A new Mares chase could see another race dropped from the festival billing
Bookmakers have priced up which race could be cancelled at Cheltenham 2021, following news that a new Mares race over fences will be introduced.
The Novice Handicap Chase is the most likely race to be dropped from the five-day festival, priced at just 5/4 to no longer be in place at the Greatest Show on Turf.
After that, it’s not good news for fans of the Juvenile Handicap Hurdle, which is priced at 9/4 to be the dropped from the festival in a few years’ time.
Following various safety concerns over the future of the National Hunt race, that’s 5/1 to be dropped in favour of the Mares race.
The Kim Muir Handicap Chase is next at 7/1, followed by the Martin Pipe Conditionals Handicap Hurdle (12/1) and the Brown Advisory Handicap Chase (12/1).
As expected, fans of the marquee races at Cheltenham need not worry, with the likes of the Champion Hurdle, Queen Mother Champion Chase, Ryanair Chase, Stayers Hurdle and the Gold Cup Chase all 1000/1 to be dropped.
Oddschecker spokesperson Callum Wilson: “The introduction of a Mares chase to the festival is exciting news, but sadly it means we may have to lose one.
"The Novice and Juvenile chases are the clear favourites to be replaced, which will make it a lot more difficult for the inexperienced horses to taste success at the Festival!"
