Chris Hughes: “Annie Mc has a serious chance of surprising everyone at Cheltenham”

Coral ambassador looks ahead to Thursday’s Marsh Novices’Chase

With less than a week until the Cheltenham Festival getsunderway, Coral ambassador Chris Hughes can’t wait to see Annie Mc run in theMarsh Novices’ Chase.

Hughes regularly rides Annie Mc on the gallops and hasformed a very close bond with her, who is owned by the Coral Champions Club – afree-to-join racing club for Coral customers.

Last year he posted a video of Annie Mc with his girlfriend,Little Mix star Jesy Nelson, and he’s been sharing his excitement on socialmedia again in the build-up to this year’s Festival.

She has won her last three races over fences and Hughes believes she could surprise people on Thursday. Our traders currently have her at 20/1 to win the Marsh Novices’ Chase.

He said: “I fell in love with Annie Mc the first time I sawher when she arrived at Jonjo O’Neill’s yard two years ago, and riding her onthe gallops is the best feeling ever.

“I’m a bag of nerves whenever she runs, and I get reallyemotional every time she wins. I’m so proud of what she’s achieved this seasonand I think she has a serious chance of surprising everyone at Cheltenham. Shejumps like a stag and her jockey Jonjo O’Neill Junior rides her brilliantly.”

Coral PR Director, Simon Clare, said “Chris has been AnnieMc’s number one fan since day one, before she’d ever run, and his faith in herability has been unwavering.

“He always said she was a superstar and he’s been provedright, as she is now heading to the biggest race meeting of them all, theCheltenham Festival.