My 6-1 Midlands National NAP and why Cheltenham had the good, the bad and the ugly

9 months ago 66

Cheltenham 2024. Other than bundles of fantastic winners for this column, it had everything racing currently has to offer – the good, bad and ugly.

But without doubt, the question I will never get the answer to is how the hell Henry de Bromhead has won the Queen Mother Champion Chase three times with Put the Kettle On, Special Tiara and Captain Guinness.

Tragedy of course has been suffered by the De Bromhead family, with the loss of their son Jack, who died in a pony racing accident aged just thirteen. Jack will be never forgotten by anyone in racing. Everyone loves to see Henry win.

But when it comes to the Queen Mother’s famous horse race Henry is the luckiest man there has been.

You need things to go right. When Special Tiara scored in 2017, Douvan was the supreme two-miler. He was sent off 2-9 and ran a shocker finishing lame behind.

Put the Kettle On was the winner in 2021 in a race Chacun Pour Soi was 8-13. He was badly hampered before eventually finishing third and, with the benefit of hindsight, loathed Cheltenham.

Then Captain Guinness picked up pieces on Wednesday in a race when hotpot El Fabiolo was pulled up and Jonbon failed to turn up.

Quite extraordinary.

The Champion Hurdle went to State Man, but it’s hard to say he was impressive in denying Irish Point, who is a strong prospect for the future.

My theory is that the Willie Mullins trained State Man is much better at home in Ireland despite winning a County here as well as this Grade 1 championship event.

The Ryanair was brilliant for Dan Skelton. What a week he had. And this column relied on Dan strongly so thanks to him and his jockey-brother Harry, who rode beautifully and is mustard.

Teahupoo was a heavily punted favourite – towards the end of last year he was as big as 10-1 – and banged in a vintage Paddy Power Stayers’ Hurdle.

The race saw the retirement of a people’s horse too in Paisley Park. He’s given us all some great thrills and is a credit to handler Emma Lavelle.

Yesterday, of course, saw the feature race of the week, the Boodles Cheltenham Gold Cup.

Galopin Des Champs became only the ninth horse to win the race twice and returned a true champion.

He crowned a glorious week for Mullins who is in a league of his own. He partied on and off the track. He’s a proper man. And we are blessed to witness his genius.

Paul Townend and Willie Mullins proved their class once again[/caption]

Away from the highlights, though, there were many lows at Cheltenham this week.

The crowd was massively disappointing, and more needs to be done to by the Jockey Club to get people through the gates. They should be encouraging kids – fully price over the age of five – as they are the fans of the future.

And if numbers are expected to be low, why not do a deal for University students?

We need to encourage people to love this game, and a day at Cheltenham could be the catalyst for a life-long love of this great sport.

The Cheltenham car park was a disgrace, showing that no one cares about the racecourse experience after the sport has finished.

You have to look after your customers, not treat them, well, like dirt, although it was mud on this occasion that caused the chaos with stuck vehicles.

On Friday morning people were told they would not be allowed to park on the grass. Why couldn’t the areas be covered over night? You have to think of your customers.

The meeting started with the look of an Irish domination, and the raiders certainly took centre stage. But there were signs Great Britain is not quite done and dusted. Everyone has to work extra hard to compete.

As for myself I was lucky enough to be part of the ITV team every day. It’s a privilege to broadcast this game and it’s not taken for granted.

My most important interview was with Stuart Andrew the Sports Minister. It’s on social media.

Nor do I take for granted writing in this paper. I’m so glad I found you some seriously tasty winners.

Chianti Classico, Unexpected Party, Grey Dawning, Protektorat and Shakem Up’Arry as well as the Gold Cup one-three. They were all at tasty prices and mixed with plenty of shorties as well.

There’s much wrong in British racing right now. But Cheltenham remains magical. Roll on 2025.

Before we get there – make sure to take a look at MY SILVER LINING, who goes in the Midlands National at Uttoxeter.

He won the Classic Chase at Warwick before being tipped out at Haydock in the National Trial – he’s got standout claims.