Four of the six odds-on favourites over the first two days of this year’s Cheltenham Festival were beaten, leaving many punters in a difficult position ahead of the final day of the meeting. However, it would be the biggest shock of all if Galopin Des Champs fails to deliver in the Gold Cup and join the exclusive group of horses to have won the race three times.
Having triumphed over large fields in the last two runnings, Willie Mullins’s chaser faces eight opponents this time. The unexpected inclusion of Inothewayurthinkin, the favourite for the upcoming Grand National, adds intrigue, but he was seven lengths behind Galopin Des Champs at Leopardstown. While Banbridge, the King George VI Chase winner, is a notable contender, Galopin Des Champs is expected to thrive over this distance, further solidifying his place among the greats.
In the opening race at 1.20, East India Dock has already demonstrated impressive performances at this track, winning at both the November and December meetings. With notably fast times recorded in both victories, another strong showing is expected from this promising four-year-old.
At 2.00, the County Hurdle is set for a fast pace despite a relatively small field of 16. This should work in favour of Kargese, as Mullins aims for a sixth victory in this race within the last 11 years.
The 2.40 race sees Dinoblue looking to make amends for last year’s narrow defeat to Limerick Lace. With a more aggressive approach, she has a strong chance of reversing that result.
The 3.20 race is historically unpredictable, with only one winner at a single-figure price in the last 11 years. However, Wendigo appears well-placed to capitalise, having finished second to The New Lion in the Challow Hurdle at Newbury in December.
At 4.40, Angels Dawn, who previously won the Fulke Walwyn Kim Muir in 2023, looks well-suited to this race. She was travelling strongly before falling last year and benefits from a useful 7lb mares’ allowance against her 23 rivals.
The final race at 5.20 presents a challenge for the handicapper in assessing Kopeck De Mee, who was acquired by JP McManus after an impressive Listed win in France last May. Making his handicap debut, he has the potential to dominate this field.
On Thursday, Rachael Blackmore added to her illustrious Cheltenham record by guiding Bob Olinger to an 8-1 victory in the Stayers’ Hurdle, the only major festival race that had previously eluded her. Despite being the second-string runner in his owner’s colours, Bob Olinger boasted an excellent festival record, having won Grade One races in both 2021 and 2022.
Initially priced at 20-1, Bob Olinger attracted significant support, eventually going off at 8-1. Blackmore timed her ride to perfection, overtaking the defending champion, Teahupoo, at the final flight to claim victory.
Henry de Bromhead praised Blackmore’s tactical brilliance, remarking on Bob Olinger’s return to form after a period of underperformance. Blackmore completed a remarkable 152-1 double on the day, having also won the Mares’ Novice Hurdle on Air Of Entitlement.
Elsewhere, the Ryanair Chase saw a dominant performance from Fact To File, the 6-4 favourite. Having run well behind Galopin Des Champs in the Irish Gold Cup at Leopardstown, his emphatic victory further reinforced the strength of that form. Willie Mullins expressed surprise at the manner of his success but acknowledged that Fact To File was always a strong contender. While he might have challenged Galopin Des Champs in the Gold Cup, his connections opted for a different path this year, prioritising his long-term potential.
