Want the latest from the world of GAA, horse racing, football, rugby and more straight to your inbox? Sign up to our FREE newsletter Invalid Email Something went wrong, please try again later. Yes please! Thank you for subscribing We have more newsletters Show me See our privacy notice Thursday saw a good day for the punters as Defi Du Seuil, Sire Du Berlais and Paisley Park all won from favourites. Defi Du Seuil started the day by winning at 3/1 before Sire Du Berlais and Paisley Park came home at 4/1 and 11/8 respectively. Frodon triumphing at 9/2 made the day even sweeter for the horse racing public, although the bookies were able to recoup with Any Second Now at 6/1 and Eglantine Du Seuil an incredible 50/1. Coral's David Stevens claimed: "We thought Wednesday was bad, when favourites won the last four races, but that seemed like a good day at the office compared to this afternoon, with estimated losses across the industry in the region of £50 million." But what will happen on Friday with the world famous Gold Cup to play for? (Image: Getty Images) 1.30 - JCB Triumph Hurdle NEWSBOY’S 1-2-3 1 SIR EREC 2 QUEL DESTIN 3 GARDENS OF BABYLON SIR EREC fully deserves his status as a short-priced favourite. A useful performer in a truncated career on the Flat for trainer Joseph O’Brien's father Aidan, the son of Galileo won twice before finishing third to Stradivarius in the Group 2 Long Distance Cup at Ascot on Champions Day last October. (Image: Getty Images) Following a switch of stables for a hurdles campaign, Sir Erec got off the mark at the first attempt with a neck call from Tiger Tap Tap at Leopardstown over Christmas. And, returning to Foxrock for the Grade 1 Spring Juvenile Hurdle, JP McManus’s four-year-old posted an impressive effort in making all the running under Mark Walsh for a six-length supremacy over Gardens Of Babylon. He sets the standard - he hasn’t finished yet - and will be hard to beat. Paul Nicholls’ pair Quel Destin, a tough nut, and British debutant Pic D’Orhy also warrant a second glance. 2.10 - Randox Health County Handicap Hurdle NEWSBOY’S 1-2-3 1 CROOKS PEAK 2 MR ADJUDICATOR 3 CUT THE MUSTARD CROOKS PEAK faces the toughest task of his fledgeling career - but is taken to prove up to the task. The dual bumper winner - he beat just one home behind Relegate in the big one here last March - disappointed in fourth when the 4-6 favourite for his hurdles debut at Newton Abbot in October. But Crooks Peak is unbeaten in three attempts since beating three opponents at Exeter at the start of November, and one rival, Danny Kirwan, at Kempton Park 20 days later. (Image: PA) My selection was absent from the track for three months but returned for his first start in handicaps at Newbury at the beginning of the month. Crooks Peak proved ahead of his British Horseracing Authority rating with a three-quarter-length defeat of Champagne City, and, carrying a 5lb penalty, has the profile to give a good account. Mr Adjudicator, stable-companion Cut The Mustard and Monsieur Lecoq are among the likely suspects. 2.50 - Albert Bartlett Novices' Hurdle NEWSBOY’S 1-2-3 1 LISNAGAR OSCAR 2 BIRCHDALE 3 DERRINROSS LISNAGAR OSCAR looks a stayer with a bright future. A point-to-point winner in Ireland last March, the Rebecca Curtis six-year-old opened his career under Rules with placed efforts at Chepstow and Ffos Las. The gelded son of Oscar would arguably have hit the bullseye at the third attempt when taking in a Grade 2 over course and distance 10 days before Christmas, but a mistake at the last cost him dear in finishing second to Rockpoint. (Image: PA Wire/PA Images) However, Lisnagar Oscar made amends with a head margin over Dickie Diver at Chepstow in the middle of January. And his 10-length demolition job in Haydock Park’s Grade 2 Prestige Hurdle over three miles last time - Ask Ben came home in second with Rockpoint sixth - puts down a very solid marker for a stable that won this race with At Fishers Cross six years ago. Birchdale and Commander Of Fleet and Derrinross are going-places grinders capable of a bold show. 3.30 - Magners Cheltenham Gold Cup Chase NEWSBOY’S 1-2-3 1 ELEGANT ESCAPE 2 PRESENTING PERCY 3 ANIBALE FLY ELEGANT ESCAPE is an upwardly mobile chaser who has each-way claims - at the very least. This time last year, the Colin Tizzard seven-year-old had only a distant view of Presenting Percy when a 14-length third in the RSA Insurance Novices’ Chase, in which Al Boum Photo was in the bronze-medal position when coming down two out. But Elegant Escape, who had a breathing operation over the summer, has emerged a different horse this season. After a return-to-action success at Sandown Park in November, my selection chased home stablemate Sizing Tennessee in the Ladbrokes Trophy at Newbury next time. (Image: PA) Tom O’Brien’s mount bludgeoned 19 rivals, including third home Yala Enki, in the Welsh Grand National two days after Christmas, beating Ramses De Teillee by a length and a quarter off a British Horseracing Authority rating of 151. Elegant Escape comes here on the back of a three-quarter-length defeat by Frodon in the Cotswold Chase here in January. But the gelded son of Dubai Destination was staying on all the way up the hill, and the additional furlong and 14 yards yards will help his cause - as would any overnight rain. Presenting Percy has led the market for the blue ribbon since his RSA Chase victory. The fact his reclusive trainer Pat Kelly has sent him out just once - and then to win over hurdles - can't be viewed as a positive, but Davy Russell’s partner remains a horse of Gold Cup potential. Presenting Percy jostles for favouritism with Tizzard’s Native River, who outstayed Might Bite for Gold Cup glory in 2018.<doc-sep>After a week of the highest-quality racing, it all comes down to the big one: Cheltenham Gold Cup! The final day of the festival is headlined by the marquee race, where some of the highest-rated horses in the UK, Ireland and France battle it out for one of sport's most coveted prizes. Native River is bidding to become the first horse in 15 years to defend the crown, while Presenting Percy and Clan Des Obeaux are both in with a shot. But there is plenty of potential winners amongst the outsiders, with the likes of Kemboy, Might Bite and Elegant Escape all tipped for success. Stick with us throughout the day for all the action from Cheltenham Festival. Follow all of the action, latest tips, results and race card right here. Video Loading Video Unavailable Click to play Tap to play The video will auto-play soon 8 Cancel Play now (Image: Getty Images) Follow everything as it happens right here - including all the latest tips, best bets and results. If you haven't already, be sure to like our Irish Mirror Sport and Irish Mirror GAA pages on Facebook and follow us on Twitter.<doc-sep>THE Cheltenham Festival 2019 comes to its conclusion with the final day of action on Friday - and we have you covered with all the latest runners, results and tips. Here’s everything you need to know about the day’s action: 2 The Cheltenham Festival comes to a conclusion on Friday afternoon What time does racing start at Cheltenham? The first race of the day is the The JCB Triumph Hurdle and gets underway at 1.30 pm on Friday March 15th. There are seven races taking place on Friday. The big race of the day is the Cheltenham Gold Cup which takes place at 3.30 pm. 2 The Cheltenham Gold Cup is the big race of the day Credit: Getty Images - Getty What TV channel is Cheltenham on? The action will be shown live in Ireland on Virgin Media One with the coverage starting at 1.00 pm, and can also be streamed live on Virgin Media Anywhere. Racing UK is where you can watch the last two races of the day. Friday’s Cheltenham racecard and results: Race 1 - 1.30 JCB Triumph Hurdle (Grade 1) Pentland Hills came strong at the end to take victory in the opening race of the day although the race was marred by a serious injury to Sir Erec. Results: 1. Pentland Hills 20/1 J: Nico de Boinville T: Nicky Henderson 2. Couer Sublime 20/1 J: Davy Russell T: Gordon Elliott 3. Garden of Babylon 9/1 J: Barry Geraghty T: Joseph O'Brien 4. Nelson River 66/1 J: Harry Bannister T: Tony Carroll Race 2 - 2.10 Randox Health County Handicap Hurdle (Grade 3) A great win for Harry Skelton as Ch'tibello powers home to take victory in the County Hurdle Results: 1. Ch'tibello 12/1 J: Harry Skelton T: Dan Skelton 2. We Have a Dream 14/1 J: Daryl Jacob T: Nicky Henderson 3. Countister 18/1 J: Barry Geraghty T: Nicky Henderson 4. Whiskey Sour 5/1f J: Ruby Walsh T: Willie Mullins 5. Lisp 25/1 J: Wayne Hutchinson T: Alan King Race 3 - 2.50 Albert Bartlett Novices' Hurdle (Grade 1) Nicky Henderson holds a strong hand here with Birchdale and Dickie Diver. Rachael Blackmore rode 50/1 Minella Indo to a shock victory in the Albert Bartlett. Results: 1. Minella Indo 50/1 J: Rachael Blackmore T: Henry de Bromhead 2. Commander of Fleet 4/1f J: Jack Kennedy T: Gordon Elliott 3. Allaho 8/1 J: Ruby Walsh T: Willie Mullins 4. Dickie Diver 14/1 J: Aidan Coleman T: Nicky Henderson Race 4 - 3.30 Magners Cheltenham Gold Cup Chase (Grade 1) Al Boum Photo and Paul Townend raced clear to give Willie Mullins his first Cheltenham Gold Cup victory. Results: 1. Al Boum Photo 12/1 J: Paul Townend T: Willie Mullins 2. Anibale Fly 22/1 J: Barry Geraghty T: A J Martin 3. Bristol de Mai 18/1 J: Daryl Jacob T: Nigel Twiston-Davies 4. Native River 6/1 J: Richard Johnson T: Colin Tizzard Race 5 - 4.10 St. James's Place Foxhunter Challenge Cup Open Hunters' Chase Results: Hazel Hill avoid a stray to canter home for Alex Edwards on board for Philip Rowley. 1. Hazel Hill 7/2f J: Alex Edwards T: Philip Rowley 2. Shantou Flyer 7/1 J: Mr D Maxwell T: Richard Hobson 3. Top Wood 33/1 J: Miss T Worsley T: Miss Kelly Morgan 4. Road to Rome 7/1 J: Sam Waley-Cohen T: JJ O'Shea Race 6 - 4.50 Johnny Henderson Grand Annual Challenge Cup Handicap Chase Big result for the result for the bookies as Croco Bay takes the Grand Annual at 66/1. Result: 1. Croco Bay 66/1 J: Kielan Woods T: Ben Case 2. Bun Doran 11/1 J: Paddy Brennan T:Tom George 3. Brelan D'As 8/1 J: Bryony Frost T: Paul Nicholls 4. Forest Bihan 33/1 J: Danny Cook T: Brian Ellison MOST READ SPORT Live Blog MAN UTD 1 (10) VILLARREAL 1 (11) Penalties heartbreak for Red Devils as De Gea misses JEEPERS KEEPERS Agony for Man Utd as De Gea misses after epic shootout goes down to GOALIES Live Blog FOOTBALL NEWS LIVE Zidane QUITS Real Madrid, Antonio Conte leaves Inter Milan Live Blog RED DEVILS NEWS Europa League final build-up as Maguire NOT yet ruled out, Ronaldo LATEST ZINE ENOUGH Zidane 'quits Real Madrid with immediate effect' after troubled Bernabeu season FAKE PAUL Tommy Fury slams Jake Paul and claims Molly-Mae leaked DMs aren't real in rant Pictured FANDEMONIUM Man Utd fans in party spirit early with PLENTY of pints in rammed Gdansk bars WEIGH TO GO Conor McGregor says he'll make 'championship weight' for Poirier UFC trilogy LEGEND GONE Johnny Everard dead - Former Tipperary All Ireland winning hurler dies aged 97 SHIELD EXIT Larne enquire about Dundalk ace Chris Shields with Linfield and Glentoran keen Race 7 - 5.30 Martin Pipe Conditional Jockeys' Handicap Hurdle Early Doors gives Joseph O'Brien another winner as he pips Dallas Des Pictons in the final straight. Result: 1. Early Doors (9/2) J: Jonjo O'Neill Jr T: Joseph Patrick O'Brien 2. Dallas Des Pictons (7/2fav) J: Donagh Meyler T: Gordon Elliott 3. Defi Bleu (14/1) J: Conor Brassil T: Gordon Elliott 4. Champagne Court (14/1) J: Rex Dingle T: Jeremy Scott<doc-sep>Want the latest from the world of GAA, horse racing, football, rugby and more straight to your inbox? Sign up to our FREE newsletter Invalid Email Something went wrong, please try again later. Yes please! Thank you for subscribing We have more newsletters Show me See our privacy notice Presenting Percy will make a bold bid to silence trainer Pat Kelly’s critics in today’s Magners Gold Cup, showpiece on the final day of the 2019 Cheltenham Festival. There is no doubt that the eight-year-old’s Gold Cup preparation has been unorthodox – just one run since winning the ‘RSA’ impressively here last year, and that was over hurdles in the Grade 2 ‘Galmoy’ at Gowran Park in January. But historians will point to the fact that Easter Hero won the Gold Cup ninety years ago, without a run over fences that season. And personally, I have no worries about Presenting Percy’s build-up to this date with destiny. So impressive when beating Monalee here last year (when Al Boum Photo fell two out), with Elegant Escape further behind, ‘Percy’ does everything so easily in his race – he jumps economically, travels well, possesses a change of gears and has proven his stamina on a number of occasions. Already a dual Festival winner, having won the ‘Pertemps’ in 2017 and the RSA last year, Presenting Percy is poised to give his eccentric but astute trainer Pat Kelly, owner Philip Reynolds and Davy Russell a day they’ll never forget. Reigning Gold Cup champion Native River, so gutsy when seeing off Might Bite last year, comes into the race on the back of two defeats this season, including a third to Clan Des Obeaux in the ‘Kign George’. But he has been trained for the day by Colin Tizzard, will appreciate the testing conditions and, sure to race prominently, is sure to give Richard Johnson a great spin again. The Paul Nicholls-trained Clan Des Obeaux is vying for favouritism on the basis of his progressive profile which saw him beat two of today’s rivals Thistlecrack and Native River in the ‘King George’ before scoring a smooth success in the ‘Denman’ at Ascot last month. But I’m not convinced about his ability to see out this demanding three and a quarter miles, up the hill. Willie Mullins, seeking an allusive Gold Cup success, having saddled the runner-up six times, runs four, with Ruby Walsh set to pilot Bellshill, narrow winner of the Irish Gold Cup at Leopardstown last time. Impressive Savills Chase winner Kemboy will be re-united with David Mullins while relatively unexposed Al Boum Photo (Paul Townend) and ‘Thyestes’ winner Invitation Only (Patrick Mullins) compete the Closutton challenge. Tony Martin’s Anibale Fly, third last year, and the Gorodn Elliott-trained mare Shattered Love will also have their supporters, each-way. But Presenting Percy will do for me. Joseph O'Brien to strike again (Image: PA) Having made his Festival breakthrough with Band Of Outlaws on Wednesday, Joseph O’Brien should strike again, with another exciting four-year-old, Sir Erec, in today’s opener, the JCB triumph Hurdle. A listed winner on the flat before finishing a hugely creditable third to Europe’s top stayer Stradivarius at Ascot in October, the son of Camelot is unbeaten in two starts over obstacles. And he was hugely impressive when making all for Grade 1 success in the ‘Spring Juvenile’ at Leopardstown last time. The only concern surrounding Sir Erec is the stone-bruise he sustained last week. But, reportedly, back in fine fettle, he’s undoubtedly the horse to beat. Paul Nicholls’ Quel Destin, a prolific winner, looks best of the home challengers while, despite a couple of below par efforts, the Gordon Elliott-trained Coeur Sublime has an each-way shout. Elliott’s Commander Of Fleet, which appreciated the step-up in trip when bagging a Grade 1 in Leopardstown last time, leads the ten-strong Irish challenge for the Grade 1 Albert Bartlett Novices Hurdle, in which Rhinestone is also expected to figure prominently. Third to Mohaayed in the race twelve months ago, Whiskey Sour, for Willie Mullins and Ruby Walsh, is the choice in the typically competitive-looking County Hurdle. Despite a defeat by subsequent ‘Tetratema’ winner Fenno’s Storm in a point-to-point in Kilfeacle since his hunter chase debut success in Down Royal, Enda Bolger’s Stand Up And Fight (Derek O’Connor) might stamp his class on the ‘Foxhunters’. The Elliott runner Ucello Conti boasts solid placed form in some of the top staying handicaps of recent seasons and has won his two hunter-chases, at Thurles and Navan, with the minimum of fuss. And Jamie Codd’s mount should be in the shake-up too. The combination of Gorodn Elliott, Gigginstown and Donagh Meyler, successful with Blow By Blow last year, might complete back-to-bac wins in the ‘Martin Pipe’, which closes the Festival for the first time, with Dallas Des Pictons. Runner-up to ‘Ballymore’ winner City Island at Leopardstown’s Christmas meeting, he won his maiden at Punchestown before making a successful handicap debut, over three miles, at Leopardstown. He doesn’t look too harshly treated here and mguth send punters home happy. Selections 1.30. Sir Erec (Nap) 2.10. Whiskey Sour 2.50. Commader Of Fleet 3.30. Presenting Percy 4.10. Stand Up And Fight 4.50. Champagne At Tara 5.30. Dalls Des Pictons Longshot : Daybreak Boy (5.30.) If you haven't already, be sure to like our Irish Mirror Sport and Irish Mirror GAA pages on Facebook and follow us on Twitter.<doc-sep>
The wait for racing fans is almost over at the Cheltenham Festival , where Friday is headlined by the much-anticipated Gold Cup. It hasn't been a great week for the bookies so far with three favourites romping home on Thursday to add to the four that triumphed on Wednesday. Defi Du Seuil, Sire Du Berlais and Paisley Park all eased home on day three as industry losses totalled an estimated £50million. So, what does that mean for Friday? Ahead of the final day, we take a look at the seven races to guide you through the favourites, 'bankers' and outside bets in each of them. For offers throughout the week bet with The Pools. (Image: PA) 1.30 - JCB Triumph Hurdle According to Newsboy, Sir Erec "fully deserves his status" as the odds-on favourite for the day's opening race. Having switched trainer to Joseph O'Brien from his father Aidan, the four-year-old has won on his two outings over jumps. "We’ve never hidden the regard we’ve held him in," O'brien junior said. "He was obviously a good horse on the Flat and he’s taken to hurdling well." Pic D'Orhy is second favourite, while Quel Destin, Tiger Tap Tap and Gardens of Babylon all have good pedigree. "I know Sir Erec is a very short price but he’ll have to be tough to go past this lad," Quel Destin trainer Paul Nicholls said. (Image: Getty Images) 2.10 - Randox Health County Handicap Hurdle Whiskey Sour starts as favourite under Luke McMahon having come home third in this race with Rugby Walsh on board 12 months ago. Behind the Willie Mullins-trained six-year-old it looks a fairly open field with Newsboy tipping Crooks Peak to edge Mr Adjudicator and Cut The Mustard. Crooks Peak has won his last three races and our tipster said he "faces the toughest task of his fledgeling career - but is taken to prove up to the task." (Image: PA) 2.50 - Albert Bartlett Novices' Hurdle Birchdale starts as favourite for the third race of the day having come in from an original price of 16-1. The Nicky Hederson-trained five-year-old has won on each of its three outings to date but will face competition from Lisnagar Oscar on Friday. Rebecca Curtis' horse has won at Chepstow and Haydock this year, and is Newboy's tip to prevail. "He’s a very, very good horse — he travels, he jumps, he keeps trying and he’s got all the attributes to be a very good three-miler," Curtis said. (Image: PA) 3.30 - Magners Cheltenham Gold Cup Chase Presenting Percy has won on his previous two trips to Cheltenham - in the Handicap Hurdle and Novices' Chase - is the favourite for the big one. The Patrick Kelly-trained eight-year-old was also victorious on his only appearance since last year's Festival, at Gowran Park in January. "He’s in great form — we were around the same place at the same time last year," owner Philip Reynolds said. Elegant Escape came home third behind Presenting Percy in the Novcies' Chase at Cheltenham last year, but our man Newsboy is tipping him to upset the odds on Friday. "Elegant Escape, who had a breathing operation over the summer, has emerged a different horse this season," Newsboy said. (Image: Getty Images) 4.10 - St. James' Place Foxhunter Challenge Cup Open Hunters' Chase Stand Up And Fight will start the amateurs' Gold Cup as favourite following a run of form that has seen the seven-year-old place in each of his last three outings - winning two. Victory again on Friday would be a fourth in this race for trainer Enda Bolger, but Newsboy does not think he will get it. He is tipping Hazel Hill, the third favourite who has won his last two races. Newsboy said: "Hazel Hill, a prolific pointer-to-pointer who is unbeaten in three starts under Rules, fits the bill for the amateurs’ Gold Cup." Ucelio Conti, Pacha Du Polder and Shantou Flyer are also contenders. (Image: PA) 4.50 - Johnny Henderson Grand Annual Challenge Cup Handicap Chase French five-year-old Magic Saint heads a long list of challengers for the penultimate race of this year's Festival. The Paul Nicholls-trained horse won on his only outing this year, at Wincanton. However, it is a former Nicholls charge that has caught Newsboy's eye. Marracudja is "handicapped to show to the fore" according to our tipster but will face competition from Le Prezien, Whatswrongwithyou and Bun Doran.