'The handicapper seems to have taken a very dim view of the fact the first five home in 2024 were all trained in Ireland'

Irish-trained hurdlers, particularly the juveniles, emerged as the most severely impacted as result of the handicap weights for the Cheltenham Festivals as they were raised an average of 4.1lb from their Irish ratings.

Last year, they were meted out an increase of 2.9lb, split evenly between juveniles and older hurdlers, and the BHA handicapper seems to have taken a very dim view of the fact the first five home in the 2024 Fred Winter were all trained in Ireland as the travelling juveniles have suffered an average rise of 4.6lb, while the remaining handicap hurdlers got an increase of 3.8lb.

The Gordon Elliott-trained Sa Fureur was handed a rating of 145 despite finishing last of 18 in a handicap hurdle at Leopardstown in December off an Irish rating of 133, although his Festival target is likely over fences.