'We could be hassled from all angles, but that's what the festival's about and I love it, as long as the Russians aren't coming!'

Michael developed in a short time from being a promising young rider in points to achieving success at the highest level of jump racing, earning wide respect as a top professional. He brought honour to the family, not just because of his ability as a rider but also because of his qualities as a person.
Derek O'Connor pays tribute to Michael O'Sullivan following the rider's death at the age of 24

He brought honour to the family, not just because of his ability as a rider but also because of his qualities as a person 

Constitution Hill can travel off any pace. That pace Lossiemouth found difficult at Kempton was no worry for him because he can go that fast. He can travel at a very high speed and he has bags of it. They'll go hard, but he can handle that.
Nicky Henderson issues a positive update on Champion Hurdle favourite Constitution Hill at a Jockey Club press morning

'They'll go hard, but Constitution Hill can handle that' - Nicky Henderson confident superstar can cope with potent Irish challenge 

He's done his racing, it's all been very good and he's in great form for the Champion Chase – everybody's very happy, so now we wait for the invasion, from Ireland or France or wherever. We could be hassled from all angles, but that's what the festival's about and I love it, as long as the Russians aren't coming!
Henderson expects attacks from all angles with Jonbon in the Champion Chase

‘I haven’t had a bet at Cheltenham in 30 years - but one is 7-4, the other 16-1, and they aren’t that far apart’ 

It didn’t happen to me in many races in my career but I felt like as long as I kept his four legs underneath him he’d win.
Robert Thornton fondly remembers his Stewart Family Spinal Research Handicap Chase victory on the well-fancied Bensalem in 2011

'I couldn’t have him getting beat' - Robert Thornton's faith in Bensalem is well founded as Alan King's plan comes together 

I’m not sure which way they’ll go, but if he were mine I’d run in the Ryanair. It’s perfect for a King George horse, and if the ground’s decent that’ll suit.
James Reveley feels the Ryanair Chase is an ideal race for King George VI Chase second Il Est Francais

James Reveley says Il Est Francais has 'a hell of a shout' - but this JP McManus contender is his best Cheltenham hope 

He’s come a long way in just over a year and he will have benefitted from having a recent away day at Huntingdon. If he settles, I think he has an outstanding chance.
Dan Skelton nominates Coral Cup candidate Be Aware as his best chance in the festival handicaps

Dan Skelton: Langer Dan's had a disastrous season and has run terribly - we just hope he turns up in the Stayers' 

She made a balls-up of the second-last and I think she was as angry as anyone. She pulled herself together and pulled it out of the bag.
Polly Gundry enjoyed back-to-back Listed successes with progressive mare Don't Rightly Know at Exeter

Irish trip on the cards for Don't Rightly Know after Polly Gundry's stable star completes hat-trick in feature 

He’s been through all the fitness tests and the licensing requirements to ride in Ireland – and I’ve seen them, they are not easy – but I’ve been told he cannot ride until he does the BHA course. I think it’s ridiculous.
Richard Hughes criticises the BHA for blocking apprentice Donagh Murphy from riding until he has completed a two-week course in Britain despite having already qualified at Ireland’s racing academy

'Where's the common sense?' - Richard Hughes frustrated after BHA blocks Irish apprentice from riding in Britain  

Read more . . .

Paddy Power spared mega payout from Fairyhouse double after 8-1 from 200-1 plunge horse won opener 

Constitution Hill set for public gallop at Kempton as Nicky Henderson makes significant U-turn 

Which horse caught the eye of our experts at Saturday's meetings with the spring festivals in mind? 

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