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Cheltenham Festival: Pertemps Network Final

The Cheltenham Festival, staged annually in March, is the undisputed highlight of the National Hunt season. The Festival programme consists of 28 premium races, including 14 at the highest, Grade 1 level, of which the four ‘feature’ races – the Champion Hurdle, Queen Mother Champion Chase, Stayers’ Hurdle and Cheltenham Gold Cup – are the highlights.

The Festival handicap races, of which there are ten, are always fiercely competitive and probably none more so than the Pertemps Network Final. Scheduled for day three, ahead of the Ryanair Chase and the Stayers’ Hurdle, the Pertemps Network Final is a handicap hurdle, run over three miles on the New Course at Cheltenham. As the name suggests, the race marks the culmination of a season-long series of qualifying races, the winners of which are guaranteed a place, provided they are officially rated highly enough.

Not altogether surprisingly, the Pertemps Network Final has produced just one winning favourite in the last decade, Sire Du Berlais in 2019, and two of the last three winners, Third Wind in 2022 and Monmiral in 2024, were sent off at 25/1.The ante-post Cheltenham odds for the 2025 renewal is wide open, with Jeriko De Reponet (7/1), owned by J.P. McManus and trained by Nicky Henderson, just shading favouritism ahead of The Wallpark (8/1), who is in the same ownership, but trained by Gordon Elliott. Defending champion Monmiral (25/1) faces a significantly stiffer task off an 11lb higher mark this time around so, at the same price, recent Musselburgh winner Pyffo, trained by Harry Derham, may represent better value for the home team.

 

Cheltenham Festival 2025:  https://blog.betway.com/horse-racing/countdown-to-cheltenham-earn-over-pound100-in-free-bets-1/

 

Top 5 Must-Have Accessories for Every Equestrian Rider in 2025

Equitation isn’t all hands and heels – the sport requires the right equestrian gear, too. Equestrian accessories serve a range of purposes, enhancing your horse’s performance and – most importantly – keeping you in the saddle comfortably and safely. What are the five best equestrian accessories every rider should have in 2025? Keep reading to find out.

1. Premium Bridles: The Backbone of Control

Well-made bridles help to establish proper communication between horse and rider. A strong, comfortable and stylish bridle allows you to easily focus on what’s most important: your ride. One of the best bridle brands available, you can trust in the consistently exceptional quality and design you’ll get from the CWD bridles line.

You need a bridle that both looks good and feels good while you’re using it, no matter if you’re training or competing. These bridles are ideal for the rider who refuses to compromise on quality or performance and demands the absolute best.

2. Versatile Saddle Pads for Comfort and Performance

A well-fitting saddle pad not only protects your horse’s back but ensures maximum performance through comfort for your horse during exercise. Look for lightweight and breathable saddle pads, made from technical materials with anti-slip properties for the best grip and stability. As a bonus, up-to-date and stylish pads allow you to always have the perfect look while riding.

3. Adjustable Stirrup Irons for Stability

Modern stirrup irons have a variety of benefits such as shock absorption and ergonomic treads developed to reduce the pressure on the joints of the rider. An adjustable stirrup iron offers even more flexibility, for any tall and short rider. This will help in maintaining a correct position while riding. This is equipment for every rider to maintain connection and won’t be tired easily during practice.

4. Protective Leg Boots for Your Horse

Leg boots help safeguard your horse’s legs from injury while exercising and are especially important for horses used in jumping and eventing. Choose from leg boots that are lightweight, durable and offer good shock absorption. They should fit snugly so that they can provide the best protection without restricting the horse’s movement.

5. Weather-Resistant Riding Jackets

All riders need a good riding jacket for those tough days outside or on the trail. Water-resistant jackets will keep you dry and warm throughout your time with your horse. Combine wind resistance, breathable material and pockets and you have a functional and fashionable riding jacket!

Spotlight on Equijump’s Exclusive Equestrian Gear

Equijump provides top-of-the-line equestrian equipment for riders and their horses who expect the best. Their commitment to quality and innovation can be seen through their collection of must-have CWD bridles. This product is the epitome of their belief that mastery and design can truly coexist.

Add Equijump products to your collection today & rest assured you are buying top-grade equestrian equipment!

Elevate Your Riding Experience

Investing in bespoke equestrian gear is about both improving your game and keeping you and your horse safe and comfortable as well. From quality CWD bridles to premium saddle pads, the right gear can mean the difference between an okay ride and an excellent ride. If you want to excel in your equestrian exploits, then you need reliable, good-looking and highly functional equestrian accessories to take you there!

The Role of Nutrition in Athletic Success: What Do the Pros Eat?

In the world of sports, talent and rigorous training are often highlighted as key components of an athlete’s success. However, one crucial element that underpins peak performance is nutrition. The dietary habits and nutritional strategies of top athletes play a pivotal role in their ability to perform, recover, and sustain their careers. This blog delves into the diets of elite sportspeople across various disciplines, uncovering the secrets behind their nutritional excellence.

Fueling Endurance: Marathon Runners and Cyclists

Endurance athletes, such as marathon runners and cyclists, require a diet that supports prolonged physical exertion. Their meals are typically rich in complex carbohydrates, which provide a steady release of energy over extended periods. Whole grains, oats, brown rice, and sweet potatoes are staples in their diets, ensuring glycogen stores are optimised for long-distance performance.

In addition to carbohydrates, these athletes prioritise adequate protein intake to aid in muscle repair and recovery. Lean meats, fish, legumes, and dairy products feature prominently in their menus. Hydration is equally critical, with electrolyte-rich beverages helping to maintain fluid balance and prevent dehydration during intense training sessions.

Building Strength: Bodybuilders and Weightlifters

For athletes focused on building strength and muscle mass, nutrition is centred around high protein consumption. Protein is essential for muscle hypertrophy and recovery, making sources like chicken breast, beef, eggs, and protein supplements integral to their diets. Carbohydrates are also important, providing the necessary energy for heavy lifting and intense workouts.

Healthy fats, including those from avocados, nuts, and olive oil, are included to support hormone production and overall health. These athletes often follow meticulously planned meal schedules, consuming multiple smaller meals throughout the day to maintain a constant supply of nutrients and optimise muscle growth.

Enhancing Agility and Speed: Footballers and Sprinters

Athletes in sports that demand agility and speed, such as footballers and sprinters, focus on a balanced diet that supports quick energy bursts and rapid recovery. Their meals typically include a mix of lean proteins, complex carbohydrates, and healthy fats to ensure they have the fuel needed for explosive movements and swift performance.

Antioxidant-rich foods like berries, leafy greens, and colourful vegetables are emphasised to combat oxidative stress and reduce inflammation caused by intense physical activity. Additionally, these athletes pay close attention to their hydration levels, incorporating electrolyte-rich drinks and staying mindful of their fluid intake before, during, and after training sessions.

Precision and Stamina: Tennis Players and Golfers

Sports that require precision and sustained focus, such as tennis and golf, benefit from a diet that supports both mental and physical stamina. These athletes often consume a balanced mix of macronutrients, ensuring they have the energy to perform consistently throughout long matches or tournaments.

Omega-3 fatty acids, found in fish like salmon and flaxseeds, are valued for their role in brain health and cognitive function. Complex carbohydrates and proteins are carefully timed around training sessions to maximise energy levels and aid in muscle recovery. Additionally, staying hydrated with water and herbal teas helps maintain concentration and physical endurance.

The Role of Supplements: Across All Disciplines

While whole foods form the foundation of an athlete’s diet, supplements can play a supportive role in meeting specific nutritional needs. Vitamins, minerals, protein powders, and specialised supplements like creatine or beta-alanine are commonly used to enhance performance, support recovery, and prevent deficiencies.

However, it’s crucial for athletes to approach supplementation with caution, prioritising quality and consulting with nutritionists or healthcare professionals to ensure they are meeting their individual requirements without risking their health or compliance with sporting regulations.

The Intersection with Lifestyle: Beyond the Plate

Nutrition is just one facet of an athlete’s lifestyle, but its impact is far-reaching. Proper dietary habits are complemented by adequate sleep, effective stress management, and strategic training routines. For instance, elite equestrians may focus on maintaining a balanced diet to sustain the energy needed for long days in the stables, while also ensuring they stay sharp for activities like horse racing betting, where understanding performance nuances can inform their decisions. However, the primary focus remains on maintaining optimal physical and mental health through nutrition.

The dietary strategies of top athletes are as diverse as the sports they excel in, yet they share common principles of balance, precision, and optimisation. By tailoring their nutrition to meet the specific demands of their disciplines, these sportspeople enhance their performance, accelerate recovery, and maintain their competitive edge. Whether it’s the enduring stamina of a marathon runner, the explosive power of a weightlifter, or the focused precision of a tennis player, nutrition stands as a cornerstone of athletic success. As the saying goes, you are what you eat, and for athletes striving for excellence, every meal is a step towards greatness.

Which was the last British-trained horse to win the Cheltenham Gold Cup?

In recent years, the ‘Blue Riband’ event of the Cheltenham Festival, the Cheltenham Gold Cup, has been dominated by horses trained in Ireland. Indeed, in the last decade or so, Irish dominance has extended to the Festival as a whole. Since the traditional rivalry between British and Irish trainers became officially titled ‘The Prestbury Cup’ in 2014, the home team has been outscored 8-2, with all eight wins for the Irish coming in the last nine years, including by a record 23-5 margin in 2021.

At the 2024 Cheltenham Festival, Irish trainers won 18 of the 27 races across the four days (the Glenfarclas Cross Country Chase was abandoned due to waterlogging), including 12 of the 14 highest-class, Grade 1 races.County Carlow trainer Willie Mullins cemented his position as the most successful trainer in Festival and made history by becoming the first person to saddle a century of winners, courtesy of Jasmin De Vaux in the Weatherbys Champion Bumper on the Wednesday.

Mullins’ eight Grade 1 winners for the week in 2024 included Galopin Des Champs, who justified favouritism in the Cheltenham God Cup, for the second year running, with a convincing three-and-a-half-length victory over Gerri Colombe. On the Gold Cup roll of honour, Galopin Des Champs is preceded by two winners trained in County Waterford by Henry De Bromhead, A Plus Tard in 2022 and Minella Indo in 2021 and, before that, another dual winner for Mullins, Al Boum Photo, in 2020 and 2019. Thus, the last British-trained horse to win the Cheltenham Gold Cup was Native River, saddled by Colin Tizzard, in 2018.

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