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The blood test is another piece of the jig-saw but, as Henderson said in his statement, it appears to be a more ‘conclusive barometer’ in this case than the sample taken from his trachea by an endoscope.
While describing Michael Buckley’s gelding as ‘quite bright and alert’ when he was ridden out on Thursday morning, the results of the blood test appeared to put the kibosh on optimism that he would make the Cheltenham Festival and the Seven Barrows team now look like they have a real uphill battle on their hands to get him there.
He will be scoped again by a vet this morning (Friday) and a blood test will be taken again on Monday in the hope of a sudden and significant improvement. However if it is still showing high levels of infection you would have to assume it is unlikely Henderson would even risk him in a gallop on Wednesday, which was set to be the acid test, let alone a race the following week.
“In simple terms he’s not very well,” said the trainer last night “and it’s not good (timing-wise as far as the Festival is concerned). But we’re a long way from giving up yet. We’re doing things to help improve it. He’s trying and we’re trying.”
Cheltenham racecourse: A short guide
Aside from Aintree, Cheltenham is the most-storied jumps racecourse in Britain. Located in the west of England, the track has played host to very best jumps horses from Britain and Ireland since the meeting was first held there in 1904.
There are two courses at the track, each posing different tests. The Old Course, used over the first days of the festival, is a shorter, tighter track with less of emphasis on stamina. As such, speedier horses and those comfortable with front-running are often better suited to its demands.
The Champion Hurdle and the Queen Mother Champion Chase are both run on the Old Course.
The New Course is the opposite. With more gentle sweeping turns and a long climb from the bottom of Cheltenham’s home-straight hill to the top, the New Course suits strong stayers over a variety of trips.
The Stayers’ Hurdle and the Cheltenham Gold Cup are both run on the New Course.
How to get tickets and how much do they cost?
Tickets to the festival are available directly from The Jockey Club website and come in three categories. Club tickets cost £107.00 for the first three days of the meeting and are sold out for the final day.
Tattersalls tickets come in at £74.00 for each of the first three days and £89.00 on the final day. Best Mate enclosure tickets come in at £52.00 over the first three days and £70.00 on the final day.
Cheltenham Festival parking
Parking is available to book in advance from £20 per car per day or £30 for minibuses (up to 15 seats), £75 for limousine parking and £75 for coach parking (16 seats and above).
For further parking formation visit visitcheltenham.com/whats-on/cheltenham-festival/parking.
