HRachael Blackmore was catapulted into racing superstardom at the Cheltenham Festival, the only behind-closed-doors event in the event’s 164-year history, and she knows all about walking into it. The feeling of a winner’s paddock, with an eerie silence all around, the only sound being the sound of horses’ hooves.an exhausted horse
However, while attendances may have been low at this year’s festival, the popular Irish jockey held off Slade Steel in front of 10 rivals in this year’s opener, the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle. ) kicked home, returning to a more fittingly boisterous diva welcome. While the concerns are understandable, it seems, for now at least, that rumors of Cheltenham’s death have been grossly exaggerated. While Tuesday’s crowd of more than 60,000 was down slightly from last year, enthusiasm was undiminished, with no discernible gaps in the packed stands, the betting ring or the Guinness Village, where the stout was overpriced and the crowds were tight.
There were still any number of Tattersalls or Best Mate venue tickets available for purchase on the stadium’s official website just over an hour ago, although midday flooding would not encourage any last-minute walk-ons. Earlier in the morning, the summit of neighboring Cliff Hill was so visibly shrouded in thick gray fog that it sparked debate in the press room if every scribe or broadcaster present described the famous backdrop as “Shrouded in silver mist.”
Comedian Charlie Baker, who lingers at the entrance with the task of accosting visiting celebrities for interviews with TalkSport radio, is eating extremely watery gruel before the first show. “I’ve met Mike Tindall, but only because he’s always here and if I’m in trouble I know where to find him,” he said of the former England rugby international, who he shares with wife Zara ·Ms. Phillips often attends. “Otherwise there would be no one; not even people from Love Island.”
The cost of living crisis is understandably cited as the reason why Prestbury Park has seen lower than usual footfall from the public, with stadium tickets at £85 or £67 just the beginning for punters who have also been forced to dig in before they consider switching from Before the betting community recoups some of their spending, they are indulging in overpriced accommodation and course refreshments. In a recent newspaper column, ITV frontman Ed Chamberlin accused local hoteliers of price gouging, declared the festival was “at a crossroads” and called on its organizers to “change with the times” , to save money. The cow is saved from devouring itself.
Chamberlain was not the only one to note the smallness of the grounds, lack of competitiveness and the dominance of Irish coaches, most importantly Willie Mullins, which almost certainly contributed to the reduced attendances, while His Irish colleague Kevin Blake, a favorite among Housewives insiders, has been equally outspoken in his criticism of the festival and even proposed very workable solutions.
We hope that the voices of these avid turf enthusiasts voicing their unease might prompt some decisive action from the Jockey Club, even if its members are not known for their willingness to quickly embrace anything resembling sensible change. While we wait, Mullins’ dominance continues, even if he is forced to settle for “just” three winners from seven starts – including Champion Hurdle favorite State Man and the equally inexpensive mare Lossiemouth in the mare pen.
While a day at the festival is always worth spending, the threat of horse death is never far away from the event. One of two horses to die on the opening day, along with Osai Patil, the Fergal O’Brien-trained Highland Hunter fell to his death in the afternoon’s third race, the Ultima Handicap Chase. .
The 11-year-old gray horse lived in the yard of famous British trainer Paul Nicholls until he was transferred to another stable, Keagan Kirkby Favorite horse. Point to point race in Kent last month. Highland Hunter was front and center leading the 25-year-old’s funeral procession in the Somerset village of Ditcheat last Tuesday.
