The Cheltenham Festival, one of the most anticipated events in the horse racing calendar, is set to commence next Tuesday, with enthusiasts eagerly debating which horses to back in each race. To guide punters through the thrilling four-day spectacle, Paddy Power's esteemed team of racing experts—Ruby Walsh, Lydia Hislop, Tony Mullins, and Johnny Dineen—have unveiled their top selections and daily naps. Here is a comprehensive breakdown of their insights for every day of the festival.
Day 1: Tuesday, March 10
The opening day features several key races, with the experts offering varied opinions on contenders. In the Supreme Novices' Hurdle, Ruby Walsh highlights the race's strength, suggesting odds better than 2/1 are needed. Lydia Hislop points out the pace could challenge Talk The Talk's jumping, while Tony Mullins expresses concerns about El Cairos' consistency, praising Leader d'Allier's impressive Punchestown performance. Johnny Dineen notes the depth of the field, predicting multiple horses could outperform Old Park Star.
Arkle Chase
Ruby Walsh confidently backs Kopek Des Bordes as the best horse, predicting a win. Lydia Hislop agrees, citing his ability to triumph off a single race, though she warns that the early fences might disadvantage Lulamba and Romeo Coolio. Tony Mullins favours Kargese for her toughness, while Johnny Dineen slightly prefers Lulamba due to greater experience, noting Kopek Des Bordes' recent niggles.
Champion Hurdle
Ruby Walsh views Lossiemouth as better suited to longer distances, with Brighterdaysahead dependent on ground conditions and The New Lion potentially the best despite jumping issues. Lydia Hislop leans towards Brighterdaysahead, benefiting from the mares' allowance, and highlights Golden Ace as a reliable top-three finisher. Tony Mullins dismisses Lossiemouth's chances, backing Brighterdaysahead, while Johnny Dineen strongly favours The New Lion as his best bet of the meeting.
Day 1 Naps
- Ruby Walsh: Kopek Des Bordes (Arkle)
- Lydia Hislop: Iroko (Ultima Handicap Chase)
- Tony Mullins: Brighterdaysahead (Champion Hurdle)
- Johnny Dineen: The New Lion (Champion Hurdle)
Day 2: Wednesday, March 11
The second day includes the Turners Novices' Hurdle, where Ruby Walsh suggests Mighty Park could be a strong contender if rerouted, with No Drama This End showing potential for future Gold Cup success. Tony Mullins sees No Drama This End as a favourite, while Johnny Dineen warns of vulnerability if Mighty Park is absent.
Champion Chase
Ruby Walsh asserts Majborough will be difficult to beat, a sentiment echoed by Lydia Hislop, who tipped him at 6/1 and considers him the likeliest winner. Tony Mullins and Johnny Dineen also strongly fancy Majborough, with Dineen expressing particular confidence in his chances.
Day 2 Naps
- Ruby Walsh: Majborough (Champion Chase)
- Lydia Hislop: The Big Westerner (Brown Advisory Novices' Chase)
- Tony Mullins: Majborough (Champion Chase)
- Johnny Dineen: Majborough (Champion Chase)
Day 3: Thursday, March 12
Day three features the Mares' Novices' Hurdle, with Ruby Walsh noting Bambino Fever's fitness improvement, while Tony Mullins labels her the bet of the meeting. In the Jack Richards Novices' Handicap Chase, Ruby Walsh believes Koktail Divin is ideal for the race, whereas Lydia Hislop strongly backs Meetmebythesea, calling it her strongest opinion of the festival. Tony Mullins fancies Sixmilebridge for his reliability, and Johnny Dineen agrees on Meetmebythesea's great chance.
Ryanair Chase
Ruby Walsh predicts Fact To File or Gaelic Warrior will be heavy favourites if they run, with Tony Mullins commenting on Fact To File's distance adjustments. Johnny Dineen sees Banbridge as a contender on better ground.
Day 3 Naps
- Ruby Walsh: Fact To File or Gaelic Warrior (Ryanair Chase)
- Lydia Hislop: Meetmebythesea (Jack Richards Novices' Handicap Chase)
- Tony Mullins: Letos (Pertemps Network Final)
- Johnny Dineen: Meetmebythesea (Jack Richards Novices' Handicap Chase)
Day 4: Friday, March 13
The final day includes the Triumph Hurdle, where Ruby Walsh favours Proactif or Macho Man from Willie Mullins' stable. Tony Mullins is impressed by Majolique's Naas win, and Johnny Dineen highlights the Fairyhouse form between Proactif and Macho Man, leaning towards Proactif.
Gold Cup
Ruby Walsh acknowledges Galopin Des Champs' form but sides with Gaelic Warrior among the top contenders. Lydia Hislop mentions Jango Baie and The Jukebox Man as having huge chances, with Gaelic Warrior also in the mix if he settles. Tony Mullins hears Galopin Des Champs is back to his best, predicting a win if so.
Day 4 Naps
- Ruby Walsh: Dinoblue (Mrs Paddy Power Mares' Chase)
- Lydia Hislop: Diva Luna (Mrs Paddy Power Mares' Chase)
- Tony Mullins: Galopin Des Champs (Cheltenham Gold Cup)
- Johnny Dineen: Its On The Line (St James's Place Hunters' Chase)
Throughout the festival, the experts provide detailed analysis on other races, including handicaps and novice events, ensuring punters have a wealth of information to inform their bets. With such diverse insights from seasoned professionals, this guide aims to enhance the Cheltenham experience for all racing fans.
