A clash of speed and stamina: Robbie Wilders examines the Relkeel Hurdle runners
Sunday: 2.30 Cheltenham
careers@dornangroup.com Relkeel Hurdle (Grade 2) | 2m4½f | 5yo+ | ITV/RTV
Depleting field sizes is one of jump racing's greatest challenges to overcome, but the last couple of days have taken us back to the glory years. Following hot on the heels of a bulky turnout in the Challow at Newbury on New Year's Eve, Cheltenham's New Year's Day feature has attracted a ten-year high of nine runners.
Two factors are nominated as logical explanations for the Relkeel's unusual strength in depth rather than a general resurgence in the competitiveness of Graded hurdles.
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