Are you ready for some Cheltenham Cheer?

With all that the nation (and indeed world) has been through over the previous couple of years I’m looking less to the ‘Cheltenham Roar’ of the crowd at Cheltenham, and more just to the fact that that there are thankfully no question marks over the event taking place and that the crowds are back to enjoy this feast of National Hunt action. Few racing festivals are as highly anticipated as this four day festival, or as steeped in history or higher desired by those our to win.

To gear up for the festival, Betway decided they’d give the West Ham players a crash course in how to be a jockey, with tips from none other than Katie Walsh. She came third in the 2012 Grand National on Seabass, pathing the way for those who then carried the mantle forward and so is about as well versed in the profession as anyone is ever going to be. Rightly describing the Cheltenham Festival as ‘the Olympics of Horse Racing’ Katie guides the West Ham lads through the aspirations of a jockey, the camaraderie, preparations for the big race and more. An interesting insight into the racing mindset and cross over it has with other elite sportspeople.

As for the Festival itself, some highlights of the four day festival that are bound to excite both crowds on course and at home include the much anticipated Champions Hurdle on 15th, all of the racing action on the ever popular Ladies day on the 16th, Stayers Hurdle on the 17th, and of course the one and only Cheltenham Gold Cup at 3:30pm on March 18th. A Plus Tard and Galvin are current favourites to take the top prize, but anything can happen on the day. That’s the beauty of racing. Enjoy!