Ireland’s domination at this year’s Festival was relentless. How can Britain’s jumping industry get back on track?
When Germany beat the hosts Brazil 7-1 in the 2014 World Cup semi-final, the home fans christened it the Mineirazo – the agony of the Estádio Mineirão. On that basis the 2021 Cheltenham Festival, from the point of view of British jump racing at least, should perhaps be remembered as the Perdition of Prestbury Park.
For the home side, the punishment started immediately as Appreciate It sauntered 24 lengths clear in the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle, leaving Harry Fry’s Grade One-winning novice Metier, among others, toiling in his wake. Shishkin and Vintage Clouds briefly put Britain in front … before Irish-trained runners won 22 of the next 24 races.
