It's the horse racing equivalent of Christmas time today as the Cheltenham festival gets underway. I am not a mad gambler on the horses as they are animals and anything can happen but I do have an aul flutter Cheltenham week. The pubs in Ireland and England will be packed from this afternoon until the end of the week as Cheltenham week takes over.
So I will push the boat out and let you know my tips for today in the various races.
E/W is backing your horse to be placed in the race. Some races give you first 3 places and some give your 4 or 5 places. The higher you place the higher the return.
14:50 - Vantage Cloud - 20/1. E/W
16:10 - Queens Brook - 5/1 WIN
16:50 - Praire Dancer - 33/1 E/W
17:30 - Pats Fancy - 10/1 E/W
The big race is the Grade one Champion Hurdle and Honeysuckle is the clear favourite to win his first one but I reckon the 2nd favourite Appreciate It may win this one.
I always do an accumulator as well as single bets just in case they all come in. Nice little return if all the above bets come in. Stranger things have happened.
Obviously I did 5 euro singles as well. I have been betting on Cheltenham for a decade now and I have lost money so fingers crossed it will be a good week. A few years ago myself and my friends got so many winning tips that we were all up 6 figures. I know there are so many warnings around gambling but in fairness, it's great fun once you don't go too mad and bet the house.
I am from horsey country and the lady that was voted Best Jockey at last years festival is from my neck of the woods. Rachel Blackmore. What a gal.
So with all the stud farms near by, the excitement is growing in my home town and the tips are flying around.
C'mon the Irish. Giddy Up!!!