THE FUTURE OF THE PERTEMPS NETWORK GROUP FINAL - My continued view is to 'Preserve Our Pertemps.' In 2022 they extended their sponsorship deal. That firm has supported over 320 qualifiers and finals in the GB and IRE Racing Calendars since 2002. Sometimes (see Huntingdon 23rd January 2025) they sponsor the whole card. I have no idea how much money they have put in but the prize fund for the 2024 Leopardstown Christmas Qualifier totalled over 28k euro and the final last year had prizemoney close to £96k.

Pertemps never seem to complain about how the Festival keeps wanting s to twist the qualification for their final. That must be commended. In 2025 if you win a qualifier you are guaranteed a place in the final as long as you are in the handicap proper. I quite like that. Also Willie's novices will have to run five times to qualify. Mind you, Willie has yet to show much interest in this race.

Cheltenham Festival sponsors come and go. Gallacher? and Ballymore have disappeared. In 2022 we were meant to be enthralled by the prospect of a blue riband 'Boodles' Gold Cup and as for the JLT/Marsh/Turners/Brown Advisory/Trustatrader la-di-da, it remains pretty hard to keep up with the names and the races they support. As each new sponsor comes and goes, I am afraid to say I am less and less interested. I know that Pertemps are involved in recruitment. I have no idea what the rest sell or do. You might think for all the money they put in, they might want to explain to Festival racegoers their purpose/mission. Weird. Rant over.

QUALIFIERS - Pertemps sponsor qualifiers for this throughout the season on 18 GB and IRE different courses (Market Rasen has joined since 2019), 15 in the UK plus Leopardstown, Punchestown, Naas (2m 7f) from 2023 and four in France. Can't remember a qualifier coming from France. The qualifiers at Kempton and Wincanton are over 2m 5f, the only races not over 3 miles. Qualification criteria is above. Top four to qualify and then be a high enough handicap mark to get in. That used to be about 135. Win and you should be in. Since the drop in numbers qualifying Brandy McQueen got in 2023 with a rating of 121. Noble Birth 129 last year.

Rating needed to get a run from 2024 back to 2013 - 129, 121, 126, 131, 134, 135, 137, 135, 135, 135, 126, 134. It could be that with no patrons allowed in 2021 due to COVID, some that were qualified didn't take a place.

2024 - Harry Cobden was doing his Thursday tour of the boxes pre races and was asked about Monmiral. Told them, 'he's 25/1, he should be 125/1.' What chance do we have? Finished 4th in the final qualifier at Chepstow 18 days before the Festival. Grade 1 juvenile winner but hadn't won a race in nearly three years and had never won over further than 2m 1f. Harry's interview post race 'I can't believe that horse has just done that!' Yes, Harry, doesn't help. Protektorat then rolled in for the Fergusson/Hales double.

2023 Good Time Jonny, 3rd at Leopardstown. He was 20th at the bottom of the hill, picked his way through and strolled up it, 'readily.' Fine ride by Liam McKenna (5), First Festival winner for Tony Martin since Benefficient in 2013. Same ebullient owners, far from unbacked at 9/1.

2022 Third Wind 25/1 came from finishing 3rd and last in a Rendlesham swamp. Qualified when 3rd of 7 at Warwick. Alaphilippe in 2nd had finished 5th at Warwick.

2021 Mrs Milner led at the last driven out by an excellent Bryan Cooper staying on from Mrs Foster's (G Elliotts) The Bosses Oscar. 5 lengths. The 1-2 had finished 4-2 in the Leopardstown Qualifier. Third was Come On Teddy who had been 3rd at Warwick.

In 2020 Sire Du Berlais could only finish 9th in the Xmas Leopardstown Qualifier so G Elliott took him to Warwick where he finished 4th. (Holywell 2013 also came from Warwick when 2nd) That once coveted 6th place in the Leopardstown Qualifier went again to Davy Russell but this time he was on The Storyteller, jt fav and 2nd here to Sire, the back to back Festival winner. In second at Leopardstown was Ronald Pump then 2nd in the Stayers.

In 2019 Davy Russell steered Sire Du Berlais to a beautiful 'never threatening' 6th in the Christmas Leopardstown Qualifier. Only raised from 142 to 145 for the 2019 Cheltenham. Whether it was the first time blinkers in 2020 as opposed to the first time cheekpieces in 2019, Barry Geraghty never had a moment's bother with him in the 2020 Final. Said a 'different horse.' In 2019 Ian Bartlett finished his course commentary with 'and Barry Geraghty has carried this home.' Agreed. Barry had just opened his 2019 Festival account on Defi Du Seuil in the JLT. Obviously bouncing with momentum but was 'getting after' Sire Du Berlais throughout the last mile here. And he practically lifted him over the line. Ride of the 2019 Festival, in my opinion.

WIN A QUALIFIER? - Fingal Bay 2014 and Ballyfitz 2008 are the only winners this century to win this after actually winning a Pertemps Qualifier. In fact, I believe they are the only ones ever since Pertemps took over the sponsorship. In both cases, the final was their next run and within 35 days of their win in the Qualifier. Musselburgh, Exeter, Haydock, Chepstow and since 2014, Naas qualifiers are covered by the 35 day stat.

Last year four qualifier winners turned up for the final. Best was Cuthbert Dibble 11/2f and 3rd (won Haydock). Seven ran in the 2023 final. Best finishers were Green Book 4th (won at Sandown) and Walking on Air 5th (won at Exeter). Arguably, the Sandown G3 'Help For Heroes' qualifier might be the strongest of those in GB. It has a 1st prize of over £55k. In 2022 and 2021 four qualifier winners ran in the Final, best finisher 2022 was Ballyandy 10th, 2021 it was Dandy Mag 7th. Four ran in the 2020 final, Third Wind best in 4th, had won the 2m 5f Wincanton qualifier on Boxing Day. Eight qualifier winners turned up for the 2019 final, best placed was Not Many Left in 3rd, won Huntingdon for Jessica Harrington.

The Qualifier winners this season (so far) are The Wallpark, American Sniper, Harbour Lake, Pyramid Place, Supreme Gift, Henri The Second, Shallow River, Thomas Mor, Super Survivor. Warwick Jan was frozen off. In Ireland we have Franciscan Rock and Win Some Lose Some. As I write (22nd Jan) Shallow River 125 and Super Survivor 128 had the lowest h'cap mark of these. The rest are all 133+ and should easily get a run. The six day decs should prove interesting? Those now only placed might have to run again to improve rating?

The placings can be found on https://news.paddypower.com/horse-racing-news/2024/12/28/pertemps-final-qualification-races-eligible-horses-cheltenham-festival-2025/

Irish Trained have won seven of the last nine Pertemps Finals. All bar Delta Work of those seven winners (and Kadoun in 2006, long before the qualification changes) contested the Leopardstown Xmas Qualifier (albeit in 2020 Sire Du Berlais didn't qualify from there). In that qualifier the winner in March finished 3496543P. Gaoth Chuil, PU last year at 7s. Would have been all six winners if Glenloe hadn't been beaten by a nose by Delta Work at Cheltenham 2018. Poor Barry got some slating that year. The four qualifiers this December from Leopardstown 2023 are Win Some Lose Some, Whatsavailable, Feet Of A Dancer and Kaori Star. 1st and 3rd should get in

Three of the last six Irish winners ran in the Punchestown Qualifier. 2023 it was moved from February to November. Delta Work needed to qualify. Presenting Percy and Mall Dini, Pat Kelly's two winners may have felt at the time they needed to raise their rating to get in. Mall Dini ran off 129 at Leopardstown, put up to 139 at Cheltenham. In 2015 Zabana also finished third in this qualifier before being touched off by Aux Ptit Soins in the Coral Cup. His rating that day was 144. Presenting Percy in 5th 2017 was rated 129, ran off 146 at Cheltenham. This year's Punchestown Qualifiers are JFranciscan Rock, Karl Des Tourelles, Desertmore House and Slanagaibhgoleir. First three should get a run.

Jessica Harrington has run five horses in this race. Three finished in the first five. Her NH string aren't getting bigger.

THE CHEPSTOW QUALIFIER - Only going since 2014 and used to be the very last one before the new Naas one in 2024. Used to prove an interesting pedigree. Last year Monmiral 4th, wins here. First three Chepstow rated too los for this. 2023 provides the fav, Pipe trained JP owned Thanksforthehelp, nowhere. 2019 Tobefair 2nd, then 2nd in the Final at 40s. 2018 Connetable qualified at Musselburgh, ran down the field at Chepstow, then 3rd in the Final at 33s. 2017 Jury Duty 2nd at Chepstow, 3rd in the Final. 2016 Arpege D'Alene won at Chepstow, 2nd in Final at 14s.

DAYS SINCE RUN - 0 -19 in the last 6 years who ran more than 80 days prior. Four last year, nowhere. But Salvador Ziggy 2nd 2023 after 145 days off. Three others of the other 15 placed in top six.

WHERE DID THEY FINISH IN A QUALIFIER? - The rule requiring a first finish six finish was introduced for the 2016 Final, (previously, you didn’t actually have to run in the qualifier you were entered for. Final winners like Unsinkable Boxer, Kayf Aramis & Inching Closer did that.) All eight winners since had finished in the first 4 in a qualifier except Sire Du Berlais when he won in 2019. It is first four home now.

AGE - 5 yr olds - Pragada in 1988. None til Delta Work 2018. A 30 yr gap and only the second in its 47 year history. Like Pragada, Delta Work was a novice but unlike Pragada, he had not won his previous 3 races. The Josh Gifford trained Pragada started at 16s and won by 12 lengths. None ran last year, Moka De Vassy fell 2023. And was the only fallen over hurdles in the 2023 Cheltenham Festival. Not many people know that. No five yr olds in 2022.

NOVICES - Delta Work, the only novice to run in 2018. Both Presenting Percy and Mall Dini were novices. Two last year including Kyntara 2nd 16s, a second season nov. Three in 2023 including Salvador Ziggy 2nd. None in 2022, Everglow 8th in 2021, two unplaced in 2020, two ran in 2019, Cuneo best 4th. Before that Son Amix (2nd in 2011) was only the 8th to have been placed, five of which were Pipe trained. Since 1983 8 novices have won off ratings up to 146 including the three winners before Sire du Berlais. Also Cuneo 4th 2019 Southfield Theatre 2nd in 2014 as second season novices. (Darryl Jacob didn't take well to being beaten by a nose, if I remember correctly).

12 of the last 13 all aged six, seven or eight yrs. Three of the last five eight years of age.

OLDER HORSES - Since ’91, Mill Green 3rd 2023 at 11 yrs at 22s and 3rd in 2022, followed The Tourad Man 4th 2017, Pineau De Re 3rd 2014 both at 11yrs to be only the 8th horse aged 10 or above to be placed. Mill Green was 11yrs old in 2023. Buena Vista won as a 10 yr old in 2011. Last double-figure aged before him was Willie Wumpkins aged 13 in 1981. Both won this more than once. Berties Dream 33s 5th 2013 when aged 10. 2020 Tobefair 2nd 40s as a nine yr old. In 2021 nothing older than 8 finished in the first seven. Last year 10 yr old Emitom 5th at 25s. You would have got paid with most bookies.

WEIGHT - Only Buena Vista (10st 3lb and 10st 1lb), Creon ‘04 and Generosa ’99 in past 26 runnings carried 10st 5lbs or less after jockeys allowances. Creon only winner out of the handicap in 30 years and may be the last for a long time. 18 from last 25 carried no more than 11st 2lb. However Good Time Jonny 11 9, Sire De Berlais, 11 12 and 11 9 , Presenting Percy jogged around under 11 11. Bottom weight last three years has been 10 3, 10 2 and 10st 1lb respectively. Milliner with 10 1 finished 4th in 2022. Bottom weight in 2017 was only 11st 2lb so it wasn't like Presenting Percy was giving lumps away. The 11st 2 lb 'barrier' broken by Holywell 11st 4 in 2015 and Fingal Bay 11st 12lb in 2014. Bottom weight in those two years was 10st 13lbs and all placed horses in 2013 and 2014 carried over 11st. Hard to come to any conclusions.

FORM - Only 15 from last 27, 1^st, 2^nd or 3^rd in last completed start. Five of the last six not in the first three last time. None of the last seven won last time out. Four winning qualifiers from 22 runners last year, best 3rd and 5th. Usually a field of 24ish. Five qualifiers 2023, best finisher Walking On Air in 5th. Only two qualifiers 2022, best 10th. Only three in both of the previous two renewals, best 12th in 2021, 4th in 2020. Of the 22 renewals this century that had had at least one last time out winner, 7 were won by last time out winners. Five last time out winners 2019, best Not Many Left, 3rd. Only three winners in 2018, none the first 10 home. Eight qualifiers in 2017, Percy, the winner, the only one placed. 2016, 6 qualifiers including 2nd and 3rd. 7 qualifiers in 2015 including 1st and 2nd. 6 qualifiers in each of the previous two years, Fingal Bay winning in 2014. In 2011, 3 from 23 best the great Knockara Beau in 4th. I'm told that this century you had backed all last time out winners to win, you'd be in front. Hmmm. Not sure.

Only Presenting Percy of the last 15 won more than once that season. None of the last 24 had their final prep run at Cheltenham.

FESTIVAL FORM - Third Wind 2022 joined Sire De Berlais and Buena Vista to be the only horses this century to have won this having been placed at a previous Festival. The former 4th in this 2020, Sire 4th in the Martin Pipe, Buena had been 2nd in this 2009 to Kayf Aramis. The latter two also dual winners, obviously. Good Time Jonny has been at two previous Festivals never finishing better than 9th. Monmiral had been second in a Dipper but had no previous Festival run.

COURSE WINNERS - Sire du Berlais, Fingal Bay and Buena Vista are the only previous Course winners to win this since at least 1991. That leaves Fingal Bay. The other two had won this before. Six have returned over the past two renewals, all unplaced. 2022, four turned up best Honest Vic 5th, 2021 two turned up, best Come On Teddy in 3rd. In 2020 there were eight runners with a C to their name, finishing 1-2-5. In 2019 five course winners in the field, first home was First Assignment in 9th. 2018 had three course winners, all unplaced. Apart from Fingal, four other course winners in 2014 including Southfield Theatre beaten a nose (and with Whisper winning the Coral Cup that year it was not a good one for laying this theory).

CLASS - 12 from last 17 had won at least at Class 2 level (not Sire De Berlais first time, had never won a race in UK or Ire, not Delta Work, only a maiden hurdle winner but placed in two Graded novices, not Holywell, best before was 2nd in G3 handicap Haydock in November). Davy Russell did his best not to win a 15k Fairyhouse hurdle on Presenting Percy by too far. Fun to watch again. Mall Dini only a winner of a £7k Thurles maiden hurdle. Mrs Milner won a 17k euro Mares h'cap at Galway. Third Wind won the 2021 Rendlesham.

21 from last 24 between 6 and 15 hurdle runs (Sire de Berlais second time 12 in UK and Ire. Sire, first time 7 in UK and IRE Delta Work 7 runs, Percy 6 runs, Mall Dini 7 runs. Buena Vista - 21 in 2010, 29 in 2011). Better to say that 13 of the last 17 between 6 and 10 total runs over hurdles. Plus the two back to back winners. Monmiral 10.

Front runners - Used to be never placed. In the last 14 Berties Dream, Ballyfitz, Kayf Aramis, Buena Vista (twice) and some of the placed horses were kept prominent. As this race is now run on the New Course where they only jump 2 hurdles in the last mile, maybe less chance of making up ground? However front runners swallowed up in the last eight. Kyntara just caught by Monmiral last year, Campround could have been thrown at the last in 2023 (get over it, Bryan), Honest Vic 5th home gave it a good go in 2022. Connetable, 3rd in 2018, was up with the pace. In 2015 both 1st and 2nd home were up with the pace.

Irish trained have won 11 of last 29 from a small proportion of runners. But, more importantly, seven from last nine. Not good last year, 10 came, best Anna Bunina in 7th. Or in 2022 10 from the 22, only Winter Fog jt fav 4th in the first six. Five of the 22 runners in 2021 returning a 1-2-4. Eight of the 24 in 2020, finishing 1-2-3-5. Not bad. The Storyteller and Relegate in 5th were the 11/2 jt favs. Six ran in 2019 finishing 1-3-4-5. Five in 2018, 1-2 for Gordon Elliott (who incidentally on Preview Nights, was all over Glenloe against Delta Work). Five ran in 2017, 1st and 3rd home. There have also been six Irish trained runners up in the last 13 races. Seven ran in 2016, 1st and 4th. Only Edeymi at 8s ran 2015, unplaced. 3 in 2014, best Jetson in 5th warming up for Quevega at Punchestown. 2013, 5 ran best again Jetson 'never nearer' third. 6 ran 2012, Catch Me 2nd. Tide turning?

GORDON ELLIOTT - Between 2017 and 2021 he had ten runners. They all finished in the first five. 1-2 in both 2020 and 2018. The Bosses Oscar 100/30 fav 2021 in 2nd the only Cullentra representative. In 2022 he ran six, best was Folcano 9th. A bit of a shock. 2023 it was four, best Salvador Ziggy in 2nd. Last year only two, best 9th.

Tongue ties - eight of the last nine winners wore them and first time on Alaphilippe 2nd in 2023. Six last year, including winner. Only three tongue ties in 2023 also including the winner. G Elliott has only put tongue ties on seven of his 19 runners. They finished 1151000.

Willie Mullins has never won this. Still looking for Icare Allen last year and Dandy Mag in 7th 2021 his only runner in the previous six years.

Paul Nicholls Monmiral. He has run 20 in this, one winner, six others placed, including Connetable 3rd 2018 at 33s. No runner 2023 or 2022, Storm Arising came in 2021 with NH season form figures of 141, 14th.

TRIP - Only eight of the last 12 had raced more than three times over three miles. Monmiral's third such run, Good Time Jonny's fifth. However, 23 of last 33 had previously won over a minimum of 3 miles (Ok, Fingal Bay only 2m 7.5f at Exeter. Only only two (Sire second time, obviously), of the last seven Irish trained. Monmiral hadn't got close. Holywell hadn't won over 3m. Presenting Percy won that 2m 4f h'cap, Mall Dini had won a 2m 6f maiden. Holywell had been close 2nd in the Warwick Qualifier and was fitted here with first time blinkers. Not Buena in 2010 but 2nd in this in '09). 13 from last 17 winning form over 2m4f to 2m 6f. Not Monmiral, nor Sire nor Delta Work, he had only won a two mile maiden. Fingal Bay had won the Challow three seasons before in 2011. Mrs Milner had only won over 2m.

JP McManus has owned five winners, two of which were priced 50/1. Does run a few shorties, mind you. Two last year, nowhere Short priced fav stuffed 2023. Two in 2022 including Sire at 11/2 jt fav 11th. 2021 Champagne Platininum 5th at 17/2, Unowatimeanharry jogged round as a 13 yr old. Sire De Berlais returned 10/1 and 4/1 fav. Four other JP owned unplaced 2020. Sire Du Berlais has been the shortest priced JP horses in his both wins, Glenloe fav 2nd in 2018 from four (poor jump at the last for Barry may have cost him though he got his 'revenge' on Davy in 2021).

BREEDING - Another stat told to sit down. Monmiral joins Sire De Berlais joins Delta Work to became the first French Breds to win this since Tindari 1994. Monmiral only one of the three over 10/. 104 other French breds have tried since Tindari. Five others last year, nowhere. Eight in 2023, Green Book best in 4th. Four ran in 2022, best 9th, Two ran in 2021, Dandy Mag 7th. Four others in 2020 Tout Est Permis 3rd also. Five others behind Sire in 2019, Cuneo 4th as well. The Nicholls trained Arpege D'Alene close 2nd in 2016.

RATINGS - Fingal Pay in 2014 on 148 broke a bit of a glass ceiling. Previous 12 rated between 120 to 142. Since Fingal Bay going back we have had Monmiral 138, Good Time Jonny 142, Third Wind 141 Mrs Milner 134, Sire on 152 and 145, Delta 139, Percy 146, Mall Dini 139, Call the Cops off 138. It's not surprising that apart from Sire second time the last 12 BHA rated from 133 to 148. May not help much. Sire De Berlais the only winner this century rated in the 150s.

21 of the last 34 had not run in the previous 30 days. But 13 had. Monmiral 19 days, Good Time 39, Third Wind 26, Mrs Milner 39, Sire 2020 62, previous 76 (only winner this century not to have run in the calendar year), but Delta 22 days, Presenting Percy 19 days, Mall Dini 26 days since last run, Call The Cops won 12 days before this and was winning under a 5lb penalty. All bar Sire from the last 10 out within the last 40 days.

BLINKERS ETC - Seven headgear wearers last year, Monmiral wins in first time blinkers. 11 in 2023, best finisher 9th. 14 headgear wearers 2022 best Winter Fog 4th in first time hood. 2021 Eight rogues ran, best was Champagne Platinum in 5th. 10 headgear wearers in 2020 resulting in a 1-3, Sire Du Berlais in first time blinkers. Eight headgear wearers 2019 resulting in a 1-3, Sire Du Berlais in first time cheekpieces. 10 Headgear wearers in 2018 finishing 1st, 3rd and 4th. All those three had worn their headgear before. In 2017 three headgear wearers unplaced. Seven headgear wearers in 2016 Tagliatelle 4th in blinkers always worn. Seven headgear wearers in 2015, best Henryville in 4th in the hood he always wore. 2013 Holywell won in first time blinkers (seven others tried 2013). Before that, Buena Vista, in 2010 was first blinkered runner to win in 14 races from 66 triers (2010 also Chamirey 3rd. '09 5 qualifiers Bueno Vista 2nd, Pennek 3rd). Buena also wore blinkers to victory 2011. Not particularly conclusive.

PRICE - Sire Du Berlais returned at 10/1 and 4/1 fav, Monmiral 25s and Third Wind only ones in last 11 above 14/1. Before Fingal Bay 9/2 fav 2014 the previous 10 winners average price was over 25/1. Inching Closer 2003 at 9/2 the only other favourite to win since '98. Delta Work 5/1 second fav to Glenloe, Percy 11s, Mall Dini at 14s. Three winning favourites this century. Maybe due another, you'd say.

In the last 13 years, 52 horses aged 7 yrs or under have started at under 10s. Three last year including Cuthbert Dibble 11/2 fav third, the other two PU. Two in 2023 including fav, nowhere. Dunboyne 7/1 16th 2022. What a plunge! Bosses Oscar 2nd 2021 at 100/30 fav. Relegate of three best in 5th 2020. Winner 2019, 1-2 2018. Jury Duty placed at 9s in 2017. Call The Cops winner 2015.

Sire Du Berlais the sixth horse to repeat success. Ratings 145 and 152. Buena Vista's ratings were 133 and then 138. Willie Wumpkins '79, '80, '81 the previous multiple winner. Monmiral

JOCKEYS - Since 1992 nine conditional/amateur jockeys have won this. Five last year, nowhere. 2023 Liam McKenna (5) in a highly impressive ride, the first since Conor O'Farrell claimed 5lbs off Buena Vista second time around in 2010. Aidan Kelly (7) 2023 was second. 31 claiming jockeys spread over the past six years, Ben Bromley (7) 6th 2022, Jordan Gainford (7) on the fav in second 2021, Liam Harrison (7) in 6th and Eoin Walsh (7) in third 2020 the only other ones to finish in the first seven home in any of the six years. In 2017, eight claiming jockeys tried, best Kevin Dowling (10) in fourth. Four tried in 2016, best Jack Kennedy (3) also fourth. Three in 2015 where Mr. W Biddick (3) had a great spin in fourth.

Barry Geraghty and Davy Russell lead this with three each. Level with Jim Wilson on Willie Wumpkins. Davy had actually no ride in 2019 having won it three years in a row. Amazing! And was injured in 2021.

This century no beaten fav last time out has won this. Four last year, Kyntara came close. Two unplaced in each of the previous two years, five tried 2021 including 3rd and 4th home. Jatiluwih tried in 2020 under Mr David Maxwell (3), finished 7th. Five in 2019, Cuneo best finisher in 4th.

If your bookie doesn't pay at least 5 places in this, with 20 odd runners every year, they are stealing from you. Take your custom somewhere else.

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