There's an embarrassment of riches for the Riccis
Many are short-priced favourites but these are the superstars in the former banker's Cheltenham armada
Mrs Susannah Ricci
Cheltenham Festival winners: 8
There’s an embarrassment of riches for the US banker again this year. Kicks off with Min in the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle in his Mr Blobby-style colour (he says we can blame his wife for those) as he looks to win the race for the fourth consecutive year.
Even without reigning Champion Hurdler Faugheen, the quality of his opening day contenders beggars belief with Douvan, Annie Power and Vroum Vroum Mag all set to start favourite for their respective races.
Running plans for Wednesday are more fluid with Long Dog and Pont Alexandre among the entries but their Champion Bumper contender has yet to be decided. His Limini will go off a short price for the new mares’ novices’ hurdle on the Thursday while Footpad has been creeping up the Triumph Hurdle betting on the Friday.
With Vautour and Djakadam ear-marked for the Cheltenham Gold Cup, Ricci looks set to start and finish the meeting strongly. It’s worth noting that of eight Festival winners so far – 75 per cent (six) have been provided by dual winners Champagne Fever, Faugheen and Vautour.