sport news ED CHAMBERLIN: Forget the festival, nothing compares to Gold Cup Day at ... trends now
Where will the biggest domestic crowd be for a sporting event on Saturday? Answer: Cheltenham racecourse. A crowd of more than 30,000 is expected for Paddy Power Gold Cup Day and, my, how they will be entertained.
The Premier League’s break for internationals gives other sports the chance to breathe. There is an excellent Women’s Super League programme and some intriguing rugby union fixtures but the thrills and drama we will see at Prestbury Park this weekend is beyond compare.
Anyone who says the Cheltenham Festival overshadows the National Hunt season would be wise to come and experience the excitement we will see — what a clash we have with Jonbon, Edwardstone and Nube Negra on Sunday — to appreciate there is so much more than four days in March.
This, quite simply, is jump racing at its best: the point when the winter game truly catches fire. Forget about next spring. Just marvel at a race that traditionalists will remember used to be called The Mackeson Gold Cup — a race that creates legends and stirs the soul.
My highlight came from the 1995 renewal, won by my all-time favourite racehorse Dublin Flyer. How much do I love him? If I tell you the only picture I have of a horse on a wall at home is of him, you’ll see what I mean. Goodness what a hero he was. He carried a huge weight that day, cleared his fences like an Olympic high-jumper then showed the heart of a lion to rally past Egypt Mill Prince and forge ahead just before the post. He was top notch and I suspect Saturday's winner will embody Dublin Flyer’s trailblazing qualities.
Cheltenham racecourse will host a crowd of more than 30,000 people for Gold Cup Day
Gold Cup Day can create legends and stir the soul as the winter race season gets underway
Nicky Henderson-trained Jonbon is one to look out for as the festival fets under way
The headline acts are two Cheltenham Festival-winning Grade One novice chasers from last season: The Real Whacker (Brown Advisory) and Stage Star (Turners) now step into the big league. Both have colourful owners to go with the springs in their hocks.
David
