Here we are again, how good it feels to return. When the Cheltenham festival turns to view, I find it difficult to think about anything else. But the wait is over: Sport's most magical recreation patio is ready to explode to life.
Whether it is an experienced fanatic or someone who tuned in the races occasionally, I advise you to find the perfect point of view to see how the drama develops. We will show six live races on ITV on Tuesday, for the first time from the pandemic, but none matters more than Unibet Champion (4.00).
Constitution Hill is the biggest name in the business. It is a horse capable of doing extraordinary things, with a perfect 10 of 10 record, it is now considered a horse of people.
How we missed it 12 months ago, when the disease ruled out from defending the Hurdle Champion crown he had won in 2023.
This corresponding day was surprisingly subject without the main act, but I hope that the old place is crunch in anticipation as soon as I pass through the doors.
When he won the day of the tests in January, the crowd had five depths to see him out of the horsepower and had swollen 10 deep around the parade ring when he was set.
Ed Chamberlin is excited for what he promises to be a special days at the Cheltenham Festival
Nicky Henderson, his greatly popular coach, has done a fantastic job to return to physical form.
His return has not been without problems. He was fat when he had a gallop of a racecourse in Newbury last November, like Tubby as I when he won the Christmas obstacle in Kempton on boxing day. Now it is thin and evil, and its main rival today, the brightest day head trained in Gordon Elliott, is in the struggle of his life.
I think, and I hope, the Constitution Hill will win and if Cheltenham will get angry with him in January, when 19,000 attended, how will that number be three times?
The stands will explode if the commentator of the RGE racecourse that Nico de Boinville, his jockey, is about to begin his challenge.
You don't get these feelings anywhere else. I do not apologize for saying that it is magical because the feelings that stir for a great curls cannot be replicated in a football stadium, in a Cricket field or in a golf course.
So I will say it again, let yourself be lost in fantasy. An emotional beginning is guaranteed, since we remember Michael O'Sullivan, who died tragically after a fall at the age of only 24 last month. In the race that bears his name, the obstacle of the supreme novices, who won so memorably in Marine Nationale two years ago, Ireland triggered one of his bank bets.
Kopek des bordes (1.20) made you go 'wow' to win at the Dublin Racing Festival in February. Then he was very wrong, he must have a Rolls-Royce engine. Its owners, the lush Charles McCarthy and their children, are forced to enchant the ITV audience.
Charles has recently been treated by cancer. They took a kidney on February 26 and, fortunately, he is now free of cancer. If your horse wins, Charles's language could be as colorful as some of the costumes you will see, we will be alert!
Constitution Hill is the most important name in the business and capable of doing extraordinary things
Those who think about leading him to be warned: of the last 14 horses, Willie Mullins has set at the festival that have begun 6-4 or shorter, 12 have won. In Mullins we trust. The Arkle will also win with Majborough (2.00), which in the absence of my beloved Sir Gino, is not an event this year.
I would be surprised if I did not win the obstacle of the mares (3.20) to a large extent with Lessiemouth, who has been redirected to that race of a crack in the champion. I can understand why the connections have done it, but I hope the event conditions now change.
Lessiemouth should be working in the big one and she would have added another level of intrigue, particularly because last year's winner, State Man, seems vulnerable. Really, however, the crowd will want the field to run for second place.
So that British racing fans really take you to your heart, you must have setbacks and Constitution Hill has had many of them. Similarly, Henderson, who had the anguish of having to withdraw all his great weapons this time last year when the disease crossed the stable.
Brilliant that the most brilliant head is directed and gives us the clash we want. His victory in Leopardstown at Christmas was the most notable of the season: he came home 30 clear lengths. In that way, she is a great danger, but I can't get her defeat at the festival last year of my head.
I know I had excuses in a confused race, but Johnny Murtagh always tells me 'the best horses always find a way to win'. In a normal year, mares can be so dangerous to get 7 lb of their male rivals. However, there is nothing normal in Constituted Hill. It is a monster.
Chamberlin awaits a week in which stories are shared and dreams come true
In a quality card, I hope Broadway Boy, my nap of the day, and Malina Girl run well in the last Chase (2.40) and Joyeuse of Henderson can serve it to Lossiemouth in the obstacle of the mares.
Be attentive to the template also in the winter Fred (4.40). I could even support it to win the Arkle 2026. It is very good.
And there you have it … I'm dreaming again. This is what Cheltenham makes you do.
Let's wait a week in which stories and dreams are shared come true.