Cheltenham 2023

[Ruskie]

A thread for any thoughts on the festival this year.

I went last year on the Tuesday and Wednesday, and had a great couple of days. Sadly, it’s ruined itself by overcrowding and not having the appropriate facilities for the number of people so I won’t be going back. The package deals were insane as well making it just not worth it.

I will put some picks up nearer the time but, it will be impossible for me to better last year in terms of winnings. Just had a lucky few days that started with Constitution Hill and Energamene.

[Ruskie]

ArnageWRC said:

An example or more races just downgrades the Festival. It's not Flat racing, there simply isn't the number of horses for all these races. You don't need 3 Gd1 Nov Hurdle/Chase races.....Wasn't it just 4 in the 2m5f Turners Golden Miller last year? Ridiculous.....
It's the equivalent of adding a 300m race in athletics in the Olympics.....

I'd argue we don't need the Gd1 2m5f Chase, which already exists at Aintree, the Melling Chase - make it a Ltd H'Cap instead.

Yeah it’s a bloated card these days. NH in the UK is in real danger the next 10 years IMO.

[Ruskie]

Anyone having a go tomorrow?

The weather has played havoc with my picks. I was really sweet on Marine Nationale in the opener but I was hoping for good to soft.

[Ruskie]

Ruskie said:

Anyone having a go tomorrow?

The weather has played havoc with my picks. I was really sweet on Marine Nationale in the opener but I was hoping for good to soft.

Job done.

[Ruskie]

Bright Halo said:

I live just up the road from Cheltenham race course and I’m not interested one bit.
How many horses will die this year?
Disgraceful!

I can see why you were banned for 30 days recently, mods probably got bored of you posting stuff like this.

[Ruskie]

Hermes Allen the Nap for me today.

[Ruskie]

48k said:

Ruskie said:

Hermes Allen the Nap for me today.

Do you think he'll deliver?

Signed and sealed hopefully

[Ruskie]

48k said:

Ruskie said:

48k said:

Ruskie said:

Hermes Allen the Nap for me today.

Do you think he'll deliver?

Signed and sealed hopefully

Or maybe not.

Willy Mullins is cleaning up.

Too bad to be true that but a very good winner.

[Ruskie]

Bright Halo said:

pavarotti1980 said:

Bright Halo said:

I live just up the road from Cheltenham race course and I’m not interested one bit.
How many horses will die this year?
Disgraceful!

Should we ban driving too? Loads more die on the roads every year

Drivers have a choice and are aware of the risks, horses do not have the ability to perform any sort of risk assessment.

Sadly 8year old Malinello died on Tuesday. That is the 70th horse to die at Cheltenham in the past 20years.
something needs to change or hurdle racing will inevitably be banned.

There is zero chance of racing being banned. It’s also National Hunt, not hurdle racing. If your going to do outrage, at least get the terminology right, otherwise it looks like you haven’t actually done any proper research.

[Ruskie]

I went last year on the Tues/Wed. Never again in the current format. Took an hour and half to get out the car park on the Wednesday.

[Ruskie]

TEKNOPUG said:

I live relatively local but never been tempted to go during the festival. But I've been to Royal Ascot, Goodwood and l'Arc plenty of times.

Yeah I live 1/2 mile from the Knavesmire but you have the option of going inside the course for much less money it’s very good value compared to the festival.