Thousands gather for first day at Cheltenham festival
The Cheltenham Festival is back for 2023 with a thrilling week of racing lined up in the Cotswolds for what is known as ‘The Greatest Show on Turf’, as racegoers descend on the iconic course.
The Champion Hurdle and the Gold Cup bookend the four-day meeting as perhaps the two highest-profile Grade 1 races, with Constitution Hill triumphing in the Champion Hurdle on Tuesday, showing his class to win at a canter after starting as the overwhelming, heavily-backed favourite.
Meanwhile, Rachael Blackmore returns to Cheltenham looking to create more history after an astounding win to retain the Gold Cup in 2022 –a victory that helped the Irish trainers triumph handily over their British counterparts to easily land the prestigious Prestbury Cup, with a mighty 18 wins compared to just 10 for the home horses.
The festival provides a massive £274m boost to the local economy, a study from the University of Gloucestershire has found, and while organisers will be hoping the rain holds off, it promises to be an exciting week of racing regardless.
Follow all the Day 2 action from Cheltenham below:
Reaction from Energumene’s owner and Brighton chairman Tony Bloom
“He has done me proud. He ran a magnificent race totally deserved to win. We are so fortunate to have such an amazing horse. He didn’t run at his best last time out but has shown his class today.
“We have a huge game against Crystal Palace tonight so I will focus on that now ahead of Grimsby in the FA Cup this weekend.”
Michael Jones15 March 2023 15:55
Energumene’s jockey Paul Townend speaks to ITV
“He was perfect everywhere. He jumped brilliant. You don’t win champion races in that manner normally. He’s a pleasure to ride.”
(PA)
Michael Jones15 March 2023 15:51
Cheltenham Festival 2023 race card, runners and full schedule for Wednesday
Here’s what’s still to come today – three races – and a look ahead to the rest of the festival this week.
Michael Jones15 March 2023 15:47
16:10 – Glenfarclas Cross Country Chase
Up next is the Cross Country Chase. Last year’s winner was Delta Work who famously defeated Tiger Roll on his final outing at the festival.
Delta Work is in action once again today and it’s no surprise that he’s the favourite to take the victory once again.
Michael Jones15 March 2023 15:44
Energumene wins the Queen Mother Champion Chase!
Back-to-back Champions Chase wins for Energumene and trainer Willie Mullins. He stuck near the front before making his move with two fences to go.
(REUTERS)
Michael Jones15 March 2023 15:41
Queen Mother Champion Chase result
2 Captain Guinness – 12/1
Michael Jones15 March 2023 15:38
Energumene wins the Queen Mother Champion Chase!
Last year’s winner romps to a consecutive victory in the Champion Chase. It was a brilliant race which Paul Townend had control of from the get go.
Michael Jones15 March 2023 15:36
15.30 – Queen Mother Champion Chase
Energuemene leaps over the final fence with Captain Guinness doing his best to stick with him. The favourite kicks on up towards the line and has too much pace.
Michael Jones15 March 2023 15:35
15.30 – Queen Mother Champion Chase
Energuemen makes the turn as Captain Guinness draws within three lengths. Editeur Du Gite drops off as Edwardstone is nowhere near the front.
Michael Jones15 March 2023 15:34
15.30 – Queen Mother Champion Chase
Five out from the finish and Energumene eases slightly into the lead with Edwardstone starting to move up but making no real headway.
Editeur Du Gite still stays with the favourite.
Michael Jones15 March 2023 15:34
