The Cheltenham Festival concluded last week, from March 12 to March 15, 2025, at Prestbury Park, delivering a mix of expected favorites and stunning surprises that captivated racing enthusiasts. The first day kicked off smoothly for punters when the highly anticipated Kopek Des Bordes claimed victory for trainer Willie Mullins and jockey Paul Townend at odds of 4/6. However, the Festival soon proved that anything can happen in the high stakes world of National Hunt racing.
The nature of the sport, characterized by relentless obstacles, makes each race a true test of skill and stamina for both horse and rider. This year’s Cheltenham, often regarded as Jump Racing's Olympics, was no different. As tensions mounted, several favorite contenders fell short of expectations, leading to a memorable day for bookmakers.
Among the day’s disappointments was Majborough, who was expected to perform well in the Arkle Chase but ultimately fell short at 1/2 odds, leaving fans stunned. The day soon turned to the ladies as Lossiemouth took charge in the Mares’ Hurdle, showcasing an impressive performance that quashed doubts about her abilities. The anticipation surrounding the Champion Hurdle raised the excitement, particularly among local trainers and owners like Jeremy Scott, who pondered whether his horse, Golden Ace, should compete against the top tier frontrunners. As it turned out, Lossiemouth was declared for the Mares Hurdle, leaving Golden Ace to take on the competition in the Champion Hurdle.
As the Champion Hurdle unfolded, the race proved chaotic. Constitution Hill, widely regarded as one of the favorites, unexpectedly fell mid-race, while both Brightdaysahead and State Man faltered as well, leading to a stunning triumph by Lossiemouth. Riding under Lorcan Williams, Lossiemouth surged ahead, securing victory by a remarkable nine lengths. Trainer Lorcan Williams remarked, “As Del Boy says, ‘He who dares, wins, Rodney.’” His words echoed the bold choices that ultimately paid off during the festival.
As thrilling as the first day was for some, it turned increasingly sour for the betting public from then on. In a shocking twist, Final Demand lost against The New Lion, further pushing odds lower for punters. By week's end, multiple favorites like Ballyburn (4/7), Jonbon (5/6), Teahupoo (7/4), East India Dock (7/4), and Galopin Des Champs (8/13) had all faced defeat, turning a once promising week for bettors into a challenging experience marked by glee amongst the bookmakers.
The triumph of the Nicholls team over Caldwell Potter was also a standout moment, particularly based on the horse's history and price tag. The jubilation among the Nicholls team highlights just how complex and unpredictable the nature of horse racing can be, especially at such a high-profile event.
Fast forward to the second week of the Festival, and the story didn’t end there. The racing world continued to buzz with discussions revolving around notable performances and unexpected hurdles faced by prominent entrants. Henry de Bromhead and Rachael Blackmore shone again in the spotlight, reminding fans why they are revered in the world of racing.
As conversations about the festival’s future continue to surface, some stakeholders express concern about its ongoing popularity amidst the challenges of the horse racing landscape. Despite some obstacles regarding attendance and declining enthusiasm, notable wins have reminded fans of the festival's capacity to deliver unforgettable moments.
This was later mirrored by Sam Curling’s innovative training approach that successfully led Wonderwall to victory in the hunter chase. To qualify a horse from the Bowens’ yard to winning against the odds was no small feat, and Curling's artistry in training should not go unrecognized.
In another noteworthy incident, Willie Mullins faced his own set of challenges despite many wins. His efforts with State Man further exemplified his dedication to maintaining horse performance at the highest level. Yet, not all was well within the Mullins camp as missing many favored horses led to mixed feelings across the horse racing community.
The conclusion of the Cheltenham Festival naturally leads to considerations about the performances of its participants, including the implications for the future of horses like Energumene. The 11-year-old horse faced setbacks during the festival when he was pulled up after developing a sore shin. Having previously won the Queen Mother Champion Chase crown in both 2022 and 2023, his return prompted high hopes despite missing the previous year due to a lengthy recovery. Racing manager Sean Graham updated fans, stating, “He was pulled up, and he seemed quite distressed. Paul felt that he’d lost his action a bit.” Despite this, the following day's assessment indicated that Energumene is trotting sound and is in recovery.
Looking ahead, the future is uncertain for many horses like Energumene. Graham highlighted that while retirement is not imminent, consideration and care remain paramount in every decision regarding the horse's further participation in upcoming races. “If he’s happy and healthy and is still enjoying it, then there’s no reason not to keep him in training,” Graham concluded.
As the Cheltenham Festival wraps up, the excitement continues to ripple through the community. With Taunton’s next race scheduled for Tuesday, March 25, 2025, anticipation builds for what the future may hold. The first race kicks off at 2.35 PM, and fans will have ample opportunity to enjoy another day filled with action, excitement, and perhaps new champions waiting to unfold their stories.
