Rowdy debates take in Douvan, Altior and Captain Birdseye

James Milton at The City Sports Pub & Grill in Aldgate, London

Panellist Adrian Heskin and Sir Valentino, who could be best of the rest in the Betway Champion Chase

Panellist Adrian Heskin and Sir Valentino, an underrated Betway Champion Chase runnerCredit: Phil Mingo/Pinnacle

A rowdy basement bar in Aldgate, London is the setting for Wednesday’s Cheltenham Festival Info preview evening and, like the Cheltenham hill, the audience is taking no prisoners.

A softly spoken, white-bearded man embarks on long-winded question to the panel, prompting a volley of Captain Birdseye-themed heckles from his fellow punters.

There’s no time for rambling when you’re rattling through previews of all four days of the festival, as well as a charity auction and a raffle – which may explain why MC Ian Abrahams’s opening gag about fancying Red Rum for the Gold Cup falls a little flat.

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James MiltonRacing Post Sport

Published on 9 March 2017inCheltenham Festival

Last updated 17:27, 9 March 2017

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