It’s post-Cheltenham week, and it’s a bit like having a hangover that took eight months to create, with a week to recover, writes Martin Higgs.
Anticipation builds during the lead-up, and plenty of discussion hours are used up over a coffee or invariably a pint of the black stuff.
One of the more prominent topics was whether the Irish would continue their domination at National Hunt racing’s Blue Riband event.
Well, although they did come out on top, it certainly wasn’t a rout, with the score 15–13 to Ireland.
Of the 15 Irish winners, only three were in handicaps, and of the 13 UK winners, only four were in non-handicaps (graded races).
There is an argument that Irish horses are assessed harshly when they come over to the UK.
The figures suggest this may be the case, therefore, when considering the handicaps for next year, we can use this as an edge.
What it also tells us is that Ireland still holds the advantage in quality and that a certain Willie Mullins continues to have plenty of aces up his sleeve.
Here’s a quick summary of the four days.
It kicked off with Old Park Star winning a thrilling opener for Team Nicky Henderson.
We then saw a superb jumping display from Kargese to win the Arkle.
One to note from the Fred Winter was Winston Junior (runner-up); he should take all the beating at Aintree and is one for the notebook.
Lossiemouth bolted up in the Champion Hurdle with the application of first-time cheekpieces, that’s four wins in four years at the Festival, pretty impressive and I am not sure she has finished yet.
Madara then hosed up in the Plate for Team Skelton, who are masters at targeting races.
On day two, Kitzbuhel won the Brown Advisory under Harry Cobden, while Il Etait Temps took advantage of odds-on favourite Majborough’s jumping frailties in the Champion Chase.
Ireland took all three Grade 1s on Wednesday, with wins from Wodhooh, Heart Wood, and Home By The Lee.
It was a case of fifth-time lucky for the latter in the Stayers’ Hurdle.
10 out of 10 for perseverance!
Friday has to go to Gaelic Warrior, who produced a stellar performance to win the Gold Cup.
This horse won an Arkle over two miles in 2024 and gained his second Festival success over three and a quarter miles here.
He now boasts 11 wins and 9 places from 22 runs under rules and has amassed over £1.1 million in prize money.
A true champion!
The racing roadshow didn’t stop and headed north to Uttoxeter for the Midlands Grand National.
There was a proper West Country tussle up front, with the Paul Nicholls-trained Isaac Des Obeaux gaining superiority over the Joe Tizzard-trained Rock My Way at the end of four and a quarter testing miles.
Sam Twiston-Davies took the ride, and this eight-year-old was trying a marathon trip for the first time and excelled.
There will be plenty of fun to come for his owners, who include the Barber family.
What a week, racing at its finest.
If the above has whetted your appetite, Taunton race on Tuesday 24th March.
You can purchase ‘early bird’ discounted tickets at www.tauntonracecourse.co.uk.
Come along and have some fun, it’s their ‘Behind The Scenes’ race day.
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