FESTIVAL FEVER: England cricketers Jamie and Craig Overton on their love of Cheltenham
FESTIVAL FEVER: Twin brothers of England cricket, and horse racing fans, Jamie and Craig Overton reveal what Cheltenham means to them, their favorite memories and the bet bank.
Twin brothers of England cricket and horse racing fans Jamie and Craig Overton will be glued to the action this week.
Here they reveal what Cheltenham means to them, their favorite memories and their bank gamble.
What does Cheltenham mean to you?
Jamie: It’s the pinnacle of racing and every owner or trainer wants to have a Festival winner. One day, hopefully, I’ll be able to do both.
Craig: It’s special because it reminds me of the horse races I watched with my grandfather when I was little, but it also symbolizes the start of the cricket season.
Twin brothers of England cricketers and horse racing fans Jamie and Craig Overton
Craig Overton really likes Bravemansgame at the Cheltenham Gold Cup
What is your best memory of the Festival and which winner did you celebrate the most?
Jamie: The memory would have to be Kauto Star winning the Gold Cup for the second time (2009) and the winner I celebrated the most was Pacha Du Polder as it was 33s down.
Craig: I would say being there on Gold Cup day in 2017 and seeing Sizing John. A group of us had endorsed it on the advice of a colleague. He went to 7s and won by almost three lengths.
What is your favorite race of the four days?
Jamie: It’s got to be the Champion Chase, a head-to-head gallop race where you make one mistake and you’re out!
Craig: Tough question, as you can’t go much wrong with the Gold Cup, but I quite like the ultimate novice hurdle. Not only is it the first race of the Festival, but it also provides an opportunity to see the best young horses and the future of National Hunt racing.
You will go? If not, where will you be looking?
Jamie: I’m planning to go to the first two days. My best friend Harry Derham has his first Festival entry on Boodles, a horse named Shared, so I’ll be there supporting him and then watching the other two days on TV.
Craig: Unfortunately not, as I’m out with Somerset, but I’ll be glued to the iPad in the evenings. I have a couple of horses with Harry so I’ll be crossing my fingers for his runners during the week.
Your bank bet for the week?
Jamie: Constitution Hill, but it’s too low to back up! I like Shared’s chances, I just hope he sneaks into the race and runs well for Harry.
Craig: Aside from Constitution Hill, I really like Bravemansgame in the Gold Cup. It showed in the King George that it’s vastly improved from last year.