Cheltenham Racecourse is set to host an exhilarating day of National Hunt racing on Friday, 13 March, featuring a seven-race card packed with excitement for racing enthusiasts. The action begins at 1:20 pm and runs through to 5:20 pm, showcasing a mix of top-class hurdles, steeplechases, and handicap events with significant prize money on offer.
The day kicks off with The JCB Triumph Hurdle at 1:20 pm, where 20 talented runners will cover 2 miles and 179 yards, competing for £150,000. This is followed at 2:00 pm by the highly competitive William Hill County Handicap Hurdle, featuring 26 runners over the same distance for £110,000. At 2:40 pm, the Mrs Paddy Power Mares’ Steeple Chase takes center stage, with nine runners tackling 2 miles 4 furlongs and 127 yards for £130,000.
The intensity rises at 3:20 pm with the Albert Bartlett Novices’ Hurdle, a demanding 2 miles 7 furlongs and 213 yards challenge for 22 promising novices, offering £154,650. The 4:00 pm Boodles Cheltenham Gold Cup Steeple Chase is the highlight of the day, attracting eleven elite runners over 3 miles 2 furlongs and 70 yards with a staggering prize of £625,000. Leading the lineup is Envoi Allen from France, trained by Henry de Bromhead and owned by Cheveley Park Stud, carrying 11 st 10lbs with a BHA rating of 162.
Firefox from Ireland, trained by Gordon Elliott and owned by Bective Stud, also weighs 11 st 10lbs and holds a BHA rating of 160. Gaelic Warrior from Germany, prepared by W. P. Mullins and Mrs S. Ricci, carries the same weight with a BHA rating of 170, while Gold Tweet from France, trained by Gabriel Leenders and owned by AGV Karwin Stud, carries 11 st 10lbs with a BHA rating of 144. Grey Dawning from Ireland, trained by Dan Skelton and owned by Mr Robert Kirkland, and Haiti Couleurs from France, under Rebecca Curtis with ownership shared by Conyers, McDermott, and Prowting, both carry 11 st 10lbs with ratings of 166.
Also in the mix are Inothewayurthinkin from Ireland, trained by Gavin Cromwell and owned by Mr John P. McManus, carrying 11 st 10lbs with a rating of 170, and Jango Baie from France, under Nicky Henderson and owned by Countrywide Park Homes Ltd, carrying 11 st 10lbs with a rating of 167. L’homme Presse from France, trained by Venetia Williams and owned by Dfa Racing, carries 11 st 10lbs.
Spillane’s Tower from Ireland, prepared by James Joseph Mangan and owned by Mr John P. McManus, carries 11 st 10lbs with a BHA rating of 164, and The Jukebox Man from Ireland, trained by Ben Pauling and owned by Mr Harry Redknapp, also carries 11 st 10lbs with a rating of 168. With such a high-quality lineup, the Gold Cup promises a thrilling contest of stamina, skill, and jumping ability, making it the centerpiece of Cheltenham’s National Hunt action on 13 March.
At 4:40 pm, the Princess Royal Challenge Cup Open Hunters’ Steeple Chase will feature 24 runners over the same distance as the Gold Cup, with £50,000 at stake in this Class 2 contest. The day concludes with the Martin Pipe Conditional Jockeys’ Handicap Hurdle at 5:20 pm, offering 26 runners the chance to claim £75,000 over 2 miles 4 furlongs and 56 yards.
With an impressive lineup of races and top-tier competitors, Cheltenham on 13 March promises thrilling jumps action, memorable finishes, and tactical battles that will keep fans on the edge of their seats.
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