CHELTENHAM FESTIVAL ‘madness’ has kicked in – after bookies slashed the odds of a Nicky Henderson horse who ‘can’t run’ there.
JP McManus’ brilliant mare Joyeuse hammered rivals in last weekend’s big William Hill Hurdle at Newbury.
Awesome grey Joyeuse hammered rivals in the William Hill Hurdle and was made 8-1 for the County – but won’t run at Cheltenham[/caption]
Sent off 9-2 under Nico de Boinville, she travelled like an absolute dream and cruised home by eight lengths.
THE SUN RACING MEMBERS ENCLOSURE
The only place to get Templegate’s tips first – and at the best prices – is by joining Sun Racing’s brilliant Members Enclosure (UK only).
Sign up now for just £1* to be part of racing’s best winning team and get…
- Four free racing tickets, four times a year – worth £300
- Templegate’s daily tips at the BEST prices before anyone else
- Exclusive access to Templegate’s daily NAP
- Tomorrow’s copy of The Favourite at 9pm today
- Exclusive insights from top trainer Ben Pauling
- VIP competitions from Racing Breaks each month
Become a member today for just £1*
*For the first month then £3 per month thereafter.
18+ Ts and Cs apply. First month membership £1, then £3 per month unless you cancel at least 7 days before your next billing date. UK only. For more information contact help@thesun.co.uk
Bookies immediately slashed her odds to 8-1 for the County Hurdle at next month’s Festival.
But both Henderson and De Boinville hit out at the qualifying criteria for the handicaps after it emerged Joyeuse would not run.
A horse has to run five times before the Festival to be eligible for this year’s County.
Joyeuse has run four times since January 8 but Henderson said he will not squeeze another in before March.
De Boinville said the whole situation was ‘madness’ – adding: “She went through the race really easy and jumped great. It was very straightforward.
“It’s madness she can’t go to Cheltenham.
“I’d say it’s pretty much bonkers that you can win a handicap like that but can’t run at Cheltenham, there’s more money here than Cheltenham.”
FREE BETS – GET THE BEST SIGN UP DEALS AND RACING OFFERS
Commercial content notice: Taking one of the offers featured in this article may result in a payment to The Sun. You should be aware brands pay fees to appear in the highest placements on the page. 18+. T&Cs apply. gambleaware.org.
Remember to gamble responsibly
A responsible gambler is someone who:
- Establishes time and monetary limits before playing
- Only gambles with money they can afford to lose
- Never chases their losses
- Doesn’t gamble if they’re upset, angry or depressed
- Gamcare – www.gamcare.org.uk
- Gamble Aware – www.gambleaware.org
Find our detailed guide on responsible gambling practices here.
