Cheltenham 2024: Mullins Aims High with State Man in Hurdle

Galopin Des Champs clinched the 2023 Cheltenham Gold Cup, with Paul Townend steering and Willie Mullins masterminding the victory.

Ah, Cheltenham Festival 2024, when the turf becomes a stage and the jockeys and their steeds are the stars of the show! From 12-15 March, the Cheltenham Racecourse transforms into the heart of horse racing, hosting races from half-one till half-five in the afternoon, with the crowd favourites kicking off at half-three.

Tune in for live commentaries on BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra, catch the feature races on Radio 5 live, and for everything else from racecards to the thrill of the race in real-time, BBC Sport’s website and app have got you covered. Along with some classic casinos.

The festival’s about to kick off with a bang this Tuesday, and all eyes are on one man, Irish legend Willie Mullins. He’s the talk of the town, with the favourite in a good chunk of the 28 races and only six wins shy of a jaw-dropping 100 Festival winners. On Tuesday’s Champion Hurdle, he’s pinning his hopes on last year’s almost-there State Man, with last year’s champ, Constitution Hill, nowhere in sight.

Mullins is all set to defend his title in Friday’s Gold Cup – a centennial celebration this year – with Galopin Des Champs. And let’s not overlook the underdog, Hewick, who’s a steal at £800 and ready to take on the £625,000 prize pot.

Weather Watch and a Bit of Fun

Mother Nature’s been a bit of a wet blanket to start, leaving parts of the track more suited to ducks than horses. A wee peek at the conditions is set for Wednesday morning to decide if the Cross-Country Chase goes ahead or gets bumped to Friday.

After a soggy start with 6mm of rain prepping the course, it’s soft going with a few spots where you might lose your wellies. And while the punters might be feeling the pinch with ticket sales a tad slow this year, nothing dims the spirits of about 250,000 fans ready for a flutter and a bit of fun at the Gloucestershire track.

Tuesday’s the day bookies might be left crying into their calculators, with bets flying in for Mullins’ trio: Supreme contender Tullyhill, Arkle Chase’s Gaelic Warrior, and Mares’ Hurdle favourite Lossiemouth. Gordon Elliott’s Irish Point is on a mission to spoil Mullins’ party in the Champion Hurdle.

Come Wednesday, last year’s Arkle rivals face off again in the Queen Mother Champion Chase. Mullins’ El Fabiolo and Nicky Henderson’s Jonbon are at it again, with Henderson hoping Jonbon can top the charts this time, especially with star player Constitution Hill sitting this one out.

Thursday’s all eyes on the Stayers’ Hurdle, with Elliott’s Teahupoo leading the charge. But for a tale that’d melt the heart, 2019 winner Paisley Park aiming for a fairytale ending to a storied career would take the cake. And let’s not forget Rachael Blackmore and Envoi Allen, back to defend their Ryanair Chase title.

Friday’s showdown in the Gold Cup sees Fastorslow eyeing revenge on Galopin Des Champs, setting the stage for a clash of the titans with last year’s runner-up Bravemansgame, the mysterious Shishkin, and Grand National champ Corach Rambler in the mix.

Mullins, Irish Dominance, and a Dash of Weather Mischief

Willie Mullins, standing tall with 94 Festival wins, isn’t resting on his laurels as he edges closer to that magical 100. “You never take anything for granted here,” Mullins muses, knowing all too well the twists and turns of Cheltenham.

With the Irish expected to lead the charge again (poor old Britain only took home 10 titles last year), it’s all bets on Mullins outdoing the whole British lot.

The turf’s set to test the mettle from the get-go, thanks to a hefty dose of rain. But come rain or shine, the real magic starts with the roar of the crowd at the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle, reminding us all why we love this game.

So, there you have it – a wee preview filled with hopes, dreams, and a sprinkle of Irish banter. May the best horse win, and may your bets bring you a pot of gold at the end of the Cheltenham rainbow!