Cheltenham Festival 2024: Day 4 tips for Gold Cup, Albert Bartlett Novices Hurdle and more

By Bob Cross

And just like that we are on day four of the Festival – Gold Cup Day.

When we look back on this festival I am sure 2024 will not rank among the finest for a number of reasons.

Nevertheless, who knows what lies in store for the final day of the meet.

We start with the JCB Triumph Hurdle at 1.30. Wille Mullins has won three of the past four runnings of this race and, with the defection earlier in the week of Sir Geno,I expect him to have this trophy on his mantelpiece this evening.

The question is – which one of his SEVEN entries will get their head in front? I am siding with KARGESE who finished in front of a few of the competition at Leopardstown last month. My each way selection is the Joseph O’Brien trained NURBURGRING, who looks as though he has a bright future regardless of the result here.

Next up, at 2.10, is the County Hurdle. Gordon Elliott hit the bar a couple of times earlier in the week before landing yesterday’s Stayers Hurdle with Teahupoo. I fancy two of his horses to run well here. KING OF KINGSFIELD makes his handicap debut and i am of the view he will finish in front of my each way selection, PIED PIPER, who enjoys racing here.

The 2.50 is the Albert Bartlett Novices Hurdle and i am siding, again , with a Willie Mullins inmate. DANCING CITY (n/b) won convincingly at Leopardstown last month and has clearly improved leaps and bounds in the past year. Each way selection is CAPTAIN TEAGUE.

Then it is the main event, The Gold Cup. Last year's winner GALLOPIN DES CHAMPS will be a short price to retain his crown – and not without good reason! He lost twice after winning this but looked back to his best when winning the Irish Gold Cup last month.

An each way shilling is being invested on L’H