HENRY de Bromhead sends what many believe is his strongest team yet to the Cheltenham Festival this year. The likes of Bob Olinger, A Plus Tard, Honeysuckle and now Envoi Allen will bid for glory on the Cotswolds.

Tell us about your preparations for attending this year’s Festival and how they differ from other years.

“This year has been trickier, not only because of Covid-19 but Brexit too. There’s been a lot of extra paperwork involved and we’ve also had to complete courses in transporting horses as well.

“We’ve been quite lucky – Jennifer Pugh [senior medical officer at IHRB] has basically spoon-fed the entire industry through the whole Covid-19 process. She has worked tirelessly with the BHA to put a plan in place to keep us safe going over and while we’re there. Unfortunately because we’ll have to quarantine when we get back, we’re sending a lot fewer staff than normal.

“There’s a great team and Henry’s and we work so hard all year to get the horses to Cheltenham. There’s a lot of people who would love to go but can’t this year. Hopefully this is the only year that this will happen.”

The experience at this year’s Festival will be very different. What part(s) will you miss the most? And will there be any advantages?

“I’ll really miss the Cheltenham roar and the atmosphere. The presence of the crowds will be desperately missed. The sooner owners and crowds can get back racing, the better.

“We’re not allowed to mix with our colleagues from English yards while we’re over there either which is a pity. I think all the staff going over will miss the social aspect – especially 21 Club!”

What horse do you think is the yard’s best chance of a winner and why? And which horse from your yard is the most underestimated?

“The obvious answer here is Honeysuckle! She’s unbeaten in 11 starts and we’d all love for her to retain her unbeaten status. She’s something really special and we love her in Henry’s.

“She’s got a big public following now and it would be great if she did the business at Cheltenham.

“I don’t think even we were expecting her to put in such a spectacular performance in the Irish Champion Hurdle. We were quite blown away by it. Her and Rachael are like poetry in motion together.

“I think one of ours that could be underestimated is Champagne Gold. He’s not a favourite but he’s always in the frame and I really like him. He’s a genuine horse and has never finished out of the first four.

“He’s owned by Barry Maloney who is a great supporter of the yard so we’d all be delighted if Champagne Gold went over and put in a big performance for Barry.”

Leaving aside your own runners, what other race are you looking forward to seeing and why?

“All eyes this year are on the Gold Cup and whether Al Boum Photo can win three in a row. We’re lucky to have two great horses in the race but I think any racing fan is really excited to see how it develops and if Al Boum Photo and Willie Mullins can do it again.

“Apart from that, I’m really looking forward to the Cross Country race. It’s a real shame amateurs can’t ride in it this year but I think it’ll be interesting to see how the professionals get on over the banks.”

How will you spend your five days in quarantine when you get back?

“I’m actually studying at Waterford Institute of Technology so quarantine isn’t really an issue for me. I’m studying agriculture there and I’m sure my lecturers will have plenty for me to do.

“I’ll record the racing as well while I’m away because believe it or not, we don’t really get to see much of it while we’re there. We’ve so much to be doing to get everything ready.

“If I haven’t led-up a horse in a race, my chances of seeing it are slim to none!”

Compiled by Brian O’Keeffe