Talking BETTING

TODAY at the Cheltenham Festival is another absolute feast, with three Grade One crackers and some fascinating puzzles to solve.

It’s tricky to pick a highlight as they’re all terrific-looking contests, but the Stayers Hurdle (3.30pm) is a real belter – and there’s a lovely story behind the likely favourite, Paisley Park.

The seven-year-old is muchimproved this term, and after an ordinary run in the Albert Bartlett at last season’s Festival, he’s unbeaten in four staying hurdle races, including last time out on this very course. He’s got a real turbo-charged finishing kick, and plenty of good judges rate him as one of the week’s best bets.

Paisley Park suffered a bad bout of colic two years ago, and very nearly didn’t pull through.

His owner, Andrew Gemmell (pictured), has been blind since birth, and relies on radio commentaries and friends to update him on how his pride and joy is doing.

Andrew sounds like a very interesting fella. A former council officer, he listened intently as a boy to various sporting commentaries, particularly racing and cricket, and was captivated.

In a recent interview he recalled during his time at Westminster City Council that his boss once asked him how much longer he would be on the telephone. “About four furlongs,” was his reply. I believe he’s a West Ham fan, and has travelled all over the world enjoying his sport.

I wish him, Paisley Park, and everyone connected to the horse the very best of luck.

Come home safe – and if the horse happens to cost me a few quid, I’ll be absolutely delighted.