The Myth of "The Hill" at Cheltenham Festival
There are many myths surrounding the Cheltenham Festival, but none are more annoying than the obsession with "The Hill." While it is a test for horses, those who hype it up are likely the same people who believe in the Loch Ness monster or that Santa Claus defies physics on Christmas Eve. Let's debunk this myth once and for all.
Cheltenham: A Unique Track with Different Demands
Cheltenham is a unique track with two different courses: the Old and New. Both courses demand different qualities, but like other premier tracks, they are a true test of speed and stamina. To compare the Cheltenham Hill to other top courses, let's look at the standard time for the Champion Hurdle trip of two miles and a half furlong:
Course | Time |
---|---|
Cheltenham | 3min 49s |
Ascot | 3min 52s |
Newbury | 3min 47s |
Sandown | 3min 58s |
Leopardstown | 3min 52s |
Navan | 3min 55s |
Punchestown | 3min 51s |
As you can see, the times for each track are comparable to Cheltenham, especially in Ireland where the tracks are known for being more demanding in terms of stamina. So, let's put the myth of "The Hill" to rest once and for all.
Tullyhill: Top Ante-Post Pick
Tullyhill, a grey trained by Willie Mullins, is at the top of my ante-post list. This gorgeous horse, who was bought for £220,000, has proven his worth with a hard-held win at Gowran in March. Past winners of the same race, like Yorkhill and Bob Olinger, have gone on to win the Ballymore a year later. I recommend placing an each-way bet of £15 on Tullyhill at 12-1 for the Ballymore, and a win bet of £20 at 8-1 in the Supreme, courtesy of Betfair.
Cheltenham Clue: Champion Bumper Winners in the Supreme
It's important to remember to gamble responsibly. Champion Bumper winners, like A Dream To Share, have had a modest record in the Supreme. Keep this in mind when placing your bets at Cheltenham Festival.
Did you miss our previous article…
https://www.sportingexcitement.com/horse-racing/sir-alex-ferguson-celebrates-best-ever-sporting-achievement-with-horse-racing-win/