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Close Brothers and the Cheltenham Festival

A look ahead to the world renowned jump racing festival, Tuesday 15 to Friday 18 March 2022.

More Cheltenham 2022 FAQs with Sir AP McCoy

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Cheltenham Festival 2022

15 to 18 March

2022 Event Schedule

Officially billed as Champion Day, the opening afternoon of the Cheltenham Festival is packed with top quality racing and starts with a bang as the best young hurdlers clash in the opening Sky Bet Supreme Novices' Hurdle. The newly-named Sporting Life Arkle crowns the champion two-mile novice chaser and the headline race on day one is the Unibet Champion Hurdle, won by some legends of the sport over the years including magnificent mare Dawn Run, the hugely popular Brave Inca and three-time winners Hatton's Grace, Persian War, See You Then and Istabraq. 

 

1.30pm The Sky Bet Supreme Novices' Hurdle Race (Grade 1)
2.10pm The Sporting Life Arkle Challenge Trophy Steeple Chase (Grade 1)
2.50pm The Ultima Handicap Chase (Grade 3)
3.30pm The Unibet Champion Hurdle Challenge Trophy (Grade 1) 
4.10pm The Close Brothers Mares' Hurdle (Grade 1)
4.50pm The Boodles Juvenile Handicap Hurdle Race (Grade 3)
5.30pm The Ukraine Appeal National Hunt Steeple Chase Challenge Cup (Amateur Riders' Novices' Chase) (Grade 2) 

 

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Sir AP McCoy's Favourite Festival Wins

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From Gold Cup glory with Synchronised to *that" ride on Wichita Lineman, Close Brothers brand ambassador Sir AP McCoy gives you the inside steer on his 10 favourite Cheltenham Festival winners.

 

Close Brothers at the Cheltenham Festival History

2016

Close Brothers first year at the Cheltenham Festival, sponsoring the 17:30pm Novices Handicap Chase on the opening day of the festival. Won by Ballyalton (IRE).

2017

The Close Brothers Novices’ Handicap Chase this year was thrilling race, but in the end Tully East came through and won by a cosy length-and-a-quarter.

2018

Bottom weight Mister Whitaker came out best in the closest finish on day one of the Festival for trainer Mick Channon and jockey Brian Hughes.

2019

Rachael Blackmore landed her first Cheltenham Festival winner with a superb ride on A Plus Tard to land the 2019 Close Brothers Novices’ Handicap Chase. A Plus Tard’s win was the first of the festival by a favourite, coming just half an hour after the short-priced Benie Des Dieux had fallen when clear at the final fence in the Mares’ Hurdle.