Follow live updates, race results and reports from Wednesday’s action at Cheltenham Racecourse as Ladies Day gets underway at 13:20 with the Turners’ Novices Hurdle.
13:20 – Turners’ Novices Hurdle
Winner – King Rasko Grey – 11/1
King Rasko Grey, whose odds sailed out significantly overnight, came through and bolted up.
Act Of Innocence came 2nd for Nicky Henderson, Zeus Power at 50/1 came 3rd, and Soldier Reeves at 150/1 for Dan Skelton finished 4th.
Jockey Paul Townend said, “I love this horse, he’s still a little babyish, but he’s a very exciting horse, I promise you that. Galopin has brought us the highest of highs; hopefully, this horse can replicate just half of what he has done.”
Trainer Willie Mullins said, “You never have a banker going into Cheltenham, but he was the one I thought would be 3/1 max after his race at Leopardstown.”
14:00 – Brown Advisory Novices’ Chase
Winner – Kitzbuhel – 11/1
Kitzbuhel led the pack for the entire race, and when asked for more by Harry Cobden, he pushed on over the last and held on from Final Demand.
Jockey Harry Cobden said, “No Drama This End was my best chance of the week, and I had no luck. It’s funny how 40 minutes changes your life, he was brilliant today, thank you to the owners and Willie Mullins for putting me on him.”
Trainer Willie Mullins said,” Hell of a performance from the horse, and then to fight off a great horse in Final Demand, what a horse.”
14:40 – BetMGM Cup
Winner – Jingko blue – 9/2f
Jingko Blue led the race from the start. James Bowen rode him well, and when Bowen asked for more, Jingko Blue delivered and never looked like losing when he jumped the last.
One of the horses of the race was Ballyadam, who placed fourth at 33/1. Every time Ballyadam has raced at Cheltenham, he has placed; he absolutely loves the course!
Trainer Nicky Henderson said, “He’s not the easiest horse to keep on the right side of, when he’s good, he’s very good. A talented horse.”
It was a controversial start to the race, with a lot of jockeys fuming that the race began when it did. There were more issues with the starts at Cheltenham; something needs to be done about this!
15:20 – Cross Country
Winner – Final Orders – 7/1
He led from the start, very similar to the previous two races, and he controlled the race, he was challenged by the favourite Favori De Champdou, but Final Orders held on well.
Sean Flanagan on board Vanillier came strong after the last to power through the third.
Jockey Conor Stone-Walsh said, “It’s unreal to get a winner at any big festival, but here it makes it just that bit sweeter.
