Trainer Jim Culloty© Photo Healy Racing
Stratford racegoers will get a taste of what is to come at Cheltenham later week this as a quartet of Irish challengers head to the Warwickshire circuit for the traditionally well-attended pre-Festival fixture.
Many a hardy Irish punter will likely be in attendance to warm up for a what will be a huge week for the raiding team, as an army of horses cross the water in search of Prestbury Park riches over the four days of the Festival.
Gordon Elliott and Jim Culloty are two trainers who will touch down on British turf with plenty of optimism and that could be heightened if either of them can strike gold at Stratford, where they saddle a couple of runners apiece.
Elliott, who's Festival team includes Ryanair Chase favourite Don Cossack first runs Luddsdenene in the Warwickshire And Northamptonshire Air Ambulance Handicap Hurdle, with Davy Condon doing the steering.
The Your Ultimate Festival Guide attheraces.com/cheltenham Maiden Open National Hunt Flat Race has been split into two divisions, with Cheltenham Gold Cup-winning jockey and trainer Culloty represented by the Robbie McNamara-ridden Mighty Concorde in the first.
The five-year-old was not too far behind the smart Livelovelaugh when fourth on his Punchestown debut, but disappointed at Leopardstown over Christmas. Lord Windermere s handler will then saddle Midsommarkransen in the second division, while Elliott runs the unraced John Monash.
