Countdown to Cheltenham: Amateur riders to miss Festival; Goshen on course for Champion Hurdle

It was confirmed yesterday that no amateur riders will be allowed to compete at this year’s Cheltenham Festival, with the BHA extending its current restrictions to March 29, in line with government measures.

The move means several leading riders will be unable to compete. One of them, Patrick Mullins, whose rides were set to included Champion Bumper favourite Kilcruit and multiple Grade 1 winner Sharjah in the Champion Hurdle, says he is considering turning pro.

“I’m very disappointed about this development,” Mullins said. “Obviously I had a very good book of rides so I will have to give some very serious thought as to whether I turn professional or not.”

However, the Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board suggest things might not be that simple: ”Any individual applying for a professional licence will be required to demonstrate their intent to remain as a professional jockey and not to just take out a licence to circumvent current public health restrictions.”

Goshen on course for Champion Hurdle

Gary Moore has reported Goshen to be in rude health following his comeback success in the Kingwell Hurdle on Saturday, with all roads now leading to Cheltenham.

Goshen had disappointed on both Flat and Jumps outings since unseating in a freak accident at the final flight in last year’s Triumph Hurdle, but bounced back with a 22-length defeat of Song For Someone at Wincanton.

“He’s come out of his race very well,” Moore said. “We’ll just do what we do and hopefully keep him on track for Cheltenham.”

Today’s racing

The five-year-old is the 10/3 NRNB third-favourite for the Champion Hurdle.

We don’t tend to get too many Festival clues on the course this close to the meeting, but last year’s St. James’s Place Foxunter Chase winner It Came To Pass is to prep for the Festival in the 2:20 at Thurles this afternoon.

Trainer Eugene O’Sullivan says he has concerns about the testing nature of the ground so close to the Festival, but has little choice to run, with the 11-year-old having been off the track since November.

“I’ve said all year that I wouldn’t run him on bad ground, but I just feel he needs a run,” O’Sullivan said.

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