Thursday’s race winners
Novices’ Hurdle - White Noise
Novices’ Limited Handicap Chase - Meetmebythesea
Mares’ Hurdle - Woodhooh
Stayers’ Hurdle - Home By The Lee
Ryanair Chase - Heart Wood
Pertemps Network Final - Supremely West
Kim Muir Challenge Cup Handicap Steeple Chase - Ask Brewster
We leave you with Brian O’Connor’s report on day three from Cheltenham. The day was in many ways dominated by Willie Mullins and JP McManus’ decision to pull Fact To File from the Ryanair Chase, but it’s also difficult to look past Home By The Lee’s win in the Stayers’ Hurdle at the fifth time of asking.
See you all again tomorrow for Gold Cup day!
[ Fifth-time lucky for ‘superstar’ Home By The Lee in Stayers’ HurdleOpens in new window ]
Another day in the books. Declan Queally and Nico De Boinville’s handshake after some serious allegations were made yesterday is one of the day’s dominant narratives.
Here’s our man on the ground at Cheltenham, Brian O’Connor, reporting on a gesture which may well draw a line under the whole thing. Albeit the British Horseracing Authority is still investigating.
ASK BREWSTER HOLDS ON
Some finish there. Road To Home made a big push at the end but Shane Cotter aboard Ask Brewster manages to keep hold of the lead at the end. 22/1 the winner was at the start.
- Ask Brewster (Mrs C Williams)
- Road To Home (Willie Mullins)
- Monbeg Genius (Joseph O’Brien)
Ask Brewster continues to lead, about a length ahead now...
Not too shabby a start given the size of the field! Ask Brewster takes the initial lead in the final race of the day.
Last up today is the Kim Muir Challenge Cup, due off in about 15 minutes. Here’s Malachy’s verdict:
The three-mile handicap chase for amateur jockeys, it’s no surprise that two-time winner Derek O’Connor is on the favourite here, with Jeriko Du Reponet at the head of the market for Nicky Henderson.
Second in the Pertemps last year, his main opposition looks to be Waterford Whispers for Henry DeBromhead. The latter would be a particularly poignant winner, with Alan O’Sullivan in the saddle just over a year after his brother Michael died in a fall at Thurles ahead of the 2025 festival.
Last year’s winner Daily Present is back to defend his title for Paul Nolan and must be worth a swing at a double-figure price.
7/2 Jeriko Du Reponet (Nicky Henderson)
5/1 Waterford Whispers (Henry De Bromhead)
6/1 Kim Roque (Joseph O’Brien)
10/1 Herakles Westwood (Warren Geatrex)
14/1 Prends Garde A Toi (Gordon Elliott)
Harry Skelton was, unsurprisingly, full of beans after riding that winner.
SUPREMELY WEST - THE FAVOURITE TAKES IT
C’est Different just didn’t have the legs as Supremely West made a big push just before the last. It ends up being a very comfortable win for Dan Skelton’s horse.
- Supremely West (Dan Skelton)
- Lavida Adiva (Ruth Jefferson)
- Ikarak (Olly Murphy)
Three to go, C’est Different leads the way. Melbourne Shamrock is up there as well. Bold Endeavour not far behind...
It’s a huge field in this one. Given the trouble we’ve had with starts over the last 48 hours, this could take a few minutes to get going.
At the second time of asking, they’re off in the 4.40.
Right then, two races to go. First up the Pertemps Network Final Handicap Hurdle. Here’s Malachy Clerkin’s preview:
One of the worst races all week for favourite-backers, this staying handicap hurdle has a lot of English horses at the front end of the market, with the Skelton brothers predictably fancied as they send both Supremely West and Ace Of Spades.
This race is always a bit of a grueller and the seven pounds claimed by Michael O’Neill aboard Minella Emperor for Emmet Mullins could come in very handy as they tackle the hill at the end. And for what it’s worth, Tony Mullins has been extremely bullish about Letos in the build-up.
7/2 Supremely West (Dan Skelton)
7/1 Absolutely Doyen (Paul Nicholls)
8/1 Bold Endeavour (Nicky Henderson)
17/2 C’est Different (Sam Thomas)
10/1 Electric Mason (Chris Gordon)
But, to give the winner his spoils, it’s now 10 consecutive Cheltenham festivals where Henry De Bromhead has had a winner.
Both Willie Mullins and JP McManus have had a go about the ground when explaining their decision not to run Fact To File. Two understated characters normally but they’re sticking their heads above the parapet here. Be interesting to see if we get any sort of response.
Winning jockey Darragh O’Keefe: “I’m very grateful to be racing for Henry [de Bromhead]. I was keen to get him a winner on the board. The horses have been running well, these colours have always been great to me.”
HEART WOOD WINS IT
Henry De Bromhead’s runner wins comfortably, a first winner of the week for the trainer. It’s his third winner of the Ryanair.
JPR One fell away badly after the last. Jonbon is second again and Banbridge comes up to get into third.
- Heart Wood (Henry De Bromhead)
- Jonbon (Nicky Henderson)
- Banbridge (Joseph O’Brien)
Jonbon is well back now. It looks to be behind NPR One and Heart Wood...
Six from the finish, JPR One is out ahead. Jonbon is two lengths back in second. Heart Wood is right behind.
Impaire Et Passe has been pulled up.
A smaller field in the Ryanair Chase should mean they get away cleanly. That they do.
They’re off!
Willie Mullins, trainer for Fact To File, is not happy.
He says the ground is too quick and is of the opinion that it wasn’t watered to the extent that was promised.
A line saying “Good ground is not good enough for the type of individual we are buying & trying to race. If the ground is going to be like this, we’re not going to bring them,” was particularly strong.
“This isn’t very good for the type of horses we’re bringing over here.”
Right then, what to make of the Ryanair Chase with no Fact To File? Malachy Clerkin has had a go ⬇️
“Jonbon has never been outside the front two in his 27-race career. Banbridge is always an admirable sort, albeit never quite living up to his King George win in 2024. But really, it’s completely up for grabs now - Impaire Et Passe has won far stronger races than this in the past.”
The current betting is as follows:
2/1 Jonbon (Nicky Henderson)
5/2 Imparie Et Passe (Willie Mullins)
3/1 Banbridge (Joseph O’Brien)
11/2 Heart Wood (Henry De Bromhead)
25/1 JPR One (Joe Tizzard)
28/1 Matata (Nigel and Wily Twiston-Davies)
66/1 Master Chewy (Nigel and Wily Twiston-Davies)
NR Croke Park (Gordon Elliott)
NR Fact To File (Willie Mullins)
HOME BY THE LEE WINS IT - winner for Joseph O’Brien. 40/1 in some places before the race!
Kabral Du Matin got ahead after the last jump only for Home By The Lee to get back ahead up the hill. Great finish. Ballyburn and Bob Olinger also finished well.
- Home By The Lee (Joseph O’Brien)
- Ballyburn (Willie Mullins)
- Bob Olinger (Henry De Bromhead)
Home By The Lee makes a move before the last. Healthy lead now - Teahupoo is struggling...
Teahupoo is in a good position, fourth and on the outside. Hewick, Home By The Lee and Doddiehtegreat are bunching up at the top.
Teahupoo has just lost a place or two...
They’re off in the Stayers’.
Hewick didn’t look too keen initially but has since pulled out to a big early lead.
Fact To File is OUT of the Ryanair Chase. The favourite will not run, it sounds like they’re not happy with the ground.
Jonbon, the other JP McManus in the race, is the new favourite.
In the last race before the Ryanair Chase, here’s the betting for the Mares’ Hurdle. The big question is if the rain has softened things up enough for Teahupoo.
5/2 Teahupoo (Gordon Elliott)
9/2 Kabral Du Mathan (Dan Skelton)
13/2 Ballyburn (Willie Mullins)
15/2 Impose Toi (Nicky Henderson)
15/2 Ma Shantou (Emma Lavelle)
8/1 Bob Olinger (Henry De Bromhead)
11/1 Honesty Policy (Gordon Elliott)
40/1 Home by The Lee (Joseph O’Brien)
50/1 Doddiethegreat (Nicky Henderson)
50/1 Hewick (Shark Hanlon)
NR Gwennie May Boy (Christian Williams)
According to Ryanair, Fact To File is 70:30 NOT to run in the Ryanair Chase. The favourite is unlikely to be out there.
Race three on day three is the Stayers’ Hurdle. Will Gordon Elliott go back-to-back? Here’s Malachy Clerkin’s verdict:
Gordon Elliott’s best chance all week in the Championship races, Teahupoo won this in 2024 and was runner-up last year. The Stayers’ is a race that often features return winners, so Teahupoo’s nemesis from last year Bob Olinger isn’t to be counted out either.
On the whole, though, it might be better to side with a younger guns such as Ma Shantou, who has won three times over the course and distance already this season.
Away from the racing, there are plenty of storylines. Obviously we have the make-up between Queally and De Boinville (scroll down for the video).
We’re also on Fact To File watch, with a run in the Ryanair Chase at 4pm still up in the air.
WOODHOOH HOLDS ON
Gordon Elliott has a first winner of the week.
Jade De Grugy pushed things close but Jack Kennedy does enough to get Woodhooh over the line.
- Woodhooh (Gordon Elliott)
- Jade De Grugy (Willie Mullins)
- Feet of a Dancer (Paul Nolan)
They’re off in the Mares Hurdle!
Here’s a big one prior to the race. All seems to be forgiven in the Queally - De Boinville incident.
Here’s the latest betting:
10/11 Woodhooh (Gordon Elliott)
9/4 Jade De Grugy (Willie Mullins)
8/1 Feet Of A Dancer (Paul Nolan)
16/1 Take No Chances (Dan Skelton)
35/1 Dream On Baby (Emmet Mullins)
Here’s Malachy on the next race, the Mares Hurdle:
Plenty were of the opinion that Woodhooh would beat Lossiemouth if she ran in this – whether they’re still saying that after Lossiemouth’s stunning Champion Hurdle on Tuesday is another matter. But the point stands – Gordon Elliott clearly has the best horse in this race and it will be a surprise if she is beaten.
Odds-on favourites tend to not to get turned over in this race, going back as far as Quevega’s six wins on the bounce. Jade De Grugy and Paul Nolan’s Feet Of A Dancer should put it up to Woodhooh but don’t be surprised if this turns out to be a case of Jack Kennedy just needing to stay upright to win.
MEETMEBYTHESEA TAKES IT - another winner for JP McManus.
Gold Dancer had the lead heading into the second last but Meetmebythesea got over nicely and pulled away for a comfortable win.
- Meetmebythesea (Ben Pauling)
- Gold Dancer (Willie Mullins)
- Regent’s Stroll (Paul Nicholls)
Now they’re off!
Slade Steel has received a late jump and is now second favourite. Stencil has leapfrogged Meetmebythesea.
Let’s see if this start is any cleaner...
Nope. Is the short answer.
Here’s the betting for the next race:
9/2 Jordans Cross (Anthony Honeyball)
11/2 Regent’s Stroll (Paul Nicholls)
6/1 Slade Steel (Henry De Bromhead)
8/1 Meetmebythesea (Ben Pauling)
8/1 Stencil (Noel George and Amanda Zetterholm)
Old Cowboy and Sixmilebridge are not running.
Race two is just over 20 minutes out. Here’s Malachy on who to keep an eye out for in the Jack Richards Handicap Chase:
Few horses gathered more momentum through the preview night season than Ben Pauling’s Meetmebythesea, who was available to back at around 14/1 as recently as a week ago. He could be a bit ahead of the handicapper alright – but he’s unlikely to be alone there in what is always a highly competitive race.
Henry DeBromhead brings Slade Steel, who was classy enough to win the Supreme a couple of years ago. Willie Mullins sends five, which is slightly unusual for him – he’s never won a handicap chase at the festival. Jordans Cross, for Anthony Honeyball, won at Cheltenham last time out and could be the one to be with.
Answers for why the favourite Bambino Fever was so far back?
The winning jockey Tom Bellamy talking about mitching back in the day to go to Cheltenham as a kid, just after becoming a winner at Cheltenham. Even the cynics will enjoy this.
WHITE NOISE TAKES IT
A 40/1 winner. Bambino Fever didn’t even feature, Paul Townend slowing up before the last jump.
Oldschool Outlaw pushed White Noise hard at the end, Place De La Nation coming in third.
- White Noise (Kim Bailey and Mat Nicholls)
- Oldschol Outlaw (Gordon Elliott)
- Place De La Nation (Willie Mullins)
Three jumps to go and Bambino Fever is a few lengths back but in a strong position on the outside. Full of Life has the lead with White Noise and Chosen Comrade close behind.
Now they’re off! Albeit there were a few runners who definitely weren’t ready and are already out of the race.
Bambino Fever, the favourite, is safely away.
They’re still not away. This is a shambles.
After yesterday’s clashes, everyone is praying for clean starts today...
And they’re off!
No they’re not! False start. They deceived the crowd as well as me, the roar did come.
Don’t let that old picture of Bambino Fever deceive you. It’s a dirty day in Cheltenham.
The betting for the first race of the day is as follows. Safe to say there’s a clear favourite...
1/1 - Bambino Fever (Willie Mullins)
6/1 - Oldschool Outlaw (Gordon Elliott)
10/1 - Carrigmoornaspruce (Declan Queally)
12/1 - La Conquiere (Jamie Snowden)
14/1 - Echoing Silence (Henry De Bromhead)
Today’s first action is the Mares Novice Hurdle at 1:20pm. Here’s Malachy Clerkin’s verdict on what to watch out for:
All the attention surrounds last year’s Champion Bumper winner Bambino Fever, who has taken well to hurdles over the winter for Willie Mullins. She looks to have plenty of opposition though, most of it Irish-trained.
Oldschool Outlaw has already beaten Bambino Fever, albeit when it had a fitness edge early in the season, while the Declan Queally-trained Carrigmoornaspruce would provide one of the biggest stories of the week, particularly in light of Queally’s incident with Nico DeBoinville yesterday.
At a bigger price, keep an eye out for Amen Kate for Tom Cooper, who looked very impressive just before Christmas and has Jack Kennedy jocked up.
We have an update on the Declan Queally racism allegation. Here’s racing correspondent Brian O’Connor:
The fallout from accusations of racial abuse by Irish amateur jockey Declan Queally against top English professional Nico De Boinville on Wednesday looks set to reverberate beyond this week’s Cheltenham festival.
British Horseracing Authority officials are continuing to speak to various jockeys that rode in Wednesday’s controversial Turners Novices Hurdle where chaotic scenes at the start led to a clash between De Boinville and Queally.
The 38-year-old Irishman complained to the racecourse stewards after the race about “horrific” abuse from De Boinville. He later told the Racing Post that the abuse was racial in nature.
“I was boxing for my position down the inside and there was a lot of general bunching going on. It was competitive down there and I got repeated racial abuse from Nico de Boinville when I was coming in around the corner and then he called me a f*****g p***k a couple of times in front of the ITV camera,” he told the trade paper.
The claims have cast an unprecedented pall over National Hunt racing’s biggest week of the year, and the BHA has indicated their examination of the incident will extend beyond the festival.
“The process of gathering evidence will continue over the course of the coming days and will involve speaking to jockeys and reviewing broadcast footage,” a spokesman said. “This process will take some time and will therefore not be concluded during the festival.”
No further comment or update from British racing’s ruling body s anticipated over the coming days.
Queally, who finished fifth on I’ll Sort That in the Turners, is assistant trainer to his father Declan Queally Senior and they run Carrigmoornaspruce in today’s opening Ryanair Mares Novices Hurdle. James Bowen rides her.
De Boinville has two Grade One rides for Nicky Henderson and JP McManus later today. Impose Toi goes for the Stayers Hurdle while Jonbon lines up in the Ryanair Chase.
In terms of today’s action, most eyes will be on the Ryanair at 4pm. Fact To File is the favourite but, as Brian points out, there will be some mixed feelings should the JP McManus runner come home as predicted.
“It’s ridiculous to label any Cheltenham victory as hollow, but a ‘what if’ will inevitably hang over the overwhelming favourite Fact To File should he land Thursday’s Ryanair Chase for a second year at Cheltenham," writes Brian.
“Discretion is usually the better part of valour, but for many, the horse that leaped to the top of the Cheltenham Gold Cup betting with his hugely impressive success at last month’s Dublin Racing Festival should be lining up in the blue-riband race itself 24 hours later."
You can read the full preview of the day here.
The biggest story of Wednesday’s action came away from the race results. Irish amateur jockey Declan Queally accused Nico De Boinville of racist abuse after cameras picked up a verbal altercation at the start of the Turners Novices’ Hurdle.
A complaint was made to stewards who adjourned the matter last night in order to gather more evidence. You’d imagine we’ll be hearing more about this matter very soon.
Brian O’Connor, our man on the ground in Cheltenham, has the full story.
Before we get into previewing today’s action, it’s worth looking back at days one and two. Here’s how things shape up at the festival’s halfway point:
Leading Jockey
3 - Paul Townend
2 - James Bowen
1 - Harry Skelton, Richie McLernon, Mark Walsh, Danny Mullins, Nico de Boinville, Conor Stone-Walsh, Colin Keane, Charlie Deutsch, Harry Cobden
Leading Trainer
5 - Willie Mullins
3 - Nicky Henderson
1 - Padraig Roche, Jonjo and AJ O’Neill, Dan Skelton, Noel Meade, Gavin Cromwell, Venetia Williams
Prestbury Cup
GB 6 Ireland 8
Hello all and welcome to The Irish Times live blog for the third day of Cheltenham!
Nathan Johns here to guide you through all the action as the Ryanair Chase headlines the penultimate day of the festival.
Will anyone challenge the JP McManus runners at 4pm or is it a shootout between favourite Fact To File and Jonbon? We’ll guide you through all the action on day three.
Away from the main event at 4pm, here are Brian O’Connor’s tips for day three.
1.20pm - Charme de Faust
2pm - Ol Man Dingle
2.40pm - Wodhooh
3.20pm - Ballyburn
4pm - Fact To File
4.40pm - C’est Different
5.20pm - Waterford Whispers (Nap).
