Cheltenham Chat: We talk to Sunderland’s resident racing fans about all things Festival

The 2019 Cheltenham Festival is almost here, and we can’t wait for four days and 28 races of top-notch equine action.

And we’re not the only ones. We’ve been chatting all things Cheltenham with a few of the guys at Sunderland.

We sat down with striker Chris Maguire, defender Reece James, and the club’s legendary kit man John Cooke, to get their take on festival fever…

Coral: Hi chaps! The Cheltenham Festival is upon us! Tell us how you normally go about choosing your nags for the week…

Chris: “I don’t mess around here. I jump on to the Racing Post app and do the research!”

Reece: “There’s no need for the Racing Post. There’s one man to go to and that’s Cookie, the kit man.”

Cookie: “I don’t know how I manage to do it every time. But I always feel sorry for the sick horses. The problem is, I don’t know they’re sick when I back them!

Is there anyone in the squad who fancies themselves as a bit of a tipster?

Chris: “Hmmm, none of the players, but Cookie does!”

Reece: “You know what I’m going to say – Cookie!”

Cookie: “Rubbish, I’m saying Chris Maguire!”

What do you enjoy most about racing?

Chris: “I love that absolutely nothing is guaranteed and it’s not over until it’s over.”

Reece: “It’s all about the day out.”

Cookie: “Yeah I’m with Reece here. Racing is about the craic!”