Last year’s hero Inothewayurthinkin, two-time winner Galopin Des Champs and Harry Redknapp’s The Jukebox Man are among the 33 entries for the Boodles Cheltenham Gold Cup.
Of the 33, just nine are trained in Britain, led by The Jukebox Man, a thrilling winner of the King George VI Chase at Kempton Park for Ben Pauling on Boxing Day. However, the UK entries represent an increase from a record low of five 12 months ago, while this year’s 33 contenders are a jump from just 19 last year.
The strongest home team for some time also includes Dan Skelton’s Betfair Chase winner Gray Dawning, Rebecca Curtis-trained Irish and Welsh national winner Haiti Couleurs and Nicky Henderson’s Jango Baie.
Life hasn’t been easy for Inothewayurthinkin since his finest hour. In two runs this season he finished in the John Durkan at Punchestown and at Leopardstown over Christmas. Gavin Cromwell will be hoping to see an improvement in the Irish Gold Cup at the Dublin Racing Festival if he drives there.
He said: “He’s enjoying Cheltenham and he’s got the entry. He was obviously very disappointing at Christmas and hopefully we can get him back on track. He’s come out of the race well and we’re now giving him a chance to freshen up. He could go to the Irish Gold Cup but that will all depend on what happens over the next three weeks.”
“It wouldn’t be ideal to go into the Gold Cup without another run, but we’ll have to deal with whatever happens along the way.
“It would be great to return there with the defending champions and I hope we can get him in good shape there.”
Galopin Des Champs made his seasonal return in the Savills Chase and went down fighting, leaving Willie Mullins in delight.
Mullins has also entered Champ Kiely, Gaelic Warrior, Grangeclare West, 2024 Grand National winner I Am Maximus, Impaire Et Passe, Lecky Watson, last year’s Grand National scorer Nick Rockett and the mare Spindleberry.
Mullins’ great rival Gordon Elliott has six entries, including Gerri Colombe, who qualified in the previous race.
Affordale Fury, winner of the Savills Chase, Banbridge, Envoi Allen, Fastorslow and Monty’s Star are other major challengers for Ireland.
#Inothewayurthinkin #among #competitors #Cheltenham #Gold #Cup #Races