The Cheltenham Festival, a cornerstone of the National Hunt racing calendar, is fast approaching, and Irish trainer Paul Nolan is preparing to send his largest ever team to the prestigious meeting. With four previous victories under his belt – Dabiroun in the 2005 Fred Winter, Noble Prince in the 2011 Turners Novices’ Chase, Mrs Milner in the 2021 Pertemps Final, and Daily Present in last year’s Kim Muir – Nolan is hoping to add to his tally at Prestbury Park. This year’s squad, numbering around ten to eleven horses, represents a significant increase in scale for the County Wexford-based handler, and a testament to the quality of horses currently in his care.
The anticipation surrounding the Festival is palpable, not just for Nolan but for the entire racing community. The Cheltenham Festival, held annually in March, draws hundreds of thousands of spectators and generates significant economic impact for the surrounding region. It’s a showcase for the best National Hunt horses in Ireland and the United Kingdom, and a proving ground for future stars. Nolan’s expanded team reflects the growing strength of Irish National Hunt racing, which has consistently outperformed its British counterpart in recent years. The festival is a key event in the horse racing calendar, attracting significant betting interest and media coverage.
A Strong Contender in Feet Of A Dancer
Leading Nolan’s charge is Feet Of A Dancer, a mare who has been steadily progressing through the ranks. Her recent Grade Two victory at Doncaster has marked her as a serious contender for one of the Festival’s major hurdles. According to Nolan, the decision on which race to target for Feet Of A Dancer will depend on the participation of key rivals like Lossiemouth and Wodhooh in the Mares’ Hurdle. If both those talented mares line up, Nolan concedes that a place finish might be the realistic aim. The BetMGM Cup (formerly the Coral Cup) and the Stayers’ Hurdle are also under consideration, presenting a range of options for the versatile mare. The BetMGM Cup, a competitive handicap hurdle, is run over two and a half miles on the Old Course, known for its sharp turns and demanding pace. The Stayers’ Hurdle, a Grade One contest, tests stamina over three miles.
Nolan acknowledges the challenge posed by the competition in the Stayers’ Hurdle, suggesting that Feet Of A Dancer might be a stone (14 pounds) behind some of the leading contenders, even with the mares’ allowance. The trainer is carefully weighing the pros and cons of each race, taking into account the ground conditions and the strength of the opposition. The final decision will be made on the day of declaration, allowing Nolan to assess the situation and choose the race that offers the best chance of success. The ability to adapt and create informed decisions is a hallmark of a successful trainer, and Nolan has demonstrated this quality throughout his career.
Diverse Entries Across Multiple Races
Beyond Feet Of A Dancer, Nolan has a diverse team of horses entered in various races throughout the Festival. Release The Beast is slated to run in the fiercely competitive Grand Annual Handicap Chase, a race known for its fast pace and demanding fences. The Grand Annual is a notoriously difficult race to win, requiring both speed and stamina, and a bit of luck. Nolan is hoping that Release The Beast can handle the pressure and deliver a strong performance.
In the Kim Muir Challenge Cup Chase, Nolan intends to saddle both Sandor Clegane and Daily Present. However, Nolan expressed some reservations about Daily Present’s recent form, noting that the horse had pulled up in his last start. He believes that the better ground at Cheltenham will suit Daily Present, but acknowledges that the horse will require to significantly improve to be competitive. Sandor Clegane, meanwhile, has been somewhat disappointing, but Nolan reports that the horse is showing signs of improvement. The Kim Muir is a stamina-testing chase over three and a quarter miles, and Nolan is hoping that both horses can stay the distance and run well.
Iceberg Theory is set to contest the National Hunt Chase, a grueling four-mile test of stamina. Nolan believes that the step up in trip will suit Iceberg Theory, who won well over three miles at Cork. The National Hunt Chase is a race for novice chasers, and it often attracts a large field of horses with varying levels of experience. Nolan is confident that Iceberg Theory has the stamina and ability to perform well in this demanding race. The National Hunt Chase is a true test of a horse’s staying power, and it often separates the wheat from the chaff.
Boodles Entry and Albert Bartlett Consideration
Harwa, entered in the Boodles Juvenile Handicap Hurdle, is considered a potential contender, although Nolan has concerns about his weight allocation and the ground conditions. He believes that Harwa may struggle to carry a top weight in the Boodles, and that the firm ground at Cheltenham could also be a disadvantage. The Boodles is a highly competitive handicap hurdle for four-year-olds, and it often throws up some surprise results. Nolan is hoping that Harwa can overcome these challenges and deliver a strong performance.
Finally, Thedeviluno is being aimed at the Albert Bartlett Novices’ Hurdle. Nolan believes that Thedeviluno has shown the most comfort over three miles, particularly after his victory at Doncaster. He notes that the horse has won over two miles and finished second over two and a half miles, but that he seemed much more comfortable when stepping up to three miles. The Albert Bartlett is a Grade One novices’ hurdle over three miles, and We see often a key race for identifying future staying stars. Nolan is optimistic that Thedeviluno can make his mark in this prestigious contest. Thedeviluno’s performance at Doncaster, where he jumped and travelled well, has convinced Nolan that the longer distance is the key to unlocking his potential.
Nolan’s decision to target the Albert Bartlett with Thedeviluno comes after observing the impressive performance of Doctor Steinberg at the Dublin Racing Festival. Thedeviluno finished behind Doctor Steinberg in a Grade 2 race at Navan in December, and Nolan is now reassessing his options in light of Steinberg’s subsequent victory. He acknowledges that Steinberg’s performance at the Dublin Racing Festival has raised the bar, but he remains confident that Thedeviluno can be competitive in the Albert Bartlett.
Cheltenham Festival: A Pivotal Moment for Nolan’s Stable
With a team of ten to eleven horses, Paul Nolan is poised for a busy and potentially rewarding Cheltenham Festival. The diverse range of entries across multiple races demonstrates the depth and quality of his stable. While acknowledging the challenges posed by the competition, Nolan is optimistic that his horses are in good form and capable of delivering strong performances. The Cheltenham Festival represents a pivotal moment for Nolan’s stable, and a chance to further establish his reputation as one of Ireland’s leading National Hunt trainers. The festival is a true test of a trainer’s skill and judgment, and Nolan is ready to embrace the challenge.
The coming days will be crucial as Nolan and his team finalize their plans and prepare their horses for the rigors of the Cheltenham Festival. The anticipation is building, and the racing world is eagerly awaiting to see what unfolds at Prestbury Park. The Cheltenham Festival is more than just a horse race; it’s a celebration of the sport and a showcase for the incredible athleticism of both horses and riders.
The next key date for updates will be the confirmation of final declarations for each race on the day before they are run. Keep an eye on the official Cheltenham Festival website for the latest news and information. We encourage readers to share their thoughts and predictions for the Festival in the comments below.