Follow live updates, race results and reports from Thursday’s action at Cheltenham Racecourse as St Patrick’s Day gets underway at 13:20 with The Ryanair Mares’ Novices’ Hurdle.
There are two feature races today. The Paddy Power Stayers’ Hurdle gets underway at 3:20 pm, with The Ryanair Chase at 4 pm.
16:00 – Ryanair Chase – Heart Wood
Heart Wood came back from behind to win the Ryanair Chase after it was JPR One and Jonbon who were side to side for the lead during the initial part of the race.
Jonbon was left behind two out but managed to come back and finish in second place. JPR One got left behind by Banbridge, who finished third, in the last section of the race.
Big surprise that favourite to win, Fact To File, retired before the race due to the condition of the grass.
Tough one for the bookies who were aiming for Fact To File, but big day for those rooting for the underdogs.
Jockey Darragh O’Keeffe – “I’m very grateful to be riding for him [Henry De Bromhead] this week. I was keen to get a winner this year because his record is so good. These colours are brilliant as-well they have always been good to me, I am delighted to get this winner.|
Owner Brian Acheson – “When the favourite came out, she had a chance. We have had such a bad week, so you start to talk to yourself out of it. Darragh and the horse are the heroes, not us. Henry deserves it, I’m delighted for the team, its brillian for them, it’s not about us as the owner. We write the checks, I’m delighted. They are the people, the boys and girls who do the work every day, they’re the ones who have the success.”
15:20 – Stayers’ Hurdle – Home By The Lee
Home by the Lee wins the Stayers’ Hurdle at 33/1as he out paces Ballyburn and Bob Ollinger to get over the line. JJ Slevin managed to win on Home By The Lee’s fifth run at the race.
Outsider Hewick led the way for most of the race but couldn’t keep up with the rest in the end as Home By The Lee outstayed all others to get over the line.
Winning trainer Joseph O’brien said : “We have been with him from day one and that was a massive ride from JJ. To think he could win the Stayers’ Hurdle on his fifth attempt would probably be a stretch, but he’s been a superstar.”
It is definitely a day for the bookies on St Paddy’s day, with the only SP favourite coming in being Wodhooh. Home By The Lee wins At 33/1!
14:40 – Close Brothers Mares’ Hurdle
Winner – Wodhooh 5/6
Despite a late chase from Jade de Grugy, the favourite Wodhooh held on to win the Close Brother’s Mare Hurdle.
That gets Gordon Elliott’s first win of the Festival on St Patrick’s Day.
Jetara led for the majority of the race, but fell away towards the end. Sunset Marquesa did fall during the race.
Jockey Jack Kennedy – “She’s some mare. Pulling your weight and then you have a proper shot at getting on the board, so I’m delighted. I had no winner here last year, but thankfully for Gordon and all the team, massive thanks to all of them, all worth it.”
Wodhooh owners, The Sundowners Partnership – “She’s so gusty isn’t she? She loves winning and racing, she’s just an incredible win, to win 10 out of 11 races, only beaten by the great Lossiemouth.”
14:00 – The Jack Richards Novices’ Chase
Winner – Meetmebythesea
Meetmebythesea and Ben Jones claimed victory at the second race of St. Patrick’s Day at the Cheltenham Festival.
Gold Dancer and Meetmebythesea went neck to neck right until the last two fences, but Meetmebythesea managed to pull ahead after the last fence and bring home the win for its Cheltenham-based trainer, Ben Pauling.
Moon Rocket, another Gloucestershire-owned horse, did not finish the second race.
Jockey Ben Jones – “It’s a dream come true. I was growing up watching good jockeys riding these silks. Massively important, but I’m delighted for myself and the team. I’m more happy by the fact I’ve given something back to Ben. The one I’ve been looking forward to the most coming into this week.”
Cheltenham-born trainer, Ben Pauling – “He did really well. He did our first few days overly well, so that was a big relief. McManus is a great man to train for, and when it comes off here, it means a lot to him.”
13:20 – The Ryanair Mares’ Novices’ Hurdle
Winner – White Noise
White Noise and Tom Bellamy took the lead late on in the Novices’ Hurdle, and managed to hold on on the final straight to take a surprise victory in the first race of St Patrick’s Day.
Predicted at 40/1 before the race, the Kim Bailey & Mat Nicholls trained mare got a great jump at the final hurdle.
The favourite Bambino Fever was potentially caught out at the start, and didn’t even get into the top four. Oldschool Outlaw and Place De La Nation finished second and third, respectively.
Tom Bellamy, after the race, speaking to ITV, “I’ve waited my whole life for this day, and I cannot believe it. I’ve been bunking off school when I was a kid to come and watch the Cheltenham Festival, I can’t believe I’m walking around at the top here after winning.”
Gloucestershire-based owner Kim Bailey, “We thought we’d beat the horse last time, but this is better. I’m overjoyed.”
