Cheltenham 2016, day three - Vautour and Thistlecrack both win in grand style

Happy days.

There were several very impressive wins. Vautour and Limini both stormed home for Walsh and Mullins. Mighty though those triumphs were, the win for Thistlecrack under Tom Scudamore was perhaps the topper of the lot. Two evens favourites and an 8/11 fave ensured that the bookmakers had a kicking, which is all very pleasing.

There were some strong performances elsewhere, including Black Hercules, who took the first under a classy ride from Ruby Walsh. That race was notable for an incident before the off, when there was a false start. Davy Russell thought that the starter wanted them to circle round and re-set, but the starter sent them off with Russell's mount facing 90 degrees across the track - the horse promptly ejected his rider, to Russell's fury.

There were two fatalities on the day.  Niceonefrankie was put down after breaking a leg and No More Heroes, who was badly hurt yesterday, was also put down. That takes the death toll to five for the Festival.

Tomorrow, it is the Timico Cheltenham Gold Cup. Please join us for that from 11.30am. Thank you.

It says: "Today is the greatest day I've ever known", which is a lyric from the Smashing Pumpkins song 'Today'.

Scenes!

Anyway, as you know, Vic P is riding at Cheltenham tomorrow. Here, Paul Hayward finds out more about it

Stunt or stunning? Cheltenham Festival ride for Victoria Pendleton splits opinion

He flew through the field there

Cheltenham 5.30 

1 Cause Of Causes (Mr J J Codd) 9-2 

2 A Good Skin (Mr M Legg) 14-1 

3 Silvergrove (Mr Tom David) 16-1 

4 Knock House (Ms N Carberry) 16-1 

22 ran 

Also: 4-1 Fav Doctor Harper 

Doctor Harper at the back after about four fences.

Splash of Ginge and Silvergrove are leading. The Giant Bolster in the mix. Amigo is in third in this 3 mile and 2 chase for amateur riders.

All still standing after a circuit, Mon Parrain the top weight is up there.

With a circuit to travel, it is Mon Parrain and Silvergrove, Amigo third and Splash of Ginge fourth. Corrin Wood and The Giant Bolster coming through.

The Job Is Right has unseated his rider.

Ericht looks likely to be pulled up. Mon Parrain dropping backwards too.

Doctor Harper now, making some ground, he's up into ninth or so.

Four to jump.

Top Wood and Lost Legend are fallers.

Amigo well in front coming to the final turn. But here comes Cause of Causes and he has absolutely flown past them, he is over the last safely, and Cause Of Causes has absolutely romped home. A sixth winner for Ireland! A second winner for Gordon Elliott, some small consolation after the loss of No More Heroes.

"I really don't fancy the bookmakers' chances after today. It has been carnage. They will try to find a way back but I don't see it."

Sing it, brother.

Here is Marlborough

5.30 UPSWING never ran his race in the bottomless mud at Chepstow and is better judged on earlier form that gives him strong claims. Mon Parrain, Splash Of Ginge and Indian Castle are others worth considering.

Sorry to confirm that, as was reported, Niceonefrankie has indeed been put down after breaking a leg.

"Some very strong performances today, but for me Thistlecrack tops the lot."

"She was given as the banker a long time ago, a very talented filly. She was the one we all thought [would win]," says Ruby of Limini.

Willie Mullins: "She is a different sort of mare to Annie Power and Vroum Vroum Mag, she is a flat or hurdle filly. We might try her over the flat at Ascot." I am 99% sure Mullins said the Ascot Gold Cup but didn't catch it quite.

In grand style. She was staying on well, no reason why she could not get a longer trip.

Stan James are offering 7/1 about her for next year's  David Nicholson Mares' Hurdle (that's the one Vroum Vroum Mag won this year...)

Tom Peacock writes:

Football-style chants of ‘Ruby, Ruby’ coming from the stands as Walsh walks back past, that winner has got as big a cheer as any of his three winners today. Limini was clearly the best horse in the race but Walsh was very calm to wait and get around the traffic.

And it is Smart Talk and Tea In Transvaal who lead us over the second.

Limini is perhaps fifth, Bloody Mary just ahead of her.

Whistle Dixie in the mix coming wide.

Actinpieces is also up with the leaders.

Coming to the top of the hill it is Tea in Transvaal who takes that third last in front but any number of mares are still in this.

Coming up to the second last Transvaal is in the lead, Limini has a bit to do in fifth, Ruby holiding on,

Ruby produces Limini just coming up to the last, she lands in front and quickens away, this is a very impressive win from Limini. Up there with the Annie Power win earlier in the week.

Limini wins, that is seven wins for the Ricci-Mullins-Walsh team

Limini looks set to go off at 8/11 for the Ricci-Mullins-Walsh triumvirate.

Bloody Mary, in the JP colours, perhaps the best threat. She is a wee little grey thing who has won five bumpers out of five in France.

Tea In Transvaal has won some races, is an improver.

Two miles and a furlong to run over the hurdles. Eight flights I believe.

But it's Limini v The Rest according to the bookmakers

It is being widely claimed on social media that Niceonefrankie has been put down... awaiting confirmation.

Ruby Walsh said that Limini was a surer thing than Vautour earlier in the week. If Limini gets home, it is going to be a good old fashioned kicking for the bookies today.

Let's hope so anyway.

Empire Of Dirt powered through the field to give Bryan Cooper his first winner of the meeting in the Brown Advisory & Merriebelle Stable Plate Handicap Chase at Cheltenham.

Cooper brought Colm Murphy's nine-year-old with a steady run on the outside to put in a challenge from two out.

Empire Of Dirt (16-1), wearing the Gigginstown House Stud colours, kept on stoutly up the hill to beat Tango De Juilley by four lengths.

Kings Palace put up a solid performance to take third place a length and a quarter away, while Full Shift was fourth.

There were several casualties, including Stilletto unseating his rider at the third, Darna falling at the eighth fence, bringing down Bear's Affair and badly hampering Fingal Bay, while Niceonefrankie came down at the fourth-last.

Cooper expressed delight at having secured his first Festival winner of the week.

He said: "It's just a relief. I've had so many good rides, to be fair.

"I know the horses are running as good as they are - they are just coming up one or two better ones."

Of Empire Of Dirt, Cooper said: "They went a good gallop and he won with a fair bit up his sleeve."

Murphy said: "I was a bit animated coming down to the last, it's fantastic.

"He's hit the ground a few times along the way but he's been a good buy and we gave him every chance today.

"He settled really well today, he has been hard on himself initially but he's starting to enjoy his racing now.

"It's nice to get a winner for Eddie and Michael (O'Leary) on Ryanair day."

From PA

Day three of the Cheltenham Festival started in controversial fashion as Zabana unshipped Davy Russell at the start of the JLT Novices' Chase.

With the field reduced to a standing start, Zabana and his rider parted company when still appearing to be sideways on to the rest of the field and colliding with Outlander.

Russell, who went on to ride the winner of the next race, Mall Dini in the Pertemps Final, said: "It was frustrating. There was no indication we were going to go.

"My horse was static and I felt he was stuck to the ground, so I needed to move him.

"When I pulled sideways, he ducked from the tape and ran into Bryan (Cooper, on Outlander) and there was only one route for me then.

"It's unfortunate and it was quite sharp the way it happened. Usually you get a chance to organise yourself.

"I'm frustrated for the connections. It's fine for me, I go 40 minutes later for a different trainer and a different owner and that's fine.

"Andrew Lynch (trainer) is 70-odd years of age, here comes here with one horse and you'd like a go.

"They're good losers as well as good winners. It's hard to stomach that one. That's the game we're in."

Jamie Stier, Director of Raceday Operations and Regulation for the British Horseracing Authority, said: "The stewards held an inquiry into the start of the RSA Chase. A false start had been called because some horses had approached the tape at a canter. However, in the circumstances it was found that no riders had breached the rules.

"In the subsequent standing start Zabana, the mount of Davy Russell, was being turned at an angle to the tapes as they were being raised. The horse was then subsequently knocked from behind by Outlander, causing Davy Russell to unseat.

"We appreciate that the incident looked untidy, but having reviewed it we were satisfied that starting procedures had been followed correctly."

He went on: "The new starting procedures have been working well and been very effective for more than a year thanks to a good understanding between the riders and the starters. The number of false starts are considerably down.

"The standing starts are in place because the past has shown that after a false start has been called it is more likely that the horses will be harder to control and keep at a walk. The standing start approach is intended to ensure that only two starts are ever needed."

A rough and tumble race, a lot of fallers.

Bryan Cooper: "He is a horse you cannot interfere with, but I always felt I had a bit up my sleeve."

Cheltenham 4.10

1 Empire Of Dirt (B J Cooper) 16-1 

2 Tango De Juilley (J W Kennedy) 33-1 

3 Kings Palace (T Scudamore) 11-1 

4 Full Shift (M P Walsh) 7-1 

22 ran 

Also: 11-2 Jt Fav Johns Spirit, Stilletto 

Sew on target leads and it is Niceonefrankie in second.

Stiletto has fallen at the third.

King's Palace is travelling quite well will 11 to jump, Fingal Bay with an iffy leap there though.

Dana falls, brings down Bears Affair, Fingal's Bay badly hampered.

Kings Lad has eaten his way through a fence there and is pulled up.

Four to jump and Niceonefrankie falls, it's Kings Palace from Sew On Target.

But Empire Of Dirt looks the one with most to say coming up to the second last. 

With one to jump it is Empire of Dirt and Kings Palace who take it neck and neck... Empire of Dirt wins it. the fading Kings Palace is overhauled by Tango De Juilley who will take the silver medal.

False start though, so we will come back, and it will be a standing start.

That horse is pointing the wrong way. What a bloody idiot.

The Nicky Henderson horse is carrying just 10-4 and Barry Geraghty has, notably, opted to take the ride.

oop, hold up though

Thistlecrack confirmed his position as the stand-out in his division as he comfortably won the Ryanair World Hurdle at Cheltenham.

Travelling beautifully throughout for Tom Scudamore, the Colin Tizzard-trained eight year-old led two out and shrugged aside the brave Alpha Des Obeaux to be crowned the champion three-miler.

Cole Harden made the running but he could not reproduce last year's heroics as Thistlecrack stormed past.

The even-money favourite stormed up the hill to pull seven lengths clear of Alpha Des Obeaux. Festival regular Bobs Worth - winner of the Gold Cup in 2013 - plugged on for third place some 22 lengths away, with Cole Harden fourth.

Scudamore said: "I've spent my whole life running around in these races, nearly getting there, and finally I've got a horse like this. It's unbelievable, I never realised it could be so easy!

"I always had lots of confidence in my fella, once we jumped the last it was all over. That was fantastic, what a racehorse. I think it's fair to say he's the best I've sat on.

"I wouldn't mind jumping a fence on him, but he's very good over hurdles. Wherever he goes, I'll be following him, that's for sure."

Annie Power, Douvan, Vautour, now Thistlecrack.

 

"He has been on wonderful form all season and it is great to get him here like that today."

 

"All my life I have been going round in the big races. Finally, I have got a horse like this. It is unbelievable. I never knew it could be so easy."

Second place for the game but well beaten Alpha Des Obeaux. Old Bob's Worth with a game third, albeit that he is fair miles behind. 

It's Knockara Beau who leads them

Nine to jump and it is Cole Harden, Kilcooley is also involved. Martello Tower and Bobs Worth, dear old boy that he is.

Thistlecrack racing in seventh as they come up to, well, the seventh.

Knockara Beau under pressure.

Cole Harden leads the World Hurdle, Kilcooley in second, Thistlecrack is looking powerful and composed in third.

Fisher's Cross and Knockara both look beat. Thistlecrack moves into second.

With two to jump it is Cole Harden from Thistlecrack, Alpha Des Obeaux is looking strong. As they come to the last it is Thistlecrack and Alpha Des Obeaux.

Coming to the last Thistlecrack is looking extremely impressive... he is miles clear... all he has to do is jump it. And he is over! Thistlecrack wins by a street.

Kilcooley, who carries on his back the each way hopes of your humble live blogger, as well as my colleagues Giles and Ali, seems to have wandered away from the main group.

Great. We've backed a weirdo.

Have a word with him Fergie. Give him the hairdryer.

Big race. Can Thistlecrack, who has gone odds-on in the betting, deliver?

looks pretty sweet now, doesn't it?

Anyhow, we now turn to the Ryanair Thistlecrack.

"His body is monstrous," says Alice Plunkett of this mighty beast.

This chap here says he is a Thistlecrack fan - hence the tie. "I am not interested in tomorrow or Tuesday, I am here to follow this one horse."

 

Three out of three for Ireland today.

Should he have gone for the Gold Cup?

"They went a good gallop and he jumped like a buck. He went to the line with his ears pricked. He was spectacular today."

Vautour justified the late decision to bypass the Timico Gold Cup by running away with the Ryanair Chase at Cheltenham.

Scoring at the Festival for the third time in a row, the even-money favourite was giving trainer Willie Mullins and jockey Ruby Walsh their sixth winner of the 2016 meeting.

Village Vic did the majority of the donkey work until Walsh asked Vautour to go about his business after the fifth-last fence.

Road To Riches, who was also switched from the Gold Cup, tried to serve it up to the Rich Ricci-owned Vautour but it cost him second place.

Six lengths away, Valseur Lido snatched the runner-up spot for Mullins and Gigginstown House Stud by half a length from Road To Riches, also carrying the colours of Ryanair boss Michael O'Leary.

Al Ferof ran a creditable race in fourth.

Walsh said: "We went a good old gallop, he travelled well and jumped like a buck.

"He lengthened his stride off the bend and while he was tight at the last two, he was deadly at them.

"He's a pleasure to ride - we've had a fair battle with him since Christmas, but he was spectacular today."

On his well-being leading up to the meeting and the decision to swerve the Gold Cup, Walsh said: "If you were watching him at home I'm not sure you'd even have run him in the Ryanair.

"He worked half all right on Saturday morning, I wouldn't say he worked well. If you'd watched him up until then - I'd written him off in my mind, but Willie gets it right doesn't he?"

Ricci said: "I feel odd, to be completely honest. I wanted the horse to run in the Gold Cup, but of course I'm delighted to win. We just wanted to do the right thing for the horse."

Vautuour is in sixth. Smashing with a mighty leap. 14 to jump, it is Village Vic leading them around. He is a C and D winner here. All sorts of horses with cases to make here. Everyone jumping well so far.

Road To Riches, who would have run in the Gold Cup, is in second.

Vautuour and Ruby into third.

Nine to jump, over the water, everyone over well. Annacotty has work to do. Vautour going well.

Village Vic taking it up now with five up, from Vautour and then Road To Riches.

Now with four to jump Vautour takes it up. Vibrato falls four out.

Vautour screws a bit over the third last. It is Vautour and Road To Riches as they come to the second last. Suddenly Ruby puts his foot down and this brilliant Vautour suddenly opens up a two length lead. Three, four, five lengths - this is a splendid effort. He now just has to take the last.... he is over it! 

Vautour purrs home in grand style, that is absolute class.

Cheltenham 2.50 

1 Vautour (R Walsh) Evens Fav

2 Valseur Lido (D J Mullins) 11-1

3 Road To Riches (B J Cooper) 7-1

 15 ran 

Also: 9-1 Al Ferof 4th 

He has got odds against. "I cannot believe it," says Mick Fitzgerald.

"Zara Phillips talks with A. P. McCoy at Cheltenham Action Images via Reuters"

Radical new life choice for AP post-retirement

And Marlborough is unequivocal in his verdict.

2.50 VAUTOUR looks the perfect horse for this, in that he travels and stays further. He looks another penalty kick for Ricci, Walsh and Mullins.

The story pre-race was Vautour. Jonjo O'Neill supplemented Taquin Du Seuil late in the day. "Would I have done that had we known Vautour was switching into this? Good question."

Report to follow, meanwhile we turn to the Ryanair Chase.

"Pat Kelly is a genius. He said to be patient with this horse. He thinks he could be a Grand National horse."

Davy Russell: "He is still a novice, all credit goes to Pat Kelly. What a man. He knew what the horse wanted, he is a genius."

Cheltenham 2.10

1 Mall Dini (D N Russell) 14-1

2 Arpege D'alene (Sean Bowen) 14-1

3 If In Doubt (R Johnson) 10-1

4 Taglietelle (J W Kennedy) 14-1

24 ran

Also: 11-2 Fav Leave At Dawn 

Flintham making all the running, and it is Rolling Maul in second.

Nine to jump,  and it is still those two, a bad mistake from Westren Warrior there at that one and he has dropped right back.

Five to jump now, everyone still in it, they have completed a circuit. If In Doubt making a show on the outside.

Flintham still well ahead as they take the third last but he blunders there and is hauled back. Un Ace is in with a shout.

Mall Dini looking in fine fettle as they take the second last. Join The Clan takes it up from un Ace.

If In Doubt coming with a run, as is the grey Arpege D'alene.

Coming to the last it is Arpege and Mall Dini and Tagliatelle.... Good battle this, If In Doubt was going great guns but has a bad step and looks out of it now, and yes it will be Mall Dini who holds on. Davy Russell looking a lot more cheerful now!

But there is more confusion at the start, not quite the shambles of the last race but still a bit of a production. Anyway, they're off, and everybody has got away this time.

There are 24 runners for this listed handicap hurdle. Here is how Marlborough is calling it

2.10 Leave It At Dawn has all the appearances of a well laid plan, having just qualified in January and stayed at home since. Whether he has the class of ARPEGE D’ALENE is not so certain. Track and trip suit. Westren Warrior and Fintham have claims 

"I am very disappointed for the owner and the trainer. I thought we were going to do a turn because one of them had cantered too early."

He had moved his horse through 90 degrees and was facing square across the track when the starter deployed the tape.

Cooper on Outlander also badly set back by that.

However, Ruby Walsh says that he heard the starter clearly say "okay?"

Confusing issue, various different viewpoints I guess. Some jockeys recently have been penalised for getting too near the tape after false start restarts, so I suppose Russell was justified in assuming that they were going to all take a few minutes to re-set.

After that fiasco at the start

here's the Press Association report

Ruby Walsh recorded his 50th career Cheltenham Festival success when lifting Black Hercules home in the JLT Novices' Chase at Cheltenham.

Never far off the pace, the 4-1 co-favourite showed plenty of grit and determination as he gave Walsh and trainer Willie Mullins their fifth win at the meeting this week.

But there was high drama as the field got on its way when Zabana unseated Davy Russell ahead of a standing start, appearing to be cannoned into by Outlander and carrying on loose with the rest of the field.

Bristol De Mai made most of the running, but faced a strong challenge after both Garde La Victoire and Outlander came down at the fourth-last.

L'Ami Serge came through strongly and was upsides Black Hercules at the final fence, with Bristol De Mai and Three Musketeers just behind.

Black Hercules proved the strongest up the hill as he landed the spoils by three lengths from a rallying Bristol De Mai. L'Ami Serge was a length away in third.

Mullins said: "I thought he was gone at the second-last - he seemed to be wavering around a bit.

"But once Ruby got him balanced, he just powered up the straight.

"He would have been too free in the four-miler, so that's why we changed (target)."

The trainer said Walsh was "different gravy".

He told BBC Radio 5 live: "He's the best jockey I've ever had riding for me.

"For the first time I saw him as an amateur, he was different gravy.

"My last winner (as a jockey) was beating him a short head and when I hung up my boots, I said, 'That's enough'.

"I always knew he'd be going for the top - he just oozed class."

Walsh said: "It's amazing. When I joined Pat Taaffe here on 25 (winners), I thought that was unbelievable, but 50 is incredible.

"I've been lucky round here. I'm in the privileged position to ride for Willie Mullins now and Paul Nicholls in the past and without people like that behind you, you wouldn't get anywhere near that number.

"I'm the lucky guy who gets to steer the ship."

Of the winner, Walsh said: "He's tough. We thought he'd win the Albert Bartlett last year but he was disappointing - we got it right this year.

"Willie is incredible and always has been. It's not just Cheltenham in March, it's Tramore in August. He picks the right race 12 months of the year.

"I know it irks some people that he leaves his decisions late, but that's Willie Mullins and he's a genius. I stand behind him 100 per cent, whatever he does."

As he comes into the winners' enclosure.

Ruby Walsh uses all of his experience to get round in a busy, hectic race. That's his 50th Festival win.

"I thought 25 was incredible but this is unbelievable. I have been as lucky as a Cork cat. I thought this race was going to end in tears, that loose horse was all over us. Willie Mullins is a genius."

Cheltenham 1.30 

1 Black Hercules (R Walsh) 4-1 Co Fav

2 Bristol De Mai (D A Jacob) 4-1 Co Fav

3 L'Ami Serge (Nico de Boinville) 8-1

9 ran

Also: 4-1 Co Fav Garde La Victoire

8-1 Three Musketeers 4th  Non Runner: 5 

Bristol de Mai has a big nibble at that fence, 12 to jump. He's over okay. 

That loose horse is causing a few problems. Bristol again with an iffy jump. He leads, Black Hercules in second, Outlander is in third.

Six to jump

That's a MUCH better jump from Bristol, and again another good leap. The loose horse is getting in the way, Bristol over the fourth last. But Oulander falls at the fourth last!

Coming to the second last it is Bristol, L'Ami Serge and Black Hercules... Serge has jumped right across Hercules.... They take the last, it's Black Hercules staying on the best, he is going to hold them off, it's Black Hercules who holds on.

Davy has been ejected from his horse Zabana at the start. The creature startled at the tape. Oh dear. 

That's Russell at the far right, his horse was facing across the track when the tape went up, the animal freaked out, and Russell was soon on the deck. He was absolutely livid afterwards.

It's over two miles four, it's a grade one, it is the first race on Saint Patrick's Day... there is some drama at the start when a few canter off before they are allowed. Pull back for a standing start...

He shares favouritism with Black Hercules, Bristol de Mai - all at 4/1. This is a ticklish race to pick, and no mistake.

All the action on the Betfair Exchange, often a valuable clue as to a horse's chances.

In the 13:30 JLT Novice Chase, Black Hercules has caught the eye in the market this morning. He has been backed from 17/2 in to 5/1 to claim this extremely open looking race.

In the 14:50 Ryanair Chase over 2m5f, the heavy market favourite Vautour has been negative in the betting this morning, drifting from 7/10 out to 11/10.

Each-way potential arrives in the 15:30 World Hurdle where Whisper has seem some solid market support and is currently available at 11/1 from an earlier 16/1.

There has also been some interesting movement in Betfair’s Sports Personality of the Year market, with Victoria Pendleton supported in from 100/1 to 25/1 ahead of her ride in the Foxhunters tomorrow.

Victoria Pendleton is doing a video diary of her prep for tomorrow's Foxhunters on Channel 4, it's quite good.

An Ivory Coast flag there. Easily done.

as you know, hence Irish Stew in the (very good) Telegraph canteen.

2.10 Leave It At Dawn has all the appearances of a well laid plan, having just qualified in January and stayed at home since. Whether he has the class of ARPEGE D’ALENE is not so certain. Track and trip suit. Westren Warrior and Fintham have claims 

Great Britain is leading Ireland in the BetBright Cup, which celebrates the longstanding racing rivalry between the two countries, at the halfway point of the 2016 Festival. Great Britain has scored nine wins to Ireland's five so far.

The team captains are former jockey Robert "Choc" Thornton (Great Britain), who rode 15 Festival winners himself, and television and radio presenter Hector Ó hEochagáin.

Thornton said: "We had a great start, which was something of a surprise - I feared GB might be 5-2 down after the first day."

Ó hEochagáin said: "But today is St Patrick's Day, the biggest day for Ireland all over the world when everything turns green. Hopefully, we'll have a few winners today - it would be great to go into the final day of The Festival with everything to play for."

"I have loved Cheltenham since I was a child, and I did not think they could make it any better but they have. If I was to die, I'd drop dead right here!"

 

"Sprinter Sacre looked great this morning," he says of the hero of yesterday. "You have that enormous support behind him and it is like a home game. He is a dreadful show off and it helps to have the crowd behind him. The crowd was unbelievable yesterday, and thanks to them it was a very memorable day."

 

ALPHA DES OBEAUX Capable stayer with a touch of class; appears to be progressing.

AT FISHERS CROSS Third in 2014 and fourth last year so goes well here and ground will suit, but others preferred.

AUX PTITS SOINS Does not take much racing but clearly has plenty of ability; has good deal to find on official ratings.

BOBS WORTH Former Gold Cup winner; but definitely a light of years past and hard to see him troubling his  younger rivals.

COLE HARDEN Last year’s winner but below that form since; obvious chance if returning to his best and he could  well do so on this better ground.

KILCOOLEY Impressive when winning at Wetherby, kicking clear of some fair rivals to win with ease; not seen  since but absence not a problem; strong claims.

KNOCKARA BEAU Loves this course, but surely out of his depth at this level these days.

LIEUTENANT COLONEL Well backed when 10th a year ago; has done little to advertise claims since and needs to improve.

MARTELLO TOWER Won Albert Bartlett in 2015; does not appear to have progressed and well beaten by Alpha Des  Obeaux last time.

SAPHIR DU RHEU Runner-up to Cole Harden in 2015; switched to fences this year and showed fair form; well behind  Thistlecrack back over hurdles last time.

THISTLECRACK Has improved a stone and a half in three exciting victories this season and a solid favourite.

UN TEMPS PUR TOUT Won a handicap chase in good style here on Tuesday; possesses smart form over hurdles.

WHISPER Fifth a year ago but subsequently breat Cole Harden at Aintree, a course where he is unbeaten;  capable but inconsistent.

I’m quite looking forward to today’s opening race, the JLT Novices’ Chase, as Zabana is a horse who caught my eye when I covered a meeting at Leopardstown over Christmas.

You can forget his most recent run in boggy ground and trainer Andy Lynch believes he prefers the sort of quicker conditions he’ll encounter here. He brings good Festival form from last year and rates a good bet under the wily Davy Russell.

1.30pm JLT Novices' Chase

5          KING'S ODYSSEY (IRE) (Self Certificate, Infected Foot)

 

3.30pm Ryanair World Hurdle

12        UN TEMPS POUR TOUT (IRE) (Other)

 

4.10pm Brown Advisory & Merriebelle Stable Plate

2          TENOR NIVERNAIS (FR) (Self Certificate, Going)

21        LA VATICANE (FR) (Self Certificate, Stiff)

 

5.30pm Fulke Walwyn Kim Muir Handicap Chase (Amateur Riders)

23        YOUR BUSY (IRE) (Vet's Certificate, Lame)

24        WALDORF SALAD (Self Certificate, Stiff)

The going for day three of The Festival 2016, St Patrick's Thursday, remains: Good, Good to Soft in places.

Action switches to the New Course today.

Four millimetres of irrigation was applied overnight from the bend away from the stands to the bottom of the hill turning for home.

Simon Claisse, Regional Head of Racing, South West & Clerk of the Course, Cheltenham, said at 9.00am: "The going today is as expected and I am keeping it at Good, Good to Soft in places.

"We had a dry night and the forecast is for a dry, sunny day with temperatures of up to 10 degrees centigrade.

"I have watered from the turn away from the stands all the way to the bottom of the hill, putting four millimetres on to maintain the going."

From the Press Association news wire:

The RSPCA will not rush to make any judgement on the issue of horse fatalities at this year's Cheltenham Festival.

The Govaness, Rezorbi and Pont Alexandre suffered fatal injuries on the opening day of the meeting, while it was confirmed on Thursday morning that No More Heroes had been put down after damaging a tendon in the RSA Chase on Wednesday.

RSPCA equine consultant David Muir admits the deaths are "deeply concerning" but is keen to assess each case individually, rather than make a knee-jerk reaction to the incidents.

He said: "Obviously four deaths in two days is deeply concerning to us, but we need to consider each fatality individually before making an informed comment.

"I look at the fatalities once the meeting is over and the first thing I do is satisfy myself that the course was prepared in the right manner and from there we look at the issues relating to each death.

"I look at any issues of culpability and then see what we can learn for the future and once we have finished, hopefully the British Horseracing Authority take our comments on board.

"I've been concerned by the way hurdles react in races and have recently been looking at the issue of penultimate and ultimate hurdles where the fields really start to race and the possibility of an increased risk."

Muir admits the sheer volume of runners at the Festival must be taken into consideration as the number of contenders far outstrips regular day-to-day action.

He said: "You have to consider the number of horses racing on any day at the Festival.

"You can't really compare Haydock or Hexham, with five or six runners, to Cheltenham, where there are 20 or 22 runners in many of the races.

"The competitiveness of the races might be an issue, but what are you supposed to do, ask the jockeys to race slowly? That would be beyond my remit."

Muir underlines the RSPCA is eager to work in unison with the BHA to make racing safer for horses rather than taking an adversarial position.

He added: "We take a pragmatic approach to racing, it exists and it is a legitimate enterprise.

"We could choose to stand outside and comment, but that would be a disservice to the horse, so we work with the BHA and World Horse Welfare on how best to go forward."

No More Heroes, who was badly hurt during yesterday's RSA Chase, was put down this morning. The seven-year-old, trained by Gordon Elliott, had won two Grade I races this season and was the second favourite in the RSA, which was won by Blaklion.

No More Heroes is now the fourth horse to die at this year's Cheltenham Festival. The Govaness, Pont Alexandre and Rezorbi did not make it through day one.

Tomorrow, of course, is the Cheltenham Timico Gold Cup . There's a nice sweepstake kit here courtesy of Great British Racing. It's free to download and should be fun if you're having a pot in the office etc.

Cheltenham Festival 2016: day three tips - including World Hurdle guide

Morning all. How is everyone? I must admit, yesterday was a savage beating for the Tyers Betfair account. BUT today is another day, and I hope to get back onto the sunlit uplands with a couple of winners this afternoon.

Have you any fancies for the day? If so, share the wealth: alan.tyers@telegraph.co.uk is the email address.