Soltalk March 2019 | Page 40

Cheltenham Day 2 Cheltenham Day 4 be dreaming of something similar. Ladies Day consists of a perfect blend of speed and stamina, with the Betway Queen Mother Champion Chase one of the most exhilarating races of the entire week as the fastest two-milers wing around Prestbury Park's demanding chase course. Gold Cup Day. The Gold Cup (pictured) one of the most sought-after titles in racing is decided on the final day of the Festival and always promises to provide the greatest spectacle. The JCB Triumph Hurdle and Albert Bartlett also crown top-class talents, while the 28th and final race sees quality two-mile handicappers vie for glory in the Grand Annual Handicap Chase. The RSA Chase is a severe examination for burgeoning staying talent and the Cross Country Chase gets better by the year, with last year’s winner - Tiger Roll - famously going on to claim Grand National glory at Aintree. 6 Nations SATURDAY 9 Scotland v Wales, Murrayfield England v Italy, Twickenham Cheltenham Day 3 The St Patrick's Thursday crowd has every reason to celebrate with a couple of cracking Grade One contests in the Sun Bets Stayers' Hurdle and the Ryanair Chase. The JLT Novices’ Chase also carries top-class status while the Pertemps Network Final provides a fantastic puzzle for punters to solve as a huge field scrap for hurdling honours over three miles. SUNDAY 10 Ireland v France, Aviva Stadium The Magners Cheltenham Gold Cup is a race associated with the elite of the sport and nothing can rival the Cheltenham roar as the horses charge up the famous hill - last year's battle between Native River and Might Bite will live long in the memory and connections of the 2019 contenders will 38 SATURDAY 16 FINAL WEEKEND Italy v France, Stadio Olympico Wales v Ireland, Principality Stadium England v Scotland, Twickenham