Constitution Hill bids to regain Cheltenham title
Constitution Hill will bid to regain his title as a mouthwatering Champion Hurdle headlines the start of the four-day Cheltenham Festival on Tuesday.The eight-year-old, trained by Nicky Henderson, is unbeaten over hurdles but missed last year's meeting and has recovered from a respiratory issue, suspected colic and lameness since winning the big race in 2023.Opponents include Gordon Elliott's exciting mare Brightersdaysahead and State Man, who triumphed last year for Willie Mullins.Mullins will hope Galopin Des Champs joins the greats by winning a third Cheltenham Gold Cup on Friday.
Cheltenham is famous for the roar which greets its opening race, and the start of this year's meeting will also have a poignant feel.The first of 28 contests has been named the Michael O'Sullivan Supreme Novices' Hurdle in honour of the Irish jockey who died last month after a fall.He won the race on Marine Nationale two years ago.
Who are the leading runners at Cheltenham?
Tuesday: Constitution Hill was hailed as the "horse of a generation" after beating State Man by nine lengths to win the Champion Hurdle two years ago. He is bidding to become only the second horse to regain the title this century after Hurricane Fly in 2013. Kopek Des Bordes is hotly fancied to win the Supreme for Mullins.Wednesday: Marine Nationale would provide an emotional success in the Queen Mother Champion Chase, but Jonbon is the big favourite. Jonbon has won 17 of his 20 races, although all three defeats have come at Cheltenham. He missed last year's contest when Henderson's yard was hit by a bug.Thursday: Fact To File, one-time favourite for Friday's Gold Cup, is set to run in the shorter Ryanair Chase alongside King George VI Chase runner-up Il Est Francais and 2024 victor Protektorat, whose owners include former Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson. Last year's winner Teahupoo bids to follow up in the Stayers' Hurdle for trainer Gordon Elliott.Friday: Galopin Des Champs is rated an odds-on chance to emulate Best Mate (2002-2004) and become only the second triple Gold Cup winner since Arkle in the 1960s. Rivals are set to include King George victor Banbridge and the JP McManus-owned pair of Inothewayurthinkin and Corbetts Cross.Cheltenham day one racecards
Cheltenham or Benidorm?
While more than 200,000 spectators are expected at the Gloucestershire track during the week, thousands of others are heading for Spain's Costa del Sol,, external where they say it is cheaper to watch the action on big screens.Festival organisers have said they expect ticket sales to be down for the third year running despite announcing changes in September aimed at improving competition in races and the experience of racegoers.In a bid to increase interest and field sizes amid domination by Irish-trained runners, conditions for five races have been changed.For racegoers, a new park-and-ride system, additional coaches and extra hardstanding areas at the course for car parking have been introduced.Cheltenham have frozen ticket prices, increased food and drink options and offered new accommodation deals following criticism from fans and falling attendances.But people who have headed for tourist destinations like Benidorm and Tenerife to follow the action say flights and accommodation are cheaper than Cheltenham hotels and the cost of attending the races.
What is the weather forecast?
It's safe to say it will be warmer in Spain, with maximum temperatures of 8C expected at Cheltenham, and some early-morning frost possible.The conditions have been dry in the build-up and the track has been watered, with the going likely to be good to soft for the start of the meeting.
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