Cheltenham Preview Nights

kbarnesie

Hi All,

Does anyone have a list or know where I can find information on Cheltenham 2016 Preview nights in the Dublin/Kildare area ?

Thank you

JJs Left Hand

There is one with Ruby and McCoy in the Keadeen Hotel on the 25th February.
Also a really early one next Thursday with the Dublin Racing Club and Final Furlong Podcast in the Alexander Hotel in Dublin although its more of a Leopardstown preview.

bobo the clown

Is there any comprehensive list of cheltenham preview nights this year other than at the link below.

http://sportsnewsireland.com/racing/racing_irish/list-of-cheltenham-preview-nights-2015/

kbarnesie

There is a race night being held in Newcastle Community Hall, Newcastle, Co Dublin Tuesday 1st March.

kfallon

Davy Russell will be at every single one of them!
Kevin O'Ryan will do his best to be at every single one of them!

thesaturdayman

pound for pound who is the best to have at these?

i think davy is cat bad... but is good crack!

BumperD

Davy is great fun but not a great tipster. Kenny Whelan was also good craic and able tip one or two.

Patrick Mullins tends to call it as it is.

Tom Segal is all over the shop and will name about 4 or 5 in each race right up to the start of the festival without really ever landing on one.

Keatley from the racing post is good.

kfallon

Wonder what this year's joke from Davy will be for when they talk about the Triumph!

posturingpat

If you can get Gordon Elliott at one he's a real good judge and will give a good honest assessment of all his in the open races/novices etc. but unsurprisingly he won't usually throw out his best handicapped horse(might actually point you in a different direction to another that's nicely handicapped too but not as well as his main hope)

But if you've one in mind and ask him honestly in a quiet corner he'll tell you straight up how good a chance he thinks one has, i remember asking him about Flaxen flare leading up to 1 festival after that winter he had won his 1st hurdle start nicely but then was well beaten in 2 decent races behind Our Conor and some decent juvenile of Mullins i think and i think he had been awarded a silly low mark for the Fred winter of about 125 or something similar. Gordon said the handicapper deserved to be punished for giving him such a low mark and to keep an eye for new headgear on the day. Horse ran in 1st time blinkers and hosed up at 25/1, i only had about a tenner on him if i remember correctly after Carberry was injured and Davy Condon got the ride i think(Davy never brought me any luck previously), was delighted to have such a big priced winner but was disappointed i had so little on :mad: But that's the way a lot of the time when you get a good price winner :rolleyes:

On the other hand Tony Martin's an <snip> from my experience of him both in front of the crowd and on the corridor,i remember asking him about a horse,that i felt was well handicapped but i had heard he picked up a knock a few days previously,he told me horse was in grand old form at home and would be going to the festival, about 2 days later there was a press release saying the horse had picked up a knock the week previous and wouldn't make the festival :mad: Thankfully i don't really back Handicap races antepost so i wasn't out of pocket but wouldn't give you much trust in the man.

thesaturdayman

kfallon wrote: »

Wonder what this year's joke from Davy will be for when they talk about the Triumph!

its the fred winter he hates....

" i feel a bit of sick in my mouth every time someone rings me and tries to book me for a ride in it....!"

posturingpat

Definitely hates the triumph too. He was still saying so last year after riding Tiger roll to win it the year previous. Think his joke the last few years have been go cut he grass or spent some time with the missus. He must make some coin off them previews seems to be at a different one every night

Francie Barrett

posturingpat wrote: »

On the other hand Tony Martin's an <snip> from my experience of him both in front of the crowd and on the corridor,i remember asking him about a horse,that i felt was well handicapped but i had heard he picked up a knock a few days previously,he told me horse was in grand old form at home and would be going to the festival, about 2 days later there was a press release saying the horse had picked up a knock the week previous and wouldn't make the festival :mad: Thankfully i don't really back Handicap races antepost so i wasn't out of pocket but wouldn't give you much trust in the man.

That is my experience too. Anyway, I don't think he is the threat he used to be in English handicap races. Living Next Door for example has a 109 hurdles/147 chase rating in Ireland. I noticed it got entered for a hurdle race in England, handicap rating was re-assessed upwards of two stone!

JuniorB

Here's a few that StarSports are sponsoring.

Tuesday March 1st
Venue: Newcastle Community Centre, Co Dublin.
Hosted By: St Finians GAA Club & Peamount Utd
Panel: Johnny Ward, Jane Mangan, Tony Mullins, Gavin Lynch, Geoff Lester
8pm
Admission: €10
€50 Starsports matched bet for all attendees

Wednesday March 2nd
Venue: O Grady's Bar, Gort, Co Galway
Hosted by: Beagh GAA Club
Panel: George Mc Donagh, Tony Mullins, Johnny Ward, Derek O Connor, Geoff Lester + Gordon Elliot (phone) Patrick Mullins (phone)
9pm
Admission: €10
€50 Starsports matched bet for all attendees

Thursday March 3rd
Venue: Tierneys Bar, Ballygar, Co Galway
Hosted by: Ballygar Sports Field Group
Panel: Gavin Lynch, Johnny Ward, Kevin Blake, Jane Mangan, Mickey Fogarty, Geoff Lester
9pm
Admission: €10
€50 Starsports matched bet for all attendees

Friday March 4th
Venue: The Gap House, Moate, Co Westmeath
Hosted by: Maryland GAA Club
Panel: Leo Powell, Johnny Ward, Tony Mullins, Kevin Blake, Jane Mangan, Geoff Lester + Dan Skelton (phone)
9pm
Admission: €10
€50 Starsports matched bet for all attendees

Stacksey

JuniorB wrote: »

Here's a few that StarSports are sponsoring.

Tuesday March 1st
Venue: Newcastle Community Centre, Co Dublin.
Hosted By: St Finians GAA Club & Peamount Utd
Panel: Johnny Ward, Jane Mangan, Tony Mullins, Gavin Lynch, Geoff Lester
8pm
Admission: €10
€50 Starsports matched bet for all attendees

Wednesday March 2nd
Venue: O Grady's Bar, Gort, Co Galway
Hosted by: Beagh GAA Club
Panel: George Mc Donagh, Tony Mullins, Johnny Ward, Derek O Connor, Geoff Lester + Gordon Elliot (phone) Patrick Mullins (phone)
9pm
Admission: €10
€50 Starsports matched bet for all attendees

Thursday March 3rd
Venue: Tierneys Bar, Ballygar, Co Galway
Hosted by: Ballygar Sports Field Group
Panel: Gavin Lynch, Johnny Ward, Kevin Blake, Jane Mangan, Mickey Fogarty, Geoff Lester
9pm
Admission: €10
€50 Starsports matched bet for all attendees

Friday March 4th
Venue: The Gap House, Moate, Co Westmeath
Hosted by: Maryland GAA Club
Panel: Leo Powell, Johnny Ward, Tony Mullins, Kevin Blake, Jane Mangan, Geoff Lester + Dan Skelton (phone)
9pm
Admission: €10
€50 Starsports matched bet for all attendees

Who is Johnny Ward? I notice he's on all these preview nights, whats he done in this game to be such a popular spokesman?

Shanee.

Stacksey wrote: »

Who is Johnny Ward? I notice he's on all these preview nights, whats he done in this game to be such a popular spokesman?

Writes a column on Irish Racing in the Post most days

Stacksey

Shanee. wrote: »

Writes a column on Irish Racing in the Post most days

So an armchair jockey like the rest of us?

BumperD

Stacksey wrote: »

So an armchair jockey like the rest of us?

A full time journalist unlike the rest of us

posturingpat

He has a Betfair Column,think he writes for the Independent and he writes for the Racingpost so not overly surprising he's of interest to anyone running these events.

Shanee.

BumperD wrote: »

A full time journalist unlike the rest of us

And he's quite good aswell. Jealousy gets ya nowhere boys!!

mdwexford

Any word on the Waterford Woodlands hotel preview this year?

Can't find anything about it online.

Backstreet Moyes

mdwexford wrote: »

Any word on the Waterford Woodlands hotel preview this year?

Can't find anything about it online.

Had to do extensive searching but found a Woodlands hotel piece on Facebook saying it is on the 3rd of March with the same panel as last year.

It really has been terribly advertised.

kbarnesie

Cheltenham Preview

Newcastle Co Dublin, Tuesday March 1st.

kbarnesie

Preview Night - Newcastle Co Dublin, Tuesday 1st March

https://www.eventbrite.ie/e/newcastle-cheltenham-preview-night-tickets-21165548726?utm_campaign=new_event_email&utm_medium=email&utm_source=eb_email&utm_term=viewmyevent_button

Long Shadow

Wednesday 9th March 2016 @ 8pm (Sharp)


VENUE: WESTMANSTOWN SPORTS & CONFERENCE CENTRE, DUBLIN 15

PANEL: Jonathan Mullin (MC), Davy Russell, Barry Geraghty, Ruby Walsh, Paul Kealy Racing Post, Paddy Power, Jessica Harrington and conference call with Willie Mullins.

INFO: All proceeds in aid of ‘STEMS FOR NIAMH’, Tickets €20 including
€10 matched Bet, Racing Post Cheltenham Preview Book, Finger-Food. Fantastic Raffle Prizes Includes, all-expenses paid day trip for two to the Cheltenham Gold Cup.

To book, call (01) 8207888 (Mon-Fri, 9am - 5pm) Book early to avoid disappointment.

Long Shadow

Wednesday 9th March 2016 @ 8pm (Sharp)


VENUE: WESTMANSTOWN SPORTS & CONFERENCE CENTRE, DUBLIN 15

PANEL: Jonathan Mullin (MC), Davy Russell, Barry Geraghty, Ruby Walsh, Paul Kealy Racing Post, Paddy Power, Jessica Harrington and conference call with Willie Mullins.

INFO: All proceeds in aid of ‘STEMS FOR NIAMH’, Tickets €20 including
€10 matched Bet, Racing Post Cheltenham Preview Book, Finger-Food. Fantastic Raffle Prizes Includes, all-expenses paid day trip for two to the Cheltenham Gold Cup.

To book, call (01) 8207888 (Mon-Fri, 9am - 5pm) Book early to avoid disappointment.

Shanee.

Anyone have the details for the one in salthill?

BumperD

Bet pack mullhollands sponsored normally the Monday before (8th) with p Mullins, Barney, kealty and Alan Byrne from racing post, throw in the local lad George and then 1 other, mc hector, that's the usual lineup

knighted

posturingpat wrote: »

He has a Betfair Column,think he writes for the Independent and he writes for the Racingpost so not overly surprising he's of interest to anyone running these events.

He used to post on here 6 or 7 years ago

kfallon

knighted wrote: »

He used to post on here 6 or 7 years ago

He was Eye Mall Inn on BF for a while, think he stopped posting once he became a mainstream journo!

I remember I did an extensive write up on a Preview Night in Stillorgan Park about 8-9 years ago and he posted it up a few days later, the bollix, he prob got the job off the back of it :pac:

He seems ok but he's not very good imo!

kbarnesie

Preview Night - Newcastle Co Dublin, Tuesday 1st March

https://www.eventbrite.ie/e/newcastl...myevent_button

Black_Ninja

Dunraven Arms, Adare

Long Shadow

Wednesday, 9th March 2016 @ 8pm (Sharp)

VENUE: WESTMANSTOWN SPORTS & CONFERENCE CENTRE, DUBLIN 15

PANEL: Jonathan Mullin (MC), Davy Russell, Barry Geraghty, Ruby Walsh, Paul Kealy Racing Post, Paddy Power, Jessica
Harrington and conference call with Willie Mullins.

INFO: All proceeds in aid of ‘STEMS FOR NIAMH’, Tickets €20 including
€10 matched Bet, Racing Post Cheltenham Preview Book, Finger-Food. Fantastic Raffle Prizes Includes, all-
expenses paid day trip for two to the Cheltenham Gold Cup.

To book, call (01) 8207888 (Mon-Fri, 9am - 5pm) Book early to avoid disappointment.

ON ZEE BRIDLE

Is cafe on seine not on this year lads?

Stacksey

So who in your opinion is the best at tipping up horses for Cheltenham? I think David Casey and Geraghty are pretty good, Davy Russell is shocking

STADEdeLUC

anyone going to the preview night tonight in goatstown? Wouldn't mind hearing what David Mullins and Johnny Burke have to say about their respective yards and chances

seoirsem

STADEdeLUC wrote: »

anyone going to the preview night tonight in goatstown? Wouldn't mind hearing what David Mullins and Johnny Burke have to say about their respective yards and chances

Panel included David Mullins, Johnny Burke, Ollie Murphy (head lad at Elliott's)


Supreme:
DM: Was riding him earlier in year, is the real deal, keen at Punchestown last time, better ground and better race to suit.


JB: Huge outside chance in Supasundae, getting the hang of jumping. Min class apart.


OM: Like tombstone a lot on him at big prices, unlucky at Christmas, heard Min best since the fly, but thought he got worked up at Punchestown last time could beat himself. Altior straight forward, main threat.


Arkle:
JB: Can't beat Douvan, broke SJ heart at Christas, can't confirm SJ will go to Arkle but can't really step up to JLT trip for first time at festival. SJ could be closer on better ground couldn't go with Douvan on heavy last time.
DM: Thinks SJ could put it up to Douvan on better ground, said anyone backing Tell Us More take fallers insurance.
OM: Game Changer needs good ground has entry in grand annual but probably goes Arkle as it'll cut up.


Champion:
DM: NC to make it, hard to know where AP fits in, would pick NC as doesn't know where AP fits in race.
JB: AP the one to beat, ruby to use stamina take off in front. If he could pick one would be on IT, had a break and better ground and fresheness will bring improvement. Said anyone backing AP watch out if its sunny in case of shadows.
OM: Like IT, AP too keen, likes NC too but no strong opinion as no entry.


Mares:
DM: If AP goes champion VVM wins, can't see it beat. Ballychorus big one at a price with ew claims.


4m:
DM: RDF takes a lot of beating, jumps, stays, PA lacks a gear but might be race for him, could bring best out.
OM: NE jumps well and stays well but quirky but wouldnt put you off. Lined up for race all season, will like decent ground.
JB: Minnello Rock = Certainty, given "kind" ride to say the least last day and runs as a winner without a penalty.


3m hcap ch:
PP rep: Said Jonjo must have something for it if MR doesnt run as didn't go up in handicap after 2nd the weekend.
JB: Shanahans Turn runs, big chance if back to form.


Neptune:
DM: LD should be jfav with YW. Still gives Danny stick for being beat in a maiden on it. Beat BER who is shorter he wont go there. Busiest horse all summer forgotten about now. 95% sure he runs.
JB: at a price ATP, vigil form boost the weekend. YW visually impressive happy to take on.
OM: YW banker on day 2. doubtful general principal runs but out weekend and should win.


CC:
DM: UDS vulnerable if someone (ST) gets to first before him, will sulk. Would love to be on ST.
JB: UDS wins if stands. ST & UDS to take off break SS heart. Hes on SG and will ride to pick up pieces. Runs well fresh, better ground a plus.
OM: No entries, big negative DB, Nichols aint been champ for running horses unfit. SS doesnt give same vibe.


RSA:
OM: NMH straight forward, stays, not flash. MOT a negative as didnt run when engaged twice. Wouldnt swap NMH. By presenting so better ground a plus.
DM: Can't have MOT. Between NMH & RDF. NMH = Don Poli 2.0.
JB: 2 horse race between NMH MOT, will give him a race.


Bumper:
DM: Castello Sforza nice horse being backed, BG prob be on.
JB: Good vibes about Battleford. Keep eye on Aspen.
OM: No real good bumper horses at GE's. Gigginstown dont like race so.
*managed to catch DM at bar, asked about Augusta Kate, said theyre thinking of switching from Sandown to Cheltenham, pick of Willie's. Mare's allowance, so PM can't do weight ruby will ride. One he would be on if had a choice.


JLT:
DM: Rode SH this morning over whatever was wrong at Donnie last ime.
JB: Trip wont bother SJ cant guarantee he will run.
OM: Big Zabanna fan, thinks hed be half price if trained by WM/GE.


Ryanair
JB: Smashing def goes, loves heavy, handles good.


WH:
All: Thistlecrack class apart
OM: POS good ew on bad ground.
DM: LC 2 time G1 winner, come on massively for run, and trip and better ground and pace, thats 4 things that'll improve him.


Mares Nv:
All like Limini.
JB: Jespers Dream the value.
DM: Cant see past Limini, improve for better ground, jumps ok.


Triumph:
Average bunch all said would forgive AG.
DM: said danny rode sensible last day, likes AJ. Doesnt know if FP best of willies just got best ride.
JB: Keep beating one and other.


AB:
DM: Gangster more impressive beating a horse than Bellshill, confident he'll stay.
JB: Cornered him and said he can't see past BH, has it all and cant get passed, sets standard. Between SV n BH.
OM: SV come on for better ground.


GC:
OM: Everything went wrong in KG for DC, still in shout 2 out. Thinks hed have won. big DA fan, if DP misses one beat race over. Cant have Vautour.
JB: If DC was ridden like V in KG wouldnt have been like Kauto Star's win. Like DA & DP. VL got into deceiving position last time went too hard in front.
DM: Likes DC. Said last race was confidence boost. Excited to ride VL.


Others:

OM: Keep an eye on Jet Stream Jack off 134. Diamond King, Diamond King, Diamond King. Russell to ride. Desoto County bad ride last time off Kennedy. Our Father, goes well fresh, Kim muir, codd to ride. Campeador (FW) face lit up, didn't want to say anything as JP horse, heard from MC after he got in trouble for time cause of causes few years back, JP wasnt happy. The less he said the more confident you felt. Squouateor also mentioned not sure what race.
JB: Sizing Codelco in GA. Aupcharlie in FH (Codd to ride).
DM: Feather Player (I think) beat Diamond king last time good shout in county.

Hulk Hands

I know that write up above is just copied and pasted from someone else, but it's a bit funny how everyone is mentioned bar the "PP rep". That rep was Andrew Moore, son of the Trainer, and an odds compiler. He was bar far and away the best panelist which consisted of J.Burke saying to back everything he rides, David Mullins saying "I dont know" and Elliots lad deferring questions. Poor enough night all in all (cock ups with microphones), but AM was the only one worth listening to. Best takeaway was that there's no margin in either the RSA or WH fields, so get involved earlier rather than later. NMH and MOT (if he goes) can only shorten from this point forward.

Mr Jinx

ON ZEE BRIDLE wrote: »

Is cafe on seine not on this year lads?

Doesn't seem to be on this year, plus there is one on in D2 on the same night Cafe en Seine used to be on.

seoirsem

Betfair preview night online at 8pm tonight, with Paul Nicholls and Davy Russel among others.

Bangor Billy

A view from this side of the water. Jumping Prospects preview, Monday 7th March.

Panel : Charlie Longsdon, Ben Pauling, Andy Holding, John Parrott

Obviously a lot of support for the good things but made these notes on some others.

Champion Hurdle : JP been speaking to someone from the Twiston Davies yard. The New One is better than he has been for two years. Wasn't right last year but still finished 5th and the 4 who beat him don't run. All the lads in the yard are backing him.

NH Chase : BP runs Local Show and expects big run. Very well and trip will be no problem. Tom David rides.

Coral Cup : AH very keen on Arbre de Vie on speed figures.

Fred Winter : JP said Diego du Charmil laid out for this

Bumper : BP very keen on Battleford.

Ryanair : BP still close to Henderson yard. Big fancy for Josses Hill

World Hurdle : CL said his horse Kilcooley far to big at 25's. Great ew chance if ground is soft.

Pertemps: CL has laid out Our Kaempfer for this. Expects big run.

Albert Bartlett : BP obviously thinks Barters Hill has every chance. Done a lot of schooling since Doncaster as jumping was a bit iffy. Race usually turns into a slog and nothing will out battle him.

CL said Ballydine may not run as AB is such a tough race.

County Hurdle : BP said Cyrius Moriviere is absolutely flying at home and worth bit ew if ground decent.

Martin Pipe : JP has had word for Qualando.

Finally BP said look out for Bally Gilbert when it turns up in a Bumper. Expects it to win.

ryant1981

Anyone have notes from THE WOODLANDS HOTEL or the DUNRVEN ARMS preview nights please ?

dk6dk6

ryant1981 wrote: »

Anyone have notes from THE WOODLANDS HOTEL or the DUNRVEN ARMS preview nights please ?

Go onto the Cheltenham forum on fat jockey.com and you'll find notes from the majority of preview nights.

cashcarson

2FM Preview show on now nothing to get excited about with the panel anyway.

maximo31

As always, there was a fine crowd at The Salthill Hotel on Monday night for the annual Cheltenham preview event, which was this year sponsored by Paddy Power, with all proceeds in aid of Barney Curley's charity Direct Aid for Africa.

There is so much information bandied about at these types of events that one needs to take it with a pinch of salt, but there was no doubt it was an entertaining night for all who attended. The panel consisted of jockey Davy Russell, amateur jockey and assistant trainer Patrick Mullins, local tipster George McDonagh, and The Racing Post's Paul Kealy, whose colleague Johnathan Mullin was asking the questions. There was banter aplenty, especially from Russell, who is never afraid to speak his mind. The jockey said Paddy Power had saved so much money following the fall of hotpot Annie Power in last year's Mares' Hurdle that the least he could do was buy a round of drink for the house. The affable bookmaker took the bait and duly obliged to a rapturous round of applause. It is fair to say, he will always be welcomed back to Galway.

Now to the serious business of punting, and what will make us some money at Cheltenham? Firstly to the Supreme Novice and Patrick Mullins, whose stable holds an embarrassment of riches heading across the water, was very much in the Min wins camp. "His two wins have been nothing short of exceptional. His form looks rock solid. I have not seen anything that looks as good. I think on what he has shown, he looks a winner." There has been talk of the 6/4 favourite being a buzzy type which may boil over at Cheltenham, this did not seem an issue for Mullins. He has been keen but that has not stopped him. The fast pace at Cheltenham should help him settle." The Racing Post's Paul Kealy put up English hope Altior, saying he was a 'very, very fast horse' and believed the two should be closer in price. Davy Russell has been impressed by Gigginstown runner Tombstone. "I like him, he'll improve for better ground. Gordan (Elliott ) has his horses in serious order, he looks a bit of value."

Regarding the middle distance novice hurdle, the Neptune, Paul Kealy said the level of form shown by favourite Yanworth was 'ridiculously good'. "He ran to a rating of 160 the last day - you don't see that level of form outside of the Festival itself. I just hope he didn't leave the race behind him that day but I have a feeling that Yanworth is different class. Patrick Mullins gave a shout to A Toi Phil as possibly being the yard's best chance as he is working very well. "There could be further improvement in him. Bellshill's form the last day was too bad to be true. He is working very well again and being by King's Theatre will be better on good ground. Long Dog is made for the Neptune, he has done very little wrong." Davy Russell recommended the crowd to back Yorkhill as he 'adores' this horse, which "ticks every box to win a Neptune. He's tough and has done everything right." However it appears Yorkhill may be taking the Supreme route. Patrick Mullins noting that 'wherever he turns up he must be taken seriously, he has a huge amount of ability.'

Gangster; the horse to back outside of the yard's big name favourites

In the long distance novice, the Albert Bartlett, Mullins appeared very sweet on Gangster. "He is working very well and has caught my eye a few times. He is a half brother to Rite of Passage so is very well bred. I think because he started off in the summer, he has not attracted as much attention as some of ours."

The Arkle was an open and closed job, with everyone in staunch agreement that the monster that is Douvan is unbeatable. Paul Kealy nominated Sizing John as a good bet without the favourite - he is 7/2 to win or come second to Douvan.

Moving on to the RSA, the race was seen as a clear match between No More Heros and More of That and the big debate being whcih would prevail. The former described as 'a false Irish banker' by Paddy Power who believes More of That is simply a better horse. Patrick Mullins professed himself to be a big No More Heros fan. "I think he's a fantastic jumper, he was unlucky not to win the Albert Bartlett last year." Davy Russell was off the same view. "He is my idea of a future Gold Cup winner. I have adored him since he was a youngster, he has always been a class horse."

The Champion Hurdle was very clear cut for the panel who believe Ladies Day will come 24 hours early with Annie Power the clear pick. Patrick Mullins said the stable was very lucky to be able to call her up to fill the breach, following the defection of both Faugheen and Arctic Fire. "She has not had the ideal preparation, she could have had more experience this year running at speed over hurdles, but I think she is more than capable of doing it." He said Nichols Canyon's run against Identity Thief at Christmas meant they could not be split, so by process of elimination that left Annie Power as the winner. Davy Russell was also very confident in the mare's ability, believing she would win. "She makes bits of anything she runs against."

The Champion Chase is also geared up to be another Mullin's payday with nothing being put forward as any real danger to Un De Sceux. Paul Kealy thinks the field will be 'blown away' by the favourite. George McDonagh described him as 'a stone wall certainty'. Patrick Mullins alluded to jumping concerns; "He has fallen twice, both times it has been his first run of the season, when he has been very fresh and has basically just been a bit of an eejit. He was settling much better in his races at the end of last year. It looks like it's his for the taking."

In the third of the big four, the Stayers Hurdle, Thistlecrack was described by Paul Kealy as being bombproof. "He has improved out of all recognition, and has slaughtered everything he met this season. I can not see what is going to beat him. Davy Russell said it was very hard to fault the favourite and he was "actually value at 6/5."

Lots of opinions but no conclusive answer

And so to the big one; The Gold Cup. There seemed to be a consensus among the panel that it was hard to split the top five in the betting - as there was a case for and against them all. It now appears that Vautour will run here, and Mullins says the key people in the yard think he will stay the longer trip. He is expecting an improved showing from his King George second, pointing out Vautour is a better horse going left-handed, and that the Mullins' horses are never set to peak at Christmas. There was murmurings that Vautour's work had been poor - and interestingly it was pointed out that Gangster had beat him eight lengths in a recent piece of work. Patrick Mullins appeared unconcerned. "Vautour is never a particularly good work horse, his work this year would be no different to what it was last year, and the performance he put up then was extra-ordinary." D'jackadam, he said, was a fantastic jumper and there would be little between them. Paul Kealy believed Don Poli was a lay. "These are very, very good horses he is running against, I can't see how he will make the amount of improvement he needs to make to get near these horses." Davy Russell, who will ride whichever of the Don's not ridden by Brian Cooper, said it was fiercely competitive and he would be just glad to have a ride in the race. He said Ruby believes Vautour will stay the trip, and the man's opinion must be respected as he knows what it takes to win a Gold Cup, but he personally does not think the horse will stay. The debate went on and on, but nobody seemed to have a conclusive answer about which horse would emerge as the winner.

The panel's charity bets were to be worth €100, but again following much ribbing from Russell to stump up more for charity, the amount was doubled by a patient Paddy Power. The bets were as follows; Patrick Mullins; €200 win Annie Power, Champion Hurdle. George McDonagh; €200 win Don Cossack, Gold Cup. Davy Russell; €200 win double; Limini in the Mare's Novice Hurdle, and Vroom Vroom Mag in the Mare's Hurdle. Paddy Power; €200 win Native River in the four miler. Jonathan Mullin; €200 win; Our Kaempfer in the Pertemps. Paul Kealy; €200 win Fingal Bay - in whichever Handicap Chase he runs.

Event organiser Barney Curley spoke and was also allowed a bet in aid of his own charity. The legendary punter nominated a €200 double on Annie Power and Thistlecrack.