While we still have our fingers crossed for injured jockey JT McNamara the racing goes on so we must too. Here’s what to watch on Gold Cup day.
Before we get into the biggest day of the entire Festival, here’s a quick update on Irish amateur jockey JT McNamara. The 37-year-old suffered a very bad fall in the 4.40 yesterday and spent the night in hospital in Bristol after being put into an induced coma.
This morning we got an update from Dr Adrian McGoldrick, chief medical officer for the Irish Turf Club.
“There has been no change overnight. He’s still in the induced coma,” said McGoldrick.
“It is a fracture of the C3 and C4 vertebrae. He will probably be going for surgery this morning but we will know more later in the day.”
As we said, our thoughts are with his friends and family today (and we wish Davy Russell a speedy recovery too) as we look ahead to the final day of Cheltenham 2013. Here’s what to watch for.
Triumph Hurdle (1.30)
With 10 Irish winners so far, we’re looking to make it 11 in the first race of the day with Our Conor. Ridden by rising star Bryan Cooper, who had his first Cheltenham win on Benifficient yesterday, the Dessie Hughes trained horse has been superb this season.
The big danger is Paul Nicholls’ Far West. The Ditcheat man has yet to have a winner, incredible really, but with two wins around Prestbury Park this season, the gelding has to be fancied. If you’re looking for an EW bet, try Stocktons Wing, by Charles O’Brien, with a still winless AP McCoy aboard.
Albert Bartlett Novices’ Hurdle (2.40)
This is a top class renewal of this Grade 1. Before the week we wouldn’t have picked it but Nigel Twiston-Davies’ yard is having such a good week that you now have to consider African Gold. With five wins, and a second, in six outings he should be there or there abouts.
After no wins yesterday, Ballycasey, for Willie Mullins, has to have a shout (UPDATE: Ballycasey’s now a non-runner) while the other Closutton runner, Inish Island also has backers. The favourite right now is At Fishers Cross who beat the winner of the Neptune on Wednesday, The New One, on its last outing. If that form follows through, he could be unbeatable.
The Gold Cup (3.20)
With no Denman or Kauto Star this year it could appear that this Gold Cup is not a vintage one but the field is packed with younger horses who have star potential. There’s Bobs Worth, who has won four times at Cheltenham and eight out of eight times on left-handed tracks. On paper, he is the one to beat.
If Paul Nicholls was having a better time of it Silviano Conti would be very short with Ruby riding. It would be just like that pair to win the big one after a quiet week. After winning the Charlie Hall and the Betfair Chase, two Gold Cup indicators, don’t be surprised if he makes it up the hill.
Sir Des Champs, for Mullins, is the main Irish hope but with Davy Russell now gone, AP McCoy steps in as Sunnyhillboy doesn’t run. However, we’re not convinced by this Mick O’Leary horse.
If it rains as much as they expect pre-race, maybe have a few quid on Cape Tribulation, who likes it very soft while Captain Chris could run big too.
But we’ll go for Long Run. Winner of this race in 2011, third last year, we reckon he is still under-rated and at 5/1 he’s too big a price. Whatever happens, it should be a cracker.
LISTEN: You Must Be Jokin’ podcast – listen to the latest episode now!
