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AL Boum Photo targets a third consecutive win in the Magners Cheltenham Gold Cup which has attracted 41 entries for the 2021 contest on March 19.

The Willie Mullins-trained Al Boum Photo contested only two races last year, winning at Tramore on New Year’s Day before securing back-to-back Gold Cup wins when prevailing by a neck from Santini at Cheltenham last March.

Connections have stuck to the same pattern this term and the now nine-year-old proved far too good for his four rivals when securing a repeat win at Tramore on January 1, scoring by 19 lengths and eased down at the finish.

Al Boum Photo is one of 17 Irish-trained entries in the 2021 Gold Cup and punters in these uncertain times have been offered a great initiative by bookmaker Paddy Power who offers Non-Runner No Bet (NRNB) on all Cheltenham Festival races from January 6 (10am).

A Paddy Power spokesman said: “Outside forces such as the travel restrictions currently in place mean that bookies and punters alike are operating in an ever-changing environment, but while we presently fully expect Irish runners to get the green light for the Cheltenham extravaganza, NRNB will allow backers to support their selection with confidence, safe in the knowledge that if for any reason their horse fails to line up, they’ll get their hard-earned back.”

Paddy Power himself said: “I love a good ante-post punt and there’s no better feeling than putting your money where your mouth is two months before a race and then collecting. I’m hugely looking forward to the old battle between the English and Irish horses and while I’d be quietly confident of it happening, NRNB completely wipes away any lingering doubts and allows punters peace of mind to get stuck into their fancies.”

Paddy Power ambassador Ruby Walsh added: “For punters that have any concerns about Irish horses not being able to travel to Cheltenham, this is a pretty ironclad insurance policy. For what it’s worth, I’d be fairly optimistic about Irish horses being able to run at the meeting.

“The 2021 Festival will be different, but thankfully the racing will still be the same. Hopefully it’s giving people plenty to look forward to with some brilliant clashes on the cards.”

THE MAGNERS CHELTENHAM GOLD CUP (Grade 1)
MARCH 19, 2021 – ENTRIES

Acapella Bourgeois (FR) 11 Slaneyville Syndicate W. P. Mullins IRE

Al Boum Photo (FR) 9 Mrs J. Donnelly W. P. Mullins IRE

Allaho (FR) 7 Cheveley Park Stud W. P. Mullins IRE

A Plus Tard (FR) 7 Cheveley Park Stud Henry de Bromhead IRE

Aso (FR) 11 The Bellamy Partnership Venetia Williams

Battleoverdoyen (IRE) 8 Gigginstown House Stud Gordon Elliott IRE

Black Op (IRE) 10 Mr R. S. Brookhouse Tom George

Bristol de Mai (FR) 10 Mr Simon Munir & Mr Isaac Souede Nigel Twiston-Davies

Burrows Saint (FR) 8 Mrs S. Ricci W. P. Mullins IRE

Castlebawn West (IRE) 8 Mrs Boyd,Mrs Armstrong,Exors JB Anderson W. P. Mullins IRE

Champ (IRE) 9 Mr John P. McManus Nicky Henderson

Cyrname (FR) 9 Mrs Johnny de la Hey Paul Nicholls

Delta Work (FR) 8 Gigginstown House Stud Gordon Elliott IRE

Frodon (FR) 9 Mr P. J. Vogt Paul Nicholls

Imperial Aura (IRE) 8 Imperial Racing Partnership 2016 Kim Bailey

Itchy Feet (FR) 7 Kate & Andrew Brooks Olly Murphy

Kemboy (FR) 9 Kemboy/Brett Graham/Ken Sharp Syndicate W. P. Mullins IRE

Lake View Lad (IRE) 11 Mr Trevor Hemmings N. W. Alexander

Lord du Mesnil (FR) 8 Mr Paul Porter & Mike & Mandy Smith Richard Hobson

Lostintranslation (IRE) 9 Taylor & O’Dwyer Colin Tizzard

Magic of Light (IRE) 10 Ann & Alan Potts Limited Mrs J. Harrington IRE

Master Tommytucker (GB) 10 Mr A. G. Fear Paul Nicholls

Melon (GB) 9 Mrs J. Donnelly W. P. Mullins IRE

Minella Indo (IRE) 8 Mr Barry Maloney Henry de Bromhead IRE

Mister Malarky (GB) 8 Wendy & Malcolm Hezel Colin Tizzard

Monalee (IRE) 10 Mr Barry Maloney Henry de Bromhead IRE

Native River (IRE) 11 Brocade Racing Colin Tizzard

Presenting Percy (GB) 10 Philip J. Reynolds Gordon Elliott IRE

Real Steel (FR) 8 Mrs Kathy Stuart&Sullivan Bloodstock Ltd Paul Nicholls

Royale Pagaille (FR) 7 Mrs S. Ricci Venetia Williams

Saint Calvados (FR) 8 Kate & Andrew Brooks Harry Whittington

Samcro (IRE) 9 Gigginstown House Stud Gordon Elliott IRE

Santini (GB) 9 Mr & Mrs R. Kelvin-Hughes Nicky Henderson

Shattered Love (IRE) 10 Gigginstown House Stud Gordon Elliott IRE

Simply The Betts (IRE) 8 Kate & Andrew Brooks Harry Whittington

Spyglass Hill (IRE) 8 Mr Niall O’Leary Henry de Bromhead IRE

Terrefort (FR) 8 Mr Simon Munir & Mr Isaac Souede Nicky Henderson

The Conditional (IRE) 9 Mr P. J. Cave David Bridgwater

Vinndication (IRE) 8 Moremoneythan Kim Bailey

Waiting Patiently (IRE) 10 Mr Richard Collins Ruth Jefferson

Yorkhill (IRE) 11 D & D Armstrong Ltd & Mr L Westwood Sandy Thomson

41 entries

17 Irish-trained

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