A remarkable 22 horse have been declared as Turners Novices’ Hurdle runners in the opener on Wednesday. The largest field in the last 10 years was 16 in 2019. The Cheltenham Festival has been crucified in recent years for the dilution of quality and small field sizes, but on this occasion, it is reminiscent of the Cheltenham of yesteryear.
No Drama This End to break Nicholls Turners curse
Paul Nicholls has an illustrious roll of honours at the Cheltenham Festival, but the Turners has thus far eluded him. Challow winner No Drama This End is in pole position to break the curse, as the unbeaten hurdler tops the market.
Mullins declares six
Willie Mullins is the leading trainer in the race and has six declared to give him an eighth Turners winner. Grade 1 third King Rasko Grey looks set to be suited by the step up in trip. Former high class flat horse Sober looks to make it three from three over hurdles, and has reportedly been working well in the build-up. Champion Bumper seventh Sortudo has to bounce back form Grade 1 defeat at Naas last time out.
Saint Baco was well beaten behind Sortudo, but looked promising at Navan prior to that. Rich Ricci was bullish on the chances of Laurets d’Estruval, who is somewhat of an unknown quantity after Thurles success. Free Spirit makes up the sextet, who may be better suited to chasing next season.
Kennedy chooses Ballyfad
Ballyfad is the chosen mount of Jack Kennedy, despite riding Skylight Hustle to Grade 1 success last time out. Ballyfad was just pipped by Supreme contender Talk The Talk last time, but was unbeaten over hurdles prior to that. With stamina in the pedigree, a step up in trip can suit.
Danny Gilligan picks up the ride on Skylight Hustle, who can’t be discounted purely on jockey bookings. He was fortunate to win a Grade 1 last time out, but he was well clear of the second.
Act Of Innocence to give Seven Barrows a first Turners win since 2012
Nicky Henderson is yet to add to his Turners success with Simonsig in 2012, but has a live chance with Act Of Innocence. Connections switched him from Paul Nicholls this season, and he made a winning debut at Newbury. Though beaten at short odds next time out, he was giving chunks of weight away to a smart juvenile. He bounced back to win the Sidney Banks next time out, a race the yard won with Shishkin in 2020.
With the race attracting one of its biggest fields since it’s inception, the Turners can set the precedent for what looks to be an exceptional Wednesday on Prestbury Park.