Cheltenham Festival 2015: Big guns among eight left in Champion Hurdle

Only eight runners remain in the Champion Hurdle after the latest declaration stage, but all the major players have stood their ground in what promises to be an enthralling renewal on Tuesday, March 10th.

Half of the potential runners were scratched at today’s six-day stage, but last year’s winner Jezki remains in the mix along with Faugheen, Huricane Fly and The New One.

The unbeaten Faugheen remains a rock solid even-money favourite with Coral followed by The New One (3/1), Jezki (5/1) and Hurricane Fly (8/1).

Others left in the 2m championship contest are Arctic Fire (14/1), Bertimont (100/1), Kitten Rock (25/1) and the Nicky Henderson trained Vaniteux (33/1).

Cyclone handed Ryanair ticket
Irish trainer Shark Hanlon today confirmed that Hidden Cyclone will be aimed at the Raynair Chase at the Cheltenham Festival rather than the Queen Mother Champion Chase.

The gelding finished runner-up to Dynaste in the race 12 months ago, and is 8/1 with Coral to go one better in the 2m 5f contest on Thursday, March 12th.

Hanlon’s decision comes following a couple of notable defections from the Ryanair which have given the race a wide-open look.
He told At The Races: “We’ve just made a decision that we’ll go for the Ryanair. There’s no Dynaste there this year and with Cue Card pulling out this week, we are heading that way.

“Up to now we were heading towards the Champion Chase but with no Cue Card and the ground drying out, it’s likely to be good by Thursday, so we’re turning that way.”