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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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