Andrew Nelis racing

Magners Cheltenham Gold Cup hero Al Boum Photo showed his well-being ahead of the defence of his crown in a schooling session after racing at Navan on Tuesday. Al Boum Photo, ridden by his big-race partner Paul Townend, pleased trainer Willie Mullins in the racecourse workout. He was in a group of four along with stablemates Kemboy, ridden by Patrick Mullins, Duc Des Genievres (Robbie Power) and Melon (Danny Mullins). “I’m very happy with how they all jumped,” said Mullins. “In the first group we had Kemboy, Al Boum jumped very well, Duc Des Genievres and Melon. “We put cheekpieces on Melon and I think they sharpened up his jumping nicely. “We just went for a circuit, it wasn’t fast work as it was just jumping I wanted to get into them. I was happy.” In a second group, Allaho led fellow Festival hopefuls Carefully Selected and Billaway. “I was very happy with how they all jumped and galloped,” said Mullins. “At the moment my preferred option is the RSA with Allaho....

Willie Mullins reports defending Magners Cheltenham Gold Cup champion Al Boum Photo to have had a trouble-free preparation this season. While the eight-year-old does not run too often, he has nevertheless won seven of 15 races, including the biggest prize of them all last March. Mullins has followed the path which worked so well last season, by running only at Tramore on New Year’s Day prior to the Festival, and he hopes lightning can strike twice. “We’ve had no trouble with him this season, so fingers crossed everything stays right between now and the Gold Cup,” he said. “We will take him away somewhere to school – we were just discussing that this morning. We’ll take him wherever we can get in, just for a day away rather than a hard piece of work. “I thought last year’s Gold Cup was very tough and I don’t think this year looks any tougher. “He’s in great form anyway and I think his preparation will be good for him – he’s going there in good order and in a good frame of m...

                            Cheltenham Gold cup  March 13th                                                                                      ANDREW NELIS RACING NEWS  Now most of the trials of the 3miles staying division are finally over, we can look at the players for the blueriband  come March. I've stated from the very start that  a Good RSA novice  is a good yard stick to stick with as a guide  , last year  we had  Topofthegame delta world and santini finishing in the top three !. What has happened since  bar Topofthegame who was injured earlier on in the season and ruled out for a entire season, leaving Delta work and santini to ...