Paul Nolan preparing to mount strong challenge at Cheltenham Festival
Paul Nolan is gearing up for a robust challenge at the upcoming Cheltenham Festival with his most extensive team yet. The seasoned County Wexford trainer has a track record of success at the prestigious meeting, having secured four notable victories in the past. Nolan’s winning streak at Cheltenham began with Dabiroun clinching the Fred Winter in 2005, followed by triumphs with Noble Prince in the Turners Novices’ Chase, Mrs Milner in the Pertemps Final, and Daily Present in the Kim Muir last year.
Feet Of A Dancer leads Nolan’s cohort this year, coming off a Grade Two win at Doncaster and holding entries in key races at Cheltenham such as the BetMGM Cup, Mares’ Hurdle, and Stayers’ Hurdle. Speaking about his team’s prospects, Nolan expressed optimism about their form and readiness for the big event. With a lineup of 10 or 11 horses heading to Cheltenham, Nolan is hopeful that his contenders will be competitive, given their current condition and performance level.
However, with the anticipation building up, Nolan acknowledged the nerves that come with the territory, as any unexpected event can derail months of preparation. Feet Of A Dancer’s participation in the Mares’ Hurdle hinges on other runners and is contingent on their race outcomes. Nolan highlighted the challenges and strategical considerations that come into play when planning entries for different races at the festival.
Beyond Feet Of A Dancer, Nolan has a diverse set of runners lined up for various races at Cheltenham. From Release The Beast in the Grand Annual to Sandor Clegane and Daily Present eyeing the Kim Muir, Nolan’s team is poised for a multi-pronged attack at the festival. Despite facing setbacks with some horses, Nolan remains hopeful about their chances, particularly with Iceberg Theory in the National Hunt Chase and Thedeviluno in the Albert Bartlett.
Overall, Nolan’s meticulous approach to planning his entries for the Cheltenham Festival reflects his commitment to putting forth a competitive team. With a blend of seasoned campaigners and promising newcomers, Nolan’s squad is geared up for an adrenaline-pumping showcase of talent and determination at one of the most prestigious National Hunt events on the racing calendar. As the festival draws closer, Nolan and his team are gearing up for an exhilarating challenge that promises thrills, spills, and heart-stopping moments on the iconic Cheltenham stage.