The Cheltenham Festival has seen drama both on and off the track. A messy start to one race has drawn attention to the starting procedures.
Stewards Investigate Messy Race Start
There were suggestions that jockeys were not pleased with a start. Ruby Walsh commented that the BHA needs to give their starters the right mechanisms to start races, noting that a quarter of the field had no chance.
Harry Cobden’s Contrasting Fortunes
Harry Cobden has had a mixed week. Keith Melrose praised Harry Cobden’s Brown Advisory-winning ride on Kitzbuhel, calling it excellent. Cobden himself reflected on the rapid change in fortunes, saying, “It’s funny how 40 minutes changes your life.” He added, “He’s braver than I am. Thanks to the owners and Willie Mullins for putting me on him. He was brilliant today. Credit to the horse, he’s very tough.”
Cobden has ridden five winners for Willie Mullins in Britain from nine rides. This is a 55 per cent strike-rate. However, his record is 0-9 when riding for Mullins in Ireland.
Other Notable Events
- HMS Seahorse suffered a fatal fall in the BetMGM Cup.
- Hansard suffered a fatal injury in yesterday’s Arkle.
- James Bowen secured his second festival winner.
Jack Kennedy discussed Romeo Coolio’s performance: “He never jumped or travelled. Leopardstown probably left its mark on him. The ground might have been a bit quick but he was just flat.”