The highly anticipated Cheltenham Festival is gearing up for its peak as the prestigious Gold Cup approaches. Renowned retired jockey Rachael Blackmore and current top rider Ben Jones have shared insights into the pre-race nerves.
While all four days of the Festival draw excitement, the spotlight shines brightest on the Gold Cup race. Spanning three miles and two-and-a-half furlongs over the challenging New Course, the event pushes top horses through 22 formidable fences, showcasing the best in the sport.
The Gold Cup is where National Hunt legends are made, with last year’s victory claimed by Inothewayurthinkin, trained by Gavin Cromwell and owned by JP McManus. Despite a lackluster season so far, the eight-year-old gelding returns to defend the title against strong contenders on Friday.
For fans, the Gold Cup stands out as the highlight of the week, while tension runs high among jockeys behind the scenes in the Cheltenham weighing room.
Speaking to Mirror Racing, Betfair ambassador Blackmore described the weighing room as a bustling hub of activity, with varying levels of tension before major races like the Gold Cup. Each jockey prepares differently, some engaging in conversation while others prefer solitude, all driven by the competitive spirit to win.
On the other hand, Jones, Ladbrokes ambassador and a rising star, reflected on handling the pressure of the Festival. He emphasized the importance of treating the event like any other day, despite the unique atmosphere in the weighing room filled with rivalries among jockeys vying for victory.
As anticipation builds for the Gold Cup, both Blackmore and Jones are ready to showcase their skills in one of the most prestigious races of the year.