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I went over to Ireland for the last day of the Punchestown Festival at the end of April and because of this I have just received an email from them with one set of complimentary tickets for their winter festival on 25th and 26th November. No chance I'd be able to go so if anyone on here wants them then let me know.
 
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The latest round of 'years too late' efforts from racing bodies landed today, the Jockey Club are the latest ones to launch a campaign though theirs is entertainingly titled the 'right to bet' survey.
I find it staggering that literally no-one anywhere remotely connected with the industry has realised the financial crisis that's been created in UK racing is entirely because bookmakers have been allowed to inflict brutal restrictions at will, affordability checks are damaging but nowhere near as costly to the industry as forcing punters to bet with non levy contributing operators.
Anyway, for those who want to comment....


https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/righttobet

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Thoughts on this?

'Based on insights from two reliable sources, it appears that the BHA is contemplating a significant change for the Cheltenham Festival. Starting in 2025, they plan to shift the four-day event to run from Wednesday through Saturday, with the Stayers Hurdle headlining the final day. Gold Cup Day would continue to occupy its traditional Friday slot.'

Source - https://twitter.com/RadioEmmet/status/1710242447148671447
 
Negative from me. Festival Friday is already much worse than the other 3 days. If effectively the Tuesday was replaced by a Saturday, there would be 2 good days and 2 worse days.

What would be the point anyway as the daily crowd numbers have been capped so they wouldn't sell more tickets unless they went back on that capping.

It makes you wonder is it's good information given that it's the first I've heard of it and the source it's come from.
 
Many Clouds said:
I went over to Ireland for the last day of the Punchestown Festival at the end of April and because of this I have just received an email from them with one set of complimentary tickets for their winter festival on 25th and 26th November. No chance I'd be able to go so if anyone on here wants them then let me know.
Click to expand...

Tickets now gone to SeanRock.
 
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HoldenTheReins said:
Thoughts on this?

'Based on insights from two reliable sources, it appears that the BHA is contemplating a significant change for the Cheltenham Festival. Starting in 2025, they plan to shift the four-day event to run from Wednesday through Saturday, with the Stayers Hurdle headlining the final day. Gold Cup Day would continue to occupy its traditional Friday slot.'

Source - https://twitter.com/RadioEmmet/status/1710242447148671447
Click to expand...

Rather they didn't but if its the compromise that staves off 5 days then I can live with it. Might see a few less of the no sock divs on Gold Cup day too. Probably just the precursor to them eventually adding on a Tuesday though.
 
HoldenTheReins said:
Thoughts on this?

'Based on insights from two reliable sources, it appears that the BHA is contemplating a significant change for the Cheltenham Festival. Starting in 2025, they plan to shift the four-day event to run from Wednesday through Saturday, with the Stayers Hurdle headlining the final day. Gold Cup Day would continue to occupy its traditional Friday slot.'

Source - https://twitter.com/RadioEmmet/status/1710242447148671447
Click to expand...

It seems it's incorrect, and we have nothing to debate or worry about.................

Until it comes around again!
 
Anyone calling Friday the traditional Gold Cup slot is probably under forty years of age.
 
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One horse conspicuous by his absence in OJA is Mystical Power. Given connections and breeding, that seems most odd. I might be reading too much into this but that would suggest to me that MP isn’t highly rated, at least by Mark Howard, which would surprise me. Did anyone else have a similar thoughts or have any insights they can share as to where he features in the pecking order.
 
Cheltenham Novice Chase said:
One horse conspicuous by his absence in OJA is Mystical Power. Given connections and breeding, that seems most odd. I might be reading too much into this but that would suggest to me that MP isn’t highly rated, at least by Mark Howard, which would surprise me. Did anyone else have a similar thoughts or have any insights they can share as to where he features in the pecking order.
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I can't imagine too many people rate him festival grade? A combination of the time he made his debut, coupled with the fact he beat summer horses and the runner up who he was receiving 7lbs off at Galway and made a race ending mistake 2 out, is rated 128 so on ratings Mystical Power probably ran to a rating somwhere around the 132 mark (RPR only 126) taking into account ease of victory that day. He'd probably have to improve a good 18-20lbs to feature prominently in a Cheltenham festival novice race.

At 12/1 across the board, he's priced up on connections and his breeding rather than ability.
 
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Cheltenham Novice Chase said:
One horse conspicuous by his absence in OJA is Mystical Power. Given connections and breeding, that seems most odd. I might be reading too much into this but that would suggest to me that MP isn’t highly rated, at least by Mark Howard, which would surprise me. Did anyone else have a similar thoughts or have any insights they can share as to where he features in the pecking order.
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I know having listened to Josh and Andrew on LTR they were both against Mystical Power being in any contention for Cheltenham races
 
Lobos said:
Yep..... Loved those Wednesday Gold Cups.
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Really ?
Wow, I'm an old git and my Chetenham memories go back to the mid 80's but Gold Cup was always Thursday, when did they move to THursday ?
 
Istabraq said:
Really ?
Wow, I'm an old git and my Chetenham memories go back to the mid 80's but Gold Cup was always Thursday, when did they move to THursday ?
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We'll done Ista. Wondered how long it would take someone to query it:applouse:
 
Champion hurdle used to be on Wednesday in 60's and 70's but was switched to Tuesday in 80's for the better ground.
 
Istabraq said:
The latest round of 'years too late' efforts from racing bodies landed today, the Jockey Club are the latest ones to launch a campaign though theirs is entertainingly titled the 'right to bet' survey.
I find it staggering that literally no-one anywhere remotely connected with the industry has realised the financial crisis that's been created in UK racing is entirely because bookmakers have been allowed to inflict brutal restrictions at will, affordability checks are damaging but nowhere near as costly to the industry as forcing punters to bet with non levy contributing operators.
Anyway, for those who want to comment....


https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/righttobet

​
Click to expand...

Thanks for highlighting Ista. I think everyone should complete this survey. It only takes a couple of minutes.
 
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Just a heads up for those like myself with limited accounts and having to go back to cash bets. I popped into my local ladbrokes this morning and whilst looking on their machines noticed that they have now included an ante post horse racing section including Cheltenham! Could be handy for us cash punters and gives us more options. Il check out the betfred machines next time I’m passing by
 
Kautostar said:
Just a heads up for those like myself with limited accounts and having to go back to cash bets. I popped into my local ladbrokes this morning and whilst looking on their machines noticed that they have now included an ante post horse racing section including Cheltenham! Could be handy for us cash punters and gives us more options. Il check out the betfred machines next time I’m passing by
Click to expand...

This won't be in all Ladbrokes, depends on what SSBT's they have. They do have prices OTC on several races which as long as you are sensible then should have no problem getting on.
 
Runragged said:
This won't be in all Ladbrokes, depends on what SSBT's they have. They do have prices OTC on several races which as long as you are sensible then should have no problem getting on.
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I know but using the machines keeps you under the radar. They didn’t have Cheltenham or ante post on the machines in any shop I’ve tried before so this is a step in the right direction and worth checking your local ladbrokes shop if like me you’re having to resort back to cash bets.
 
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