Ruby Walsh on the Gold Cup: A Plus Tard’s speed can win the day 

But Rachael Blackmore will need to be patient and wait long enough to make speed count over stamina

Rachael Blackmore and A Plus Tard can claim the Gold Cup at Cheltenham today, says Ruby Walsh. Picture: Healy Racing

IT is hard to say this whole meeting builds to the Boodles Cheltenham Gold Cup, in the middle of today’s card, but if you have ever been to Cheltenham, you will get what I mean.

Just after the Gold Cup is presented, the whole atmosphere changes and barring those with a connection in the final three races, this meeting feels over atmosphere-wise. Is there a debate for making it the seventh and final contest? Maybe, but those with deadlines won’t like me suggesting that!