The trainer and Betway ambassador gives his thoughts on four of the races on the opening day of the 2025 Cheltenham Festival, including his runner in the Fred Winter Handicap Hurdle.
13:30 SUPREME NOVICES’ HURDLE
At the prices, I’d be looking at Romeo Coolio 7/1 for Gordon [Elliott], who was second in the Bumper and is experienced over hurdles. That could be essential against Willie Mullins’ favourite, Kopek Des Bordes, who is still lightly raced and clearly has the ability the blow over before the race, but he clearly has an engine and could be different class. It’ll be exciting to watch.
14:00 ARKLE CHASE
I’m a huge Majborough 4/7 fan and if he has a clear round, he should win. Keeping it simple, it could be a walkover for him.
16:00 CHAMPION HURDLE
I think Constitution Hill 4/7 will beat the mare, Brighterdaysahead, and win the Champion Hurdle as he’s exceptional. I cannot wait to see him again. It’ll be a tactical race, but Nico [de Boinville] won’t let the mare go too far away and he’ll use his many gears wisely.
16:40 FRED WINTER HANDICAP HURDLE
Slurricane 22/1 is our runner in the Fred Winter and we’re so excited to have another chance in the race we were second in last year. I’ve been very happy with his preparation – he did his final piece of work last Tuesday and went very well, so it’s all systems go from here.
It’s a 22-runner handicap, so you always need luck and it’s massively competitive, but the whole yard are excited, as you can imagine!