The Cheltenham Open Meet

Friday: Countryside Day

Fans will be treated with the appearance of the wonderful Balthazaar King on Countryside Day (Friday 11th November). The veteran chaser, who retired last season following his comeback run in the cross country chase at the Festival, will parade on the first day.

Despite the loss of the cross country chase here, due to the firmness of the ground, the Cheltenham team have added the Glenfarclas Veterans’ Handicap Chase to the card as the first race.

Qualifying races for the Arkle Chase, Supreme Novices’, Neptune Investment and Triumph Hurdle races at the March Festival will allow fans to get a glimpse of up and coming juvenile stars.

The grade two Neptune Investment Management Hyde Novices’ Hurdle is the feature race on the opening day and has attracted names such as Nicky Henderson’s Baden and Brio Conti.

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His main hopes for the three day meet includes the aforementioned Frodon, one of four entries in the race for the Ditcheat master, who currently heads the market for the second day’s feature race at 4-1 with BetVictor, and Cliffs Of Dover, who impressively won four races in two weeks, in the JCB Triumph Trial Juvenile Hurdle.

Thistlecrack fans will have another chance to see their hero again on the second day. The Colin Tizzard-trained superstar is set to line up for the three-mile Novices’ Chase at 1.15pm and, after a flawless winning debut over fences, will hope to cement his position as the Gold Cup favourite with another wonderful display here.

Amidst the top quality racing, other forms of entertainment will be available over the three days, including the Shetland Pony Display team and the Injured Jockeys Fund tug of war. Ticket prices start from £10 per person in the Best Mate area and gates open 10-10.30am each day.

Ones to watch:

Friday:
2.05pm Steel Plate and Sections Novices’ Chase – Barters Hill.  Ben Pauling’s talented hurdler will make his debut over fences and is one of the most exciting recruits over the larger obstacles. Connections have been bullish about his chances and he looks a natural athlete.

Saturday:
12.40pm JCB Triumph Hurdle Trial – Cliffs of Dover: The three-year-old won four races in the space of two weeks last month, including winning at Cheltenham’s last meeting – one on the rapid improve for Paul Nicholls.

Sunday:
1.55pm Schloer Chase – Fox Norton. The six year old gelding, who finished third behind Douvan in the Arkle at the Festival, seems to be rapidly on the improve and will have more to offer with experience.  

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