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“Aubrey’s up, the money’s down, The frightened bookies quake. Come on, me lads, let’s hear you cheer. By God – ‘tis COTTAGE RAKE!”
A triple Gold Cup winner was that Irish rake, from 1949 to ’51. Those were the days when Ireland still languished in its economic infancy, but our National Hunt horses were making their presence felt on the hallowed turf of Cheltenham. It only got better during the swinging ’60s with the arrival of an equine superstar that would become a household name here and in the UK: the imperious Arkle.
Much like our rugby team in recent years, Ireland’s domination of the Festival is phenomenal – a trend that is guaranteed to prevail next week. After 28 races have run their course come Friday evening, expect a rugby-like result of 20-8 to the green invaders. Irish runners dominate the market in the Gold Cup showpiece on Friday, with Galopin Des Champs and Fast or Slow: first and second, respectively.
Wednesday’s Champion Chase is at the mercy of El Fabiolo, while the Arkle Cup on the opening day sees us well represented by Marine Nationale and Facile Vega. Tuesday’s Champion Hurdle, however, will not go our way. For the home side have an equine Goliath called Constitution Hill that looks nothing short of invincible. If our foremost hurdler, State Man, gets within a slingshot of this monster, he’ll have gone down gallantly on his sword! On with our tips then:
Tuesday: Mystical Power (1.30): Irl/ Marine Nationale and Facile Vega: Irl (2.05) Constitution Hill (3.30) GB/ Lossiemouth (4.05) Irl / Corbett’s Cross (5.30): Irl
Wednesday: Ballyburn (1.30): Irl/ Langer Dan (2.50): GB/ El Fabiolo (3.30): Irl
Galvin (4.10): Irl/ Maughreen (nap) (5.30): Irl Thursday: Gaoth Chuil (2.10): Irl/ Banbridge (2.50): Irl/ Irish Point (3.30): Irl
Friday: Sir Gino (1.30): GB/ Galopin Des Champs (3.30): Irl / Billyway (4.10): Irl
Limerick Lace (4.50): Irl
Another greenwash to celebrate, as the returning Irish descend on Lansdowne Road the day before Paddy’s Day!
Ray Rosenstock