Day 3 of the Cheltenham Festival gets underway this afternoon with local involvement in six of the seven races.
While there hasn’t been a local winner as of yet, today represents Waterford’s best hopes so far – with runners from Henry de Bromhead, Declan Queally, John Flavin and Ken Budds, while Dungarvan jockey Sean Houlihan is also in action.
Action gets underway in a competitive renewal of the Mares’ Novices Hurdle (1:20). Henry de Bromhead holds three hands in the race, all of whom have won this season but all of whom are likely to need a career best to get involved in this company.
The Jack Richards’ Novices Handicap Chase (2:00) will see Tallow trainer Ken Budds run Anyway who was fifth in a Grade 2 before Christmas, but again may have his work cut out in what was looks a particularly hot handicap.
The Pertemps Network Final Handicap Hurdle (2:40) sees 24 go to post and local hopes will be hinged upon Sean Houlihan who rides the Philip Hobbs trained Thomas Mór, who is still bouncing back from a lengthy layoff.
The Ryanair Chase (3:20) is billed as the battle of Fact To File v Il Est Francais, but with Jungle Boogie, Heart Wood and previous winner Envoi Allen among the field, there’s no reason why Henry de Bromhead won’t be involved come the finish.
The feature of the day is the Stayers’ Hurdle (4:00) and all eyes are on favourite Teahupoo. de Bromhead’s Bob Olinger has never been beaten at Cheltenham and holds significant appeal should the favourite falter, while Cappagh trainer Declan Queally will look to deliver a local success when the David and Margaret Kiely-owned Rocky’s Diamond, an impressive winner of the Galmoy Hurdle, also goes to post.
The Plate (4:40) is without Waterford representation though Owning Hill handler Joseph O’Brien will be hopeful that Grade 1 runner-up Jordans can strike, while the closing Kim Muir Challenge Cup (5:20) could provide the day of a lifetime for Tramore trainer John Flavin.
His first ever Cheltenham Festival runner, Midnight Our Fred, has finished second twice at this course, and goes into the race as second favourite in the market on what could be the most memorable few minutes of an entire lifetime.
THURSDAY:
Mares’ Novices’ Hurdle (1:20) – Air of Entitlement (16/1) – trained by Henry de Bromhead; Jane Eire (40/1) – trained by Henry de Bromhead; Mystical Goddess (66/1) – trained by Henry de Bromhead.
Jack Richards’ Novices Handicap Chase (2:00) – Anyways (50/1) – trained by Ken Budds.
Pertemps Network Handicap Hurdle (2:40) – ridden by Sean Houlihan.
Ryanair Chase (3:20) – Jungle Boogie (12/1) – trained by Henry de Bromhead; Envoi Allen (14/1) – trained by Henry de Bromhead; Heart Wood (16/1) – trained by Henry de Bromhead.
Stayers’ Hurdle (4:00) – Rocky’s Diamond (25/1) – trained by Declan Queally and owned by David & Margaret Kiely; Bob Olinger (33/1) – trained by Henry de Bromhead.
Kim Muir Challenge Cup (5:20) – Midnight Our Fred (8/1) – trained by John Flavin.
