Ruby Walsh: My 2024 Cheltenham Festival A to Z

RUBY’S A TO Z

With a record 59 wins at Cheltenham, top jockey turned pundit, Ruby Walsh walks through his A to Z of things to look out for at the 2024 festival.

A – is for Absurde.

Has yet to set the world alight over hurdles but might be worth watching in the County Hurdle.

B – is for Ballyburn.

Whether he runs in the Supreme or the Baring Bingham, he’ll be very hard to beat.

C – is for Constitution Hill (now a non-runner)

He was the banker last year and was the banker of the week again – until injury ruled him out on Monday.

D – is for Dinoblue.

Her form is rock solid & she sets the standard in the Mrs Paddy Power Mares Chase.

E – is for El Fabiolo.

Looks like one of the Willie Mullins bankers of the week in the Champion Chase.

F – is for Fact To File.

Seems to be getting better & better and will be very hard to beat wherever he turns up.

G – is for Galopin Des Champs.

The Cheltenham Gold Cup champion & I expect him to double up on Friday.

H – is for Hewick.

What a story it would be if he won the Gold Cup. And if he does, we mightn’t see the Shark for a month.

I – is for Ile Atlantique.

He looks like Willie Mullins’ main hope for the Baring Bingham & he holds a big chance.

J – is for Jade De Grugy.

She hasn’t put a foot wrong, and she’s the one to beat in the Mares Novices Hurdle if you ask me.

K – is for Kargese.

She looks like Ireland’s leading chance in the Triumph, but it may well be a race which stays with the locals.

L – is for Lossiemouth.

She’s already a Cheltenham festival winner & she’ll be very hard to beat in the Mares Hurdle.

M – is for Mullins.

Not Willie but Patrick & Danny. Neither should be overlooked when trying to pick a winner.

N – is for Nicky Henderson.

With Sir Gino on his team, he looks sure to have another good festival.

O – is for Ocastle Des Mottes.

Didn’t fire in the Betfair Hurdle, but might be worth a second chance next week.

P – is for Paul Townend.

He’s ridden 28 festival winners to date, and plenty more are likely to follow this year.

Q – is for Quai de Bourbon.

If you’re looking for a Willie Mullins horse in a handicap, he might be the one.

R – is for Rachael.

With Minella Indo & Envoi Allen to look forward to, it could be another profitable festival for racing’s leading lady, Ms Blackmore.

S – is for Sa Majeste.

Looks one for the handicaps and will be a leading fancy wherever he lines up.

T – is for Teahupoo.

Arguably unlucky in last year’s Paddy Power Stayers Hurdle, but I fancy him to atone for that defeat.

U – is for Ultima.

It’s a race Ireland doesn’t have a good record in, but Meetingofthewaters might change that.

V – is for Victory.

Something that I predict awaits Ireland in the Prestbury Cup again.

W – is for Willie Mullins.

He’s just six winners short of 100 Cheltenham festival winners. Can he do it? I think so.

X – marks the spot.

And the spot to be next week is in your local Paddy Power shop to take in all of the action.

Y – is for You Oughta Know.

Looks to be one of Willie’s better chances in the Champion Bumper.

Z – is for Zenta.

A female worth following wherever she takes her chance at the festival.

• When is the Cheltenham Festival 2024? Dates and favourites for this year’s big races
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