A YEAR ON from receiving strong criticism for going ahead with fans at the beginning of the Covid-19 pandemic, the Cheltenham Festival takes place behind closed doors next week.
In the latest episode of The Punt — our monthly show sponsored by William Hill that focuses on the major sporting events — racing experts Johnny Ward and Donn McClean preview the biggest week in the racing calendar.
They are joined by Dublin footballer John Small, a six-time All-Ireland winner who is also a keen racing fan thanks to his late father, Declan.
The former Ballymun Kickhams chairman sadly passed away in December 2019 after a long battle with illness.
“My dad would have sparked my interest in racing,” Small says. “He would have brought me to a huge amount of racing meetings when I was younger. I’d say I’ve been to every course in Ireland.
“We used to go to Leopardstown, Punchestown, Fairyhouse and the Curragh all the time. I just had a huge appreciation for the horses and the sport. I was grabbed by it from a young age and it continued on from there.”
Small — whose brother Paddy also plays for the Dubs — talks about becoming a father for the first time and what life in lockdown has been like for an inter-county footballer, while Donn reveals his GAA past with the Louth minors.
After addressing the recent Gordon Elliott controversy, the trio then get stuck into previewing all four days of the festival including the feature races — the Champion Hurdle, the Queen Mother Champion Chase, the Stayers’ Hurdle and the Gold Cup.
There are plenty of tips throughout with the latest William Hill odds, but here are the lads’ Naps of the week:
- Johnny Ward: Tritonic to win the Triumph Hurdle 9/4
- Donn McClean: A Plus Tard to win the Gold Cup 6/1
- John Small: Koshari to win the Coral Cup 9/1
This episode of The Punt is also available in audio-only form wherever you get your podcasts.
NB: The show was recorded before news broke today that Energumene (Arkle) and Thyme Hill (Stayers’ Hurdle) have been ruled out.
Always gamble responsibly. For more information, see gamblingtherapy.org
Barry Daly was particularly unlucky with injuries. A very effective try-scorer.
@Glenbower: would he be worth a shot by Connacht? Seriously depleted in the back 3
@Barra Mac An Bhaird: yes I think he’s a class player annoyed that leinster did not keep was extremely sharp before his injury.
@hypebeast: Totally agree. Great skillset and excellent finisher; I don’t remember him ever making a significant mistake. I prefer him to Kelleher in the back 3. He’d be a very good addition to the Connacht squad.
@Barra Mac An Bhaird: I have a feeling he may be retiring due to injuries
Sad to see Barry Daly is leaving
That’s remarkable work
New contracts for Leavy, connors and VDF…..
@#JUSTICE4NOEL: Maybe now that will put to bed any notions of other provinces scrounging around looking for one of them!
That’s a great mornings business. Delighted Fardy is getting another contract. He brings so much to Leinster. Great to see all the 7’s staying too though Leo has some selection headaches now.
@Kevin: Great to see Fardy stay. A real leader. We might see him in a coaching role in 2 years. 5 players promoted from the academy is a great return also.
Great bit of business, always good to see the academy lads getting senior contracts. Nice to see all the 7s are staying as well as Fardy.
Gutted for Barry Daly. Fastest man in the squad and hugely prolific scorer. Desperately unlucky with injuries, it’s such a shame. Schmidt even had called him into camp at one point.
Any of these players interested in a move West, Connacht getting weaker each year since 2016.
@Pretty Ladee: 2 of the players leaving are going west.
@Chris Mc: connacht need proven professionals not kids,
@Pretty Ladee: didn’t qualify for the Heineken cup 2 years in a row and followed that up by qualifying the next 2 years in a row, doesnt really sound like a decline ?
@Kohn Jeenan: look at this years departures, compared to signings, hardly an achievement qualifying for the heineken cup
@Pretty Ladee: there’s hardly a single player to come through the leinster academy that’s not ready for the pro 14
@Pretty Ladee: we’ve qualified on our own merit for the Heineken cup maybe a few times ever so I’m not sure how you can say it’s not an achievement, departures is kind of worrying but have to presume there’s some plan
@Pretty Ladee: Aungier is a gem of a player and a big loss to Leinster. He will soon be a favourate in the Sportsground
With Joe Tomane departing, I presume Leinster have room to sign another non Irish player, obviously not possible with the current economic situation.
Amazing to think that with Leinster’s academy, they will need nor miss this opportunity!
@Conor Mulloy: a none irish loose head might be the only requirement as healy will be away and is not getting any younger. Saying that it’s a great opportunity for the younger lads to step up.
@Chris Mc: A NIQ loosehead is a good shout. That said, Dooley had upped his game pre-COVID19 and was playing very well.
@Carmine Lorenzo: agree Dooley has stepped up but say going into a HC final and healy was injured dooley and Byrne doesn’t sound as good as healy and mcgrath
@Chris Mc: Nope it definitely does not, a certain drop off there. I guess we’ll find out soon enough whether Milne has what it takes.
@Carmine Lorenzo: if Leo trusts dooley Byrne and milne that’ll do for me.
Def jealous of that
Fantastic strength in depth and who would not want to sign on when the team is on the crest of a wave
Yeah v disappointed for Daly, He’s a VG player when fit
Great business by leinster selection ain’t easy delighted for Vardy
Are we becoming very forward heavy compared to backs. (with ferg and Rob) added to the list that moved on today