WITH January almost at an end and temperatures on the rise, it is starting to feel a little like spring, and for racing fans that means just one thing – the Cheltenham Festival.
The tape goes up on the biggest meeting of the year exactly seven weeks from now, and the betting is starting to take shape for the big races across the four days of action.
Some punters will have formed opinions on the action, while others will still be totally confused.
And to that end, the now traditional Sean Graham and The Irish News Cheltenham Preview Night is an important date on the calendar.
This year’s preview evening will take place in the Grand Ballroom at Belfast’s Europa Hotel on Monday, March 7, and as always it promises to combine priceless information with plenty of laughs.
The panel will once more be of the highest calibre, and their thoughts on the biggest race of the Festival, the Gold Cup, should be particularly interesting, with a number of the experts having personal interests.
Paddy Brennan has already claimed the Gold Cup once when he guided Imperial Commander to victory in 2010, and he is due to be on board leading fancy Cue Card this time around.
Colin Tizzard’s stable star has already claimed the Betfair Chase at Haydock and the King George VI Chase at Kempton this season, and he stands to win a £1m bonus should he add the Gold Cup.
Brennan’s insight into preparations should prove invaluable, as should that of Gordon Elliott, who will saddle another leading hope, Don Cossack, in the big race.
Elliott is a regular at the Europa and has emerged as the main rival to the all-conquering Willie Mullins on the Irish scene, having saddled over 100 winners already this term.
The Mullins team will also be represented, with David Casey on the panel.
Casey has swapped riding for a role as assistant trainer at Mullins’ Closutton yard, so he will be able to offer information on Gold Cup fancies Djakadam and Don Poli, as well as a number of short-priced favourites.
Mullinshas 11 ante-post favourites for the Festival at present, amongst them Faugheen in the Champion Hurdle, Douvan in the Arkle and Un De Sceaux in the Champion Chase, so the audience will be listening intently to what Casey has to say.
Playing host will be Gary O’Brien, the voice of Irish racing on Attheraces, who will be offering his own opinions as well as keeping order at the top table.
Professional punter and racing writer Mark ‘The Couch’ Winstanley is often the hardest panelist to control, with his outspoken, no-holds-barred nature always popular with the Europa crowd.
Racing UK commentator Richard Hoiles brings a more reserved approach to the table, but he is a seasoned and astute reader of the formbook who is well worth listening to.
Completing the panel are Brian and Ronan Graham of Sean Graham Bookmakers, who will keep everyone updated on the latest odds, as well as trying to unearth a couple of big-priced winners.
Brian Graham is looking forward to the night, and is promising value for money.
“We are delighted to announce that the Sean Graham Cheltenham Preview Night will once again have the backing of The Irish News,” he said.
“The fact that Gordon Elliott, ‘The Couch’, Richard Hoiles, David Casey and Gary O’Brien have all agreed to attend again this year, pays a huge compliment to not only the event, but the punters who attend also.
“Paddy Brennan’s opinion about whether or not Cue Card can ‘stay the trip’ in the Gold Cup will also be very interesting.”
Irish News sports editor Thomas Hawkins is also thrilled to be involved again.
“There’s always a great buzz on Cheltenham Preview Night,” he said.
“There’s no better place to get great advice for the Festival week.”
“The Grahams bring together a top panel of racing experts every year and this is no exception.’
Tickets are now on sale in all Sean Graham shops, priced at £10 which includes a £5 matched bet. Doors will open on the night at 7.15pm, with proceedings starting at 8pm.
