All eyes on Back to Front and €10,000 bet by Irish punter
The battle-hardy are ready for action in Nam Cheltenham that is as the unique three-day racing festival gets underway today.
And as the racing faithful drag themselves out of bed in hotels and B&Bs across Cheltenham after the first of several nights of revelry, one punter on home turf faces an anxious opening to the festival.
It is make or break in the first five minutes of racing for an unnamed County Kildare man who has wagered €10,000 on Back in Front, the key Irish hopeful in the opening race here at 2pm today.
Many say he is the banker on the opening day today.
"The Irish typically have a great reputation in the first race on the first day of the festival. And this punter will certainly be hoping we show our true form. Back in Front is really emerging as the banker for the opening day.
"He's been backed in from 10/1, right down to 2/1. This punter wagered €10,000 on him at 5/2," said Charles Lee of Paddy Power bookmakers.
Irish hopes at home and here in Cheltenham will be pinned on Adamant Approach, the Willie Mullins-trained second favourite in the Arkle. He's second favourite in the race.
After that, Charlie Swan will also be hoping to get the festival off to a winning start when he climbs aboard Like A Butterfly in the Arkle. He's a 7/1 bet in the Champion Hurdle.
His toughest competition is Rhinestone Cowboy.
Rhinestone Cowboy may as well be Irish. He's owned by the Magniers, all of his connections are Irish and his jockey is Irish he's just trained in Britain. He's been slashed from 25/1 right into 2/1.
"If Back to Front comes in, we're going to start off the Cheltenham Festival on very rough footing we'll be down at least €250,000.
"But it would be a great start for the Irish," the Irish bookmakers said.
"If some or any of the bankers come up, it'll be an even longer, better and more enjoyable night here if that were possible. The buzz, excitement and hype has already hit fever pitch, ever before anyone has set foot on the course. Cheltenham's 19 night clubs and 50 plus hotels and bars are already toasting the fun-loving Irish.
Tomorrow, our hopes are pinned on Pizzaro in the first race and the Jessica Harrington trained Moscow Flyer in the Queen Mother Chase.
On Thursday, Irish punters are expected to continue to row in with support for Beef or Salmon in the big race of the festival, the Cheltenham Gold Cup.
Limestone Lad is another hopeful in the Hurdle.
And if any or all of the Irish bankers come up, it'll truly be a magical festival to remember for the 7,000 plus Irish who've made their way over here. It'll also make for a meandering, mystical journey home. Let the partying begin again!
