiding
party ever to head to Cheltenham.
The fun starts with the timeless
sporting scenario of an ageing
superstar battling to stave off a
posse of vibrant young thrusters
when the Mullins-trained Hurricane
Fly bids to win his third Champion
Hurdle on Tuesday 11th March.
Sprinter Sacre's absence from
Wednesday's Champion Chase has
left the door open for a posse of
hopefuls headed by Sire De Grugy,
while the Nicholls-trained Big Buck's
is another legend of jumping who
will divide opinion sharply when he
bids for an astonishing fifth World
Hurdle on Thursday.
Friday sees Henderson's Bobs
Worth lay a flawless Cheltenham
record on the line against old rival
Silviniaco Conti and Last Instalment
in the Gold Cup, but the punting
possibilities during Festival week
are endless.
The markets suggest the big three
are in for a bonanza. But there are
plenty of others to note. And, with a
little luck, a few of this bunch will put
their names in lights, too.

5. The
Schedule
Tuesday
11/03/2014
1.30 Sky Bet Supreme Novices’ Hurdle Race
2.05 Racing Post Arkle Challenge Trophy Steeple Chase
2.40 Festival Handicap Steeple Chase
3.20 Stan James Champion Hurdle Challenge Trophy
4.00 OLBG Mares’ Hurdle Race
4.40 144th Year of The National Hunt Steeple Chase
5.15 Rewards4Racing Novices’ Handicap Chase
Distance
2m ½f
2m
3m ½f
2m ½f
2m 4f
4m
2m 4½f
Wednesday
12/03/2014
Distance
1.30 Neptune Investment Management Novices’ Hurdle Race
2m 5f
2.05 RSA Steeple Chase
2.40 Coral Cup Hurdle
3.20 BetVictor Queen Mother Champion Steeple Chase
4.00 Glenfarclas Cross Country Steeple Chase
4.40 Fred Winter Juvenile Handicap Hurdle Race
5.15 Weatherbys Champion Bumper
3m ½f
2m 5f
2m
3m 7f
2m ½f
2m ½f

6. Thursday
13/03/2014
1.30 JLT Novices’ Chase
2.05 Pertemps Network Final
2.40 Ryanair Steeple Chase
3.20 Ladbrokes World Hurdle Race
Distance
2m 4f
3m
2m 5f
3m
4.00 Byrne Group Plate
2m 4f
5.15 St Patrick’s Derby
1m 5f
4.40 Fulke Walwyn Kim Muir Challenge Cup Handicap Steeple Chase
3m1½ f
Friday
14/03/2014
Distance
1.30 JCB Triumph Hurdle
2m 1f
2.40 Albert Bartlett Novices’ Hurdle Race
3m
2.05 Vincent O’Brien County Handicap Hurdle Race
3.20 Betfred Cheltenham Gold Cup Steeple Chase
4.00 CGA Foxhunter Steeple Chase Challenge Cup
4.40 Martin Pipe Conditional Jockeys’ Handicap Hurdle Race
2m 1f
3m 2½ f
3m 2½ f
2m 4½ f
5.15 Johnny Henderson Grand Annual Steeple Chase Challenge Cup 2m ½ f

7. FAVOURITES
Only 3 favourites have won in the last
22 renewals
1:30pm
Tuesday 11th March
Sky Bet Supreme
Novices’ Hurdle
FORM
15 of the last 17 winners won last time
out
TRAINER / JOCKEY
The Irish have won 8 of the last 13
runnings
2 Miles 1/2 Furlong
Champagne Fever (centre) draws alongside My Tent Or Yours 12 months ago.
WINNING STARTING PRICE
SP
40/1
35/1
Ebaziyan
40/1
30/1
25/1
20/1
15/1
Brave Inca
7/2f
10/1
5/1
2004
2005
2006
2007
2008
2009
2010
2011
2012
2013
Year

8. AGE
ENGLAND v IRELAND
7
5
6
LAST 10 YEARS
WHAT THE CONNECTIONS SAY
(We’ve sent Geoff Lester out to speak to some of the leading connections)
“He might be an embryo chaser, but he has looked as good as any novice
about over hurdles and was impressive at Leopardstown, where his jumping
was fast and slick.”
Ruby Walsh, rider of Vautour
“He was very free early on at Punchestown, so to come to the last pulling
double was quite something. He should settle better with a faster pace. He
has so much speed.”
Willie Mullins, trainer of Wicklow Brave
“A smart bumper horse and he is looking even better over hurdles. Only the
tiring ground beat him at Kempton, and he came back with a bad scope, so
that was some performance.”
Nicky Henderson, trainer of Josses Hill
GRAHAM CUNNINGHAM'S VERDICT
The party starts with the prospect of a Mullins versus
Nicholls showdown as VAUTOUR and Irving lay their
unbeaten hurdling records on the line. Irving's turn of foot
was seen to striking effect again at Kempton and good
ground might suit him even better, but Vautour's high
cruising speed and bold jumping left a deep impression at
Leopardstown and he might just shade it.

9. FAVOURITES
Last 23 winners have started at 11/1 or
shorter, but only 5 favourites won
2.05pm
Tuesday 11th March
Racing Post
Arkle
FORM
25 of the last 27 winners finished in the
top 2 last time out
TRAINER / JOCKEY
N Henderson and B Geraghty have won
last 2 renewals
2 Miles
Simonsig justified odds-on favouritism last year.
WINNING STARTING PRICE
SP
16/1
14/1
12/1
Well Chief
9/1
10/1
8/1
6/1
Simonsig
8/15
4/1
2/1
2004
2005
2006
2007
2008
2009
2010
2011
2012
2013
Year

10. AGE
ENGLAND v IRELAND
6
5
8
7
LAST 10 YEARS
WHAT THE CONNECTIONS SAY
(We’ve sent Geoff Lester out to speak to some of the leading connections)
“He is very genuine, and, having won his first three over fences, he might
have needed his comeback run in the Game Spirit at Newbury, where the
ground beat him.”
Paul Nicholls, trainer of Dodging Bullets
“He had the class to finish third in the Supreme (2012), but chasing was
always going to be his game. He’s been right back on song and jumped
fantastic in the Irish Arkle.”
Charles Byrnes, trainer of Trifolium
“Rock on Ruby must have the ground good or faster. He always comes alive
in the spring and has plenty of top-level experience, so I’m not worried that
he has only run the twice over fences.”
Harry Fry, trainer of Rock on Ruby
GRAHAM CUNNINGHAM'S VERDICT
Champagne Fever topped my shortlist initially but is short
enough having been off since a Leopardstown defeat in
December. Dodging Bullets is a player despite being pipped
at Newbury, but TRIFOLIUM has Festival form and is
thriving over fences. Pinpoint jumping hallmarked his Grade
1 Leopardstown win and the presence of young star Bryan
Cooper on top is an added plus.

11. FAVOURITES
19 of the last 23 winners started in first
5 of the betting, with 8 favourites
triumphing
3.20pm
Tuesday 11th March
Stan James
Champion Hurdle
FORM
25 of the last 30 winners won last time out
TRAINER / JOCKEY
W Mullins and N Henderson have won 4
of the last 5 renewals between them
2 Miles 1/2 Furlong
Hurricane Fly skips over the last hurdle on his way to victory last season.
WINNING STARTING PRICE
SP
40/1
Hardy
Eustace
33/1
35/1
30/1
25/1
20/1
Hurricane
Fly
13/8
15/1
10/1
5/1
2004
2005
2006
2007
2008
2009
2010
2011
2012
2013
Year

12. AGE
ENGLAND v IRELAND
6
5
8
7
LAST 10 YEARS
WHAT THE CONNECTIONS SAY
(We’ve sent Geoff Lester out to speak to some of the leading connections)
“People talk of him being better at Leopardstown and, though he has twice
won the Champion at Cheltenham, I blame myself for him not having shown
his customary brilliance. He is a great horse, and hopefully he can put on a
Ruby Walsh, rider of Hurricane Fly
real show this time.”
“He will need to improve again to beat ‘The Hurricane’, but he definitely gives
me the feel of a potential winner. It was important that he had that prep on
the all-weather as he can be free and it would have been a risk having no race
AP McCoy, rider of My Tent or Yours
since Christmas.”
“The Irish Champion developed into a sprint, which did not suit him, but we
have closed the gap on Hurricane Fly this season and, if he improves as much
as he did last spring, he is well capable of turning the tables.”
Barry O’Connell, owner of Our Conor
GRAHAM CUNNINGHAM'S VERDICT
Can Hurricane Fly join the greats aged 10? Of course he
can. But is he value at 3-1? Not against this dangerous new
crew, he isn't. My Tent Or Yours will travel like a dream and
The Fly's stablemate Annie Power is well worth a saver if
she runs, but OUR CONOR looked a potential champ when
destroying his Triumph Hurdle rivals last year and is ready
to peak after making the Hurricane work hard in the Irish
Champion Hurdle.

14. KEY TRENDS
(Remainder of Day One)
2.40pm
4.00pm
Festival Handicap
Steeple Chase
OLBG Mares’
Hurdle Race
• 23 of the last 28 winners
have carried less than 11st
• Just 2 favourites have won
since 1977
• Quevega is going for her
sixth straight win in the
race – no horse has ever
won 6th races at the
Festival
• Quevega has been
favourite for all 5 of her
wins
4.40pm
5.15pm
144th Year of The
National Hunt
Steeple Chase
Rewards4Racing
Novices’ Handicap
Chase
• Ireland won no renewals
between 1999 and 2010
but has won 2 of last 3
• Only 2 winners since 1981
have been aged 10 or older
• 7-year-olds have won 6 of
the 9 renewals
• 8 different jockeys have
won the 9 runnings

15. 1.30pm
Wednesday 12th March
FAVOURITES
Have won 10 of the last 23 runnings
Neptune Novices’
Hurdle
FORM
14 of the last 16 winners had run in a
Graded race before
2 Miles 5 Furlongs
TRAINER / JOCKEY
W Mullins and N Twiston-Davies (both
2) only trainers to have won race more
than once in last 15 runnings
The New One on his way to recording a comprehensive win last season.
WINNING STARTING PRICE
Massini's
Maguire
20/1
SP
28/1
24/1
20/1
16/1
12/1
Simonsig
2/1
8/1
4/1
2004
2005
2006
2007
2008
2009
2010
2011
2012
2013
Year

16. AGE
ENGLAND v IRELAND
5
6
LAST 10 YEARS
WHAT THE CONNECTIONS SAY
(We’ve sent Geoff Lester out to speak to some of the leading connections)
“He is unbeaten and a lot easier to handle than last year, when he proved
difficult to keep sound. We think he is very good.”
Ruby Walsh, rider of Faugheen
“I have never had a better bunch of novice hurdlers, and this fellow is right up
there with the best. He was impressive on Trials Day and is exciting.”
David Pipe, trainer of Red Sherlock
“He had the class to run Melodic Rendezvous to three parts of a length first
time over hurdles, and he is as good as any novice in the yard.”
Nicky Henderson, trainer of Royal Boy
GRAHAM CUNNINGHAM'S VERDICT
Heard this one before? The Mullins-trained FAUGHEEN is
unbeaten with a huge reputation and set to go off hot
favourite in the Ricci colours. It didn't work out for Pont
Alexandre in last year's Neptune, but Faugheen has crushed
everything in his path. It will be surprising if he isn't a major
player, with David Pipe likely to provide some of the
sternest opposition via the unbeaten Red Sherlock and
exciting French recruit Un Temps Pour Tout.

17. FAVOURITES
3 of last 10 favourites have won but
none of the last 4
2.05pm
Wednesday 12th March
RSA Chase
FORM
Last 49 winners had run in the calendar
year
3 Miles 1/2 Furlong
TRAINER / JOCKEY
Only 6 Irish victories since 1985 (but 4
of last 5)
Lord Windermere (2nd-left) battles his way to victory last season.
WINNING STARTING PRICE
SP
40/1
35/1
30/1
Rule
Supreme
25/1
25/1
20/1
15/1
Denman
6/5
10/1
5/1
2004
2005
2006
2007
2008
2009
2010
2011
2012
2013
Year

18. AGE
ENGLAND v IRELAND
5 8
7
LAST 10 YEARS
WHAT THE CONNECTIONS SAY
(We’ve sent Geoff Lester out to speak to some of the leading connections)
“He has not been the easiest to train, so therefore lacks a bit of experience.
But he is great leaper with a big engine and I would not swap him.”
Ruby Walsh, rider of Ballycasey
“He does not take too much racing, so he badly needed the match-practice,
and his prep-race at Newbury could not have gone better.”
Alan King, trainer of Smad Place
“Stamina is his strong suite, and he’d have a strong each-way chance. He was
running a cracker against Ballycasey last time when I got knocked out of the
saddle.”
AP McCoy, rider of Carlingford Lough
GRAHAM CUNNINGHAM'S VERDICT
A brave stayer who jumps economically is what's needed
here given the likely presence of trailblazers like Annacotty
and Corrin Wood. Ballycasey and Smad Place score well in
both categories and head the market on firm foundations,
but MANY CLOUDS has caught the eye all winter with his
accurate fencing and appeals as a very live longer priced
each way option for Oliver Sherwood.

19. FAVOURITES
12 of last 15 winners started at 5/1 or
shorter, but only 4 favourites obliged
3.20pm
Wednesday 12th March
BetVictor
Champion Chase
FORM
14 of last 21 winners had won at the
Festival before
TRAINER / JOCKEY
Since 2003, B Geraghty and R Walsh
have won 8 renewals between them
2 Miles
Sprinter Sacre was simply too good for his rivals 12 months ago.
WINNING STARTING PRICE
SP
16/1
14/1
Newmill
16/1
12/1
10/1
8/1
Sprinter
Sacre
1/4
6/1
4/1
2/1
2004
2005
2006
2007
2008
2009
2010
2011
2012
2013
Year

20. AGE
ENGLAND v IRELAND
11 5
6
9
LAST 10 YEARS
8
7
WHAT THE CONNECTIONS SAY
(We’ve sent Geoff Lester out to speak to some of the leading connections)
“We’ve only seen him once this season because he had a bad tracheal wash.
He travelled like the best horse at Sandown, but tired very quickly. When
home his potassium levels were all wrong. We’ve tinkered with his minerals
and hopefully – I’m not saying for certain – it’ll make the difference.”
Nicky Henderson, trainer of Captain Conan
“His best form has been on right-handed tracks, but this is only his second
season over fences and he is almost the complete package, so we have to
give it a go.”
Gary Moore, trainer of Sire de Grugy
“He has won four of his last five and I probably made a mistake in holding him
up when he got beat in the Paddy Power. He is best rolling along.”
Ruby Walsh, rider of Arvika Ligeonniere
GRAHAM CUNNINGHAM'S VERDICT
Shades of Hamlet without the Prince after Sprinter Sacre's
withdrawal and much revolves around how keen bookies
are to take on SIRE DE GRUGY. Expect support for several
rivals – notably Arvika Ligeonniere and Benefficient – but
Sire De Grugy looked better than ever when bolting up at
Ascot. One theory suggests that he isn't suited by
Cheltenham. I don't buy that and his credentials look very
solid indeed.

22. KEY TRENDS
(Remainder of Day Two)
2.40pm
4.00pm
The Coral Cup
Hurdle
Glenfarclas Cross
Country Steeple
Chase
• Only 1 favourite has won
since 1994
• No horse rated 148+ has
won this race
• Ireland has won all but 1 of
the 9 runnings
• Enda Bolger has won 4 of
the 9 and has had 3
seconds
4.40pm
5.15pm
Fred Winter
Juvenile Handicap
Hurdle
Weatherbys
Champion Bumper
• No trainer or jockey has
won this more than once
• Fillies have won 4 of the 9
runnings
• 5-year-olds have won 14 of
the 21 races
• Willie Mullins has won 8 of
the 21 runnings

23. 2.40pm
Thursday 13th March
FAVOURITES
Only 2 have won
Ryanair Chase
FORM
7 of the 9 winners (and 7 runners-up)
had previously won at Cheltenham
TRAINER / JOCKEY
AP McCoy and R Walsh have both won 2
of the 9 runnings
2 Miles 5 Furlongs
Cue Card registered a second win at the Cheltenham Festival in this contest last season.
WINNING STARTING PRICE
SP
Albertas
Run
14/1
16/1
14/1
12/1
10/1
Fondmort
100/30
8/1
6/1
4/1
2/1
2004
2005
2006
2007
2008
2009
2010
2011
2012
2013
Year

24. AGE
ENGLAND v IRELAND
6
11
(only 9 renewals)
LAST 9 YEARS
9
7
8
WHAT THE CONNECTIONS SAY
(We’ve sent Geoff Lester out to speak to some of the leading connections)
“We have been trying to ride him as a stayer and he showed in the King
George that he isn’t one. This is his race and on good ground he’d be a
player.”
Paul Nicholls, trainer of Al Ferof
“Michael O’Leary [boss of Ryanair] has never managed to win his own race,
but this fellow ticks all the right boxes and would have a right chance.”
Mouse Morris, trainer of First Lieutenant
“He won the Jewson there last year, so we know he likes the track and we
have kept him fresh since he landed the Paddy Power over Christmas.”
Tony Martin, trainer of Benefficient
GRAHAM CUNNINGHAM'S VERDICT
First Lieutenant was a gallant second last year but his
record of 1-12 at this level is worrying. Forgiveness is also
needed for a couple of his main rivals, but it could prove
worthwhile for the dashing greys Al Ferof and DYNASTE.
Al Ferof got stuck in a bog at Newbury, while Dynaste hurt
back muscles in the King George. Expect much better here
and Dynaste's fine second to Cue Card at Haydock makes
him a strong each way hope.

25. FAVOURITES
6 of last 11 favourites have won (Big
Buck’s 3 times)
3.20pm
Thursday 13th March
Ladbrokes World
Hurdle
FORM
Only 8 horses outside first 4 in the
betting have been placed since 2002
TRAINER / JOCKEY
Courtesy of Big Buck’s, Nicholls is the
leading trainer in race (4 wins)
3 Miles
Solwit (nearest camera) won’t be back to defend his crown this year.
WINNING STARTING PRICE
SP
16/1
Solwhit
17/2
14/1
12/1
10/1
8/1
Big Buck’s
5/6
6/1
4/1
2/1
2004
2005
2006
2007
2008
2009
2010
2011
2012
2013
Year

26. AGE
ENGLAND v IRELAND
6
7
8
9
LAST 10 YEARS
WHAT THE CONNECTIONS SAY
(We’ve sent Geoff Lester out to speak to some of the leading connections)
“He is 10kg lighter for his comeback run in the Cleeve, in which he just got
tired from the last. He was stiff for a week afterwards but looks magnificent
now.”
Paul Nicholls, trainer of Big Buck’s
“He was still not right in the Long Walk and I should not have asked him so
many questions, but the Cleeve was much more encouraging and he is on the
way back.”
AP McCoy, rider of At Fishers Cross
“He ran his best race against The New One there last year, and his win at
Naas last time has put him spot on.”
Mouse Morris, trainer of Rule the World.
GRAHAM CUNNINGHAM'S VERDICT
Is Big Buck's the horse he used to be as he bids to win this
for the fifth time? Probably not. Will Mullins end up running
the deeply impressive ANNIE POWER here? Probably. Will
JP McManus rely on At Fishers Cross or the exciting More
Of That? Pass. Big Buck's will raise the roof if he defies
Father Time. But can he really concede 7lb to Annie Power
aged 11? I doubt it.

28. KEY TRENDS
(Remainder of Day Three)
1.30pm
2.05pm
JLT Novices’
Chase
Pertemps
Network Final
• Ireland has won all 3
runnings
• All 3 winners had run at
Cheltenham previously
• 7of last 10 winners have
carried 10st 9lb or less
• The last 10 winners have all
been double-figure prices,
including 2 priced at 50/1
4.00pm
4.40pm
Byrne Group
Plate
Fulke Walwyn Kim
Muir Challenge Cup
Handicap Steeple
Chase
• Only 2 winning favourites
since 1981
• 16 of the last 18 winners
have carried 11st or less
• Greasepaint was the last
Irish winner in 1983
• 11 of the last 16 winners
have been double-figure
prices

29. 1.30pm
Friday 14th March
FAVOURITES
Won just 1 of last 12
JCB Triumph
Hurdle
FORM
Only 2 of last 16 winners hadn’t won
last time out
TRAINER / JOCKEY
N Henderson has won a record 5
Triumphs
2 Miles 1 Furlong
Not even the rain could stop the celebrations after Our Conor’s victory last year.
WINNING STARTING PRICE
Countrywide
SP
Flame
33/1
40/1
35/1
30/1
25/1
20/1
Detroit
City
7/2
15/1
10/1
5/1
2004
2005
2006
2007
2008
2009
2010
2011
2012
2013
Year

30. AGE
ENGLAND v IRELAND
Contest restricted
to 4-year-olds
LAST 10 YEARS
WHAT THE CONNECTIONS SAY
(We’ve sent Geoff Lester out to speak to some of the leading connections)
“Three out is a mile from home on the New Course, so you need a real
grinder, and that is what this fellow looked at Leopardstown. He has
improved for the visor and jumps, travels and stays.”
Dessie Hughes, trainer of Guitar Pete
“We would have been distraught if he had been beaten on Trials day in March
as we think he is above-average. That form is as good as any, and he looks
just the right type for the race.”
Nick Williams, trainer of Le Rocher
“I loved this horse when I saw him at Auteuil even before he ran, and, though
he is not what I usually look for in a Triumph candidate, being Flat-bred, he has
twice delivered at Newbury. The softer the ground the better.”
Paul Nicholls, trainer of Calipto
GRAHAM CUNNINGHAM'S VERDICT
Guitar Pete looks the best of the Irish, but two British
geldings sourced in France are the pair to focus on in the
juvenile championship. Le Rocher scores heavily on course
form and stamina after a runaway January win, while
CALIPTO has abundant potential after cruising to two
Newbury wins. Le Rocher's chance will look even stronger
if it stays wet, but Calipto is improving fast and gets a
narrow vote.

31. 3.20pm
Friday 14th March
FAVOURITES
Have won 7 of last 12
Betfred
Cheltenham
Gold Cup
FORM
Since 1994 75 of 77 horses beaten in
the race before have been beaten again
TRAINER / JOCKEY
Ireland has had just 1 placed runner
since 2006
3 Miles 2 1/2 Furlongs
Bobs Worth clears the last on his way to an emphatic victory 12 months ago.
WINNING STARTING PRICE
SP
16/1
14/1
Synchronised
8/1
12/1
10/1
8/1
6/1
4/1
Best Mate
8/11
2/1
2004
2005
2006
2007
2008
2009
2010
2011
2012
2013
Year

32. AGE
ENGLAND v IRELAND
6
9
LAST 10 YEARS
7
8
WHAT THE CONNECTIONS SAY
(We’ve sent Geoff Lester out to speak to some of the leading connections)
“Leopardstown would not have been his track, nor his ground, yet he showed
he was more than just a galloper in the Lexus, and he is unbeaten around
Cheltenham.”
Nicky Henderson, trainer of Bobs Worth
“He was going ominously well last year when tipping up three out and would
have finished first or second. He has not stopped improving and has a big
chance.”
Paul Nicholls, trainer of Silviniaco Conti
“He was absolutely perfect when we checked him out this morning [10th
February]. His legs are good and I couldn't be happier with him. He'll have an
easy week or 10 days now before we gear him up for Cheltenham.”
Philip Fenton, trainer of Last Instalment
GRAHAM CUNNINGHAM'S VERDICT
It's all about price with Bobs Worth. Henderson's hero is 33 at the Festival, 5-5 at Cheltenham and 9-9 when he has
put his nose in front over jumps. They are formidable stats
by any standards, but SILVINIACO CONTI was cruising
when he fell three out last year and looked better than ever
when outstaying Cue Card in the King George. This will
settle all the arguments, but Conti looks the marginal value
call.

33. CHELTENHAM QUIZ
1. Which trainer famously had the first five home in the 1983
Cheltenham Gold Cup?
2. What is the only horse to have ever won both the Champion Hurdle
and the Cheltenham Gold Cup?
3. Hurricane Fly is out to become the first 10-year-old to win the
Champion Hurdle since whom?
4. With which horse does Quevega currently share the record of five
Festival wins with?
5. The 1990 Cheltenham Gold Cup was won by a 100/1 shot. Name
the horse.
6. Cheltenham Gold Cup favourite Bobs Worth has won at the
Festival for the last three years, taking three different races. Name
the only other horse to have accomplished this feat.
7. Which trainer holds the Festival record for most wins in an
race with eight?
8. Nicky Henderson has trained a record 50 Festival winners. Which
horse took him to the landmark number?
9. Name one of the four Triumph Hurdle winners to subsequently win
the Champion Hurdle.
10.Which horse gave Ruby Walsh his last Festival winner over fences
back in 2009?
1. Michael Dickinson 2. Dawn Run 3. Sea Pigeon 4. Golden Miller 5. Norton’s Coin
6. Flyingbolt 7. Willie Mullins (Champion Bumper) 8. Bobs Worth 9. Clair Soleil, Persian War,
Kribensis, Katchit 10. Kauto Star (Gold Cup)

34. KEY TRENDS
(Remainder of Day Four)
2.05pm
2.40pm
Vincent O’Brien
County Handicap
Hurdle Race
Albert Bartlett
Novices’ Hurdle
Race
• Ireland has won 6 of last 7
renewals. Brothers Willie
and Thomas Mullins have
won 3 of last 4 between
them
• 17 of the last 22 winners
have carried less than 11st
• 6-year-olds have won 5 of
last 7 renewals
• AP McCoy has won this 3
times
4.00pm
5.15pm
CGA Foxhunter
Steeple Chase
Challenge Cup
Johnny Henderson
Grand Annual
Steeple Chase
Challenge Cup
• Only 2 of last 23 winners
were older than 10
• 23 of the last 28 winners
had won last time out
• 13 of the last 14 winners
carried less than 11st
• Only 1 horse older than 9
has won since 1997