Three days in and we’re still dreaming.
There’s been swings, there’s been roundabouts but even those who’ve lined the bookies’ bags won’t deny that there’s been magic.
From Bryony Frost giving Frodon the ride of the festival to Paisley Park bringing owner Andrew Gemmill and the whole parade ring to tears. From the legendary Cork jockey Noel Fehily announcing his impending retirement to Wexford’s finest Jamie Codd recording an emotional win aboard Envoi Allen in the Champion Bumper.
God, we’re lucky to be around for it.
Klassical Dream’s Supreme triumph seems like it was a year ago now so many thoroughbreds have scaled Cleeve Hill since Tuesday but even though there’s glitter in our trails, the best could well be yet to come.
This is Gold Cup Friday and this is the dainty double they’re all backing from Owning Hill to Craughwell and from Craughwell to Pretsbury Park.
Sir Erec 4/5
The Irish banker from the minute the Ante Post markets said boo. Joseph O’Brien’s sprightly stable star has left some talented 4-year-olds in his trails already this year and on Friday afternoon from 1.30 he’ll be bidding to be crowned the king of them all.
Legends like Our Conor and Tiger Roll have won before him in this famously difficult race to win but with pace to burn and jumping like a buck, he has what it takes.
Some looker too.
Sir Erec is now odds-on for the Triumph Hurdle as punters make a beeline for one of the week's Irish bankers
Check out our tips for the final day at Cheltenham ➡️ https://t.co/UNc98kQH3y #TheFestival #CheltenhamFestival pic.twitter.com/eNy4SWJ7QL
— Racing TV (@RacingTV) March 15, 2019
Presenting Percy 4/1
If Presenting Percy comes home a winner, every bookmaker in Galway will be licking their wounds. craughwell based trainer Pat Kelly’s gem has won twice on the bounce, in the Pertemps and the RSA at Cheltenham and on Friday he goes for the most prestigious steeplechase in the land.
His preparation has been unorthodox to say the least, but with Davy Russell steering and the whole of Ireland cheering, there’s a good chance he’ll reach the top of the hill first.
The double works out at odds of 8/1.
