There was another compelling argument to prove that the saying “never meet your heroes” should be abolished in the Cheltenham parade ring on Monday.
After a morning galloping, Rachael Blackmore had time in her schedule to greet a group of schoolchildren who had come to see the countryside behind the scenes. On the eve of such an important sporting occasion, it can be common for athletes to pay lip service to these types of events.
But Blackmore made it a point to talk to all the children, posing for photographs and leaving 10-year-old girls open-mouthed in amazement.
Blackmore has had an incredible impact on the number of young people visiting Irish racecourses over the last two years; what a boost it would be if it happened here too.
Rachael Blackmore left her young fans speechless when she set out to speak to all the children.
Royal performance at Cheltenham?
Ascot’s link with the royal family is indelible, but Cheltenham has frequently benefited from royal attendance at the Festival over the years.
Interest always builds and, 12 months ago, an unwitting journalist burst through a gate to beat the crowd at the Gold Cup only to be greeted by a phalanx of photographers, all with cameras in hand but all with faces of disbelief.
When said journalist asked his colleagues what the problem was, they told them, without many words, to turn around. There, 10 meters away, entering through the same door, was the Royal Princess. Needless to say, the person in the middle quickly hurriedly retreated.
Given the title of Wednesday’s big race, the Queen Mother’s Champion Chase, it would be appropriate for there to be royal representation along the way, but the Buckingham Palace diary is not something that is publicly discussed, so we’ll wait and see.
Cheltenham has benefited from royal attendance at the Festival over the years.
Bookmakers fear Fact To File payout
Anxiety among bookmakers is growing over the damage a potential Fact To File victory in the Browns Advisory Chase would cause. Word has reached Cheltenham Breakfast that He is potentially the best of all the JP McManus runners this week and big things are anticipated.
A good judge in Ireland has even been talking about backing Fact Or File for the 2025 Cheltenham Gold Cup and if he is as good as they say then you could witness something special.
But no race at the Festival is a procession and, in recent days, there has been growing support for Monty’s Star as a good-priced alternative. It is significant to see that after 17 days without a winner, his trainer Henry De Bromhead scored a winner in Naas and a double in Limerick.
Fact To File is potentially the best of all JP McManus runners this week
Joe Donnelly’s many exceptional opportunities
Always expect the unexpected when working in live television and Nick Luck once again showed why he is one of the masters of his craft on Monday afternoon. During a dispatch for Racing TV, Luck located Joe Donnelly, who was having dinner with Nicky Henderson.
Donnelly will have plenty of exceptional opportunities this week, and his colors will be carried by quality animals like Shishkin and Shanagh Bob. However, his main hopes are State Man in today’s Champion Hurdle and Sir Gino, favorite for Friday’s Triumph Hurdle.
It is not ruled out that Shishkin could be close in the Gold Cup.
Henderson persuaded him to return to fitness and, praising the trainer’s skill, Donnelly’s excitement caused him to knock over a glass of water. Luck never flinched, he helped lower the table and continued broadcasting unperturbed.
Thomas Costello proves that size doesn’t matter
Thomas Costello has debunked the common perception that you need to be small to be a jockey. You won’t fail to miss him in the parade ring before the opening of the Supreme Novices Hurdle, as he will tower over everyone – he is 6ft 4in.
But an indication of his ability is the fact that Willie Mullins hired him to ride Asian Master for him. Costello said: “I’m not feeling nervous at the moment and I don’t usually suffer from nerves, so I think I’ll be fine.” I still can’t believe I have a trip to the Supreme Court.
6-foot-4 Thomas Costello will take on the rest of his competition on Tuesday