Shropshire bets on a golden day

The greatest day in the history of Shropshire horse racing could be just 24 hours away – with two of the biggest prizes of the Cheltenham Festival tipped to head to the county.

Second favourite Neptune Collonges, owned by Cosford businessman John Hales, will carry the hopes of a sporting county in the blue riband event, the Gold Cup, when the tapes go up at 3.20pm tomorrow.

And just 40 minutes later Shropshire eyes will switch to Christie's Foxhunters Chase favourite Cappa Bleu, who is trained by Sheila Crow at Hadnall, near Shrewsbury.

Neptune Collonges is one of the 'Big Three' from the stable of champion trainer Paul Nicholls expected to contest the Gold Cup finish.

Stablemates Kauto Star and Denman are likely to be the main dangers, having won the 3m 2f event in the last two years.

But, while a little extra rain would help the chances of Neptune Collonges, Team Hales remain optimistic over the chances of their star eight-year-old.

"He is a class horse and he has got a chance," said Lisa Hales, John's daughter.

"He gives it everything he has got and that's all we can ask for.

"Christian Williams (his big race jockey) has schooled him, says he is fantastic order and is really excited about riding him.

"We would love a bit of rain, even if it's just the odd shower, because it looks like the ground might be coming right for Kauto.

"But to have a horse running in the Gold Cup is special. To have one running with a live chance is something everybody dreams of."

Meanwhile, expectant point-to-point trainer Crow will have the chance to inspire one of the most sentimental victories of the Festival in the Foxhunters following the death of her husband Edward last July.

"Edward's dream was always to have a winner at the Cheltenham Festival and so is mine," said Crow.

"It would mean so much to everybody at the yard.

"We are all excited and looking forward to it. He is a very nice horse and we think he will go well.

"He is class – but at the same time it's a big race and a big ask."

There had been fears the seven-year-old would miss out when the 43 entries were cut to 24 earlier this week.

But Cappa Bleu will go to the start and be ridden by Shropshire-born jockey Richard Burton.

By JAMES GARRISON