Cheltenham Festival 2020!

The sporting calendar has been left rather up in the air of late – but the finest festival in horse racing is underway! Cheltenham has been a mainstay of spring sport for goodness knows how long, but there’s still nothing that prepares you for the heart-pounding, fence-leaping, all-action excitement!

 

With Day One down, we’re already counting the minutes to starter’s orders on Wednesday – and if you’re not sure why, then read on! Once you get a look, you’ll likely be tuning into Virgin Media One, Virgin TV 103, from 1pm like the rest of us!

 

AND THEY’RE OFF

 

And not in the bad way! Health concerns have put paid to all manner of events this month, so it’s a cause for celebration that the iconic meeting is underway, just as planned. Indeed, the opening day saw loads more reason to make some noise, with some spectacular racing getting things off to a flying start! And especially if you’re from these shores…

 

IRISH EYES ARE SMILING

 

It took all of two races before Irish victory; the very Irish named Put The Kettle On romping home to victory in the Arkle Challenge Trophy. That was merely the start of it, though; trainer Henry De Bromhead was back in the winner’s circle with Honeysuckle later on, while JP McManus and Barry Geraghty had the big win of the day with Epatante. And that’s without mentioning…

 

THE RACHAEL

 

No, we’re not talking about Jennifer Aniston’s haircut in Friends; we’re talking about the groundbreaking jockey who might just steal the show this week! Tipperary native Rachael Blackmore has long established herself as one of the best riders around, but this week is fancied to have every chance of writing her name into the pantheon; with last year’s winners back, and a cracking line-up of mounts for the rest of the week, we could be seeing history in the making!

 

THE FUN TO COME

 

Tiger Roll rolling on? Paul Townend looking to replicate the success of his predecessor Ruby Walsh? The prince (ahem) of long-distance, Paisley Park? There’s so much to keep an eye on, it’s hard to know where to start – and that’s without even broaching the subject of Friday’s main event, the Cheltenham Gold Cup! Yes, make no mistake, the jewel in horse racing’s crown is shining bright once again; we dare you not to join in the fun!

 

You’re always guaranteed your sporting fix with Virgin Media Sport – click here to find out more!