Cheltenham Festival 2023 Review: Four Days Of Magic

Katie Midwinter (20/03/23)

The pinnacle of the National Hunt season, the Cheltenham Festival 2023 was a fantastic display of exhilarating action with tremendous talent on show, both equine and human. It was wonderfully organised with horse welfare at the fore, and fan experience improved with the slight decrease in crowd numbers.

Away from the drama on track, there was plenty to enjoy around the racecourse, a positive vibe and pleasurable atmosphere. Despite there currently being many negative aspects and talking points that raise debate in the industry, this was a welcome and much needed distraction to remind us of the reason why the sport is so great and how it can produce such special, unforgettable moments.

Tuesday, Champion Day, when champions are crowned. The anticipation had been building for weeks, months. Endless preview nights, Cheltenham talk, ante-post bets, injury worries, excitement, all in preparation for this sacred week in the National Hunt calendar.

The Irish flock in their thousands, making the trip across the Irish Sea, the annual pilgrimage to Prestbury Park. The horseboxes arrive carrying superstars, many of whom not seen in England before, others returning as champions having already proven themselves on the biggest stage of all.

Before the action got underway, there was a RoR parade in the paddock featuring many old favourites including Native River (pictured below) who got quite excited, perhaps remembering where he was and ready to get on the track. It was lovely to see these magnificent horses enjoying a life outside of racing, clearly well looked after in impeccable condition.

The first race kicked the Cheltenham Festival off in style, a mouthwatering clash between the highly-rated favourite Facile Vega, who had suffered defeat in his last outing, taken on by one-time Derby favourite High Definition as well as Barry Connell’s “freak” horse, Marine Nationale.

Three others were representing Closutton including Grade One winner Il Etait Temps, and Henry de Bromhead saddled promising youngster Inthepocket, featuring here over this shorter trip despite holding an entry in the Ballymore.

Flags were raised, and that famous Cheltenham roar did not disappoint as the runners set off on their two mile journey. Facile Vega swept to the front in the straight, before making a mistake at the last and being headed by eventual winner Marine Nationale, who proved himself as a star in the making sent off at odds of 9/2. Connell had already told the public that his charge was the “best horse in the race” and the French Navy gelding proved him right. 

The Arkle Challenge Trophy was next with the pre-race chatter dominated by Jonbon and El Fabiolo. The latter prevailed, putting five-and-a-half-lengths between himself and his nearest rival.

A fall at the last was a worrying sight for the exuberant Dysart Dynamo, who stayed down and was quickly attended to by veterinary staff. Relieved groom Janna Walsh was seen wiping away her tears as she led her beloved horse away from the track, a heart-warming scene that showed critics of the sport just how loved and irreplaceable these equine athletes are.

As Paul Townend and partner El Fabiolo walked back in passing the stands, the jockey had a gentle smile on his face as his eye was drawn to his usual partner, Dysart Dynamo, who had just emerged from behind the screens to huge cheers, a lovely sight to see.

Corach Rambler made it back-to-back wins in the Ultima after an excellent ride by Derek Fox, much to the delight of trainer Lucinda Russell and team.

Irish-raider Fastorslow was narrowly beaten, as he had been twelve months prior in the Coral Cup by 50/1 outsider Commander Of Fleet. Perhaps Martin Brassil’s gelding can make it third time lucky next year.

The Goffer couldn’t defy the harsh 11lbs rise but ran a good race in fifth, weakening in the closing stages. Having led the way for much of the race, Top Ville Ben was pulled up before the second last, failing to finish along with nine other runners.

The atmosphere was electric in the build-up to the feature race on the card, the Champion Hurdle. Fans strained to catch a glimpse of the odds-on favourite, with talk of him potentially becoming one of the best horses ever seen in the sport.

Other runners walked around the parade ring with their grooms, with Constitution Hill absent, before he eventually graced racegoers with his presence, completing only one lap of the paddock before jockey Nico de Boinville mounted the gelding and off they went down the walkway.

This is truly the best advertisement for the sport, the big race excitement is incomparable, the feeling of butterflies as the runners head to post, the suspense, the expectancy, the hope that we may see a race that will live long in the memory and will be spoken about in 50 years time. 

Crowds wanted to see something special. Nicky Henderson had suggested that winning by a short-distance would not satisfy the packed stands, they wanted to see a performance that put Constitution Hill firmly in the conversation as the greatest hurdler of all-time, worthy of being discussed alongside the likes of Istabraq, Night Nurse and others. With so much pressure on his shoulders, de Boinville kept things simple, sitting behind leader I Like To Move It, before taking his mount to the front and striding on as State Man tried to follow.

The star hurdler extended away from the field with ease, winning by nine-lengths seemingly with plenty left if needed. It was a spectacular performance made even better by the reaction of the large crowd lucky enough to be in attendance.

State Man put in a good effort to finish second, proving he is the best of the rest but despite winning the Irish equivalent at Leopardstown, beating Honeysuckle, he was unable to lay a glove on Constitution Hill, whilst Zahaniyr did well to finish third at 66/1.

The golden hour had started and, although the reception Nicky Henderson’s horse received was truly exceptional, the atmosphere half-an-hour later was unprecedented. 

With the crowd already overjoyed by Constitution Hill’s performance, it was Honeysuckle’s time for redemption. Following two losses this season, the first of her career, many believed she was not the force of old, that she wouldn’t be able to beat this quality field of mares. It certainly was a fantastic field of horses, as Ian Bartlett noted in commentary, but there was one mare in a league of her own.

Connections opted for a different route this year at Cheltenham, running their star in the race she had won three years ago. Since her first Cheltenham Festival win she had reigned victorious in two Champion Hurdles, capturing the hearts of jump racing fans across the world.

Finishing second or third to Constitution Hill in the race prior would have been no disgrace, and she would have finished a marvellous career by going out on her shield, passing on the baton to the youngster. But, that would have deprived us of one of the most special moments in Cheltenham Festival history.

Honeysuckle paraded around the paddock in usual fashion. She knew where she was, in a theatre where she had been so many times before, providing the thousands looking on with great happiness. Rachael Blackmore surely felt the nerves and the pressure. This is a mare whose career had similar parallels with her own. The pair have become synonymous in recent years, rising to the top together, defying expectations.

This was Honeysuckle’s final time to shine with Blackmore in the driving seat. She kept things simple, similarly to de Boinville on Constitution Hill thirty minutes earlier, not afraid to get to the front then slot in behind the leaders. Honeysuckle tracked Love Envoi before the pair kicked for home after the second last, putting plenty of distance between themselves and the rest of the field.

The two formidable mares hurdled the last flight in unison, Love Envoi digging deep as she tried to see off the threat posed by the rallying Irish-raider. Harry Fry’s mare landed in front, earning half-a-length, but Honeysuckle and Blackmore would not be beaten.

Dreams don’t come true very often, and many horses don’t get that fairytale ending they deserve. Tiger Roll came close last year, jumping the last with stablemate Delta Work, getting the lead before being narrowly beaten much to the disappointment of the majority of the crowd. This year however, a wish was granted and Honeysuckle prevailed.

Love Envoi ran an excellent race in second and deserves plenty of plaudits for her performance, but the moment belonged to Honeysuckle, Blackmore and the whole team at Knockeen. It was a poignant moment for Henry de Bromhead and family and there wasn’t a dry eye in the house.

There was an emotional atmosphere around the racecourse with a special boy remembered fondly, Jack de Bromhead. This was a success for him and his family, and the crowds at Cheltenham responded by showing their love and support. It was an hour that is unlikely to be topped. 

Jockey Michael O’Sullivan recorded his first Festival winner with only his second ride onboard Marine Nationale in the opener, and doubled up on the day claiming 3lbs on Jazzy Matty for Gordon Elliott, prevailing over Byker and Risk Belle. The biggest priced winner on a tough day for bookmakers, the four-year-old gelding won the Boodles Juvenile Hurdle at a starting price of 18/1.

A perfect day up until the final race, the National Hunt Challenge Cup was marred by Malinello’s fatal fall. The Ben Pauling-trained gelding will be sadly missed and deepest condolences go out to all who loved him. It truly is the worst part of the sport.

During the closing stages of the race Mahler Mission went clear of the field and appeared to be galloping to victory before falling heavily at the second last. Odds-on favourite Gaillard Du Mensil came to the fore, becoming the fifth winning favourite on the day to the delight of punters.

Wednesday’s weather was a complete contrast to the beautiful sunshine on Tuesday’s glorious afternoon. Despite the gloomy clouds and rainfall, the racing did not disappoint. Impaire Et Passe had been a popular selection for pundits on preview nights and was subsequently backed into favouritism.

The shortest-priced Closutton representative had made two racecourse appearances for the yard, winning by a combined distance of twenty-four-and-a-half-lengths, including a Grade Two on heavy ground. However, Hermes Allen received plenty of market support on the morning of the race and was sent off as the 9/4 favourite. The ground was testing at Cheltenham as the rain continued to fall, but the Paul Nicholls-trained gelding had already won the Challow Hurdle at a canter in attritional conditions, and had appeared suited by the weather. 

It was an intriguing contest that also featured last year’s Boodles runner-up Gaelic Warrior, opting for a shot at the Graded contest as opposed to taking the handicap route. Pre-race the Rich Ricci-owned German bred was quite keen heading down to post but ran excellently, as he finished best of the rest in second.

Impaire Et Passe swept to the front easily, having travelled strongly throughout on the inside of the pack, taking the shortest route. He swiftly extended away in impressive fashion and looks to be a horse to look forward to. 

The Brown Advisory featured a gripping finish between long-time leader The Real Whacker and rallying favourite Gerri Colombe. The former narrowly held on to record his third successive victory at the track, landing his first Grade One for trainer Patrick Neville with Sam Twiston-Davies onboard.

Bronn was seen outrunning his huge odds to finish third whilst others including inexperienced chaser Sir Gerhard disappointed, with Willie Mullins’ dual Cheltenham Festival perhaps lacking race fitness.

Redemption came for Langer Dan as he made a winning return to the track in the Coral Cup. Last year he was unlucky to be brought down at the second flight when a well backed favourite in the Martin Pipe, but there was no misfortune this time as he landed Dan Skelton’s first winner of the week.

The Queen Mother Champion Chase was set to be a rematch between reigning champion Energumene, Tingle Creek winner Edwardstone and the underdog who beat them both to win the Clarence House Chase, Editeur Du Gite. Following Energumene’s disappointing performance in his previous outing, he was no longer the guaranteed winner of the week for many punters as his odds drifted to a generous price.

There were excuses for his defeat but a better preparation had been expected and his jumping left a lot to be desired. However, he was backed into favouritism on the day, receiving plenty of market support as he looked set to retain his crown in similar conditions. He is a big, scopey horse that thrives in tough conditions. Although he has plenty of class, as he showed in a battle with Shishkin last season, he is a real warrior and excels in a slog.

Edwardstone wasn’t at the races, never travelling or appearing to pose a threat as Paul Townend made sure Energumene was close enough to pounce on leader Editeur Du Gite when the time was right. Without barely being asked, Energumene quickened away from the struggling field with ease, winning impressively once again as he had done twelve months prior. Captain Guinness gave an excellent account of himself in second, with Greaneteen trailing far behind in third. Perhaps Energumene doesn’t receive the plaudits he deserves for two successive wins in the championship races at the Festival, but he’s certainly worthy of high praise.

The following race was the Cross Country that featured a finish almost identical to the previous renewal. Two of Cullentra’s brightest stars going head to head, jumping the last in unison. Davy Russell on the near-side, this time onboard Galvin rather than dual Grand National winner and five-time Festival victor Tiger Roll, Delta Work on the far side, both battling towards the line. Delta Work once again managed to get his head in front, this time extending away from his rival as they reached the winning post.

One of the ‘bankers’ of the Festival had delivered, winning the tough test for the second successive year. Galvin proved his staying prowess with a brilliant Grand National prep run, whilst Delta Work finally received a worthy reception, with chants of “Delta Work” heard around the paddock following his win. Both are set to head to Aintree next month.

Maskada landed a competitive Grand Annual for Henry de Bromhead, defying a mark of 142, 10lbs higher than his Limerick win in December, jockey Darragh O’Keefe recording his first Festival winner onboard the progressive mare.

The bumper provided a heart warming story as the aptly named A Dream To Share provided both teenage jockey John Gleeson and 85-year-old trainer John Kiely with their first Cheltenham Festival victories in a fairytale conclusion to Wednesday’s card. The young jockey’s parents, ITV and RTE presenter Brian Gleeson and wife Claire, had bred and owned the horse before he was purchased by JP McManus, and all involved were overjoyed at the gelding’s success as they proudly entered the winner’s enclosure.

Thursday’s opener was a three-mile contest for novice chasers, the Turners Novices’ Chase registered as The Golden Miller. Mighty Potter appeared set to provide jockey Davy Russell with another win to his tally at the Festival, having been luckless so far during the meeting, and kickstart a successful day for trainer Gordon Elliott. However, the six-year-old odds-on favourite was unable to deliver, only managing to stay on for third in the closing stages.

Stage Star provided his many owners with a magnificent Grade One win at the prestigious meeting, extending clear in the run-in with a fantastic performance and good ride by jockey Harry Cobden as they controlled the race from the front making all in the rain softened ground. This success was Paul Nicholls’ first at the Festival since 2020, an unexpected drought for the 13-times British champion trainer, and the victory was met with delight and relief by the Ditcheat team. 

The Pertemps Network Final was won by Good Time Jonny, a first Festival success for 5lbs claimer Liam McKenna who gave his mount an excellent winning ride coming from the rear of the field to extend away from his rivals showing a magnificent turn of foot. The gelding’s third-placed finish behind Maxxum and Eric Bloodaxe at Leopardstown represented a good level of form, and he appeared well handicapped only 4lbs higher. The winner of the qualifier, Maxxum, was running off a mark of 145 with Russell aboard, a 25lbs difference that proved decisive as he could only manage fourteenth. 

Then followed the Ryanair Chase, one of two feature races on the third day of the meeting. Shishkin provided the headlines in the build-up to the race following an emphatic performance in the Ascot Chase in his first attempt up in trip. He was sent off as evens favourite looking for redemption after a pulled-up effort in last year’s Champion Chase. Issues were found when an explanation was demanded for an out-of-character run, a rare bone disease that Shishkin has since recovered from. He walked around the pre-parade ring quietly and unassuming which was perhaps a sign of things to come.

Nicky Henderson’s charge never looked comfortable during the race, having to be pushed along early on and appearing beaten when surviving a terrible mistake at the third last. Jockey Nico de Boinville made a miraculous recovery, pushing his mount along to close on the runaway leader Envoi Allen, who was rolling back the years and enjoying himself under Rachael Blackmore.

It was a heartwarming victory for Henry de Bromhead’s nine-year-old gelding who in his youth had looked like a world beater before a desperately unlucky fall in the Marsh Novices’ Chase on yard debut two years ago. Earlier on in the season he was victorious in the Champion Chase at Down Royal but disappointed in the King George VI Chase at Kempton. He bounced back in style with another Grade One success.

As for Shishkin, it’s fair to say he did remarkably well to finish second, rallying in the closing stages, finishing best of all. He has lacked consistency this season but can be forgiven for it after having issues.

A run in the King George could be on the cards for next season and, although it is set to be a competitive contest, he is available at a decent ante-post price and could be worth a saver. He clearly retains plenty of ability when he’s concentrating. The manner in which he finished his race bodes well for the future, it was just disappointing for connections that he could not jump with more fluency and travel closer to the pace earlier on. 

The Stayers’ Hurdle promised to be a tough battle between a number of fancied opponents prominent in the market yet it was two of the outsiders of the field that came to the fore. Sire Du Berlais rallied late on to overcome his rivals at odds of 33/1.

The eleven-year-old gelding beat Flooring Porter in the Liverpool Hurdle last season when a big price, and was perhaps overlooked in favour of the younger, more in-form runners. He had been out of sorts this season and was well beaten by Blazing Khal when the pair met at Navan, but the bounce back factor could have played a part for the winner that day, and he was disappointing this time out.

Dashel Drasher gave another good account of himself, as he so often does, galloping bravely from the front to hold on to second, when at one stage he looked the most likely winner. Yet he was harshly demoted to third, as beaten favourite Teahupoo was placed second. Jeremy Scott’s charge was deemed to have hampered Teahupoo on the run-in and, despite the head-on angle showing little drift in Dashel Drasher’s running line.

Reigning champion Flooring Porter, winner of the past two renewals, wasn’t disgraced in fourth whilst Home By The Lee, whose groom Davina Boyle had been speaking so proudly of in the build-up, was fifth, having survived a bad mistake in the early stages.

Seddon was victorious in the Plate for jockey Ben Harvey and trainer John C McConnell, with British hopes Fugitif and Shakem Up’Arry in second and third respectively. Top-weight Haut En Couleurs ran well to finish fifth in the hands of 3lbs in-form claimer Michael O’Sullivan, a jockey that will surely be in-demand from now on. Last year’s winner Coole Cody faded late on after putting in a good round of jumping from the front, as he usually does. 

The Mares’ Novices’ Hurdle was named in honour of Jack de Bromhead and the Knockeen yard saddled five runners, managing second with Magical Zoe. Jamie Snowden’s You Wear It Well was a convincing winner at 16/1, ridden by Gavin Sheehan.

Favourite Luccia weakened late on, having been keen and difficult in the paddock prior to the race. It wasn’t her day but there are sure to be other top prizes in her sights. Tony Mullins’ Group One-winning stable star Princess Zoe came fifth on only her second run over obstacles. The final race on the card went to Sam Curling’s Angels Dawn who just held on to win ahead of favourite Stumptown with Mr Incredible third carrying 12st.

Stunning grey Lossiemouth opened the card on Gold Cup Day with a fantastic performance. The atmosphere was electric with the improvement in the weather plus the capacity crowd. The filly had suffered her first defeat when last seen, hampered by stablemate and fellow Ricci representative Jourdefete. It was worth forgiving the horse who appears in a class of her own in this division and she proved herself a worthy favourite leading home a Closutton 1-2-3-4. 

The County Hurdle provided one of the most exciting finishes of the week. Pied Piper carried a hefty weight of 11st 13lbs under Davy Russell, opting for the handicap route in favour of the near-impossible task of the Champion Hurdle. He was cantering as Bridget Andrews came to challenge aboard Faivoir, giving the Gordon Elliott-trained gelding a nudge when approaching the last flight.

The pair were locked in battle coming towards the line, with Dan Skelton’s Faivoir gaining a narrow advantage under an Andrews drive, narrowly getting her head in front, in receipt of 20lbs. There could have been a stewards’ enquiry but the head-on angle showed the runner-up’s jockey almost falling off-balance in the drive coming towards the post and that may have been the difference.

Stay Away Fay saw off the threat of the Irish in the Albert Bartlett, boosting the form of the River Don won by Maximilian at Doncaster, the only time the Paul Nicholls’ gelding has suffered defeat. There was late drama as well-backed favourite Corbetts Cross ran out at the last, unseating rider Mark Walsh who subsequently stood down from his following rides.

Next was the big one. The feature race of the meeting, the Gold Cup. The atmosphere was palpable ahead of the off, the pre-parade ring packed with racegoers watching on. Bravemansgame was an obvious absence, as the Mullins pair of Galopin Des Champs and Stattler showed their professionalism and calm nature as they walked laps around the quieter paddock buzzing with excitement.

Hewick looked a picture, towering above his groom, an imposing type with plenty of scope. Buzzy Sounds Russian, sporting a hood, was on his toes, revved up and ready to go, whilst Ahoy Senor was his usual self, grinning for the cameras. Galopin Des Champs was completely cool and relaxed. He looked magnificent striding around switched-off, saving all of his energy for the task ahead. With minutes to go until post time Bravemansgame entered the ring, having already been saddled. He had two handlers taking him down the walkway as Harry Cobden held on tightly to his reins, the gelding clearly keen to get on with things. The flag was raised and they were off.

The nervousness ahead and during such a huge event, the exhilaration, adrenaline, the thought of what could happen is what makes this sport so addictive. Standing on the steps witnessing the action unfold first-hand is incomparable. It so happened that this race was one of the more dramatic contests of the week. The extremely likable Ahoy Senor led the field, jumping well with Derek Fox in complete control before he took a nasty fall late on, bringing Sounds Russian down with him as last year’s champion A Plus Tard was badly hampered.

Hewick took initiative, finding himself in the front sooner than ideal before he fell heavily at the second last. The crowd gasped but Hewick thankfully got to his feet quickly, and despite being a bit worse for wear he appeared unscathed. Bravemansgame went for home as Galopin Des Champs quietly got closer to the front. It was a sight to behold as the pair jumped the last together, the crowds shouting in support of their chosen horses. Paul Nicholls’ King George VI winner put in a fantastic performance but Galopin Des Champs was too good and came with a strong run, all class under a masterful ride by Paul Townend.

This was Townend’s third win in the race in five years, his first on this magnificent talent following a brace aboard Al Boum Photo. It was redemption day for a horse who had suffered a luckless fall when cantering to the line in the Turners Novices’ Chase twelve months prior. He was a deserving winner and the seven-year-old could go on to be one of the greats, as it will take a special performance to beat him. An eye catcher in the field was Noble Yeats who finished fourth having been outpaced in the middle stages. It was the perfect preparation ahead of Aintree where he will attempt to retain his Grand National crown.

There was a shock winner in the Hunters’ Chase as 66/1 shot Premier Magic held on to victory under trainer Bradley Gibbs. Shantou Flyer gave yet another good account of himself in third at 50/1 whilst favourite Vaucelet could only manage seventh and The Storyteller (pictured below) pulled up.

The penultimate race on the card provided yet another exciting finish between mares Impervious and Allegorie De Vassy, the former prevailing as Brian Hayes recorded a first Festival win. The latter was sent off as favourite but couldn’t overcome the gallant Impervious.

Iroko won the Martin Pipe Handicap, another winner for JP McManus, for training partnership Oliver Greenall and Josh Guerriero, capping off an excellent four days of action at Prestbury Park. It was a magnificent Cheltenham Festival with each day providing its own slice of history. The quality on show on Gold Cup Day was top-class but the opening day was exceptionally difficult to top, and the ‘Golden Hour’ will be forever remembered.