PUNTERS are flocking to a pub in Benidorm to watch Cheltenham Festival while sinking £2 pints.

The biggest week in the horse racing calendar commences next Tuesday, where thousands will cheer on the likes of Constitution Hill and defending Gold Cup champion Galopin des Champs.

Alamy

The Winning Post is a popular haunt for British racing punters[/caption]

Sportsfile

But many more will be watching on from hundreds of miles away – in Benidorm, Spain.

The Winning Post bar is a hotspot for many Brits in the seaside town, having been the first pub to show Cheltenham 25 years ago.

The owner of the Winning Post explained Cheltenham week is their busiest time of the year, proving even more popular than the summer months when temperatures can reach a soaring 32 degrees.

In an interview with the Racing Post, owner Colleen Holm said: “Cheltenham just keeps getting bigger and better each year for us.

“We open each morning at 9am for breakfast, but we’ve got racing forms so people can pick their horses and many stay for the whole day so they don’t lose their table.

“My dad set this up 25 years ago and when I arrived we were probably the only bar showing Cheltenham, but now the whole of Benidorm shows it.

“I’ve been here for 18 years and it’s the busiest time of the year for us. We’ve 12 TVs and some giant screens.

“People always comment on how they prefer coming to Benidorm than the course itself, mainly because of the prices that are charged.”

CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS

Tickets and accommodation for the Cheltenham Festival can set punters back hundreds of pounds.

While the price of a pint last were cost £7.50, with a glass of win £9.70 – in Benidorm a pint is just £2.

Fans are also attracted by sunshine, an easy-going atmosphere and the smaller crowds, which are minuscule compared to the main enclosure at Cheltenham.

PAUL TOWNEND looks to be a “certain winner” of a record-breaking FIFTH Cheltenham Gold Cup with Galopin Des Champs.

However, 2010 winner Paddy Brennan believes Banbridge has a “massive chance” of upsetting the odds.

Harry Murphy/Sportsfile

Sportsfile

Superstar Irish jockey Townend could surpass Pat Taaffe as the winningest rider in Gold Cup history next week.

While not confirmed, it is likely he will ride Galopin Des Champs, with whom he has won two of his four – the others being with Al Boum Photo.

The Willie Mullins-trained gelding has won the last two Gold Cups on the bounce, and Paddy Brennan admitted the prospect of the iconic duo doing so once again is a tantalising one.

Speaking on behalf of Cheltenham Free Bets the Galway-native said of Townend: “His legacy is incredible.

“It is hard to believe he has won four and possibly going to win five.

“Just to witness that moment would be history for every one. History for Galopin Des Champs and history for Paul Townend.”

While the current favourite, Brennan warned that Galopin Des Champs could be pushed by Banbridge.

The nine-year-old was a Grade One winner at Kempton last time out, and Brennan believes the dry weather could count in the nine-year-old’s favour.

He added: “The more I think of it, the more this dry weather gives him a chance.

“The only issue Paul Townend will have with such a small field, is not being able to go fast enough through the race.

“If he has to go and do the donkey work himself, it could became a factor later in the race because Banbridge can just follow him.

“From two out to the line, if Galopin Des Champs hasn’t went fast enough, maybe Banbridge can finish quicker than him.

“Galopin Des Champs is going to be 1/4.

“He looks a certain winner but I do think Banbridge has a massive chance especially if it stays dry.

“If there is no rain between now and Friday, he has a massive chance.”

DECISIONS DECISIONS

Confirming Paul Townend as the jockey of choice for Galopin Des Champs looks to be the easiest decision to make for Willie Mullins – amongst a variety of more complicated ones.

The legendary Irish trainer – who boasts over 100 winners at the Festival – has been doing a fair bit of moving and shaking.

He has already pulled Gaelic Warrior, El Fabiolo, and Blood Destiny from the Champion Chase.

Mullins is also due to make a decision on whether Lossiemouth will run in the Champion Hurdle, with owner Ricci Rich hinting that she could be swapped to the Mares’ Hurdle instead.

The Champion Hurdle field is a stacked one, including the likes of Constitution Hill, Brighterdaysahead, and State Man.

And while he would be surprised in Lossiemouth is moved to the Mares’ Hurdle, Brennan suggested the chances of victory may play a role in Mullins’ final decision.

He said: “He has got until Sunday to make final decision on Tuesday so there are going to be a lot more changes.

“It is hard to believe that Lossiemouth is becoming his ace card in the Mares’ Hurdle when she probably, all season, was running the Champion.

“If you asked me what is Willie’s best chance, it looks like her in the Mares’ Hurdle.

“They probably think they won’t be able to get any closer to Constitution Hill on this ground. There is a number of factors.

“Could you win a Champion Hurdle? Possibly. Could you win the Mares’ Hurdle? Definitely. That is the difference.”

BRIGHT FUTURE

The big news last week was Gordon Elliott‘s confirmation that Brighterdaysahead would run in the Champion Hurdle.

And Brennan believes the dry ground could allow for a challenge against the much-fancied Constitution Hill.

“The advantage does lie with Constitution Hill.

“The dry ground will favour him more than any other horse in the race but it is going to be a hell of a race and I am so pleased Brighterdaysahead is in it.

“It is going to be a fascinating race and one I cannot wait to watch.

“I think Brighterdaysahead will have the pace maker in King of Kingsfield and you want him to take her along for as long as possible and as hard as possible.

“The harder they go, the better for Brighterdaysahead.

“There won’t be many runners. There will be one, two, three, four, five, six – possibly six. There is not going to be many so it is going to be a great race.

“Every one wants to see a champion like Constitution Hill and he is a hell of a horse but maybe there will be a new champion in Brighterdaysahead.

“She has really impressed me this season, especially at Leopardstown last time.

“At a race course gallop, she looked awesome, so she has got a massive chance.”

Dolly Parton is remembering her late husband, Carl Dean, with a new song. “Carl and I fell in love when I was 18 and he was 23, and like all great love stories, they never end. They live in memory and in song, and I dedicate this to him,” Parton, 79, shared via Instagram early […]

Bhopal, March 7 (SocialNews.XYZ) While lauding efforts of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Chief Minister Mohan Yadav on Friday said that Madhya Pradesh is the first state that received first tranche of Central grant from the...

The post Madhya Pradesh first state to get 1st tranche of Central support from Budget: CM Yadav appeared first on Social News XYZ.

Kutch (Gujarat), March 7 (SocialNews.XYZ) Dharmilaben Ahir, a resident of Kotai village in Gujarat’s Kutch district, has given a new direction to the traditional Bharat Kaam (embroidery work) art, showcasing women empowerment ahead of International...

The post Gujarat: Artist Dharmilaben Ahir turns role model, gives employment to 90 women appeared first on Social News XYZ.

US President Donald Trump says he has sent a letter to the Iranian government detailing that he hopes to negotiate with its authorities.

The Volkswagen Polo is a classier alternative to its Asian rivals, but its value proposition is a bit shaky.

The Cleveland Browns are in an awkward position as a franchise. Cleveland is searching for a new quarterback to replace their controversial starter and his massive guaranteed contract. The Browns are also feuding with superstar pass rusher Myles Garrett. Their relationship appears to be breaking down. Browns edge rusher Myles Garrett recently requested a meeting […]

The post Browns owner Jimmy Haslam refuses Myles Garrett’s trade meeting request appeared first on ClutchPoints.

The NFL Combine is in the books. With free agency approaching, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers are focused on reloading for another postseason run. Todd Bowles still lead the charge, and Baker Mayfield remains entrenched as the starting quarterback. However, the Bucs must reinforce their defense, strengthen the trenches, and secure long-term playmakers to sustain their […]

The post Tampa Bay Buccaneers 5-round post-combine 2025 NFL mock draft, per PFF simulator appeared first on ClutchPoints.

The Los Angeles Clippers were able to end another three-game losing streak thanks to the stellar performance by James Harden. Head coach Tyronn Lue had been imploring his team to play more complete games over 48 minutes, and the Clippers were finally able to do so in their win over the Detroit Pistons. James Harden […]

The post Clippers’ James Harden, Tyronn Lue reveal key to Harden’s 50-point explosion vs. Pistons appeared first on ClutchPoints.