Cheltenham Festival 2019: Champ set for a 'bloodbath result' in the Ballymore Hurdle says bookies

Nicky Henderson’s seven-year-old – named after jockey legend AP McCoy – has won his last four races over hurdles.

He is 5-2 to win Wednesday’s Ballymore Hurdle and Ladbrokes say it will be a ‘bloodbath result’ if he does.

The Magic Sign’s Nicola McGeady said: “Champ has got us on the ropes.

“He will be one of our biggest losers of the week. A win for him will be what we call a bloodbath result.

“He ticks all the boxes. He’s trained by Hendo, named after AP and owned by JP McManus. What’s not to like?

“He also has four ‘1s’ by his name and is still a backable price.”


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Ladbrokes also fear the Sun Racing Stayers Hurdle on Thursday could end up being a walk in the Park.

McGeady said: “We were taking on Paisley Park and had been top price but lots of people have him down as a banker and we are now just 13-8.

“He was not really mentioned at the start of the season but has been well punted the last few weeks. We’d be happy to see him turned over.”

McGeady added: “Benie Des Dieux is another shortie we fear.

“She is 11-10 for the Mares’ Hurdle and is the only horse we have laid.

“Willie Mullins says she is his best chance of a Festival winner. Ruby Walsh has said the same.

“On Friday Sir Erec will hit us hard if he wins the Triumph. He is evens now and one of the big Irish bankers of the week.

“We fear they will steam in and put him in multis with Presenting Percy in the Gold Cup. He is 11-4 with us and we don’t want to see a penny more on him.”

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