Its an era when northern trainers are dominating in jump racing. From northern base, Jonjo O’Neil, Tommy Stack, Rono Barry were champion jockey in recent years.
The jump racing trainers from north like John Quinn, Sue Smith, Brian Ellison and Donald McCain put tremendous efforts. Despite of their efforts, there is a decline of northern raiders participation in jump racing.
Its only Cheltenham Festival where northern trained runners participates in the races. Also, there is a regular decrease of northern trainers in recent years.
Even almost all the rich owners prefer to send their horses to the south for the training.
Brian Hughes, who has astonishing record of ridding 129 winners has teamed up with campaigner Jefferson for Cheltenham Festival 2018 and looking forward for some more success.
There are 28 races held at the Cheltenham Festival, with seven each on Champion Day (13th March), Ladies’ Day (14th March), St Patrick’s Thursday (15th March) and Gold Cup Day (16th March).
Have a look on these six leading northern runners at Cheltenham Festival 2018 –
-
Cyrus Darius( Champion Hurdle) – A talented horse, who is overpriced criminally going to run in Champion Hurdle. Its from the team Hughes and Jefferson. After his recent victory, he came out in finer form.
-
Cloudy Dream(Arkle Trophy)– Again Hughs and Jefferson team up to make Cloudy Dream run in the Arkle. Although Arkle Trophy is the ultimate destination for Cloudy Dream, Altior is there in competition.
According to Ruth, the yard is not scared of one horse.
-
Double W’s(Close Brothers Chase)- A talented seven years old is a preferable choice for good grounds and considered as a strong traveller by Ruth.
-
Forest Bihan(Arkle Trophy) – Lots of eyes will be on him in Arkle. Last time he has beaten the Cloudy Dream and this time also they are going to run in Arkle as competitors.
-
Baywing (National Hunt Chase) – Expectations are high from the young chaser only if the ground is soft. In case rain does arrive, Baywing has capability and stamina to win.
-
Sam Spinner(Stayer’s Hurdle)- An extremely talented flag bearer for the North, he is an obvious choice for Stayer’s Hurdle, feature race of St Patrick’s Thursday. Stayer’s Hurdle is the most prestigious long-distance hurdling event in horse racing and is one of the highlights of the festival. William Hill provides latest St Patrick’s Day tips and results, visit their site for more details on this special event.