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◢ The Sporting Life Horse Racing Podcast: Cheltenham Festival Special kicks off with host Dave Ord welcoming listeners to a preview of the Cheltenham Festival, now less than a week away as of March 08, 2025. In part one, he’s joined by Patrick Mullins, Ed Chamberlin, Graham Cunningham, and David Johnson to dive into the big yards, key horses, and major talking points. Part two, teased early, will feature Matt Brocklebank and Billy Nash, but this synopsis focuses on the first installment. The tone is lively and conversational, blending expert analysis with banter as they gear up for one of racing’s biggest events.

◢ A central figure in the discussion is Constitution Hill, trained by Nicky Henderson. Ed Chamberlin champions him as the festival’s poster boy, especially for the Champion Hurdle. The panel reflects on his jaw ~ dropping Sky Bet Supreme win two years ago, where Patrick Mullins recalls riding Kilcruit and watching Constitution Hill surge ahead despite a blistering pace set by Jonbon and Dysart Dynamo. David Johnson notes his recent form ~ running in the 160s at Kempton, a stone below his peak ~ but optimism persists that he could reclaim his best. Henderson’s popularity with the public and his yard’s need for a luck turnaround after last year’s setbacks are recurring themes.

◢ Galopin Des Champs, trained by Willie Mullins, emerges as a counterpoint. While Chamberlin admits his brilliance ~ highlighted by a rapturous Leopardstown reception ~ his once-a-year UK appearance limits his local following compared to Constitution Hill. Patrick Mullins praises his versatility for the Gold Cup, capable of leading or sitting back, with Paul Townend riding him confidently. The panel sees him as near-unbeatable, with rivals like Gerri Colombe and Grey Dawning sidelined, though Banbridge and Fact To File are mentioned as potential twists if the ground dries out. His pursuit of a third Gold Cup stirs historical excitement, evoking Arkle and Best Mate.

◢ The Champion Hurdle field gets scrutiny, with Brighterdaysahead and State Man in focus. Patrick Mullins hopes Constitution Hill isn’t at his peak, as it’d spell trouble for rivals. Brighterdaysahead’s freakish Leopardstown win impresses, but her loss to Golden Ace in a mares’ novice hurdle raises doubts. State Man’s Morgiana form suggests he’s closer to her than odds imply, though his Christmas no-show muddies the picture. Lossiemouth, a Willie Mullins contender, is noted as a mare who’d be deadly with her 7lb allowance in a typical year, but Constitution Hill’s class looms large.

◢ Jonbon, also from Nicky Henderson’s yard, dominates the Champion Chase talk. His CV screams quality, and Nico de Boinville’s positive riding has transformed him, despite a mixed Cheltenham record (two wins from five). Patrick Mullins sees Solness setting a pace to suit him, with Marine Nationale a threat on decent ground. The panel debates his hill-climbing ability, dismissing past defeats as early-career hiccups. Eldorado Allen and others are long shots, but Jonbon’s current form makes him a standout.

◢ The Supreme Novices’ Hurdle introduces Mullins Kopek Des Bordes. His DRF demolition impresses, though his keenness and rawness ~ potentially needing a hood ~ worry Mullins. Rivals like Mirazur West, William Munny, and Romeo Coolio bring varied form, with Mirazur West’s maiden hurdle win sparking debate. Salver, another Mullins hope, shines in work but lacks racing efficiency. The race’s emotional kickoff, with a minute’s applause for Michael O’Sullivan, adds weight to its renamed Sky Bet Supreme status.

◢ The Turners Novices Chase pits Final Demand against The New Line. Patrick Mullins lauds Final Demand’s professionalism and speed, predicting a future Gold Cup horse, while The New Line, trained by Dan Skelton, earns praise for cat-like jumping. Both impressed at the DRF, with Final Demand’s form deemed stronger. Fun Fun Fun and other unexposed entries offer each-way value, but the clash between these two is the headline. Ground conditions ~ shifting to spring-like firmness ~ could tilt the scales.

◢ Juvenile hurdlers take the stage in the Triumph Hurdle, with East India Dock (trained by James Owen) and Henderson's Lulamba leading British hopes. East India Dock’s battle-hardened edge contrasts Lulamba’s raw promise, despite Henderson’s Triumph pedigree. Ireland’s juveniles, like Helnwein (trained by Gavin Cromwell), underwhelm, with Patrick Mullins noting their lack of a standout. Stencil’s Fred Winter performance could boost East India Dock’s credentials if he runs well.

◢ Handicap hopefuls and ground conditions weave through the chat. Patrick Mullins highlights novices with fewer runs this year due to a dry autumn, suggesting some could improve 15-25 pounds on better ground. The panel expects properly watered, safe going ~ not quick ~ shaping races differently from winter slogs. Horses like Lucky Place and Wodhooh (trained by Gordon Elliott) are buzzed about later, though part one focuses on the graded stars.

◢ Ballyburn and Copacabana close out part one’s Willie Mullins spotlight. Patrick Mullins leans toward Ballyburn for the bumper, impressed by his schooling, while Copacabana’s steady improvement surprises. Their late emergence adds intrigue, with temperament key in the bumper’s chaos.

#synopsis details▼
◢ Word Count: 998
◢ Trainer Hyperlinks (6)

• Willie Mullins (official site)
• Dan Skelton (official site)
• James Owen (official site)
• Nicky Henderson (𝕏 account)
• Gavin Cromwell (𝕏 account)
• Gordon Elliott (𝕏 account)