RACING

Matthew Nicholls: why it is crucial “to start the season well” at the Showcase

This weekend marks the start of the jump racing season at Cheltenham, with the horses getting their first chance after the summer to get out on the track.

The opening day of racing is on Friday, continuing onto Saturday with a total of 14 races for the spectators to shout about…

The two races that will headline the weekend are the Matchbook betting exchange handicap chase, which is over three miles and a furlong. Whilst the Randolph Health handicap chase is just over two miles, both taking place on Saturday and having the same prize of Β£60,000.

Recent years of the Showcase has seen huge names in the sport shine, with Tiger Roll winning the Masterson’s Holding hurdle in 2014, as well as coming third in a novices chase in 2016.

As for Andoversford trainer Matthew Nicholls, he will be hoping their horses can set a high standard early on, as he urged how important it is to “start the season well.”

“It is important for the trainers, staff and owners that you hit the ground running,” he added.

As for the conditions this weekend, Cheltenham Racecourse have tweeted recently stating that the ground is Good, Good to soft in places.

This means that everything is set for the weekend and the trainers can prepare for perfect conditions, which will move nicely into the November meeting next month.

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