Could racing prize money do more to encourage breeders? 

Part of the magic at Cheltenham is always the prospect of a horse from a small stable in rural Ireland “taking on the boys”, writes Ray Ryan.

A packed enclosure to welcome back Honeysuckle and Rachael Blackmore after their second Champion Hurdle success at Cheltenham. Picture: Healy Racing

The mighty ‘Cheltenham Roar’ will be heard again next Tuesday to signal the start of another four-day National Hunt racing festival in England.

It will be an outing of obligation for thousands of racegoers from Ireland, as well as from Britain and further afield.