Cheltenham Festival remains on course despite continued coronavirus concerns

HOPES of next week’s Cheltenham Festival going ahead as scheduled received a boost after Health Secretary Matt Hancock confirmed that thereare no current plans to cancel mass events because of the ongoing threat of coronavirus.
The Cheltenham Festival is still due to go ahead next week despite the coronavirus outbreak.The Cheltenham Festival is still due to go ahead next week despite the coronavirus outbreak.
The Cheltenham Festival is still due to go ahead next week despite the coronavirus outbreak.

The Government has set out a ‘battle plan’ in response to Covid-19, with a 27-page document released amid widespread concerns about the impact the virus will have on people’s well-being, the economy and public services.

Launching the plan at a Downing Street press conference, Prime Minister Boris Johnson said he had “no doubt at all” that the “country is going to get through coronavirus, and get through it in good shape”.

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Hancock – whose Newmarket constituency is synonymous with the horse racing industry – also responded positively when asked about the cancellation of mass gatherings such as next month’s London Marathon.

Up to 60,000 racegoers are expected each day at next week's Cheltenham Festival.Up to 60,000 racegoers are expected each day at next week's Cheltenham Festival.
Up to 60,000 racegoers are expected each day at next week's Cheltenham Festival.

“It’s far too early to be able to tell in that instance,” he said.

“What we can say for sure is that right now, we do not recommend the cancelling of mass events, and schools as well should not be closing unless there is both a positive case and the school has had the advice to close from Public Health England.

“So right now, as long as you wash your hands more often, that is the number one thing you can do to keep you and the country safe.”

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Hancock described the threat of coronavirus to the UK as “increasingly serious” but stressed the Government and the health service are “well-prepared”.

Dual Grand National hero Tiger Roll is due to line up at next week's Cheltenham Festival.Dual Grand National hero Tiger Roll is due to line up at next week's Cheltenham Festival.
Dual Grand National hero Tiger Roll is due to line up at next week's Cheltenham Festival.

The Cheltenham Festival – four of the biggest days of the year in horse racing – is due to begin next Tuesday and the British Horseracing Authority has stated that the industry’s steering group will continue to liaise with the Government over the threat.

Meanwhile, dual Grand National winner Tiger Roll and red-hot Ballymore Novices’ Hurdle favourite Envoi Allen were among a team of Cheltenham Festival contenders to enjoy a spin after racing at Leopardstown.

Gordon Elliott described himself as “delighted” with Tiger Roll, who goes for a third win in the Glenfarclas Chase and a fifth Festival win overall, while Envoi Allen also satisfied the handler.

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Magners Cheltenham Gold Cup contender Delta Work was another notable name in action, along with Samcro, who currently has five options at next week’s showpiece meeting.

SAME AGAIN? Tiger Roll and Keith Donoghue, pictured on their way to winning the Glenfarclas Chase at last year's Cheltenham Festival at Cheltenham. Picture: Nigel French/PASAME AGAIN? Tiger Roll and Keith Donoghue, pictured on their way to winning the Glenfarclas Chase at last year's Cheltenham Festival at Cheltenham. Picture: Nigel French/PA
SAME AGAIN? Tiger Roll and Keith Donoghue, pictured on their way to winning the Glenfarclas Chase at last year's Cheltenham Festival at Cheltenham. Picture: Nigel French/PA

Elliott said: “Envoi Allen went well. Lisa (O’Neill) rode Tiger Roll and I was delighted with him. I just needed to get a good blow into him and we’re happy with him.”

And Joe Tizzard has high hopes for Copperhead in the RSA Chase after the horse surged to victory in Ascot’s Reynoldstown Chase under Jonjo O’Neill junior, this season’s leading conditional rider.

Tizzard, assistant trainer to his father Colin, said: “He won the Reynoldstown last time. He has been so progressive it’s unheard of to be honest. He needed his first run and then he won handicaps at Kempton and Newbury.

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“The first time we stepped him up to a Graded race at Ascot he improved again. His progression has been unbelievable really.

“He jumps, he stays and he is just very relaxed.

“We’ve had a lot of conversations as to what race we will run in. Dad and I are leaning towards the RSA. He has got the pace to handle that race and if he takes another step forward, he would have to have an almighty chance in it.

“He is not completely finished, another summer on his back, he is growing to be a serious horse next season and he is really exciting.”

Henry de Bromhead, meanwhile, has confirmed his unbeaten mare Honeysuckle will contest the Close Brothers Hurdle at next week’s Cheltenham Festival – possible contenders include North Yorkshire trainer Phil Kirby’s stable star Lady Buttons – rather than the Champion Hurdle on the same afternoon.

“It was a tough decision, but we’ve made it, and that’s it,” said de Bromhead.