Pictures: Cheltenham fans depart from Cork Airport

Cheltenham fans departed from Cork Airport in style yesterday, with punters donning their best felt fedoras and sports jackets ahead of today’s Cheltenham Racing Festival kick-off.

Lombardstown jockey, Michael O’Sullivan, who died at Cork University Hospital on February 16 following a fall in Thurles, was at the forefront of many minds and hopes are high for a fitting win for Lisgoold rider Paul Townend.

Many festival-goers travelling from Cork said they hope Mr Townend and Kopek Des Bordes, owned by Fermoy’s Charlie McCarthy, will win the Michael O’Sullivan Supreme Novices’ Hurdle, which was renamed this year by festival organisers to honour the late Cork jockey.

Speaking to The Echo, third-time Cheltenham attendees Richie Roche, from Carrignavar, and Limerick man Tadhg Keary said they are looking forward to the week ahead.

“I would say I have my eye on Fact to File, he’ll be the banker,” said Mr Roche.

“I think Paul Townend will win the first [race] definitely; Massimmo will win again; Stateman won’t win, and Brighter Days Ahead will be back in there.

“Michael O’Sullivan was a local lad — it’s fantastic to see them honouring him in this way —– he was going to be the next Ruby Walsh, I think.

“He was fabulous.”

Newmarket publican TD Cronin, who has been attending the Cheltenham races for more than 40 years, was also departing on the Aer Lingus Bristol flight yesterday evening.

“I started going [to Cheltenham] in 1977, I missed a couple years since, but thanks be to God I’m back on the road again,” said Mr Cronin.

“I’m hoping Paul Townend will win — he’s the favourite for the first day.

“We’re looking forward to it now, it’s one of my favourite sports.”

16-time Cheltenham attendee Joe Sheahan, from Whitechurch, said he has his eye on a number of horses, but he hopes those competing from Cork will pull out in front.

“I’d like to see the Fermoy horse win — Charlie McCarthy’s horse — he’d be very popular,” said Mr Sheahan.

“The race is named after Michael O’Sullivan as well, who was a personal friend of mine [so] it would be a unique win.

“Better Days Ahead might win the Champion Hurdle, and other than that we’ll take it as it comes — we’ll have a few Irish winners anyways.

“I’m most looking forward to the Champion Hurdle, the Arkle, and the Champion Chase.”

Seasoned Cheltenham-goer Michael Ryan, from Tipperary, also paid tribute to the O’Sullivan family. He said that Michael O’Sullivan was “a brilliant young man”.

“I’ve been going to Cheltenham for a long long time,” said Mr Ryan.

“I’m going over to enjoy it — not to make money or to bet on the horses, but to see the best of racing. I would like to see Galopin des Champs and Paul Townend do well.

“I think the race name [Michael O’Sullivan Supreme Novices’ Hurdle] is appropriate — he was a brilliant young man.” Additionally, Carlow woman Tina Clerkin, alongside her sister-in-law Gretta Clerkin, said they are excited for the days ahead and are rooting for neighbour, Willie Mullins.

“This is my second time going to Cheltenham,” said Tina. “I’m supporting Willie Mullins — he’s my neighbour.

“We’re going for a few days, we’re looking forward to it now. I can’t wait.”