Races
Five trainers that could land their first Cheltenham Festival success this year
Which Festival seeking trainers can rid their maiden status at this year’s showpiece?
Any success at the Festival for a trainer is usually unforgettable, but nothing is as special as landing a maiden victory at the greatest show on turf.
Here are six trainers that could see their first win at the Festival this year.
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Ronan McNally – Dreal Deal
Arguably one of the best improvers this season, Dreal Deal went from winning a handicap hurdle at Navan off a mark of 84 in September to landing the Grade 2 Moscow Flyer Novice Hurdle in January.
The gelding has won his last six outings, and caught the eye when coming from last to first on his Graded debut at Punchestown last month.
It marks an incredible rise from the six-year-old and has given trainer Ronan McNallly the chance to dream of victory at the prestigious Prestbury Park.
It is still currently unclear whether the Irish runner will go for the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle or the Ballymore, but Dreal Deal will give a good account of himself in which ever contest his trainer decides to pursue.
Tom Lacey – Admirel
Currently unbeaten over obstacles so far, Adrimel has shown promise on his three starts so far this season.
The six-year-old landed wins at Sandown and Haydock, before stepping up in class and trip at Warwick last month.
Tom Lacey’s gelding fought bravely in the Leamington Novices’ Hurdle, making all and winning by a neck to Mint Condition.
He relished the 2m5f distance on his Graded bow over hurdles, and could well step up in trip once again.
Adrimel holds entries in the Ballymore and the Albert Bartlett Novices’ Hurdle, and gives Lacey an outside chance of landing his first success at the Festival here.
Mick Winters – Chatham Street Lad
The first Irish winner of the Caspian Caviar Gold Cup in 20 years, Chatham Street grabbed attention when flew clear by 15 lengths in the contest.
Mick Winters’ eight-year-old looked a class apart from his rivals and he bounded up the famous Cheltenham Hill with ease.
His trainer has made it clear that the target is the Marsh Novices’ Chase, where the gelding will take on the likes of Envoi Allen and Shan Blue at the Festival.
It will be Chatham Street Lad’s toughest assignment yet, but he could an undetected threat to Gordon Elliott’s unbeaten star.
Christian Williams – Potters Corner
Potters Corner continues his Grand National preparations, with a trip to Cheltenham for the Cross Country Chase.
Christian Williams’ veteran has claimed successes in both the Midlands and Welsh Grand Nationals in his career and looks a strong possibility to take a first success at the Cheltenham Festival.
The 11-year-old is a long-distance specialist, and he could end Tiger Roll’s hope of a third win in this contest in four years.
Potters Corner could arguably be Williams’ best chance of getting into the winner’s enclosure at the Festival.
Jeremy Scott – Dashel Drasher
A surprise winner of the Ascot Chase on the weekend, Dashel Drasher gave Jeremy Scott only his second Grade 1 success of his career.
The eight-year-old put on a gutsy performance, unsettling Cyrname early on before fighting off Master Tommytucker in the closing stages to hold on to win by two lengths.
He is entered into the Ryanair Chase, but his trainer has now said that it’s unlikely that the gelding will be heading to the Festival, but instead to Aintree in April.
One to watch nevertheless.
