Let’s honour Michael O’Sullivan with a Cheltenham roar we won’t ever forget

I’M hoping the ‘Michael O’Sullivan Cheltenham roar’ will be something that lives with the Festival for many years to come.

Like most people, I believe naming next week’s Cheltenham opener as the Michael O’Sullivan Supreme Novices’ Hurdle was a fine gesture to honour the young rider who so sadly died last month.

PA

Racing will always remember Michael O’Sullivan and his awesome Supreme win[/caption]

But it’s the roar before the Supreme that can really send some shivers of emotion and joy down every racegoer’s spine.

The Cheltenham roar prior to the Supreme is the stuff of legend, although it does tend to vary in volume from year to year.

A week on Tuesday I’m hoping those on track and all broadcasters will encourage (in the UK people often need encouragement over this kind of thing) all racegoers and even those listening at home to give it a real Michael O’Sullivan Cheltenham roar.

A moment to celebrate his life.

With confidence the roof will be lifted off Cheltenham, it can be known as the ‘Michael O’Sullivan Supreme Novices’ Hurdle roar’ forever more.

A moment every year to celebrate a jockey who won the big race on Marine Nationale and later tragically died far too soon.

Wherever Michael is that day. Let’s make sure he hears us all.

Now, a couple of small bits of Cheltenham news for you.

A few people have backed Matata at long odds for the Queen Mother Champion Chase, and might have had hope he would be back in the contest after owner-companion El Fabiolo was ruled out of the Festival.

Bad news, I’m afraid. Willie Twiston-Davies, assistant to his old man Nigel, told me: “Aintree is still the plan.”

Earlier today it was confirmed Brighterdaysahead will run in the Champion Hurdle, which gives Constitution Hill – who will hack up – a chance to elevate his rating to legendary status.

I suspect this means class mare Golden Ace – with the weather forecast suggesting little rain – will swerve the big race.

Before the Gigginstown news, trainer Jeremy Scott told me: “I would agree the Mares more likely with the ground as it is but it still hinges on where the Irish mares’ go.”

Enough said!

And finally… Last week there was a lovely betting survey in the trade newspaper telling all of us who work closely in the game what we already knew.

That affordability checks are ruining the game with punters turning to the black market.

The survey had in the region of 10,000 punters involved.

The reaction of many was Government must listen. The BHA’s acting chief executive Brant Dunshea urged those in power to take ‘urgent action’.

Sadly, and as has happened every time any survey has been taken or article written, no one said how they were going to make Government listen.

I’m sounding like a broken record here, as I have written this many times before.

But I still find it mind-boggling that with all the Royalty, politicians and celebrities involved in the Sport of Kings not one seems to be able to have a meeting with Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer.

To do what?

To explain how and why this Government – and not just this Government as the plans were in place when Labour came to power – are killing a huge British industry in order to help no one, particularly addictive personalities who use gambling as their outlet for their addiction issues.

Until someone manages to do that, you can have as many surveys as you like and have as many people call for Government to take urgent action, but you are getting nowhere.

Surely someone has Sir Keir’s number?!

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