It’s time for Cheltenham – but not as we know it
Johnson knows it’s going to be ‘a weird and eerie’ feeling
Cheltenham has, temporarily, lost its famous roar.
The stirring, spine- tingling crescendo that sends the runners off for the Supreme Novices Hurdle opener is missing.
ITV’S planned pre- recorded cheers for everyone denied their annual pilgrimage, and stuck in living rooms around Britain and Ireland, just won’t cut it.
There’s no buzz in the sport like celebrating a Cheltenham winner for jockeys, trainers and stable staff.
To do it minus owners and fans just can’t compete.
But you can bet your last pound that every single competitor is desperate to discover just how odd the experience is.
Jockeys have grown familiar with behind-closed-doors action since racing resumed last June.
Riding a Festival finish in front of an empty Cheltenham grandstand in the middle of March is, however, a different story.
Four- time champion Richard Johnson said: “Riding a winner at Cheltenham, coming back down in front of the stands, is the most amazing feeling.
“It’s going to be a really weird experience, an eerie sensation.”
The spiritual home of National Hunt racing opened its doors to 251,684 spectators over four days last March as the gravity of Covid-19 dawned on the rest of the country.
Now not even those paying the bills – the owners – are exempt from the attendance ban.
Gordon Elliott is prohibited for different reasons, and there’s intrigue not only over his runners now in Denise “Sneezy” Foster’s name, but horses moved away from Cullentra by owners.
Envoi Allen, last year’s Ballymore hero now with Henry de Bromhead, is the most fascinating.
He’ll put an unbeaten record on the line in Thursday’s Marsh Novices Chase, three weeks after a stable switch that may do more harm than good, according to Paul Nicholls.
“I’d quite a lot of horses come to us fromwillie Mullins, and it’s taken them the best part of a year to get used to our routine,” he revealed.
“It’s quite a shock to horses because people do things totally differently. It’s not an advantage moving so close to Cheltenham.”
Those thoughts may offer value-seeking punters an edge as runners formerly in Elliott’s hands like Envoi Allen, Ballyadam (Supreme), Galvin (NH Chase) and Sir Gerhard (Bumper) are sure to go off short.
Nicholls himself is content to fly under the radar compared to pomp years with Kauto Star, Denman, Big Buck’s and Co. in the battalion.
Hi s hot chances include Bravemansgame (Ballymore), Bob And Co (Hunters Chase) and Houx Gris (Boodles). But his championship race hopes are at bigger prices.
“No one probably realised, but I used to feel the pressure and, to be honest, struggled with it,” said Nicholls.“you want to do everything right. I didn’t sleep particularly well. It’s easier now.
“I’m a lot more experienced, relaxed and feel it’s a nice challenge. There would no more poignant and popular winner than Frodon if Bryony Frost’s pride and joy gains Gold Cup glory.
Owner Paul Vogt lost wife Ruth recently, and Nicholls said: “Paul
always wanted a Gold Cup runner. He’ll be a mighty proud man. This means a lot to him and his family.”
It remains to be seen if the Elliott upset tips the scales from Irish dominance in favour of the home challenge.
Britain hasn’t won the Prestbury Cup since 2015, and last year Ireland ruled with 17 winners.
Nicky Henderson said: “You watch the Dublin Racing Festival, and suddenly they’ve come up with another blockbuster.
“You suddenly think: ‘Crikey, I thought I was going to win that Cheltenham race! What are we going to do now?’.
“Looking at the parade ring scoreboard with the flags and numbers can be daunting.
“It’s as if you’re fighting a losing battle.”