It’s only January but Irish punters are already looking forward to the Cheltenham National Hunt Festival which this year runs from March 10-13. Last year’s Irish hero Inothewayurthinkin, two-time winner Galopin des Champs and The Jukebox Man are among 33 entries for the Gold Cup on Friday March 13. Of the 33, only nine are trained in the UK, headed by The Jukebox Man, who is owned by former soccer manager Harry Redknapp and was the winner of the King George VI Chase at Kempton Park on Boxing Day. The British entries do, however, represent an increase on the record low of five 12 months ago. Also among the strongest home team for some time are Dan Skelton’s Betfair Chase winner Grey Dawning, the Rebecca Curtis-trained Irish and Welsh National winner Haiti Couleurs and Nicky Henderson’s Jango Baie.
Inothewayurthinkin trainer Gavin Cromwell is hoping that his horse will show an improvement if he runs in the Irish Gold Cup at the Dublin Racing Festival next month. He tailed off in the John Durkan at Punchestown in December and the same at Leopardstown over Christmas. Cromwell said last week: ‘‘He enjoys Cheltenham. He was obviously very disappointing at Christmas and hopefully we can get him back on track. He could go to the Irish Gold Cup, but that will all depend on what happens over the next three weeks. It wouldn’t be ideal to go into the Cheltenham Gold Cup without another run, but we will have to deal with whatever comes along the way. It would be great to head back there with the defending champion and I hope we can get him there in good shape.”
In addition to Galopin de Champs, Willie Mullins has also entered Champ Kiely, Gaelic Warrior, Grangeclare West, 2024 Grand National winner I Am Maximus, Impaire Et Passe, Lecky Watson, last year’s Grand National winer Nick Rockett. Mullins’ great rival Gordon Elliott has six entries, including Gerri Colombe, who was placed in the race previously.
