TCD Horse Racing Society

Cheltenham Preview Night

IT was all hands on deck at the Trinity Horse Racing Society Cheltenham Preview Night on Thursday night, which was held at the Horse Show House in Ballsbridge.

Trinity hurling full-back, Jack Holohan, and sleep-deprived med student, Mike Walsh, manned the doors. Holly Love, who painted campus with promotional posters, looked after the panelists’ dietary and drink requirements. However, Mr Berry’s request for sushi could not be accommodated. Josh Bleahan, ever the salesman, mingled with guests and tried to look professional.

The ice-cool Chairperson, Luke O’Neill, welcomed the near 200 attendees and introduced the star-studded panel.

The white flag was raised and Kevin O’Ryan (MC) was off. Whispers for Doctor Bravo in the Supreme were somewhat silenced by Denis O’Regan and Jamie Codd. Although there is no such thing as an absolute certainty, Constitution Hill would appear to be just that in the Champion Hurdle.

David Mullins and Jamie Codd felt that Honeysuckle is the one to beat in the Mares’ Hurdle. Anna Bunina was given an outside chance by Fran Berry.

Discussion about the Champion Chase centred around the ground and the impact of the new white fences. Edwardstone should relish quick underfoot conditions, but Gentleman De Mee was a popular alternative.

The Champion Bumper proved to be a considerable conundrum, so Jamie Codd decided to give Harry Swan a call. Thankfully Harry was not in the library and he gave Better Days Ahead a massive chance.

At the interval, Megan Bulbulia and Claire Madden were tasked with selling raffle tickets. Given the success, they now hope to pursue careers in debt collection. The familiar chorus of “I’ll Revolut you” echoed around the venue.

Bankers

Mighty Potter would appear to be one of the bankers of the Festival. The crowd were then left aghast as Jamie Codd made Shishkin the lay of the Festival. Opinions were divided in the Stayers’ Hurdle, which looks to be ultra-competitive.

The strong vibes continued for Blood Destiny in the Triumph. According to Denis O’Regan, Three Card Brag is tailor made for the Albert Bartlett.

The panel were keen to take on Galopin Des Champs in the Gold Cup. Minella Indo, Conflated and Bravemansgame all received favourable mentions.

It might be wise to keep an eye on Bob And Co in the Hunters Chase, as well as Stumptown in the Kim Muir.

Society PRO Hannah Smullen concluded proceedings by thanking everybody for their generous support. It is estimated that €4,000 was raised and all this money will be donated to Cancer Trials Ireland.

Lastly, rumours that some of the panel made it to Coppers can neither be confirmed or denied.

Panel: Kevin O’Ryan, Fran Berry, David Mullins, Denis O’Regan, Jamie Codd.