Wednesday, 27 January, 2021 - Entries are unveiled today for the three G1 novices’ hurdles at The Festival™ - the Sky Bet Supreme Novices’ Hurdle, the Ballymore Novices’ Hurdle and the Albert Bartlett Novices’ Hurdle – plus the G1 JCB Triumph Hurdle, which is restricted to four-year-olds.

The Festival™ gets underway with the Sky Bet Supreme Novices’ Hurdle, which takes place over two miles as the first contest on day one.

There are 96 entries in 2021, with a record 59 of those trained in Ireland. Sponsor Sky Bet make one of the Irish-trained entries, Appreciate It (Willie Mullins), the clear 5/2 favourite. The seven-year-old was runner-up in the G1 Weatherbys Champion Bumper at The Festival™ in 2020 and has looked hugely talented when landing both his starts over hurdles this season, most recently sauntering to a nine-length victory in a G1 contest at Leopardstown on 27 December.

Sky Bet’s 7/1 second favourite is Metier (Harry Fry). Originally trained in Ireland by Andrew Slattery, five-year-old Metier has been a revelation since joining Dorset-based Harry Fry, taking novices’ hurdles at Newton Abbot and Ascot before recording a breath-taking 12-length victory in the G1 Unibet Tolworth Hurdle at Sandown Park on 2 January.

Giving an update on the son of Mastercraftsman, Fry reported: “Metier is a Tolworth winner and the Supreme is the much more likely of the two races [Metier is also entered in the Ballymore Novices’ Hurdle] but we will just keep our options open at this stage.

“He has got an entry in the Betfair Hurdle in just over a fortnight’s time but there is no definite decision yet. He has done everything right so far over hurdles and he is a very exciting novice that seems to be progressing into either Supreme or a Ballymore horse.

“There is a race at Exeter the day after in which he would only have a 5lb penalty but then if you are looking at that why not run in a Betfair?

“I would say that if he doesn’t run in the Betfair, he would go straight to Cheltenham though you can never say never.

“If the weather keeps as it is there is every chance he will line up in the Betfair Hurdle. I think a better race with an even stronger gallop will suit him better again. We were able to drop him in the last day in the Tolworth, but we would have still been happier if they had gone faster.

“Sean [Bowen] turned in with a double handful and he put plenty of distance between himself and his rivals, particularly after the last. Not many came up the hill that day in the manner he did. He has only just turned five so hopefully there is more to come.

“All his form is on slower ground and it would be interesting to see him on better ground. At some point, we will encounter it but good horses go on all ground.

“We would have to weigh up and decide the pros and cons whether going on better ground means we would have to step him up in trip.”

Fry has also entered Boothill in the Sky Bet Supreme Novices’ Hurdle and the Ballymore Novices’ Hurdle. The six-year-old landed a bumper at Kempton Park in February of 2020 and could not have been more impressive on his hurdling debut when scoring by nine and a half lengths at Taunton on 10 December.

The trainer continued: “Boothill had a splint flare up about 10 days after he won at Taunton and that just held us up for a few weeks. I had hoped to get him back for the Sidney Banks at Huntingdon [Listed, 11 February] but that is just going to come too soon. He could end up going to the Dovecote at the end of February. In the worst-case scenario, he might even end up going straight to Cheltenham but I would like to get another run into him between now and then but we will be guided by him.

“We are back pressing on again with him. Hopefully, we don’t get a recurrence of the splint injury and get a clear run with him. Certainly, on the manner of his debut win at Taunton, there looks to be lots to look forward to.

“Boothill and Metier are completely different types. Metier is an ex-Flat horse that is very workmanlike at home and is very much a hurdler whereas Boothill is a proper chasing type who impresses in everything he does at home.”

5/2 Appreciate It

7/1 Metier

10/1 Zanahiyr

12/1 Third Time Lucki

14/1 French Aseel, Gauloise

16/1 Ballyadam, Blue Lord, Boothill, My Drogo

20/1 Bob Olinger, Dreal Deal

25/1 Flinteur Sacre, Fly Smart, Ganapathi, Irascible, Keskonrisk, Thedevilscoachman, Mighty Blue, Tritonic, Youmdor

33/1 Atholl Street, Cadzand, Cask Mate, Champagne Gold, Decimation, El Barra, For Pleasure, Frere Tuck, Gaillard du Mesnil, Gentlemansgame, Get My Drift, N'Golo, On To Victory, Shakem Up'arry, Soaring Glory, Stoner's Choice, Uhtred, Wide Receiver, Hook Up, Royal Illusion, Teahupoo

40/1 Bareback Jack, Fifty Ball, Gabynako, Gentleman de Mee, Gowel Road, Guard Your Dreams, Jungle Boogie, Mr Coldstone, Orbys Legend, Rayapour, Rumoroso, Solwara One, Straw Fan Jack

50/1 Alqamar, Any News, Arctic Warrior, Benson, Berkshire Royal, Captain Kangaroo, Grand Bornand, Grumpy Charley, Hes A Hardy Bloke, Kalkas, Make My Day, Micro Manage, Pipesmoker, Power of Pause, Raf Tavel, Restandbethankful, Robin's Dream, Sea Ducor, Visionarian, Witness Protection, Beret Rouge. Haut En Couleurs

66/1 Alko Rouge, Gipsy de Choisel, Great Bear, Jesse Evans, M C Muldoon, Natural History, Qualismart, Sextant, Echoes In Rain, Manitopark Aa, Nada To Prada

80/1 Galopin des Champs

100/1 Do Your Job, Gloire d'Athon, Irish Poseidon, Numbers Man, Excelcius

Michael Shinners, Head of Sports PR at Sky Bet, said: “We are delighted with the entries for the Sky Bet Supreme Novices’ Hurdle. 

“This will be our eighth year sponsoring the race and the quality amongst the 96 entries is fantastic. 

“At present, Appreciate It for Willie Mullins heads the market but with seven weeks still to go plenty can happen between now and then.”

Alko Rouge (FR) 7 11 7 W.T.F. Partnership T. Gibney IRE

Alqamar (GB) 7 11 7 Varlien Vyner-Brooks,Dave&Yvonne Simpson James Moffatt

Any News (IRE) 6 11 7 Jane Nuala Cartwright Neil Mulholland

Appreciate It (IRE) 7 11 7 Miss M. A. Masterson W. P. Mullins IRE

Arctic Warrior (GER) 5 11 7 Mr John P. McManus W. P. Mullins IRE

Atholl Street (IRE) 6 11 7 Mr Trevor Hemmings Paul Nicholls

Ballyadam (IRE) 6 11 7 Cheveley Park Stud Gordon Elliott IRE

Bareback Jack (IRE) 5 11 7 Mr T. G. Leslie Donald McCain

Benson (GB) 6 11 7 Pump & Plant Services Ltd Dr Richard Newland

Berkshire Royal (GB) 6 11 7 Mrs J. M. Mullins W. P. Mullins IRE

Blue Lord (FR) 6 11 7 Mr Simon Munir/Mr Isaac Souede W. P. Mullins IRE

Bob Olinger (IRE) 6 11 7 Robcour Henry de Bromhead IRE

Boothill (IRE) 6 11 7 Brian & Sandy Lambert Harry Fry

Cadzand (IRE) 6 11 7 CHELSEA THOROUGHBREDS - CADZAND Dan Skelton

Captain Kangaroo (IRE) 6 11 7 Kanga Racing & Brett Graham Syndicate W. P. Mullins IRE

Cask Mate (IRE) 8 11 7 High Spirits Racing Club Noel Meade IRE

Champagne Gold (IRE) 6 11 7 Mr Barry Maloney Henry de Bromhead IRE

Decimation (IRE) 6 11 7 Gigginstown House Stud Henry de Bromhead IRE

Do Your Job (IRE) 7 11 7 Mr Mark Dunphy Michael Scudamore

Dreal Deal (IRE) 6 11 7 Ronan M. P. McNally Ronan M. P. McNally IRE

El Barra (FR) 7 11 7 Mrs S. Ricci W. P. Mullins IRE

Eskylane (IRE) 7 11 7 K Haughey/Laura Haughey/Kieran T Byrne Gordon Elliott IRE

Eurotiep (FR) 7 11 7 Down The Hatch Syndicate W. P. Mullins IRE

Excelcius (USA) 5 11 7 Mrs H. Mullins Thomas Mullins IRE

Fifty Ball (FR) 6 11 7 Mr Steven Packham Gary Moore

Flinteur Sacre (FR) 6 11 7 Mr John P. McManus Nicky Henderson

Fly Smart (FR) 6 11 7 Mrs S. Ricci W. P. Mullins IRE

For Pleasure (IRE) 6 11 7 Premier Plastering (UK) Limited Alex Hales

Frere Tuck (FR) 6 11 7 Mr Cathal Hughes W. P. Mullins IRE

Gabynako (FR) 6 11 7 Mick & Molly Syndicate Gavin Cromwell IRE

Gaillard du Mesnil (FR) 5 11 7 Mrs J. Donnelly W. P. Mullins IRE

Galopin des Champs (FR) 5 11 7 Mrs Audrey Turley W. P. Mullins IRE

Ganapathi (FR) 5 11 7 Mrs J. Donnelly W. P. Mullins IRE

Gentleman de Mee (FR) 5 11 7 Mr John P. McManus W. P. Mullins IRE

Gentlemansgame (GB) 5 11 7 Robcour M. F. Morris IRE

Get My Drift (FR) 5 11 7 Mr John P. McManus M. F. Morris IRE

Gipsy de Choisel (FR) 5 11 7 Mr Simon Munir & Mr Isaac Souede Nicky Henderson

Gloire d'Athon (FR) 5 11 7 Cheveley Park Stud Henry de Bromhead IRE

Gowel Road (IRE) 5 11 7 Options O Syndicate Nigel Twiston-Davies

Grand Bornand (FR) 5 11 7 Mrs S. Ricci W. P. Mullins IRE

Great Bear (GB) 5 11 7 Thomas J. O'Connor T. Gibney IRE

Grumpy Charley (GB) 6 11 7 Mr G. Thompson Chris Honour

Guard Your Dreams (GB) 5 11 7 Graham and Alison Jelley Nigel Twiston-Davies

Hes A Hardy Bloke (IRE) 6 11 7 Hammer & Trowel Syndicate Noel Meade IRE

Irascible (FR) 6 11 7 Gigginstown House Stud Henry de Bromhead IRE

Irish Poseidon (GER) 5 11 7 Spoonful of Irish Syndicate Matthew J. Smith IRE

Jesse Evans (IRE) 5 11 7 Jack Singleton Noel Meade IRE

Jungle Boogie (IRE) 7 11 7 Mr Malcolm C. Denmark W. P. Mullins IRE

Kalkas (FR) 5 11 7 Sean & Bernardine Mulryan Henry de Bromhead IRE

Keskonrisk (FR) 6 11 7 Mr Claudio Michael Grech Joseph Patrick O'Brien IRE

Make My Day (IRE) 5 11 7 Mr Steven Packham Gary Moore

M C Muldoon (IRE) 6 11 7 Mrs J. M. Mullins W. P. Mullins IRE

Metier (IRE) 5 11 7 Mr G. C. Stevens Harry Fry

Micro Manage (IRE) 5 11 7 Merriebelle Irish Farm Limited W. P. Mullins IRE

Mr Coldstone (IRE) 5 11 7 Mr David Bobbett W. P. Mullins IRE

My Drogo (GB) 6 11 7 Mr & Mrs R. Kelvin-Hughes Dan Skelton

N'Golo (IRE) 6 11 7 Mrs S. Ricci W. P. Mullins IRE

Natural History (GB) 6 11 7 Hail Sargent Evans Gary Moore

Numbers Man (IRE) 5 11 7 The Reserve Tankers Colin Tizzard

On To Victory (GB) 7 11 7 HP Racing On To Victory Alan King

Orbys Legend (IRE) 5 11 7 Highclere Thoroughbred Racing - Milan Philip Hobbs

Pipesmoker (FR) 6 11 7 Lady Dulverton Nicky Henderson

Power of Pause (IRE) 6 11 7 Miss M. A. Masterson W. P. Mullins IRE

Qualismart (FR) 5 11 7 Kate & Andrew Brooks Harry Whittington

Raf Tavel (FR) 5 11 7 Mr Simon Munir & Mr Isaac Souede Ben Pauling

Rayapour (FR) 5 11 7 McNeill Family W. P. Mullins IRE

Restandbethankful (GB) 5 11 7 McNeill Family & Patrick&Scott Bryceland Olly Murphy

Robin's Dream (GB) 5 11 7 Mr Jerry Hinds & Mr Ashley Head Gary Moore

Rumoroso (GB) 6 11 7 Mrs Audrey Turley W. P. Mullins IRE

Sea Ducor (GB) 5 11 7 C. Jones A. L. T. Moore IRE

Sextant (GB) 6 11 7 Straightline Bloodstock Keith Dalgleish

Shakem Up'arry (IRE) 7 11 7 Mr Harry Redknapp Ben Pauling

Soaring Glory (IRE) 6 11 7 Mr P. Hickey Jonjo O'Neill

Solwara One (IRE) 7 11 7 Mrs Jane Gerard-Pearse Neil Mulholland

Stoner's Choice (GB) 6 11 7 Mrs Carolyn Kendrick Fergal O'Brien

Straw Fan Jack (GB) 6 11 7 Mr Graham Wilson Sheila Lewis

Thedevilscoachman (IRE) 5 11 7 Mr John P. McManus Noel Meade IRE

Third Time Lucki (IRE) 6 11 7 Mike and Eileen Newbould Dan Skelton

Uhtred (IRE) 6 11 7 Gigginstown House Stud Joseph Patrick O'Brien IRE

Visionarian (IRE) 6 11 7 Mr Basil Holian Peter Fahey IRE

Wide Receiver (IRE) 6 11 7 Gigginstown House Stud Gordon Elliott IRE

Witness Protection (IRE) 8 11 7 FOXTROT RACING WITNESS PROTECTION Martin Keighley

Beret Rouge (IRE) 6 11 0 Mrs J. M. Mullins W. P. Mullins IRE

Echoes In Rain (FR) 5 11 0 Barnane Stud W. P. Mullins IRE

French Aseel (FR) 4 11 0 Mrs J. Donnelly W. P. Mullins IRE

Gauloise (FR) 5 11 0 Mr K. Alexander W. P. Mullins IRE

Haut En Couleurs (FR) 4 11 0 Mrs J. Donnelly W. P. Mullins IRE

Hook Up (FR) 5 11 0 Mrs S. Ricci W. P. Mullins IRE

Manitopark Aa (FR) 5 11 0 Mr Simon Munir/Mr Isaac Souede W. P. Mullins IRE

Mighty Blue (FR) 5 11 0 Capel Street Syndicate Joseph Patrick O'Brien IRE

Nada To Prada (GB) 6 11 0 Mrs Lynne Maclennan Michael Scudamore

Royal Illusion (IRE) 9 11 0 Ballylinch Stud W. P. Mullins IRE

Teahupoo (FR) 4 11 0 Robcour Gordon Elliott IRE

Tritonic (GB) 4 11 0 McNeill Family & Mr Ian Dale Alan King

Youmdor (FR) 4 11 0 McNeill Family W. P. Mullins IRE

Zanahiyr (IRE) 4 11 0 Noel Moran/Mrs Valerie Moran Gordon Elliott IRE

The Ballymore Novices’ Hurdle is held over the intermediate distance of two miles and five furlongs and is the opening contest on day two of The Festival™, Wednesday, 17 March.

Of course, 17 March is St Patrick’s Day and there is a good chance of Irish-trained success with 65 of the 120 entries hailing from Ireland.

Currently disputing favouritism are Bob Olinger (Henry de Bromhead) and Bravemansgame (Paul Nicholls). Bravemansgame was compared to the mighty Denman by trainer Paul Nicholls following his success last time out in the G1 Challow Hurdle at Newbury, which was his third win from four starts over hurdles. Bob Olinger is also a G1 winner, recording a very comfortable victory in the Lawlor's Of Naas Novice Hurdle on 13 January. 

Willoughby Court landed the Ballymore Novices’ Hurdle for Ben Pauling in 2017 and the trainer looks to have another live contender in 2021 with Optimise Prime. The five-year-old caused a 50/1 upset when winning on his hurdling debut at Hereford in November but proved that was no fluke when following up with a smooth victory at the same venue in December.

Bourton-on-the-Water based Pauling reported: “Optimise Prime is in great order.

“He is entered at Cheltenham on Saturday. If he doesn’t run there because the ground is terrible, he would probably wait for the Sidney Banks at Huntingdon.

“He is a lovely horse that has done nothing wrong in winning a couple of races at Hereford, which will hopefully work out okay, but he has got to prove he can do it at the next level now.

“I took him out of the Leamington at Warwick as it was bottomless ground and I wasn’t overly fussed about missing it as we always knew that his next race would be his prep for the Cheltenham Festival, where we plan to go for the Ballymore.”

BALLYMORE NOVICES' HURDLE (Grade 1)

Adrimel (FR) 6 11 7 Lady Bamford & Alice Bamford Tom Lacey

Alko Rouge (FR) 7 11 7 W.T.F. Partnership T. Gibney IRE

Alright Sunshine (IRE) 6 11 7 Straightline Bloodstock Keith Dalgleish

Annual Invictus (IRE) 6 11 7 Mr Thomas Michael Smith Chris Gordon

Any News (IRE) 6 11 7 Jane Nuala Cartwright Neil Mulholland

Appreciate It (IRE) 7 11 7 Miss M. A. Masterson W. P. Mullins IRE

Ashdale Bob (IRE) 6 11 7 Diarmuid Horgan Mrs J. Harrington IRE

Ashtown Lad (IRE) 7 11 7 Darren & Annaley Yates Dan Skelton

Ballyadam (IRE) 6 11 7 Cheveley Park Stud Gordon Elliott IRE

Ballybegg (IRE) 6 11 7 Glass Half Full Kerry Lee

Bear Ghylls (IRE) 6 11 7 Bradley Partnership Nicky Martin

Benson (GB) 6 11 7 Pump & Plant Services Ltd Dr Richard Newland

Blue Lord (FR) 6 11 7 Mr Simon Munir/Mr Isaac Souede W. P. Mullins IRE

Bob Olinger (IRE) 6 11 7 Robcour Henry de Bromhead IRE

Boothill (IRE) 6 11 7 Brian & Sandy Lambert Harry Fry

Bothwell Bridge (IRE) 6 11 7 Mr T. Barr Nicky Henderson

Bravemansgame (FR) 6 11 7 John Dance and Bryan Drew Paul Nicholls

Brazos (USA) 7 11 7 Mrs C. C. Regalado-Gonzalez John Joseph Murphy IRE

Cape Gentleman (IRE) 5 11 7 Mrs Margaret O'Rourke Emmet Mullins IRE

Capodanno (FR) 5 11 7 Mr John P. McManus W. P. Mullins IRE

Captain Kangaroo (IRE) 6 11 7 Kanga Racing & Brett Graham Syndicate W. P. Mullins IRE

Captain Morgs (IRE) 5 11 7 The Albatross Club Nicky Henderson

Cascova (IRE) 6 11 7 Chelsea Thoroughbreds & Trull House Stud Nicky Henderson

Cask Mate (IRE) 8 11 7 High Spirits Racing Club Noel Meade IRE

Castle Robin (IRE) 6 11 7 Bradley Partnership Charlie Longsdon

Champagne Gold (IRE) 6 11 7 Mr Barry Maloney Henry de Bromhead IRE

Champagnesuperover (IRE) 6 11 7 McNeill Family & Patrick&Scott Bryceland Olly Murphy

Commandingpresence (IRE) 6 11 7 Mrs M. J. Wogan Henry de Bromhead IRE

Crosshill (IRE) 6 11 7 Mr R. A. Bartlett Mrs J. Harrington IRE

Does He Know (GB) 6 11 7 Yes He Does Syndicate Kim Bailey

Dreal Deal (IRE) 6 11 7 Ronan M. P. McNally Ronan M. P. McNally IRE

Eden Flight (FR) 7 11 7 Mrs S. Ricci W. P. Mullins IRE

El Barra (FR) 7 11 7 Mrs S. Ricci W. P. Mullins IRE

Enemy Coast Ahead (GB) 7 11 7 McNeill Family Olly Murphy

Eskylane (IRE) 7 11 7 K Haughey/Laura Haughey/Kieran T Byrne Gordon Elliott IRE

Eurotiep (FR) 7 11 7 Down The Hatch Syndicate W. P. Mullins IRE

Fais Ton Chemin (FR) 6 11 7 M. L. Bloodstock Limited W. P. Mullins IRE

Fakiera (FR) 6 11 7 Mr T. O'Driscoll Gordon Elliott IRE

Farouk d'Alene (FR) 6 11 7 Gigginstown House Stud Gordon Elliott IRE

Fifty Ball (FR) 6 11 7 Mr Steven Packham Gary Moore

Fighter Allen (FR) 6 11 7 C. Jones W. P. Mullins IRE

Fly Smart (FR) 6 11 7 Mrs S. Ricci W. P. Mullins IRE

Frere Tuck (FR) 6 11 7 Mr Cathal Hughes W. P. Mullins IRE

Fun Light (FR) 6 11 7 Rectory Road Holdings Limited Joseph Patrick O'Brien IRE

Gabynako (FR) 6 11 7 Mick & Molly Syndicate Gavin Cromwell IRE

Gaillard du Mesnil (FR) 5 11 7 Mrs J. Donnelly W. P. Mullins IRE

Gallyhill (IRE) 6 11 7 Mr Claudio Michael Grech Nicky Henderson

Galopin des Champs (FR) 5 11 7 Mrs Audrey Turley W. P. Mullins IRE

Ganapathi (FR) 5 11 7 Mrs J. Donnelly W. P. Mullins IRE

Gentleman de Mee (FR) 5 11 7 Mr John P. McManus W. P. Mullins IRE

Gentlemansgame (GB) 5 11 7 Robcour M. F. Morris IRE

Get My Drift (FR) 5 11 7 Mr John P. McManus M. F. Morris IRE

Gorki d'Airy (FR) 5 11 7 Mrs J. M. Mullins W. P. Mullins IRE

Grand Bornand (FR) 5 11 7 Mrs S. Ricci W. P. Mullins IRE

Grumpy Charley (GB) 6 11 7 Mr G. Thompson Chris Honour

Heather Rocco (IRE) 6 11 7 Mr Mustafa Elatrash Henry de Bromhead IRE

Here Comes Johny (IRE) 6 11 7 Foxtrot Racing: Here Comes Johny Olly Murphy

Hoi Polloi (IRE) 6 11 7 Mr N. Mustoe Emma Lavelle

Holymacapony (IRE) 5 11 7 Mr Barry Maloney Henry de Bromhead IRE

Indiana Jones (FR) 5 11 7 Robcour M. F. Morris IRE

Interconnected (GB) 7 11 7 Darren & Annaley Yates Dan Skelton

Irish Poseidon (GER) 5 11 7 Spoonful of Irish Syndicate Matthew J. Smith IRE

Jungle Boogie (IRE) 7 11 7 Mr Malcolm C. Denmark W. P. Mullins IRE

Kalkas (FR) 5 11 7 Sean & Bernardine Mulryan Henry de Bromhead IRE

Keskonrisk (FR) 6 11 7 Mr Claudio Michael Grech Joseph Patrick O'Brien IRE

Khan (GER) 7 11 7 Mr Mark Adams Milton Harris

Killer Kane (IRE) 6 11 7 J P Romans & Taylor, O'Dwyer Colin Tizzard

Last Royal (GB) 6 11 7 Glanvilles Stud Partners Keiran Burke

Lecale's Article (IRE) 7 11 7 Mrs J Donnelly Nicky Henderson

Limestone Rock (IRE) 5 11 7 Michael O'Flynn/John F O'Flynn M. F. Morris IRE

Lord Accord (IRE) 6 11 7 Lynne & Angus Maclennan Neil Mulholland

Lord of Kerak (GB) 6 11 7 Mrs Diana L. Whateley Olly Murphy

Mahler Allstar (IRE) 7 11 7 Patrick Pyne Jonathan Sweeney IRE

Make Me A Believer (IRE) 6 11 7 Prof. C. Tisdall & Jane Gerard-Pearse David Pipe

M C Muldoon (IRE) 6 11 7 Mrs J. M. Mullins W. P. Mullins IRE

Metier (IRE) 5 11 7 Mr G. C. Stevens Harry Fry

Micro Manage (IRE) 5 11 7 Merriebelle Irish Farm Limited W. P. Mullins IRE

Mint Condition (GB) 7 11 7 Whites Property Limited Jennie Candlish

My Drogo (GB) 6 11 7 Mr & Mrs R. Kelvin-Hughes Dan Skelton

N'Golo (IRE) 6 11 7 Mrs S. Ricci W. P. Mullins IRE

No Ordinary Joe (IRE) 5 11 7 Mr John P. McManus Nicky Henderson

No Risk des Flos (FR) 6 11 7 Mrs Diana L. Whateley Olly Murphy

Numbers Man (IRE) 5 11 7 The Reserve Tankers Colin Tizzard

One True King (IRE) 6 11 7 Teme Valley 2 Nigel Twiston-Davies

Optimise Prime (IRE) 5 11 7 Mrs Rachel Brodie & Mr John Brodie Ben Pauling

Oscar Elite (IRE) 6 11 7 Mrs Mary-Ann Middleton Colin Tizzard

Patroclus (IRE) 5 11 7 Walters Plant Hire & Potter Group Nicky Henderson

Petibonome (FR) 5 11 7 Robcour Henry de Bromhead IRE

Pipesmoker (FR) 6 11 7 Lady Dulverton Nicky Henderson

Power of Pause (IRE) 6 11 7 Miss M. A. Masterson W. P. Mullins IRE

Rayapour (FR) 5 11 7 McNeill Family W. P. Mullins IRE

Road Senam (FR) 5 11 7 Mr Simon Munir & Mr Isaac Souede Colin Tizzard

Saint Turgeon (FR) 5 11 7 Arcadio Vangelisti Davide Satalia FR

Severance (GB) 5 11 7 The Megsons Ben Pauling

Shadow Rider (FR) 7 11 7 Mr John P. McManus W. P. Mullins IRE

Shakem Up'arry (IRE) 7 11 7 Mr Harry Redknapp Ben Pauling

Solwara One (IRE) 7 11 7 Mrs Jane Gerard-Pearse Neil Mulholland

Stattler (IRE) 6 11 7 Mr R. A. Bartlett W. P. Mullins IRE

Stellar Magic (IRE) 6 11 7 Mr Allan Stennett Philip Hobbs

Stoner's Choice (GB) 6 11 7 Mrs Carolyn Kendrick Fergal O'Brien

Straw Fan Jack (GB) 6 11 7 Mr Graham Wilson Sheila Lewis

Threeunderthrufive (IRE) 6 11 7 McNeill Family Paul Nicholls

Tile Tapper (GB) 7 11 7 Cotswold Stone Supplies Ltd Chris Honour

Torn And Frayed (FR) 7 11 7 Mr N. A. Twiston-Davies Nigel Twiston-Davies

Uhtred (IRE) 6 11 7 Gigginstown House Stud Joseph Patrick O'Brien IRE

Valsheda (GB) 6 11 7 Mr & Mrs R. Kelvin-Hughes Nicky Henderson

Visionarian (IRE) 6 11 7 Mr Basil Holian Peter Fahey IRE

Wide Receiver (IRE) 6 11 7 Gigginstown House Stud Gordon Elliott IRE

Wilde About Oscar (IRE) 6 11 7 Mike and Eileen Newbould Dan Skelton

Witness Protection (IRE) 8 11 7 FOXTROT RACING WITNESS PROTECTION Martin Keighley

Atlantic Fairy (IRE) 7 11 0 Mr Mark E. Phelan Henry de Bromhead IRE

Brave Way (IRE) 6 11 0 Mr K. Alexander Henry de Bromhead IRE

Finest Evermore (IRE) 5 11 0 Mr J. Turner W. P. Mullins IRE

Manitopark Aa (FR) 5 11 0 Mr Simon Munir/Mr Isaac Souede W. P. Mullins IRE

Mighty Blue (FR) 5 11 0 Capel Street Syndicate Joseph Patrick O'Brien IRE

Royal Illusion (IRE) 9 11 0 Ballylinch Stud W. P. Mullins IRE

Telmesomethinggirl (IRE) 6 11 0 Mr K. Alexander Henry de Bromhead IRE

The West Awaits (IRE) 6 11 0 Mrs John Magnier W. P. Mullins IRE

Duffle Coat (IRE) 4 10 13 Mr Ray Stokes Gordon Elliott IRE

Saint Sam (FR) 4 10 13 Mr Edward J. Ware W. P. Mullins IRE

The JCB Triumph Hurdle gets day four of The Festival™ underway and there are 54 four-year-olds entered for the extended two-mile contest this year.

Clear market leader is Zanahiyr (Gordon Elliott), one of 20 Irish-trained entries. A winner of all three of his starts over hurdles, he was last seen out when scoring very easily in the G2 Knight Frank Juvenile Hurdle at Leopardstown on 26 December. 

Three fillies have triumphed in the JCB Triumph Hurdle – Shawiya (1993), Mysilv (1994) and Snow Drop (2000). Trainer Harry Fry is hoping he could provide the fourth successful female in 2021 with Fortunes Melody. A Listed winner at Auteuil in September, she placed on her next three starts in Graded company for her former trainer David Cottin. She has yet to start for Fry.

Fry said: “Fortunes Melody has some very good form in France and is the second highest rated juvenile filly there. We are very excited and grateful for her owners Simon [Munir] and Isaac [Souede] for giving us the opportunity to train her.

“She has been with us since the turn of the year but has been in England since the start of December. She spent some time with Sally Taylor who does a lot of the pre-training for the owners, so she has had the chance to settle and acclimatise there.

“We are learning about her all the time but hopefully she will be ready to run in the next couple of weeks. We have given her the Triumph Hurdle entry as an option. We need to run her first to see what we have got.

“There is some good form in the book already though as she is a winner of a Listed hurdle in France.”

Adagio (GER) 4 11 0 Bryan Drew and Friends / Prof. C. Tisdall David Pipe

Alatar (IRE) 4 11 0 Mr D. Kierans John McConnell IRE

Alborkan (FR) 4 11 0 Mr Jamie Hambro and Alan & Sally Coney Amy Murphy

Busselton (FR) 4 11 0 Chanelle Phar. Ltd Joseph Patrick O'Brien IRE

Carlos Felix (IRE) 4 11 0 Darren & Annaley Yates Dan Skelton

Castel Gandolfo (IRE) 4 11 0 Mr Nic Brereton Fergal O'Brien

Coltor (IRE) 4 11 0 M. Bucher D. K. Weld IRE

Druid's Altar (IRE) 4 11 0 Annus Mirabilis Syndicate Joseph Patrick O'Brien IRE

Duffle Coat (IRE) 4 11 0 Mr Ray Stokes Gordon Elliott IRE

Elham Valley (FR) 4 11 0 Caveat Emptor Partnership Fergal O'Brien

Farout (IRE) 4 11 0 Thurloe Thoroughbreds Ireland Limited W. P. Mullins IRE

French Aseel (FR) 4 11 0 Mrs J. Donnelly W. P. Mullins IRE

Goodbye Stranger (FR) 4 11 0 Mr Simon Munir & Mr Isaac Souede Nicky Henderson

Green Book (FR) 4 11 0 Lady Price, C Shaw, C Boylan & I Tagg Venetia Williams

Ha d'Or (FR) 4 11 0 Mrs S. Ricci W. P. Mullins IRE

Haut En Couleurs (FR) 4 11 0 Mrs J. Donnelly W. P. Mullins IRE

Hell Red (FR) 4 11 0 Sir Martin Broughton & Friends 6 Paul Nicholls

Heross du Seuil (FR) 4 11 0 Mrs J Donnelly Nicky Henderson

Historic Heart (IRE) 4 11 0 Atlantic Friends Racing Nigel Hawke

Homme Public (FR) 4 11 0 The Nevers Racing Partnership II Oliver Greenall

Honneur d'Ajonc (FR) 4 11 0 Valentine Bloodstock Racing Mrs Jane Williams

Hudson de Grugy (FR) 4 11 0 Alan Jamieson Site Services Ltd Gary Moore

Jeff Kidder (IRE) 4 11 0 Albert Dravins/Eamonn Scanlon Noel Meade IRE

John Locke (GB) 4 11 0 Sullivan Bloodstock Ltd & Chris Giles Dan Skelton

Keep It Brief (GB) 4 11 0 Mr Edward J. Ware Richard Phillips

Le Petit Nice (FR) 4 11 0 Ecurie Pigoni M & M Richard Chotard FR

Margaret's Legacy (FR) 4 11 0 Mr B. Dunn Hugo Merienne FR

Mica Malpic (FR) 4 11 0 Mr John P. McManus D. Cottin FR

Nassalam (FR) 4 11 0 Mr John Stone Gary Moore

Paros (FR) 4 11 0 Middleham Park Racing CXXV Nicky Henderson

Paso Doble (IRE) 4 11 0 Mr Graeme Brooks Paul Nicholls

Pleasure Garden (USA) 4 11 0 Mr H J Jarvis & Mrs P Jarvis Linda Jewell

Punctuation (GB) 4 11 0 Mr Grant Leon Charlie Longsdon

Quilixios (GB) 4 11 0 Cheveley Park Stud Gordon Elliott IRE

Sage Advice (IRE) 4 11 0 The Imperium Syndicate Dr Richard Newland

Saint Sam (FR) 4 11 0 Mr Edward J. Ware W. P. Mullins IRE

Soldier On Parade (GB) 4 11 0 Hostages To Fortune Amy Murphy

Son of Red (IRE) 4 11 0 Ian Gosden and Richard House Alan King

State Man (FR) 4 11 0 Mrs J. Donnelly W. P. Mullins IRE

Tax For Max (GER) 4 11 0 Mr Simon Munir/Mr Isaac Souede W. P. Mullins IRE

Teahupoo (FR) 4 11 0 Robcour Gordon Elliott IRE

Tritonic (GB) 4 11 0 McNeill Family & Mr Ian Dale Alan King

Varna Gold (IRE) 4 11 0 Mr G. Keeley Paul John Gilligan IRE

Vulcan (IRE) 4 11 0 The Imperium Syndicate Dr Richard Newland

Wise Glory (IRE) 4 11 0 Foxhills Racing Limited Paul Nicholls

Youmdor (FR) 4 11 0 McNeill Family W. P. Mullins IRE

Zanahiyr (IRE) 4 11 0 Noel Moran/Mrs Valerie Moran Gordon Elliott IRE

Craylands (GB) 4 10 7 W. J. and T. C. O. Gredley Dan Skelton

Curious Bride (IRE) 4 10 7 Mrs J. A. Wakefield Noel Meade

Fortunes Melody (GB) 4 10 7 Mr Simon Munir & Mr Isaac Souede Harry Fry

Heure de Gloire (FR) 4 10 7 Mr D. Pipe David Pipe

Megan (GER) 4 10 7 The Danum Partnership Stuart Edmunds

Riviere d'Etel (FR) 4 10 7 Noel Moran/Mrs Valerie Moran Gordon Elliott IRE

Talking About You (GB) 4 10 7 Mr Ian M. McGready Sean Curran

The longest of the G1 novices’ hurdles at The Festival™, the Albert Bartlett Novices’ Hurdle takes place over three miles on day four, Friday, 19 March.  

There are 74 entries this time around, with 39 hailing from Ireland.

Prominent in the very open betting market are Stattler (Willie Mullins), impressive when scoring in a maiden hurdle at Leopardstown last month, and Barbados Buck’s (Paul Nicholls).

Out of a half-sister to the mighty Big Buck’s, four-time winner of what is now the Paddy Power Stayers’ Hurdle, Barbados Buck’s has looked good in winning three of his four starts this season, following up a pair of Southwell successes with victory at Kempton Park on 9 January. 

Adrimel (FR) 6 11 5 Lady Bamford & Alice Bamford Tom Lacey

Aki Bomaye (IRE) 6 11 5 Mrs Mary-Ann Middleton Colin Tizzard

Alaphilippe (IRE) 7 11 5 Mr Nic Brereton Fergal O'Brien

Ashdale Bob (IRE) 6 11 5 Diarmuid Horgan Mrs J. Harrington IRE

Ashtown Lad (IRE) 7 11 5 Darren & Annaley Yates Dan Skelton

Ask A Honey Bee (IRE) 7 11 5 Lewis, Lawson and Hope Fergal O'Brien

Baptism of Fire (IRE) 6 11 5 Gigginstown House Stud Henry de Bromhead IRE

Barbados Buck's (IRE) 6 11 5 The Stewart Family Paul Nicholls

Barbary Master (GB) 6 11 5 Gigginstown House Stud Noel Meade IRE

Beatthebullet (IRE) 7 11 5 Miss Rebecca Curtis Rebecca Curtis

Bobhopeornohope (IRE) 6 11 5 Mr J. Perriss Kim Bailey

Born Patriot (IRE) 5 11 5 Direct Bloodstock Ltd Peter Fahey IRE

Bothwell Bridge (IRE) 6 11 5 Mr T. Barr Nicky Henderson

Brazos (USA) 7 11 5 Mrs C. C. Regalado-Gonzalez John Joseph Murphy IRE

Cape Gentleman (IRE) 5 11 5 Mrs Margaret O'Rourke Emmet Mullins IRE

Capodanno (FR) 5 11 5 Mr John P. McManus W. P. Mullins IRE

Castle Robin (IRE) 6 11 5 Bradley Partnership Charlie Longsdon

Cavallino (IRE) 6 11 5 Mr Malcolm C. Denmark W. P. Mullins IRE

Champagnesuperover (IRE) 6 11 5 McNeill Family & Patrick&Scott Bryceland Olly Murphy

Clongowes (IRE) 7 11 5 Sam Tingey & Charlie Tingey Daniel Steele

Crosshill (IRE) 6 11 5 Mr R. A. Bartlett Mrs J. Harrington IRE

Does He Know (GB) 6 11 5 Yes He Does Syndicate Kim Bailey

Eden Flight (FR) 7 11 5 Mrs S. Ricci W. P. Mullins IRE

Emir Sacree (FR) 7 11 5 Mr G. L. Porter Nicky Henderson

Es Perfecto (IRE) 6 11 5 Mrs Liz Prowting Alan King

Exploiteur (FR) 7 11 5 Shaw Racing Partnership 2 Graeme McPherson

Fais Ton Chemin (FR) 6 11 5 M. L. Bloodstock Limited W. P. Mullins IRE

Fakiera (FR) 6 11 5 Mr T. O'Driscoll Gordon Elliott IRE

Fangio de Vassy (FR) 6 11 5 Mr Robert Finnegan Henry de Bromhead IRE

Farouk d'Alene (FR) 6 11 5 Gigginstown House Stud Gordon Elliott IRE

Fern Hill (IRE) 6 11 5 Cross Foran Harrison Ben Case

Fighter Allen (FR) 6 11 5 C. Jones W. P. Mullins IRE

French Paradoxe (FR) 6 11 5 Mick Fitzgerald Racing Club Oliver Signy

Fun Light (FR) 6 11 5 Rectory Road Holdings Limited Joseph Patrick O'Brien IRE

Ganapathi (FR) 5 11 5 Mrs J. Donnelly W. P. Mullins IRE

Gentlemansgame (GB) 5 11 5 Robcour M. F. Morris IRE

Gorki d'Airy (FR) 5 11 5 Mrs J. M. Mullins W. P. Mullins IRE

Heather Rocco (IRE) 6 11 5 Mr Mustafa Elatrash Henry de Bromhead IRE

Holymacapony (IRE) 5 11 5 Mr Barry Maloney Henry de Bromhead IRE

Indiana Jones (FR) 5 11 5 Robcour M. F. Morris IRE

It Could Be You (IRE) 7 11 5 Mrs H. Mullins Thomas Mullins IRE

Jungle Boogie (IRE) 7 11 5 Mr Malcolm C. Denmark W. P. Mullins IRE

Killer Kane (IRE) 6 11 5 J P Romans & Taylor, O'Dwyer Colin Tizzard

Land of Winter (FR) 5 11 5 Paul Smith & Rae Guest Rae Guest

Limestone Rock (IRE) 5 11 5 Michael O'Flynn/John F O'Flynn M. F. Morris IRE

Mahler Allstar (IRE) 7 11 5 Patrick Pyne Jonathan Sweeney IRE

Make Me A Believer (IRE) 6 11 5 Prof. C. Tisdall & Jane Gerard-Pearse David Pipe

Minella Escape (IRE) 6 11 5 Mr A. Halsall Henry de Bromhead IRE

Mint Condition (GB) 7 11 5 Whites Property Limited Jennie Candlish

N'Golo (IRE) 6 11 5 Mrs S. Ricci W. P. Mullins IRE

Nanobot (GB) 6 11 5 Mr Chris Harriman Alan King

Oscar Elite (IRE) 6 11 5 Mrs Mary-Ann Middleton Colin Tizzard

Pats Fancy (IRE) 6 11 5 Hydes,McDermott,Spencer,Frobisher & Lee Rebecca Curtis

Pennyforapound (IRE) 7 11 5 R & J Farnham,P Burns,S Gammond,F Street Rebecca Curtis

Petibonome (FR) 5 11 5 Robcour Henry de Bromhead IRE

Power of Pause (IRE) 6 11 5 Miss M. A. Masterson W. P. Mullins IRE

Ragnar Lodbrok (IRE) 6 11 5 Gigginstown House Stud Gordon Elliott IRE

Red Lion Lad (IRE) 5 11 5 Prof C Tisdall & Black Star David Pipe

Shadow Rider (FR) 7 11 5 Mr John P. McManus W. P. Mullins IRE

Stattler (IRE) 6 11 5 Mr R. A. Bartlett W. P. Mullins IRE

Stellar Magic (IRE) 6 11 5 Mr Allan Stennett Philip Hobbs

Streets of Doyen (IRE) 7 11 5 Ms Caroline Ahearn John McConnell IRE

Striking A Pose (IRE) 5 11 5 I & C Gosden, M Sharp & G Kennington Colin Tizzard

Tamar Bridge (IRE) 6 11 5 McNeill Family and Prodec Networks Ltd Olly Murphy

Threeunderthrufive (IRE) 6 11 5 McNeill Family Paul Nicholls

Torygraph (IRE) 6 11 5 Gigginstown House Stud Gordon Elliott IRE

Undersupervision (IRE) 5 11 5 Anne-Marie & Jamie Shepperd Nigel Twiston-Davies

Up For Parol (IRE) 5 11 5 Sir Chips Keswick Jamie Snowden

Vanillier (FR) 6 11 5 Mrs H. M. Keaveney Gavin Cromwell IRE

Wide Receiver (IRE) 6 11 5 Gigginstown House Stud Gordon Elliott IRE

Atlantic Fairy (IRE) 7 10 12 Mr Mark E. Phelan Henry de Bromhead IRE

Sandymount Rose (IRE) 7 10 12 Proudley and Whymark Partnership Neil Mulholland

Wynn House (GB) 6 10 12 Mr Rupert Anton Alan King

Duffle Coat (IRE) 4 10 10 Mr Ray Stokes Gordon Elliott IRE

Cheltenham Racecourse is situated in Prestbury on the northern outskirts of the historic spa town of Cheltenham. The Home of Jump Racing, Cheltenham Racecourse is the venue for the world's pre-eminent Jump meeting. The Festival™, which happens in March over four days every year, next takes place from Tuesday, 16 March, to Friday, 19 March 2021 inclusive and you can be the first to hear when tickets go on sale by registering your interest online at cheltenham.co.uk. Set against the beautiful backdrop of the Cotswolds, Cheltenham Racecourse is a stunning natural arena and offers the highest-quality action throughout the Jump season.

 

More information is available at www.cheltenham.co.uk and through:

Twitter @CheltenhamRaces

Facebook www.facebook.com/thehomeofjumpracing

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Cheltenham is part of The Jockey Club which stages thrilling sporting occasions including The Randox Grand National, The Festival™ and The Derby. Millions of people every year enjoy the special experiences The Jockey Club offers through racing, music, food and entertainment. Governed by Royal Charter, every penny made goes back into British Racing to help the sport thrive. The Jockey Club was founded in 1750 and today is the largest commercial group in Britain's second-biggest spectator sport, operating 15 racecourses nationwide, The National Stud, Jockey Club Estates, Jockey Club Catering, Jockey Club Live and the charity, Racing Welfare. For more information, visit www.thejockeyclub.co.uk