March 8
On this day in 1980, John Francome captured the William Hill Imperial Cup on Prayukta for Fred Winter.
"The owls are not what they seem"
March 8 1900
1899 Triple crown winner Flying Fox sold for a record 37,500 Gns when The Duke Of Westminster's stable went under the hammer.
March 9
On this day in 1950, the great chaser Cottage Rake completed a hat-trick of wins in the Cheltenham Gold Cup for Vincent O'Brien.
"The owls are not what they seem"
March 10
On this day in 1992 Royal Gait, ridden by Graham McCourt and trained by James Fanshawe, won the Smurfit Champion Hurdle.
"The owls are not what they seem"
March 10 2007
Gaspara lands the Imperial Cup for David Pipe and Tony McCoy.
On this day in 1951 John Patrick McManus was born.
The entire NH industry should be forever grateful.
March 11
On this day in 1965, Arkle put up a breathtaking display to land his second successive win in the Cheltenham Gold Cup.
On a non racing theme
Japanese tsunami two years ago today, where has the time gone ?
"The owls are not what they seem"
March 12
On this day in 2002, Cheltenham bade a sad farewell to three-time Champion Hurdle winner Istabraq as he pulled up in the Festival feature.
"The owls are not what they seem"
March 13
On this day in 1996, Klarion Davis triumphed in the Queen Mother Champion Chase.
"The owls are not what they seem"
March 14
On this day in 2002, Baracouda landed the first of his two Stayers’ Hurdle titles.
"The owls are not what they seem"
March 15
This day in 1990 saw one of the greatest shocks in Cheltenham Festival history as 100-1 shot Norton's Coin landed the Gold Cup.
"The owls are not what they seem"
March 16
On this day in 1995, Master Oats completed an unforgettable double for Kim Bailey and Norman Williamson when taking the Cheltenham Gold Cup following Alderbrook's victory in the Champion Hurdle
"The owls are not what they seem"
March 16 1993
On this day Montelado became the first ( and for now the last) horse to win consecutive Cheltenham festival races winning the Supreme Novice Hurdle having won the Bumper in 1992 when it was the last festival race.
On this day in 2000 Looks Like Trouble won Gold Cup ridden by R Johnson after Stormin Norman Williamson was jocked off for pulling up LLT at Kempton in King George Chase.
On this day in 1989 Desert Orchid came good in Cheltenham Gold Cup ridden by S Sherwood, the only jockey to win on him going left handed. Some horse. Some jockey.
Mar 17. On this day....
1966 Arkle wins third Chel Gold Cup at 1/10.
1971 Bula wins first Champion Hurdle depriving Persian war of a fourth win.
1976 Night Nurse defeats Birds Nest in Champion Hurdle; their jockeys P Broderick and A Turnell having contrasting riding styles to say the least!
1977 Four Irish wins on Gold Cup day.
Meladon in Triumph hurdle , Davy Lad in Gold Cup, Rusty Tears in Hunters Chase and Kilcoleman in County Hurdle.
1981 Sea Pigeon retains Champion Hurdle under J Francome.
Derring Rose destroys field in Stayers Hurdle.
1983 Ml Dickinson 1,2,3,4,5 in Gold Cup. Say no more !
1987 See You Then wins third Champion Hurdle from US challenger Flatterer.
Galmoy the only Irish winner in stayers Hurdle.
1988 Charter Party wins Gold Cup for The Duke and R Dunwoody.
1993 Paul Carberry wins Festival Bumper on Rhythm Section , his first festival ride, emulating his father Tommy 30 years earlier on Tripacer. His sister Nina followed suit on Dabiroun in 2005. What a family!
The Dickinson 1-2-3-4-5,an amazing achievement from an amazing man.
Loved the story from Barry Geraghty about feeling old last night when flying back to Ireland the air hostess asked him "Are you in racing?" and when he replied "yes" she replied "You're Tommy Carberry aren't you?"
"The owls are not what they seem"
Rather like the story a few years ago at Punchestown a child asked Davy Russell if he was Ruby Walsh. "No" he replied "but I wish I was".
March 18
On this day in 1993 Jodami took the Cheltenham Gold Cup for trainer Peter Beaumont.
I actually held the CGC that day, only time I ever did and ever will.
"The owls are not what they seem"
Mar 18 1981
Willie Wumpkins won the Coral Golden Hurdle final for the third consecutive time aged 13 ridden by Jim Wilson, who won the Gold Cup the following day.
Drumgora springs a 25/1 surprise when defeating fav Anaglogs Daughter in 2 mile chase. Arthur Moore's first Festival winner.
Lesley Ann wins RSA chase. Did any mare win it since?
18/03/1998
Top Cees wins Coral Cup ridden by Barry Fenton.
Trainer Lynda Ramsden refuses to speak to Tommo after race.
Jockey sheds light on horse when telling how he loves to be covered up and go through gaps. He was not covered up in "That Newmarket Race "
Ruby Walsh wins first (of many) Cheltenham Festival races on Alexander Banquet in Bumper.
18/03/1999
See More Business wins a thrilling Gold Cup from Festival perrenial Go Ballistic,one of the few horses to race at 9 Chel festivals.
Space Trucker a handicap snip in Grand Annual comes good for Jessie Harrington and Shay Barry.