TrustATrader Plate Entries 2024 - 58 Potential Runners in Middle Distance Handicap

A total of 58 entries have been made for the TrustATrader Plate Handicap Chase for Thursday, 14th March at the 2024 Cheltenham Festival. Run as the fifth race on day three of the meeting, it is usually scheduled as the last race on ITV Racing from the Festival that day.

Last year’s hero Seddon is among the entries as he looks to be the first horse since Elfast in 1994 to win the race twice. He would also be the first back-to-back winner since The Tsarevich, who won this race for Nicky Henderson in 1985 and 1986.

John McConnell’s charge is now 11, the same age as Coole Cody when he won this race as a veteran in 2021, though the big story is the host of promising youngsters not entered in the race. Six-year-olds Heart Wood and Inothewayurthinkin had been among the ante-post favourites for the race but were not given entries. Others in this category include Willie Mullins’ Mister Policeman, whose target now looks set to be a Grade 1 novice chase at the Festival.

Last year’s favourite So Scottish is another surprise absentee, while the British charge is set to be headed by the admirably consistent December Gold Cup second Il Ridoto for Paul Nicholls, who could be reunited with Bryony Frost, and Trials Day winner Ga Law for Jamie Snowden.

Plate Handicap Entries