Cheltenham Festival 2011

[Bosco81]

1. Big Bucks, licence to print money even with Grands Crus running.
2. Midnight Chase each way in the Gold Cup
3. I fancy most of the short priced ones but perhaps Binocular in the Champion Hurdle which is wide open.
4. Any that have a pack of cards in to carry on the gambling after the racing has finished.
5. Big Bucks to win his third World Hurdle would be special.

It's going to be slightly different for me this year, as I've started working there in the last 6 months, so I'll be there every day but won't get chance to have a drink, should get to watch 3 or 4 races a day though.

[nodge]

I thought Solwhit had been withdrawn?

Banker has to be Big Bucks.

I was reading about a Twiston Davies horse at the weekend who's got a chance in the Albert Tatlock Novice hurdle on the friday, Sybarite, 16-1 at the moment, lump on!

[WikiVilla]

Only £22 in the best mate stand, may trundle up for a few pints of the black stuff
Anyone know how far it is to stagger from station to racecourse ?

[Bosco81]

It's a good couple of miles from the station, they do put on double deckers to take you there and back, on the way there I always bail out half way as the traffic is murder.

It's a good laugh on the bus on the way home with everyone beered up, you might have to queue up for a bit to catch them.

[WikiVilla]

Are the busses free ? I'd probably miss the last race to get away sharpish

[taylorsworkrate]

Ah the Cheltenham Festival.

For me a day out like no other.  Such a great atmosphere.  It's also the 100th anniversary this year, making it extra special.

Love to see Kauto Star come back and win the gold cup.  Especially seen as I backed it at 12/1. 

[Bosco81]

Are the busses free ? I'd probably miss the last race to get away sharpish

It's about a fiver return I think.

[WikiVilla]

B'ham - Cheltenham Spa by train isn't cheap - £21.10 return !!

[Nev]

I have a fancy for Kempes in the Gold Cup, but would love to see the Tank make an unlikely comeback.
Like the look of Realt Dubh in the Arkle, lay Master Minded in the Queen Mother Champion Chase.

Watch it in the Best Mate, it's usually full of 'noses. I've only ever popped in there once and heard "Wipe that Snot" within five minutes. They do have tribute bands on though, bangin' 'em out all day.

[taylorsworkrate]

B'ham - Cheltenham Spa by train isn't cheap - £21.10 return !!

Each of the last 5 years I've paid for a return ticket, only to have to get a taxi back to brum about 5am the next morning.

Doubtless i'll do the same this year.

[andyaston]

Are the busses free ? I'd probably miss the last race to get away sharpish

No there about a fiver return. I walk it anyway because the town centre is only about a mile away from Cheltenham Spa so, it acts as a pit stop beore walking from the town to the course which is another mile and half away. The buses looked full and the nearer they get to Prestbury the more the traffic slows them.

[Pete3206]

Only £22 in the best mate stand, may trundle up for a few pints of the black stuff
Anyone know how far it is to stagger from station to racecourse ?

I went in the Best Mate stand for the first time last year and thought it was brilliant. Good views of the finishing post, great atmosphere and easy to get served in the bars, even though it was packed. Same again this year.

[cheltenhamlion]

Don't go in The Midland over the road from the station. Plastic pint pots, the beer is shite and the landlord cleans the pipes as often as his underpants.

[andyaston]

Ok, I will not be going in the Midland then, the Lansdown is ok when I went in there last year before getting the last train.

[cheltenhamlion]

Lansdown is ok. The Overton is a good half way calling point between town and the station.