ENGLISH TEXTS
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KATHERINE FORD ’ S CHRONICLE
CHELTENHAM ’ S FESTIVAL : THE PLACE TO BE !
For many , it is an annual pilgrimage not to be missed for anything in the world ; for others , it is the thrilling experience of a lifetime for a passionate fan . For professional NH racing competitors , it represents the Olympics or the World Cup of their sport . For four weekdays in March , the Cheltenham Racecourse hosts its Festival , and the Prestbury Park stage comes alive with top-level racing , the roar of the crowd and an atmosphere unlike any other in the world . But what makes the Cheltenham Festival so attractive , so unmissable for fans ? Why are tens of thousands of spectators willing to take a week off , travel across the country or even cross the Irish Sea , and spend over a hundred euros per day on entry tickets - all despite typically unpredictable British spring weather ? The reasons are many . First and foremost , the Cheltenham crowd , dressed in tweed , is made up of true connoisseurs . Racing holds no secrets for them . They are not deterred by bad weather , they are accustomed to horseriding or attending racecourses and point-topoint events , they know the human and equine stars , and they fully understand the challenges of NH racing . After the legendary Grand National in Liverpool , the Festival races are the most popular of the year among bettors . According to statistics published by the Horseracing Betting and Levy Board in 2024 , the top 10 races ( both flat and jumps ) generating the highest turnover were led by the Grand National , followed by the Cheltenham Gold Cup , with the remaining eight spots also occupied by Festival races . British jump racing captivates punters , and they are certainly well catered for . Betting on the 2025 Gold Cup begins as soon as the 2024 winner is still being applauded by the fans , and during the 12 months between Festivals , barely a week goes by without the British press mentioning the leading contenders for the upcoming March . From the start of the traditional NH racing season in early autumn , articles , interviews , track tours and reports multiply , flooding racing enthusiasts with information and anticipation . Add to that the “ preview nights ” held across the British Isles , often for charity , where expert panels analyze Cheltenham ’ s races and share exclusive tips straight from the stables . The scene is set , and the fans are eager …
The traditional roar of the spectators as the tapes go up for the opening race , the Supreme Novices ’ Hurdle , is one of the Festival ’ s most iconic moments . This year , however , the “ roar ” will carry a note of sadness , as the 60,000 people in the stands remember Michael O ’ Sullivan . The 24-year-old Irish jockey tragically passed away in February , just days after a fall at Thurles . He had left a lasting impression in 2023 , winning the Supreme Novices ’ Hurdle with a brilliant ride while still an apprentice . Exceptionally talented in the saddle , intelligent , humble , and widely respected , he will be in everyone ’ s thoughts throughout the 2025 Festival .
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ROMANE BORRIONE ’ S CHRONICLE
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For a trainer , workload is one of the key factors determining the progress of an equine athlete . Most trainers follow established programs , refined over the course of their
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