Sport

Gordon Elliott among racing experts set to gather for Cheltenham Festival Preview night at Europa Hotel

Leading horseracing trainer Gordon Elliott in the parade ring at Punchestown
Leading horseracing trainer Gordon Elliott in the parade ring at Punchestown Leading horseracing trainer Gordon Elliott in the parade ring at Punchestown

This year’s Sean Graham Bookmakers and The Irish News Cheltenham Preview Night will yet again bring together an unrivalled panel of horseracing experts.

And in an added attraction, leading jockey Tom Scudamore, who rides Thistlecrack in the Gold Cup, will also give a live telephone interview at the preview night event set for the Europa Hotel, Belfast on Monday March 6.

Tickets for the event are priced at £10 and include a £5 matched bet with the sponsors.

The voice of Irish racing, Gary O'Brien will once again chair the event.

O'Brien is not only a very accomplished interviewer, but also a very well-respected tipster.

His daily tips are found on the Attheraces website and are worthwhile following.

The panel will also include Richard Hoiles, a Racing UK commentator and also a very astute student of the formbook.

He has commentated all over the world including Dubai and South Africa.

Mark 'The Couch' Winstanley will add a huge amount of spice to the panel. His colourful approach seems to go down a treat with the punters.

This year he seems to be opposing the Gold Cup favourite, Thistlecrack, on the grounds that he won’t stay the trip.

Leading trainer Gordon Elliott will have a strong team going to the Festival this year.

Elliott is currently leading the Irish trainers' table ahead of Willie Mullins.

Don Cossack won last year’s Gold Cup for the stable and the County Meath handler will be hoping that one of his rising stars can reach the winner’s enclosure.

David Casey is now perceived as part of the furniture at Willie Mullins Closutton yard.

David is assistant to Willie Mullins and will be in charge of another huge battalion heading to Prestbury Park in March.

Noel Fehily is returning again to the Cheltenham Festival Preview Night this year. He rides for many of the up-and-coming young trainers including Harry Fry and Neil Mulholland.

Jockey Bryan Cooper celebrates on board Don Cossack after winning the Gold Cup on the last day of the Cheltenham Festival    
Jockey Bryan Cooper celebrates on board Don Cossack after winning the Gold Cup on the last day of the Cheltenham Festival     Jockey Bryan Cooper celebrates on board Don Cossack after winning the Gold Cup on the last day of the Cheltenham Festival    

Neil Mulholland is also returning this year and has had another very successful year in Britain.

He has a very impressive 24 per cent strike rate since the beginning of the year.

Tom Scudamore, who will ride Thistlecrack, has also kindly agreed to give a live telephone interview with Gary O'Brien on the night.

From Sean Graham Bookmakers, Brian and Ronan Graham will update everyone with the latest odds.

Commenting on this year’s event, Brian Graham said: "We are delighted to announce that The Sean Graham Cheltenham Preview night will once again have the backing of The Irish News.

"The fact that Gordon Elliott, The Couch, Richard Hoiles, David Casey, Gary O'Brien, Neil Mulholland and Noel Fehily have all agreed to attend again this year, pays a huge compliment to not only the event, but the punters who attend also.

"Tom Scudamore has also very kindly agreed to give a live telephone interview on the night.

"He will be riding Thistlecrack, who is the very strong favourite for The Gold Cup.

"The tickets will once again be 10 and will include a 5 matched bet, which offers fabulous value for racing enthusiasts for a night out."

Irish News marketing manager John Brolly added: "It is a fantastic night for anyone that has an interest in the Cheltenham Festival.

"The combination of insights and banter from the panel of experts makes it a night not to be missed."

Irish News sports editor said: "The preview night is a must for Cheltenham Festival punters.

"It’s a night where the serious business of picking out winners is mixed with a bit of fun and banter and a chance for old friends to meet ahead of the Festival.

"The depth of first-hand racing knowledge from the panel of experts is immense.

"And having Tom Scudamore, who rides Thistlecrack at the Festival, on a live telephone interview on the night is another big plus for the punters."

The Europa Hotel event kicks off at 8pm sharp, doors open at around 7.15pm on Monday March 6. Tickets are priced at £10 and include a £5 matched bet with the sponsors.