Top Irish trainer Gordon Elliott is just one of the horseracing experts lined up to for the 2019 Sean Graham / Irish News Cheltenham Festival Preview night in Belfast next month.
Elliott had his best ever Cheltenham Festival in 2018 when he amassed eight winners at Prestbury Park.
Close on his heels was Willie Mullins who was responsible for seven winners and the stable will be represented on the Preview Night panel by former stable jockey and now assistant trainer David Casey.
Larger than life Mark “The Couch” Winstanley will give a punter's perspective at the Europa Hotel event and top ITV Racing commentator and form expert Richard Hoiles is always able to offer up a few selections for the ultra-competitive handicaps over the four days.
Sean Flanagan, stable jockey to Noel Meade, will join the panel for the first time and will be eagerly anticipating his ride on Gold Cup contender Road to Respect in the showpiece event of the meeting.
Gary O’Brien, lead Irish racing host with Racing TV, will act as Master of Ceremonies for the Preview Night in the Europa Hotel, Belfast on Monday March 4.
Brian Graham of Sean Graham Bookmakers’ says he is very happy with the line up and is looking forward to the evening. where the punters will get advice from the best.
“I’m delighted that the panel is as strong as ever. Gordon and Willie Mullins had an amazing 15 winners between them and we are very pleased that punters will be able to get the heads up from the two strongest yards on this side of the Irish Sea,'' he said.
“Gary O’Brien, Richard Hoiles and The Couch are all well known in Belfast and Sean Flanagan who has already ridden 41 winners this year, is a very welcome addition,” said Graham.
Irish News sports editor Thomas Hawkins said the Sean Graham / Irish News link up always produced a Festival feast for racing fans, adding: ''This is one event that Cheltenham punters should not miss, it’s always buzzing.
‘’The entire panel are experts in their respective fields and the debate is lively, great knowledge and great craic combined.
‘’It’s a night for meeting up again with friends, shooting the breeze and hopefully picking up a few Cheltenham Festival winning tips.’’
Tickets are priced at £10 and will include a £5 matched bet for each day of the festival. Tickets will be available in all Sean Graham outlets from early next week. Doors open at 7.30pm and the event begins at 8.00pm sharp.
