Britain vs Ireland: who will come out on top in the handicaps?

There has been plenty of chatter over the last 12 months surrounding the Irish domination at the 2021 Cheltenham Festival.

The vast majority of horse racing fans seem to be expecting a similar display come March, but where do the British-trained runners stand with their Irish counterparts? In the eighth and final instalment of this series, Ross Millar takes a deep dive into the handicaps.

Ultima (2.50 Tuesday)

This handicap chase has been dominated by the home contingent in recent years. Does He Know and Corach Rambler are the shortest-priced British entries this time around, but both are quirky individuals. At a bigger price don’t dismiss Full Back, who looks nicely treated and boasts winning form at the track. Discordantly, who was sixth last year of a 4lb higher mark, is interesting for Ireland, as is Ben Dundee. He also possesses good course form and arrives here after a good second in the Paddy Power Chase. 

Verdict: UK or Ireland?

The Irish could gain a rare success in the Ultima.

Boodles (4.50 Tuesday)

Ireland might have a handicap good-thing here in Gaelic Warrior, who is highly regarded by trainer Willie Mullins and is likely to go off a relatively short-priced favourite. While I’d oppose him at the current price, I can see that he looks well treated. Britain’s bid looks thin on the ground and is led by Saint Segal. Jane Williams does well with her juveniles and will have targeted this race. 

Verdict: UK or Ireland?

The Irish juveniles are superior.

Coral Cup (2.50 Wednesday)

British hopes lie with Good Risk At All and I Am Maximus, who look well handicapped. However, there is a danger that they will miss the cut. If the ground stay on the quick side, Camprond is of interest. Last year’s Plate winner The Shunter looks well handicapped, as does the unexposed Colonel Mustard among a host of possible Irish runners. 

Verdict: UK or Ireland?

Irish runners could make up 75% of the field and that gives them the advantage.

Brave Seasca (white) and Sky Pirate (yellow): initially held an entries in the Grand Annual

Grand Annual (4.50 Wednesday)

Sky Pirate has surely had his season geared around a repeat win. He is tough and consistent but a 4lb higher mark makes his task harder. Promising novice Brave Seasca looks likely to take up his Arkle engagement, which means the British challenge may rely on Red Rookie. Coeur Sublime impressed last time, while Embittered runs off 1lb lower than when falling as the race favourite last year. At a bigger price, Castlegrace Paddy has a squeak. 

Verdict: UK or Ireland?

Another one for Ireland.

Pertemps Final (2.10 Thursday)

The Leopardstown qualifier, which is run during the festive period, has proved informative in recent years. Gordon Elliott has a stack of horses who have been targeted at this race, headed by previous winner Sire Du Berlais, who drops back into handicap company after finishing second in last year's Stayers’ Hurdle. Emmet Mullins’ runners are always feared in handicaps and the antepost move for Winter Fog could prove to be shrewd. The British challenge looks weak, although I like Honest Vic’s claims at a big price. His best form, which includes a fifth-placed finish in the 2020 Coral Cup, has come at this course.

Verdict: UK or Ireland?

I hope Honest Vic can bag this for the home team.

Plate (4.10 Thursday)

The Plate is a winnable contest for British contenders. Celebre D’Allen quickened like a smart horse when he won at Warwick and, providing his jumping passes the test and the ground is soft, he should surely go well. Imperial Alcazar is well fancied, although an 8lb rise for winning over course and distance last time might stop him. I’m hoping that The Glancing Queen will run as she is a super jumper, races prominently and was dropped 1lb for a fine run behind L’Homme Presse last time. 

Verdict: UK or Ireland?

Grand Paradis looks the best of the Irish challenge but surely this goes to the home team. 

Kim Muir (5.30 Thursday)

I will be staggered if the Irish don’t win this as they have the best amateur jockeys, which is worth a lot in a race of this nature. Glenloe has been in my tracker all season and I hope that Derek O’Connor, who rode him last time, will retain the partnership. Sam Waley-Cohen is about the best of the British amateurs, but he will have his work cut out to win on the erratic Mister Coffey. 

Verdict: UK or Ireland?

Will Biddick is another fine British-based rider, so whatever he rides deserves respect, but this goes to Ireland.

County (2.10 Friday)

Willie Mullins has an embarrassment of riches in the novice hurdle ranks this year and I’m sure a handful will be diverted to handicaps. Statuaire is a headstrong mare and a fast-paced handicap could be just up her street. West Cork looks to have been laid out for this race by Dan Skelton and that has to be noted. 

Verdict: UK or Ireland?

This is finely balanced, but I think this will go the way of the Irish.

Martin Pipe (5.30 Friday)

Langer Dan has been leniently-treated by the handicapper (dropped 3lb for his reappearance defeat) and this has been his aim since finishing second last year off a 2lb lower mark. Gordon Elliott would love to win the race named in honour of his mentor and will likely have plenty of runners. Indigo Breeze could be the best of his. 

Verdict: UK or Ireland?

Britain will lose the war over the week but might win this final battle.