Cheltenham can provide some cheer

CHELTENHAM’S regional director Ian Renton admits preparations for this year’s Festival have been like no other – but he hopes attention can now switch to action on the track.

Twelve months ago, almost 70,000 were at Cheltenham to watch Al Boum Photo secure backto-back Gold Cups.

Few could have imagined then the year which lay ahead, with large gatherings banned almost immediately after the Festival. When racing returned in June following a near three-month hiatus it was without crowds – and barring a handful of occasions, it has remained that way – but of all courses, the one that will feel the absence of a crowd most is surely Cheltenham.

“We’re looking forward to what will be a very different Festival,” said Renton.

“Obviously it is the first time it has been behind closed doors, so the build-up has been extremely different to usual.

“It’s been an interesting build-up, concentrating on the racing rather than on those who would normally be coming here, but we’ve also been looking at what we can do for them at home. “This is one of the highlights of the sporting season, the four best days’ jumping you will ever see. Yes, there won’t be the same atmosphere on course but we can all look positively to what’s ahead of us.

“We’ve got some superlative racing to look forward to with Al Boum Photo looking to join the likes of Arkle, Cottage Rake and Best Mate. When you think two years ago Willie Mullins had never won the race to now be going for three in a row it’s quite incredible. “It’s always great to see the champions return – and all five will this year – but to show how competitive it is only Al Boum Photo is favourite.”

Of course, no crowds at the Festival and barely any income for a year has hit hard financially – and while there is an insurance policy which covers some of the damage, there is still a large shortfall.

“Thankfully we’ve had a threeyear insurance policy which remains in place,” said Renton.