The countdown to the 2024 Cheltenham Festival is nearly over. Thousands will be making the trip from London to Cheltenham across the four days of the meeting at Prestbury Park for the biggest week of the year in the sport.
The conformations have now been announced for the five Championship races, and each of those contests have attracted strong entries, with some defending champions returning to replicate their success.
Galopin Des Champs Hits Form Just in Time for Gold Cup
Irish chaser Galopin Des Champs was the star of the 2023 Cheltenham Festival after winning the Cheltenham Gold Cup in impressive style on the final day of the meeting. He is the 5/4 favorite in the Cheltenham races betting to defend his title.
Galopin Des Champs is one of the leading Cheltenham betting tips this year, as he has found his best form just in time for the meeting. Willie Mullins’ runner produced his best performance of the season so far last month when he landed the Irish Gold Cup at Leopardstown.
Fastorslow, Shishkin, Gerri Colombe, and L’Homme Presse should prove strong challenges to the defending champion in a strong renewal of the Gold Cup. Galopin Des Champs will need to be at his best to land the top prize again.
Sire Du Berlais Bidding to Spring a Surprise Again
One of the biggest upsets at the 2023 Cheltenham Festival came in the day three Championship race, as Sire Du Berlais won the Stayers’ Hurdle at odds of 33/1. Gordon Elliott’s runner is set to travel across from Ireland once again in a bid to win another Grade One contest.
At the age of 12, the defending champion is one of the oldest horses at the meeting. He has featured just once so far this season, coming home down the field in the Boyne Hurdle at Navan.
Elliott has a strong hand in this year’s Stayers’ Hurdle as he will also saddle Teahupoo and Irish Point, two of the leading contenders. The Irishman has a great chance of a second straight success in the 3m contest.
Envoi Allen Part of Strong Ryanair Chase Field
The Ryanair Chase is missing two-time winner Allaho for the second straight year, as the Irish horse has been ruled out through injury. The field does include Envoi Allen, who won his third different race at the meeting last year.
Envoi Allen will be taking on Grade One winners Banbridge and Stage Star in this year’s renewal or the Ryanair Chase. Many racing fans are looking forward to this contest more than any other at the meeting.
New Names on Champion Hurdle and Champion Chase Trophies
Unfortunately, injuries and illnesses rule some of the biggest names in the sport out of the Cheltenham Festival every year. Sadly, Constitution Hill, and Energumene will miss the Champion Hurdle and Queen Mother Champion Chase respectively this time.
Constitution Hill was the empathetic winner of the premier hurdles race in 2023, while Energumene won the leading 2m chase contest for the second straight year. Those two horses will hopefully be back in 2025. With 28 races to enjoy, and at least one Championship contest every day of the meeting, there is so much to look forward to at the 2024 Chel