The Ryanair Mares Novices Hurdle has quickly developed its own identity since its inception. This Grade 2 race, also known as the Dawn Run, has become a significant event in the horse racing calendar, attracting top competitors.

Bambino Fever, trained by Willie Mullins, is currently the favorite for the 2026 edition of this race, boasting odds of 1/1. The horse gained prominence after winning the Champion Bumper at last year’s Festival, showcasing impressive talent and potential.

In a notable turn of events, Bambino Fever faced a setback when Oldschool Outlaw defeated her on her hurdling debut at Naas. This loss has not diminished expectations, as observers remain confident in her abilities to reclaim her status in the upcoming race.

Other competitors include Echoing Silence, who has demonstrated back-to-back wins and Listed-level form, and Full Of Life, trained by Henry De Bromhead. The race can accommodate a full field of up to 22 mares, making it a highly competitive event.

Willie Mullins has a strong track record in this race, having won it five times previously. His experience and training prowess are expected to play a crucial role in Bambino Fever’s performance.

As the race approaches, the anticipation builds among fans and participants alike. Darragh O’Keeffe, a jockey associated with the event, expressed gratitude for the opportunity, stating, “I’m very grateful to be racing for Henry.” This sentiment reflects the camaraderie and dedication present in the racing community.

Brian Acheson, another key figure, remarked, “Darragh on the horse is the hero. He’s done it all now,” highlighting the importance of teamwork in achieving success on the track.

With the race set to take place over a distance of 2m179y, observers are keenly watching how Bambino Fever will perform against her rivals. The stakes are high, and the excitement surrounding the event continues to grow.

As the date approaches, further developments are anticipated, and details remain unconfirmed regarding the final lineup of competitors. The racing world eagerly awaits the outcome of this thrilling event.

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Dan Skelton is training L’Eau Du Sud for the Champion Chase at Cheltenham, following an impressive victory in the Shloer Chase where he won by 15 lengths. This marks a significant return for L’Eau Du Sud, who has not raced in 223 days prior to this upcoming event.

Skelton has expressed confidence in L’Eau Du Sud’s ability, stating, “He loves running fresh,” which bodes well given the horse’s limited racing this season. L’Eau Du Sud has only two runs so far, winning both by a combined total of 33 lengths.

In addition to L’Eau Du Sud, Skelton is also focusing on other horses. Kateira has been highlighted as his each-way horse of the week for the Coral Cup, carrying 11 stone—a notable reduction from her previous weight of 12 stone.

Skelton remarked, “I have put up Kateira as my each-way horse of the week in all the previews and the ground has come right for her in the old Coral Cup.” This suggests a strategic approach as he prepares for the upcoming races.

Bossman Jack has shown good form in his last two outings, while Soldier Reeves finished second in a race at Haydock prior to Cheltenham. Meanwhile, Majborough recently made headlines by winning the Dublin Racing Festival by an impressive 19 lengths.

Skelton is also keenly aware of the competition, particularly from Willie Mullins, as he aims to surpass him in the trainers’ championship. “We will have to do a lot to beat Majborough, but we are very happy with our prep,” he noted, indicating a strong commitment to his training regimen.

The Champion Chase will be a pivotal moment for Skelton and his team, as they look to capitalize on their recent successes and the form of their horses. Details remain unconfirmed regarding the final line-up for the race, but anticipation is building as the event approaches.

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Alan Brazil, a well-known host of talkSPORT Breakfast, missed his live broadcast from Cheltenham today, marking another incident in a series of absences during the prestigious Cheltenham Festival.

Brazil, who is 66 years old, has been a staple of the station for several years, particularly during this annual event. He was in the hotseat from Monday to cover the festival but did not make it to the second day.

This is not the first time Brazil has faced challenges during Cheltenham; he was famously axed by talkSPORT in 2004 after going AWOL at the same event. Additionally, he missed the final day of coverage two years ago due to tiredness and a knee issue.

Earlier this year, Brazil also missed several shows due to feeling unwell, raising concerns among his listeners. However, his absence today was clarified by his colleagues, who stated it was not due to alcohol but rather a need for rest after the demanding coverage.

Shebahn Aherne and Dean Saunders stepped in to host the show in Brazil’s absence, reassuring listeners that he is fine and will be back on-air tomorrow. Aherne noted, “He’s not made it to day two of Cheltenham, he’s resting up and he’ll be back tomorrow.”

Dean Saunders added, “He’ll be back. He’s coming back. He’s not drinking, don’t worry about that.” Brazil’s commitment to sobriety during the festival has been a notable change, especially given his well-known fondness for a Guinness.

Despite missing one day of the festival, Brazil is expected to attend Cheltenham later as a punter and will host shows on Thursday and Friday, bringing his total to two massive shows later in the week.

As the situation unfolds, listeners are eager for Brazil’s return to the airwaves, and his colleagues have assured fans that he is in good health.

Details remain unconfirmed regarding any further implications of his absence, but Brazil’s history with Cheltenham suggests that his fans will be watching closely.

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Before the recent race at Cheltenham, expectations surrounding King Rasko Grey were modest. The horse, trained by Willie Mullins, was sent off at odds of 11-1, a reflection of the general sentiment that he was not among the favorites. Many observers believed that the competition would be dominated by more established contenders, particularly the 5/2 favorite, No Drama This End.

Decisive Moment

The decisive moment came during the Turners Novices’ Hurdle on March 11, 2026, when King Rasko Grey defied the odds, winning by two and a half lengths. This victory not only marked a significant achievement for the horse but also secured Willie Mullins his eighth victory in this prestigious Grade 1 event.

Immediate Effects

The immediate aftermath of the race saw a mix of reactions. Act Of Innocence finished in second place, while Zeus Power, who had odds of 50-1, claimed third. Notably, No Drama This End was pulled up before the final flight, leaving many to reconsider their pre-race predictions.

Expert Perspectives

Willie Mullins expressed his surprise at the odds, stating, “I couldn’t believe he was 11/1. People were asking me for one under the radar and I never dreamt he would be anything like 11/1.” This sentiment highlights the unexpected nature of King Rasko Grey’s performance.

Furthermore, Mullins remarked on the significance of the win for owner Audrey Turley, especially following the earlier disappointment with Galopin Des Champs. “It’s great for the Turleys after the disappointment earlier in the week, it’s fantastic for them to have a winner here,” he noted.

Future Prospects

Looking ahead, Nicky Henderson, a respected figure in the racing community, commented on King Rasko Grey’s potential, stating, “He will make a magnificent chaser so we know where we are going with him.” This suggests that the horse may have a promising future in the sport.

As the racing community reflects on this surprising outcome, the victory of King Rasko Grey serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of horse racing. Details remain unconfirmed regarding the implications of this win for future races, but it is clear that this event has left a lasting impact on all involved.

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The Cheltenham Festival commenced on March 10, 2026, showcasing thrilling races and remarkable performances. Among the standout results, King Rasko Grey triumphed in the Turners Novices’ Hurdle (Grade 1) with odds of 11/1.

Another highlight of the day was Kitzbuhel, who secured victory in the Brown Advisory Novices Chase (Grade 1), also at 11/1. The festival continues to draw attention as it features four days of intense competition.

Old Park Star emerged victorious in the SkyBet Supreme Novices’ Hurdle (Grade 1), finishing at 15/8. This race, along with others, contributes to the excitement surrounding the festival.

Additionally, Lossiemouth claimed the title in the Unibet Champion Hurdle (Grade 1) with odds of 7/5, further establishing the competitive nature of this year’s event.

The Cheltenham Roar greeted the runners and riders in the opener, setting the stage for an exhilarating atmosphere. The festival is known for featuring both established stars and new heroes emerging in the racing world.

On March 10, the Champion Hurdle Challenge Trophy was also held, marking a significant event in the festival’s calendar. The second day of the festival will highlight the Queen Mother Champion Chase, anticipated by many racing enthusiasts.

As the festival progresses, observers are keen to see how the remaining races unfold and which horses will rise to prominence. The excitement surrounding the Cheltenham Festival continues to build, with many looking forward to the upcoming races.

Details remain unconfirmed regarding any potential surprises or upsets that may occur in the following days of the festival.

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On March 10, 2026, JP McManus celebrated his 75th birthday in spectacular fashion at the Cheltenham Festival, achieving a remarkable 208-1 handicap double. This milestone not only highlights his enduring presence in the horse racing world but also underscores his status as one of the most successful owners in Cheltenham history.

McManus’s success at the festival was marked by significant victories, including a win by his horse Johnnywho in the Ultima Handicap Chase. This victory was particularly poignant for jockey Richie McLernon, who secured his first festival win in 12 years. McManus expressed his joy, stating, “It’s unbelievable to have a double here, and with Richie [McLernon] riding him too.” This sentiment reflects the emotional weight of the day, combining personal celebration with professional triumph.

In addition to Johnnywho’s victory, another of McManus’s horses, Saratoga, clinched the McCoy Juvenile Hurdle, further solidifying McManus’s dominance at the event. The day was marked by the impressive performance of Jagwar, who was the 3-1 favorite in the Ultima Handicap Chase but ultimately fell short. The competitive nature of the races showcased the high stakes involved, with McManus’s horses frequently priced at 4/1 and under.

JP McManus’s achievements at Cheltenham are not new; this event marked his 86th festival success, a testament to his long-standing involvement and success in the sport. His horses have consistently performed well, and Sir Anthony McCoy, a legendary figure in horse racing, noted that this is the best squad McManus has sent to Cheltenham, indicating the high expectations surrounding his entries.

Other notable performances included Nicky Henderson’s horse Old Park Star, which won the Skybet Supreme Novices Hurdle, showcasing the depth of talent present at the festival. The day was a celebration not just of McManus’s birthday but also of the vibrant and competitive spirit of horse racing.

Richie McLernon, reflecting on his long-awaited return to the winner’s circle, expressed gratitude for the support he received during his recovery from injury, stating, “It was tough being out through injury, but thanks to everybody in the NHS in Gloucester. I had a great operation there.” His return to form adds another layer of narrative to the day’s events, intertwining personal and professional stories.

The Cheltenham Festival continues to be a highlight in the horse racing calendar, and with McManus’s ongoing involvement, the excitement surrounding his horses remains palpable. As the festival progresses, fans and participants alike look forward to further developments and potential victories from McManus’s stable.

As the day concluded, the atmosphere was electric, with fans celebrating not only the victories but also the legacy of JP McManus in the world of horse racing. Details remain unconfirmed about future races and entries, but the anticipation for what is next in McManus’s storied career continues to grow.

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