Sport

Gearing up for Cheltenham

SEAN Graham Bookmakers, in conjunction with The Irish News, will once again be hosting their Cheltenham Festival preview night in the Europa Hotel, Belfast on Monday March 3.

And with tickets priced at £10 which gets the punter a £5 free bet, it's sure to be a winning night.

At The Races presenter Gary O'Brien will act as MC for the evening and be joined by a panel of horseracing experts to preview the four days of racing at Prestbury Park.

Grand National winning trainer Gordon Elliott returns to the panel once again this year to talk through the chances of his Cheltenham-bound horses.

Elliott will be joined by jockey Danny Mullins, a rising star of the Irish weighing room. Mullins will give his views on the upcoming festival, where he will be riding leading Champion Hurdle hope Our Conor.

Racing UK commentator Richard Hoiles also returns to the panel along with racing pundit Mark 'The Couch' Winstanley.

Brian Graham and Ronan Graham complete the panel as they give an update on all the market movers ahead of the four-day extravaganza.

"We are delighted that Danny Mullins has agreed to join this year's panel," said Brian Graham.

"Gary O'Brien will chair the evening. Richard Hoiles has a marvellous understanding of the form book whereas Mark Winstanley's opinion is always sure to be very colourful as well as informative.

"Gordon Elliott is appearing for a third year in-a-row and is now in charge of one of the most powerful racing stables in Ireland. It is always a great night and still offers marvellous value for all racing enthusiasts.

"We are delighted to announce also that The Irish News have agreed to give the event their full backing."

Irish News sports editor Thomas Hawkins added: "The Sean Graham's/Irish News Cheltenham Festival Preview Night is a big favourite with the punters, there's always a great crowd comes along.

"It's always great craic too and hopefully the experts can steer them on to a winner or three at the Festival.''

Irish News marketing manager John Brolly said: "Cheltenham is without doubt one of the highlights of the sporting calendar for the Irish and this is the perfect night for anyone who has an interest in the festival.

"Not only it is good fun it also offers great insights on who to watch out for come the all-important Cheltenham week.''

* OFF TO A FLYER: All roads lead to the Europa Hotel, Belfast on Monday, March 3 picture for the popular Sean Graham/Irish News Cheltenham Festival Preview Night. Pictured at yesterday's launch are (l to r) Irish News marketing manager John Brolly, Ronan Graham of Sean Graham Bookmakers, Irish News sports editor Thomas Hawkins (Irish News sports editor) and Brian Graham of Sean Graham Bookmakers