Cheltenham Festival Final Day: A Grand Finale with the Boodles Gold Cup
The final day of the Cheltenham Festival has arrived, bringing a thrilling conclusion to one of horse racing's most anticipated events. With seven races scheduled, including the highlight—the Boodles Gold Cup—the day promises intense competition and expert insights. Daily Mail Sport delivers comprehensive racing tips, featuring selections, main dangers, and live outsiders for each event, ensuring fans are well-prepared for the action.
JCB Triumph Hurdle: Willie Mullins Dominates the Field
The JCB Triumph Hurdle kicks off the day at 1:20, a Grade One race over 2 miles and 1 furlong. Trainer Willie Mullins has secured five of the last six renewals and fields nine runners this year. Proactif stands out after a winning stable debut at Fairyhouse, where he defeated Macho Man. This form appears solid, with the third-place finisher securing fifth in the Fred Winter juvenile hurdle. Highland Crystal also shows promise, benefiting from a mares' allowance and a narrow victory over Saratoga at Naas in February. Mon Creuset, ridden by Harry Cobden, offers value as a live outsider despite a stumble in his last outing.
Selection: Proactif at 4-1
Main Danger: Highland Crystal at 1-1
Live Outsider: Mon Creuset at 18-1
William Hill County Hurdle: Handicap Contenders and Form Analysis
At 2:00, the William Hill County Hurdle presents a handicap over 2 miles and 1 furlong. Murcia carries the same colours as last year's winner Kargese and boasts a similar profile, having won the Anniversary Juvenile Hurdle at Aintree. After a fourth-place finish at the Dublin Racing Festival, she aims to reverse form with Bowensonfire due to a weight swing. Sinnatra, qualified via a hurdle start at Warwick, could be well-handicapped from a mark of 133. Sixandahalf, last year's Grade Two Mares' Novices' Hurdle runner-up, appeals at bigger odds with Conor Stone-Walsh in the saddle.
Selection: Murcia at 17-2
Main Danger: Sinnatra at 13-2
Live Outsider: Sixandahalf at 12-1
Mrs Paddy Power Mares' Chase: Panic Attack Leads the Charge
The Mrs Paddy Power Mares' Chase at 2:40 covers 2 miles and 4½ furlongs. Panic Attack remains unbeaten in four chase starts under Dan Skelton, showcasing dominant wins in the Paddy Power Gold Cup and Coral Gold Cup. Her fluent jumping contrasts with last year's winner Dinoblue, who survived a mistake at Fairyhouse. Diva Luna, with two chase wins this season and Ben Jones aboard, could set the pace as a live outsider.
Selection: Panic Attack at 5-2
Main Danger: Dinoblue at 85-40
Live Outsider: Diva Luna at 8-1
Albert Bartlett Novices' Hurdle: Stamina Test for Key Contenders
Scheduled for 3:20, the Albert Bartlett Novices' Hurdle is a Grade One race over 3 miles. Trends indicate that 11 of the last 12 winners had prior victories over 2m7f or further, narrowing the field to Thedeviluno, Kazansky, and Moneygarrow. Moneygarrow has won two consecutive starts post-wind operation, while Thedeviluno must reverse form with Doctor Steinberg but has proven stamina over three miles. Kazansky, a Grade Two winner over 2m7f, also contends despite a runner-up finish at the Dublin Racing Festival.
Selection: Moneygarrow at 9-1
Main Danger: Thedeviluno at 5-1
Live Outsider: Kazansky at 16-1
Boodles Cheltenham Gold Cup: The Blue Riband Event
The Boodles Cheltenham Gold Cup at 4:00 is the day's highlight, a Grade One race over 3 miles and 2½ furlongs. Key form from the King George VI Chase on Boxing Day sees The Jukebox Man narrowly defeating Gaelic Warrior and Jango Baie. Jango Baie, unbeaten at Cheltenham, appears suited to this stamina test, while The Jukebox Man, owned by Harry Redknapp, remains unbeaten over fences but must prove his stamina. Envoi Allen, a veteran with seven Festival appearances, offers sentimental value after a win at Down Royal and could deliver a popular victory.
Selection: Jango Baie at 5-1
Main Danger: The Jukebox Man at 5-2
Live Outsider: Envoi Allen at 33-1
Princess Royal Hunters' Chase: Its On The Line Seeks Redemption
At 4:40, the Princess Royal Hunters' Chase is a handicap over 3 miles and 2½ furlongs. Its On The Line aims to improve on three consecutive second-place finishes in this contest. Wonderwall, last year's winner, returns after a 124-day break and poses a significant threat. Chemical Energy, with two point-to-point wins this season and a second-place finish in the 2023 National Hunt Chase, could outrun his odds as a live outsider.
Selection: Its On The Line at 5-1
Main Danger: Wonderwall at 11-2
Live Outsider: Chemical Energy at 4-1
Martin Pipe Handicap Hurdle: Festival Experience Key
The final race at 5:20 is the Martin Pipe Handicap Hurdle over 2 miles and 4½ furlongs. Cheltenham Festival form is crucial, with Air Of Entitlement having won the Mares' Novices' Hurdle last year. Sa Fureur, now rated 138 after runs off higher marks, and Act Of Authority, last year's runner-up, offer value with Lewis Saunders aboard.
Selection: Air Of Entitlement at 1-1
Main Danger: Sa Fureur at 20-1
Live Outsider: Act Of Authority at 6-1
Expert Insights and Betting Trends
Dominic King highlights Envoi Allen's remarkable consistency, with eight Cheltenham appearances and over £1.1 million in earnings. Chris Baker provides betting trends, noting that in the William Hill County Hurdle, 14 of the last 17 winners were trained by Willie Mullins, Dan Skelton, or Paul Nicholls. For the Gold Cup, trends favour horses aged seven to nine with ratings above 164. The Placepot suggestions include Dinoblue and The Jukebox Man as bankers, with multiple selections in competitive legs to maximise chances.
This final day of the Cheltenham Festival combines elite racing with strategic betting opportunities, ensuring an unforgettable conclusion for enthusiasts and punters alike.
