THE WEATHERBYS CHELTENHAM FESTIVAL BETTING GUIDE HANDICAP HURDLE RACE (CLASS 4) (Challenger Stayers Hurdle Series Qualifier) Permission was given for Secret Trix (GB) to wear a red hood to post.

An enquiry was held into the running and riding of Ramo (FR), ridden by Charlie Deutsch and trained by Venetia Williams, which became outpaced in the early stages and raced detached before staying on well to finish third, beaten by 3 ½ lengths.

The rider and the trainer’s representative were interviewed and shown recordings of the race.

Deustch stated that his instructions were to take up a prominent early position but that having over jumped the first two flights Ramo (FR) had started to struggle and became detached on ground which in Deutsch’s opinion was riding far heavier than described.

Deutsch went on to explain that having turned for home he began to pass other runners in the race which by this stage had come to the end of their respective runs in the testing conditions underfoot and, that this had allowed the gelding to make up ground on the weakening leaders during the closing stages.

The representative of Venetia Williams confirmed the instructions and advised that he was satisfied with the ride given and how Ramo (FR) had run.

Their explanations were noted.

The winner, Gold In The Rivers (IRE), appeared to show improved form compared with its previous run at Newbury on 14 January 2026 where the gelding was pulled up in a field of eleven runners.

The representative of David Pipe explained that Gold In The Rivers (IRE) had not faced the blinkers on its previous run which were removed today in favour of cheek pieces, the application of which were appreciated by the gelding on this occasion.

He further added that Gold In The Rivers (IRE) had benefited from a return to hurdles in today’s contest.

Their explanation was noted and the gelding was routine tested.

Following the race, Stuart Edmunds reported that Outer Banks (IRE), which was pulled up, made a respiratory noise.