Nicky Henderson the ‘shock’ winner after Cheltenham Festival day two declarations

9 months ago 56

NICKY HENDERSON was the early winner as the day two declarations for Cheltenham came through.

The Seven Barrows boss has been rocked by Constitution Hill being out and rumours Sir Gino was about to follow.

Henderson has a right old chance in the Coral Cup with his well-handicapped Doddiethegreat[/caption]

But he received a massive boost on Monday as it was confirmed Doddiethegreat had got into the Coral Cup.

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The eight-year-old, whose place in the field came as a ‘shock’ to punter, is named after the late rugby union legend Doddie Weir, who tragically died in 2022 aged just 52.

Henderson called Doddiethegreat his ‘secret weapon’ in the run-up to race week and was desperate for the well-handicapped runner to get in the race.

And he is now confirmed a spot with the field cutting up, and Nico de Boinville gets the ride.

Elsewhere there were few surprises with most, if not all, of the big guns standing their ground.

Star novice Ballyburn was declared for the Gallagher – formerly the Ballymore – after weeks of will he/won’t he.

Only eight made the final field – meaning punters should get three places barring any NRs – while just six got into the Brown Advisory where Fact To File is the strong favourite.

Rachael Blackmore – who will see her brilliant Serial Winners Fund doubled by Betfair during Cheltenham – rides top weight Ballyadam in the Coral Cup.

El Fabiolo is one of the bankers of the Festival and he heads the field for the Champion Chase at 3.30pm.

Willie Mullins’ charge will be up against seven rivals including Henderson’s hope Jonbon.

It’s a battle of the legends in the Cross Country where former Gold Cup hero Minella Indo heads a field including the likes of Delta Work, Stattler, Coko Beach and Galvin.

The Grand Annual looks as competitive as ever and again Blackmore and trainer Henry de Bromhead combine with top weight Dancing On My Own.

While the Champion Bumper looks incredibly difficult to solve.

The early jockey bookings can provide some light.

Gordon Elliott’s No1 jockey Jack Kennedy has gone for Jalon D’Oudairies while Keith Donoghue is on Romeo Coolio.

While Harry Cobden gets the leg up on Paul Nicholls’ hugely promising Teeshan in what looks an exciting finale to day two.