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As the countdown to the Cheltenham Festival intensifies, racing enthusiasts eagerly dissect the form, pedigree, and prospects of the favourites poised to grace the hallowed turf of Prestbury Park.
With each feature race boasting a stellar lineup of contenders, anticipation mounts for the clash of titans set to unfold over four days of exhilarating competition.
Let's delve into the contenders tipped to shine in the Festival's marquee events and assess their chances of etching their names into the annals of racing history.
Champion Hurdle – Constitution Hill
The Champion Hurdle, the premier two-mile hurdle race of the festival, sees defending champion Constitution Hill emerge as the standout favourite.
Trained by Nicky Henderson, this exciting equine star has captured the imagination of racing fans with his impressive performances and undeniable talent.
With a flawless record and a string of commanding Grade 1 victories, Constitution Hill looms large as the horse to beat in this fiercely competitive Grade 1 contest.
Queen Mother Champion Chase – El Fabiolo
In the Queen Mother Champion Chase, El Fabiolo stakes his claim as the horse to watch.
Trained by Willie Mullins, this seven-year-old boasts a formidable record over fences and possesses the speed, agility, and jumping ability to excel in this prestigious Grade 1 event.
With a flair for the dramatic and a knack for delivering when it matters most, El Fabiolo enters the fray as a worthy favourite to secure glory in this thrilling two-mile chase.
Ryanair Chase – Banbridge
Banbridge emerges as the frontrunner in the Ryanair Chase odds 2024, a Grade 1 contest that showcases the finest intermediate chasers in the sport.
Trained by Joseph O’Brien, this talented gelding has demonstrated his class and versatility over various distances and ground conditions — making him a formidable force to be reckoned with.
With a proven ability to handle the demands of the Cheltenham course and a penchant for delivering under pressure, Banbridge shapes up as a formidable favourite to emerge victorious in this fiercely contested chase.
Stayers’ Hurdle – Irish Point and Teahupoo
In the Stayers' Hurdle, stablemates Irish Point and Teahupoo emerge as the joint favourites — poised to battle it out for supremacy in this grueling three-mile test of stamina and resolve.
Both trained by Gordon Elliott, these two talented stayers possess the class, endurance, and determination to thrive over the demanding hurdles course at Cheltenham.
With a string of impressive performances to their names and a proven ability to stay the distance, Irish Point and Teahupoo are primed to deliver a thrilling showdown in this prestigious Grade 1 contest.
Gold Cup – Galopin Des Champs
Finally, in the showpiece event of the festival, Galopin Des Champs emerges as the hot favourite to secure glory in the Gold Cup.
Trained by Mullins, this formidable stayer has captured the imagination of racing fans with his breathtaking performances and undeniable class.
With a resounding victory in the previous edition of the race and a string of impressive wins to his name, Galopin Des Champs enters the fray as the horse to beat in this ultimate test of speed, stamina, and courage.
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All eyes will be on these favourites over the course of the four-day extravaganza, and they will be well-backed by bettors using their Cheltenham welcome offers.
