Cheltenham Festival

[northener]

Anyone getting excited? I love it, used to go before it got too popular. Still have Week off work and watch it in pub.

[northener]

[tim]

The floral displays in Cheltenham are just brilliant.

[Garden Manager]

I take it we are talking the Equine Olympics that is the Cheltenham National Hunt Horseracing Festival then?

Oh yes getting very excited. Great fan of the sport. You can forget the Derby and Royal Ascot, this is as good as it gets.

Usualy try to see as much of it as possible live on TV. Would love to go, but its just too expensive and crowded. Camping out in front of the TV with the Racing Post and a few nibbles, is the next best thing.

I have one snag this time; just taken on some extra (paid) gardening work which might mean missing one or more of the 4 days. Never mind.

[northener]

Got to pay the bills first GC. I see your a fan of Kauto, i backed him last year when he fell. Hes a good horse but a bit novicey to win a gold cup. Although i don't really know what i'm backing yet. Just been watching Dessies win in 89 on youtube i was there that day still get goosebumps when i watch it.

[pete10]

Oh yes the Cheltenham Festival  ,Cant wait , Just hope its not a bog  good to soft just right.

[Blue Bird]

Yes I have taken the week off work OH nad I are off again this year just going to meetings on Thursday and Friday

2005 got sun burnt !!

2006 frozen to the bone!!

2007 getting ready for all weather rain snow or sun

anyone one got any inside information for any of the winners ???

BB

[Garden Manager]

Got to pay the bills first GC. I see your a fan of Kauto, i backed him last year when he fell. Hes a good horse but a bit novicey to win a gold cup. Although i don't really know what i'm backing yet. Just been watching Dessies win in 89 on youtube i was there that day still get goosebumps when i watch it.

Dont want to get into a debate with you really but I wouldnt call Kauto 'novicey'. Not when you consider his acheivements so far this season. Ok he has a problem with last fences, but I reckon he gets distracted by crowd noise - a pair of ear plugs might sort that out!

If you realy dont like Kauto, then what about Exotic Dancer? 3 times course winner. I wouldn't go for irish horses in the Gold Cup this year.

1989 Gold Cup - i know what you mean!

Bluebird: No inside info I am afraid, although you probably wouldn't go far wrong following Paul Nicholls' horses through the week.

[cornykev]

Loved Dessie, only been to Chelters the once have to admit I prefer Ascot. ;D ;D ;D

[pete10]

Another that is worth keeping a eye to is Nicky Henderson .

[Blue Bird]

Thanks Pete10 might just take your advise I usually go for the colour of the shirts on the jockies  - if i would wear it I back it.

Seem to as good as OH who really studies the form.

He will be impressed if I can beat him this year!!!   ???

[CotswoldLass]

This thread makes me really miss living in the Cotswolds......the whole Cheltenham atmosphere .......wonderful..won't be much law work done if I have the TV on all week though! CLx

[tim]

Nicky, Pete? A local chap!

[Garden Manager]

Loved Dessie, only been to Chelters the once have to admit I prefer Ascot. ;D ;D ;D

Always liked cheltenham as a course, usualy manage to go once or twice a year to the quieter meetings (November and December). Its got such an atmosphere even on quiet days. Always been fascinated by the history of the place.

Now Ascot i can take or leave, especialy since the rebuild. its now very nice and smart but its got no atmosphere to it, and i for one actualy like to SEE  the racing when I go to a racecourse!

Tim: Jump racing is like one big club. Most of us on first name terms with each other - LOL

[CotswoldLass]

Agree wholeheartedly Garden C! One of my favourite Cheltenham outings was trip to the amateur evening meeting - great sport and dinner in the new panoramic restaurant was wonderful.

[Garden Manager]

Oh its so nice to find people with common interests. i never realised there were Jump racing/Cheltenham fans on A4All.

Any Ruby Walsh fans about? My mother's considers herself his No 1 fan.

:) :) :)

[Blue Bird]

The atmosphere is brill although have never stayed on the Saturday as too many there then but like you watch on the telly

Have you ever been to the National at Aintree?

That is on our door step and have been National day twice and ladies Day for the first time last year

again brill atmosphere

[pete10]

Ruby is a class act ,He will get his fair share of winners , Another jock who rides the course well is
Robert Thornton . Its a case of digging out some winners from the so called lesser races .

[Garden Manager]

Who saw the racing today. Thought Denman was excellent (if a little nerve wracking to watch!). Nice win for Voy Por Ustedes. Well Cheif was too keen IMO.

Seems to be a festival for first time (festival) trainers, First David Pipe, then Dr Newland then McCain Junior (turning out a better all round trainer than dad).

Just one Irish win today Score now 8 to Brits, 4 to Irish. Keep up the good work folks.

[baggieboy]

Love my national hunt, not been this week but tickets arrived for the national. My bro got my national ticket for xmas.

Anyway was Told ' RACING DEMON' by a mate in the know he races in the 2.35 on thursday.

horse racing is ace

[greyhound]

I reckon he gets distracted by crowd noise - a pair of ear plugs might sort that out!

Reminded me of the day I went racing with a trainer friend, with a horse that had a habit of finishing second.  He won that day, though.  Pulled the hood off his head in the winner's enclosure, horse shook his head, and out of each ear flew a ... er...... ladies sanitary product.   ;D